Clark College students Max DuCom, Kohen Mahler, Zachary Zamora, and Elizabeth Zamora stood in front of their Engineering professors, peers, and a team of judges on December 5 in the Collaboratorium in the STEM Building. This was the team’s moment they had worked toward throughout Fall term. They had spent weeks designing and building their prototype. Now it was time to present their project to the group, answer questions posed by the judges, and test their prototypes.

Every term, Engineering professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu pose a real-world problem to their students and instruct them to design and build an object that solves the problem. Teams of four students work together. At the end of each term, teams present their prototype to the group.

This Fall term’s design objective was to design and build a rocket payload prototype that includes scientific experiments and/or technology demonstrations for the Clark College rocket that will compete in the 2024 Spaceport America Cup competition in June in New Mexico.

A payload is cargo that the rocket is carrying. A payload can be a satellite, cameras, scientific instruments, food supplies, fuel or even people.

“The engineering department offers real-world challenges to our students,” said Engineering Professor Carol Hsu. “Then our students work together in teams to solve the problem using the engineering method — by defining the problem, brainstorming ideas, designing prototypes, testing and modifying to improve solutions.”

Trial and error

At the front of the room, Max, Kohen, Zachary, and Elizabeth were ready to begin. One student attached their project posterboard to the presentation wall. Another set their prototype on the table in front of them. Another introduced their project. Each chimed in, telling what specific tasks they worked on.

Their bill of materials included:

• Double-walled water bottle: $12.88
• Wooden top: $2.94
• Arduino UNO: $23.67 (An Arduino is a prototyping micro controller that can be programmed to do multiple tasks, such as turning on lights or motors to sensing temperature or movement.)
• Load cell: $5.99
• Battery pack: $2.99
• Total cost of project: $48.47

One student mentioned that their initial idea was to use a double-walled water bottle as their vessel, but they soon realized it was not the best choice. Instead, they settled on a plastic two-liter soda bottle. They cut the top off the bottle and started again.

A judge paused a question: “May we see the prototype?”

Students walked the prototype to the judges’ table. The judges examined it carefully, passing it from one to the next so all could see it up close.

Then more questions were posed, followed by a discussion about how to improve the prototype. When the judges were satisfied, Max, Kohen, Zachary, and Elizabeth gathered up the pieces of their project and made room for the next team to present their project.

All teams tested their payload prototypes via a drop test. To simulate a 25 feet-per-second impact speed, each team secured their payload in a fiberglass rocket tube and dropped it from a height of 10 feet. Most teams’ payload survived the drop test. A few teams needed minor repairs.

Professor Tina Barsotti added, “Our students are applying engineering principles to address real-life challenges, and this hands-on, practical experience contributes significantly to the strength of Clark’s Engineering program. This mirrors the authentic situations they will likely face in their professional careers.”

About Spaceport America Cup

The Clark Aerospace team launched its rocket, Little Penguin, at Spaceport America Cup competition in Las Cruces, New Mexico in June 2023. Spaceport is the world’s largest IREC (Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition) for student rocketry teams. It is held annually by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association at Spaceport America.

Rocket teams are evaluated based on the build of their rockets, payload systems, and the flight of the rocket.

Clark College rocket team at Spaceport 2023:

• Nearly 6,000 rocketeers on 158 teams hailing from 24 countries competed in 2023.
• Clark College was the only community college that competed.
• Clark’s rocket team built a rocket that was 12 feet tall and weighed 54 pounds.
• Clark competed in the 10,000-foot apogee with COTS (commercial-of-the-shell) solid rocket propulsion system category
• Clark’s rocket payload system measured temperature, humidity, and radiation in the inner space of the rocket during its ascendant.
• Clark’s rocket soared to about 9,000 feet. It was recovered successfully after the launch.
• Looking ahead: 2024 Spaceport Cup
• Clark’s rocket team plans to launch a rocket with a 4 kg payload (about 8.81 pounds) to 10,000 feet on a non-commercial propellant formulation.
• The rocket team has invited Clark engineering teams to be part of the Spaceport competition by contributing to the design by prototyping a payload system.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Archer Gallery opened The Stone Path, an exhibit featuring work by eight indigenous artists on November 15. The exhibit is presented by Art in Oregon. Viewing hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except December 23 – January 1, and by appointment January 2-7. The exhibit is open through January 24, 2024. 

Previously, the exhibit was displayed at Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon and Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg, Oregon. 

“This exhibit is a unique opportunity to see the top-notch work of eight stellar regional artists and attend a variety of accompanying talks,” said Archer Gallery Director Kendra Larson. “My hope is that this exhibition is a powerful visual testimony to the strength of art in the Pacific Northwest, sheds light on a variety of topics that currently impact us all and will give voice to artists historically underrepresented.” 

Larson added, “This exhibit also represents a collaboration between Clark College, Art in Oregon, and Crows Shadow, which I hope turns into future friendships between the three institutions. I’m so pleased that the Clark College and Vancouver community can enjoy this show.”  

Exhibition statement 

The Stone Path is a traveling exhibition showcasing the work of Natalie Ball, Demian DinéYazhi’, Vanessa Enos, Ka’ila Farrell-Smith, Lillian Pitt, Wendy Red Star, Jeremy Red Star Wolf, and Marie Watt. Through their common connections as former artists in residence at Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts in Pendleton, Oregon and Oregon-based artists with Native American tribal heritage, this exhibition presents select permanent collection fine art prints from the artists’ residencies alongside artworks representing their studio practice. Curated by Art in Oregon’s Selena Jones, Owen Premore, and Tammy Jo Wilson. 

The Stone Path celebrates eight remarkable indigenous artists whose artistry expands our understanding of Oregon’s communities, cultures, and histories. The exhibition title references the flat stones used in lithography, a fine art printmaking process ingeniously represented in Crow’s Shadow Permanent Art Collection. During their residencies, artists work closely with CSIA’s master printmaker towards realizing limited-edition prints that strive to capture the artist’s unique vision through innovative augmentation and invention. CSIA residency prints are highly regarded and collected throughout the world. The exhibition will showcase additional art pieces from participating artists in complement and juxtaposition to their fine art prints. 

Artist Talks 

Archer Gallery offered thoughtful, insightful artist’s talks with Ka’ila Farrell Smith and Demian DinéYazhi’ on November 20 and 21 via Zoom. 

On the closing day of the show, join curators Selena Jones, Owen Premore, and Tammy Jo Wilson for The Stone Path exhibition curators’ walk-through at 1 p.m. on January 24 in Archer Gallery. 

Meet the Artists 

• Natalie Ball (Klamath/Modoc, based in Chiloquin, Oregon) 
• Demian DinéYazhi’ (Diné/Navajo People, based in Portland, Oregon) 
• Vanessa Enos (Walla Walla, Yakama and Pima heritage; enrolled in the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, based near Pendleton, Oregon) 
• Ka’ila Farrell-Smith (Klamath Modoc, based in Modoc Point, Oregon) 
• Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs Reservation; descendant of Warm Springs, Wasco [Watalas] and Yakama [Wishxam] people, based in Portland, Oregon)  
• Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke/Crow, based in Portland, Oregon) 
• Jeremy Red Star Wolf (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; vice chair, CTUIR board of trustees; lives on the Umatilla Indian Reservation) 
• Marie Watt (Onödowá’ga/Seneca Nation of Indians, based in Portland, Oregon) 

About Art in Oregon 

Art in Oregon is a Black-led, statewide visual arts focused 501(c)(3) non-profit working to build bridges between artists and communities. The mission of Art in Oregon is to foster culturally rich regional communities through partnerships, advocacy, and investment in artists, businesses, educational spaces, and community spaces. Our goal is to build and sustain art patronage through pride in Oregon artists and pride in art ownership. We work to establish collaborative relationships with the common goal of increased visibility and access to art for all people. Learn more here. 

About Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts 

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization formed in 1992 by local artists James Lavadour (Walla Walla) and Phillip Cash Cash (Cayuse and Nez Perce). CSIA’s mission is to provide a creative conduit for educational, social, and economic opportunities for Native Americans through artistic development. Crow’s Shadow has evolved into a world-class studio focused on contemporary fine art printmaking.  

Crow’s Shadow is located in the historic schoolhouse at Saint Andrew’s Mission on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation about 10 miles from downtown Pendleton, Oregon. Learn more here. 

 About the Archer Gallery and Clark Art Talks 

Archer Gallery serves the students and community of Clark College by exhibiting contemporary art in a not-for-profit educational setting. The gallery exhibits work by nationally and internationally renowned artists and connects the Clark College community with accessible, diverse perspectives from the contemporary art world. Learn more here. 

Clark Art Talks serves the students and community of Clark College by hosting a monthly art lecture series. Distinguished artists and art scholars share their experiences related to their art practices and provide unique insights into their varied career paths and artistic techniques.  

Exhibition photos: Clark College/Kendra Larson

Tanna Engdahl, Cowlitz Tribe Spiritual Leader, sat on the stage in Gaiser Student Center and pointed to the image of a long, eel-like fish projected on the screen. 

“Does anyone know what this is?” she asked. 

Someone in the audience shouted, “Lamprey!” 

Engdahl nodded and asked, “Has anyone tasted lamprey?”  

In the sea of 130 people in attendance, only a few raised their hands. 

Engdahl laughed, “Well, I haven’t–and I won’t!” 

Engdahl captivated her audience of Clark employees, students, and the greater community during her presentation “Cowlitz: Then and Now” on November 21 in Gaiser Student Center. Held during Native American Heritage Month, the event was hosted by the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Employees who attended received Power, Privilege and Inequity (PPI) credit. 

“I am grateful to Tanna for connecting with the college community to share stories about the Cowlitz people,” said Vanessa Neal, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “I also want to mention that Tanna was an essential member of Clark’s 2022 Strategic Planning Committee, has supported the development of the Land and Labor Acknowledgement we use today, and continues to be involved with our Social Equity Advisory Council. I continue to be grateful for Tanna and the intentional relationship that we – as a college – are continuing to build with the Cowlitz Tribe.”  

Engdahl’s presentation included taking time at the end to answer every question from the audience. She responded with thoughtful, informative answers.  

Weaving stories 

As Engdahl shared images on the screen, she told stories about her tribe’s history, culture, their struggle to have a homeland, and their environmental stewardship as they look toward the future. 

Engdahl talked about how her tribe lived before white Europeans began settling in the Pacific Northwest. The Cowlitz people followed a cyclical rhythm of living on the land. Most of the time, they lived in longhouses in large villages near rivers and streams for easy transportation via canoe. Some of the tribe followed harvest cycles to gather huckleberries, wapato, camas root, and to fish and hunt for game including deer.  

She shared how her people’s hands were rarely idle. They made everything they needed. They harvested cedar bark, soaked it in a creek to make it pliable, then wove it into dresses, capes, hats, sleeping mats, and more.  

Although there was always so much work to be done, her people also gathered for dancing, drumming, and storytelling. So many stories to tell! 

Engdahl spoke about how the presence of the white man changed her people. Their ships brought diseases that killed 98% of the Cowlitz people. Still, the white men kept coming. When the white men tried again and again to move her people from their homeland to reservations, the Cowlitz said “no.” Again and again.  

She spoke about how alcohol and drugs destroyed individuals and tore families apart. She also talked about the importance of the Indian Child Welfare movement “to keep our children with their people, their families.” 

Family and community—not just today but for generations into the future—is always at the forefront of everything the tribe does. 

Looking to the future 

Engdahl talked about how her tribe is being good stewards of their land. Long ago, her people harvested camas root, one of their staples in the diet. The Cowlitz are replanting camas in areas where it once thrived. Reintroducing camas bodes well for a future with sustainable native plants for indigenous foods.  

Another good sign for the future: The Washington Legislature passed legislation requiring Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State curriculum or other tribally developed curriculum be taught in all K-12 schools. Despite the mandate being unfunded, more school districts across the state are offering courses that tell the essential stories of our indigenous brothers and sisters. 

Engdahl emphasized a most important message: “We are still here.” 

She said there is much work to be done as the tribe moves forward. And more stories to tell.  

Engdahl teaches a course about the Cowlitz Tribe through Clark’s Continuing and Community Education program. She taught the class during Fall term and will teach it again during Spring term.  

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Congratulations to the 84 Clark College employees and students who participated in the 2023 Walktober Challenge! They walked a total of 23,344,718 steps and an average of 277,913 steps. Yes, you read that right. Clark peeps walked more than 23 million steps in October!

Notable achievements

• Department with the most participants: Dental Hygiene – 12 participants
• Department with the most steps: Dental Hygiene – 3,472,767 total steps
• Department with the largest average steps: Veterans Center of Excellence – 536,981 average steps

Special congratulations to those who logged more than 400,000 steps:

• Sydney Brahmavar, METR: 812,535
• Terri Anderson, Dental Hygiene: 623,862
• Aaron McPherson, Facilities: 575,229
• Donna Larson, Veterans Center of Excellence: 567,893
• Megan Anderson, Veterans Center of Excellence: 506,069
• Josh Nichols, Central Services: 492,525
• Cecelia Martin, Assessment & Institutional Research: 482,449
• Veronica Brock, Dental Hygiene: 471,100
• Ronald Anderson, Security: 457,917
• Cath Busha, Student Affairs: 448,530
• Andrew Shaman, Library: 433,319
• Gene Biby, Theatre/Drama: 423,977
• Wende Fisher, Advising Services/Student Affairs: 416,035
• Jennifer Dean, Library: 405,467
• Kevin Damore, Communications & Marketing: 405,395
• Nicole Marcum, OOI: 401,481

Clark competes in the Walktober Challenge with WSU Vancouver (WSUV) and Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview. The winner is determined according to which college has the largest number of average steps. This year, WSUV took first place, LCC took second place, and Clark took third place.

1st place: WSU Vancouver

• Participants: 15
• Total Steps: 4,358,294
• Average steps: 290,553

2nd place: Lower Columbia College

• Participants: 15
• Total Steps: 4,357,888
• Average steps: 290,526

3rd place: Clark

• Participants: 84
• Total Steps: 23,344,913
• Average Steps: 277,913

“Clark College came back this year after being away from the Walktober Challenge for the past two years,” said Vanessa Bural, Human Resources Consultant, Talent Development. “There was heavy participation amongst the whole Clark community. While the challenge is a fun competition with Lower Columbia College and Washington State University Vancouver, I believe the challenge was just as I had anticipated, the penguins sticking together and taking this challenge as a collective team. Way to go, Penguin Nation!”

Prizes consist of Clark College merch and a gift card to either the Clark College Bookstore or McClaskey Culinary Institute. The winning department wins a celebration lunch. Special thanks to collaborating departments who assisted with this event, The Clark College Foundation, ASCC, and Communications & Marketing.

A car pulled into the Red Lot 3 roundabout in the northwest corner of the Penguin Union Building. Sarah Gruhler, Clark’s director of Student Life, stepped up to the car and greeted a Clark student through the passenger window.  

“Good morning! Where would you like your box?” 

Gruhler, pictured at the left, who coordinates Penguin Pantry, found the student’s name on the list, asked a few questions and then turned to the crew of student volunteers and said, “Food box, two meals and a gift card.” 

Volunteers carried the food to the car and loaded it into the trunk. The student drove away with a large box of food, two holiday dinners and a $25 Safeway gift card.  

During its November distribution on the 21^st and 22^nd, the Penguin Pantry distributed 6,716 pounds of food and served 221 students plus their families, for a total of 755 people assisted.  

That’s a 70% increase from pantry statistics last November, when the pantry distributed 3,900 pounds of food and served 130 students, for a total of 431 people.  

“We are definitely seeing an increase in the use of pantry services,” Gruhler said. 

Food insecurity is a real concern  

Penguin Pantry marked its fifth year in July. The pantry supports a healthy college community by reducing hunger and food insecurity on campus and connecting students with essential resources. The pantry has become an important resource to help Clark College students stay on the path to graduation. Penguin Pantry’s assistance is welcomed by students who are navigating inflation and skyrocketing food and housing costs that have created barriers for students trying to stay in school and complete their degrees. 

Studies have shown a direct correlation between college students’ food insecurity and their ability stay in school.  

• Inside Higher Ed reported on a study of community college students and food and housing that found nearly a third of community college students ran out of food in the last 30 days and they didn’t have money to buy more food. 
• Best Colleges reports that about 23% of college students were food-insecure in 2020, and that number increased during the pandemic. The study also reported that food insecurity affected students’ grades and graduation rates. 
• Another study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported that “food insecurity among college students is associated with lower college graduation rates.”  

Hunger: The local story 

Increasingly, more people are seeking food assistance from food pantries nationwide. Clark College’s Penguin Pantry is not alone in seeing more local people seeking assistance. 

Locally, the FISH of Vancouver pantry in downtown Vancouver continues to see client numbers increase. During the week of November 12-18, FISH of Vancouver welcomed 90 new clients, served 881 households, and fed a total of 3,375 people. Clark College students also can receive food assistance from FISH of Vancouver. 

FISH Executive Director James Fitzgerald said, “We are so thankful for community support that allows us to serve so many more people in need. We are glad to be a place people can come for food to help supplement their budgets and make ends meet.” 

Although Penguin Pantry receives some food from Clark County Food Bank, most of Penguin Pantry’s food is purchased through local stores with funds from donors. 

Clark County Food Bank manages 8 million pounds of food each year, which is equivalent to 6.7 million meals for individuals and families experiencing hunger. It works with 43 nonprofit partner agencies at 130 distribution sites, along with food bank led programs, to serve neighbors facing food insecurity throughout Clark County.  

Clark County Food Bank’s annual Walk & Knock food drive is this Saturday, December 2. You can participate by volunteering or by filling a bag with nonperishable food and putting it on your doorstep by 9 a.m. on Saturday. Here are the statistics for last year’s Walk & Knock: 2,200 volunteers, 150,753 pounds of food and toiletries donated, and $31,000 in cash donations.  

Finding food assistance: For students and others in the Clark College community who seek food assistance, find available food pantries (including Penguin Pantry) and other resources with Clark County Food Bank’s Food Finder Tool. 

How students can request a monthly pre-packaged food box: 

1. Log into MyClark@Clark 

2. Look for the Penguin Pantry Order Form (right navigation) under Get Started 

3. Fill out the form completely, and submit 

4. Your confirmation email with a pick-up date/time. 

If students need immediate assistance with food, housing, and/or other basic needs, visit the following Clark County community resources: 

• Clark County Food Bank 
• Council for the Homeless 

How you can donate to Penguin Pantry: 

• Online: Give online with Clark College Foundation’s online giving form. 
• By mail: Send your check/money order to:  
  Clark College, Attn: Cashier’s Office (PUB 153)  
  1933 Ft. Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663. 
  Write the check to “Clark College” and write “Penguin Pantry” in the lower left note area. 

Learn more at https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/penguinpantry/index.php 

As the Union High School Concert Choir began its last song, they immediately commanded the attention in crowded Gaiser Student Center. Three students set the pace by pounding a staccato rhythm on djembe drums. The singers swayed to the rhythm, their voices clear and joyful. They moved to the music—smiling and clearly enjoying themselves. Some singers held cupped hands to their mouths and whooped. People in the audience bobbed their heads and smiled. The room’s atmosphere was electric. 

This enjoyable, immersive performance was one of many when choirs from 13 high schools and middle schools from the region performed at the Clark College Eighth Annual Fall Choral Festival on November 17 at Clark College. The choirs came from as far away as Ilwaco, Washington (106 miles) and Aurora, Oregon (60 miles). 

Dr. Jacob Funk, Director of Choirs at Clark College, left and festival director said, “We love hosting this event at Clark College. Shelly Williams, program coordinator of the Fine Arts division, does all of the organizational heavy lifting for this event. Then we get Clark students in the ASCC Vocal Music program to volunteer and run this event along with Shelly and myself.”  

Five choir clinicians with experience teaching at University of Portland, Oregon State University, Whitworth University, Pacific Lutheran University, and Portland Community College listened in the back of the room and then took turns offering useful advice to the choral students. 

Each choir performed for 20 minutes. Then a clinician came onto the stage and spoke to the student musicians to offer useful suggestions about their performance. For example, one choir had sung a song that included Russian words, and the clinician offered pronunciation tips for the words, then had the students and the audience practice enunciating the words.  

Dr. Funk added, “The schools come from all over because they know it’s a supportive atmosphere and they know we have amazing clinicians. Our festival is at a time of year when not many other festivals are happening, so it gets their choirs out there singing. It’s just a real joy to see it all come together and to get so many high school students on our campus.” 

Participating choirs from Clark County: 

• Clark College: Concert Choir and Treble Ensemble, Director Dr. Jacob Funk 
• Camas High School: Select BassChoir and Select Treble Choir, Director Ethan Chessin 
• Heritage High School: Concert Choir and Select Treble, Director Billy Buhl 
• La Center High School: Select Treble Choir, Director Rhonda Catchpole 
• Ridgefield High School: Concert Choir and Treble Choir, Director Bob Meek 
• Union High School: Concert Choir and Women’s Ensemble, Director Joel Karn 
• Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA): Vocal Rep Ensemble and Vocal Style & Tech Ensemble, Director Joel Thoreson 

Participating choirs from other counties: 

• Arts & Communication Magnet Academy, Beaverton, Oregon: Synergy Choir, Director Lauren Craig 
• Dexter McCarty Middle School, Gresham, Oregon: Concert Choir, Director Ron Neighorn 
• Ilwaco High School, Ilwaco, Washington: Concert Choir, Director Rachel Lake 
• Kelso High School, Kelso, Washington: Hilander Concert Choir, Director Brent Liabraaten 
• North Marion High School, Aurora, Oregon: Concert Choir, Director John Haddock 
• R.A. Long High School, Longview, Washington: Chor Diem, Director Alison Askeland 
• Woodland High School, Woodland, Washington: Choir, Director Patrice Lins 

Clinicians who offered constructive advice to the choirs were: 

• Dr. Samuel Barbara, Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus 
• Dr. Tina Bull, Emeritus Professor of Music, Coordinator of Music Education at Oregon State University (1996-2015) 
• Dr. David De Lyser, Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music, University of Portland 
• Dr. Xiaosha Lin, Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Whitworth University in Spokane 
• Dr. Tiffany Walker, Visiting Assistant Professor of Choral Music at Pacific Lutheran University 

Piano faculty members were Dr. Jeongmi Yoon, who serves on faculties at Clark College and University of Portland, and Yena Lee Halsel, who accompanied the Clark College choirs. 

The Clark community celebrated the publication of The Iceberg, the college’s annual student comic anthology with stacks of the 2023 issue, chats with industry professionals, and free pizza on November 16 in PUB 161.

The packed room buzzed with excited chatter. Some students munched on pizza. Everyone held the just-released 2023 comic, hot off the press. And it seemed everyone was turning the pages and talking about it.

Keeping the party moving forward were Iceberg faculty advisors Professor Toby Peterson, who teaches English 128, Graphic Fiction Writing, and Professor Grant Hottle, who teaches Art 105, Drawing for Comics.

Students had the opportunity to break into small groups to meet with three comic industry professionals: artist Steve Lieber, artist Jeff Parker, writer David Walker, and editor Diana Schutz.

A student group makes editorial decisions regarding which comics to publish. The 2023 Iceberg features 21 comics by Clark students, including Emily Martinez.

“It’s my first time being published,” Martinez said. “It’s exciting. I feel I’ve accomplished something.”

Martinez, a 2023 Clark graduate, plans to transfer to WSU Vancouver next fall to pursue her goal of becoming a writer.

Kelsie Cannon, also a 2023 Clark graduate, had two comics published in The Iceberg. She plans to transfer to an art school so she can pursue her goal of becoming a storyboard artist.

Even though The Iceberg is only five years old, Peterson said some former students have pursued art careers. One is creating digital art for the video gaming industry.

Peterson described what it’s been like creating comics since the pandemic began. “It’s been an exhalation of pent-up creative energy.”

How to submit comics for publication in The Iceberg:

All Clark students and alumni are eligible to submit their work for publication in The Iceberg. All submissions are done electronically via Submittable.

Photos Clark College/Susan Parrish

If you’ve ever had to plan, shop for, and prepare a holiday meal that included turkey with all the trimmings, imagine the work it takes to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for 450 people!

That is exactly the task undertaken by students and instructors in Clark’s Cuisine program and Professional Baking & Pastry Arts program. They prepared holiday meals for students and their families—a total of 450 people. The meals will be distributed during the Penguin Pantry’s November drive-through pantry pickup.

To demonstrate the enormity of the task, Chef Aaron Guerra (above) shared his shopping list: 142 pounds of turkey breast, plus four 18-to-20-pound turkeys to make stock and gravy. Add to that a mountain of potatoes. (How many pounds of potatoes does it take to make mashed potatoes for 450 people?) Don’t forget the must-have side dishes: gravy, dressing, cranberry-orange sauce, and vegetables.

Alison Dolder, head of the Professional Baking & Pastry Arts program, supervised her students in baking 450 dinner rolls and 450 fruit bars for dessert. Last year, her students made full-size pies for the holiday pantry, but packaging slices of pie without them looking messy made her rethink the dessert menu.

Dolder said, “This year, students made three varieties of fruit bars: apple, marionberry, and raspberry. They are as delicious as a slice of pie—and they hold together much better. We’ll have the full-size pies for the culinary kiosk sales next week.”

Cuisine students assembled the completed meals in a production line. The boxed meals are being stored in a cooler until Penguin Pantry distribution day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21.

The Penguin Pantry distributes food to students monthly, but in November, the distribution also includes these holiday meals.

Director of Student Life Sarah Gruhler, who supervises Penguin Pantry, said, “Students really appreciate the homemade food made by our students. They love all the extras—from a turkey dinner to laundry detergent to Safeway gift cards. These extras the pantry provides allow students to use their resources in other ways—like paying their electric bill. We don’t want students having to choose between food or electricity and heat.” Gruhler added, “Penguin Pantry helps ease the financial burden of our students.

She demonstrated the need the pantry provides for financially stretched students and their families. The pantry received a bonus shipment of fresh dairy, frozen meat, and meal kits from Clark County Food Bank. Over two days this week, Penguin Pantry did two “pop-up” distributions to get this perishable food to students in a timely manner.

She said, “We gave out almost 2,000 pounds of food in two days.”

If you would like to give specifically for holiday meals for students, donors can give via Clark College Foundation online.

About Penguin Pantry

Penguin Pantry marked its fifth year in July. The pantry supports a healthy college community by reducing hunger and food insecurity on campus and connecting students with essential resources. The pantry has become an important resource to help Clark College students stay on the path to graduation. The global pandemic, inflation, and skyrocketing prices have created more barriers for students trying to stay in school and complete their degrees.

During the 2022-23 academic year, the pantry served:

• 511 Individual students
• 1,863 family members of students
• 1,243 boxes of food distributed
• 31,000 pounds of food distributed

How students can request a monthly pre-packaged food box:

1. Log into MyClark@Clark

2. Look for the Penguin Pantry Order Form (right navigation) under Get Started

3. Fill out the form completely, and submit

4. Your confirmation email with a pick-up date/time.

If students need immediate assistance with food, housing and/or other basic needs, please visit the following Clark County community resources:

• Clark County Food Bank
• Council for the Homeless

How to donate to Penguin Pantry:

• Online: Give online with Clark College Foundation’s online giving form and choose ‘Penguin Pantry’ from the drop-down menu.
• By mail: Mail your check/money order to: Clark College, Attn: Cashier’s Office (PUB 153), 1933 Ft. Vancouver Way. Write the check to “Clark College” and write “Penguin Pantry” in the comments area.

Learn more at https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/penguinpantry/index.php

Clark College welcomed muralist Christian Barrios, a Clark College graduate, to lead the community in creating a mural project during International Education Week from November 13 to 15.  

The college community gathered for a mural painting party. Erika Nava brushed red paint onto a flower petal on a large sheet of metal taped to the wall in the Penguin Student Center. Nearby, Rosalba Pitkin brushed dusty pink paint onto another flower. They were joined by other Clark staff and students adding their brushstrokes to a new mural taking shape on campus. 

Overseeing the project, artist Christian Barrios, who designed the mural, mixed paint colors, offered input to the painters and added his own colorful brushstrokes.  

Titled “Coming Together for Art and Peace,” the mural provided an opportunity for the Clark community to gather, celebrate diversity, and promote the values of international unity and peace. Barrio brings a connection and passion to this project, ensuring its resonance with the college and the local community.    

Nava and Pitkin collaborated to bring Barrios and this community art project to campus. Pitkin, who works in Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, introduced Barrios to Spanish teacher Nava. She invited the bilingual Barrios into her classroom to talk with her students about fine art, public art, mural art, and graffiti. He told Nava he had received a grant from Community Foundation of Southwest Washington and Fourth Plain Forward to create a mural in a public school. Barrios wanted to create the mural at Clark. 

That sparked Nava, Pitkin, and Barrios to begin brainstorming a community mural designed by Barrios. They presented their ideas to President Edwards, ASCC, and then the Art Selection Committee. 

“That’s how it started,” Nava said, waving her paintbrush for emphasis. “And here we are!” 

Mural on metal 

The “canvas” consists of three large metal sheets, the same type used for street signs. The paint is an artist’s acrylic polymer that Barrios uses to create outdoor murals. 

In his studio, Barrios drew outlines of the design elements: stylized embroidered flowers scattered across the scene, a Monarch butterfly floating in the breeze on either side and in the center, two rainbow doves aloft with olive branches in their beaks.  

Barrios said it would take at least three layers of paint to create the mural: “The first layer is pastel. The second and third layers will be darker. It creates more color saturation. Makes it more vibrant.” 

To demonstrate, Barrios pointed to the Monarch butterfly’s wings. The first layer was a bright yellow. He explained that as layers are added, the wings eventually will appear a deep orange. 

After all layers are painted, Barrios will take the mural back to his studio where he will outline the shapes in black and add a black background. He also will add sealant to protect the art.  

On the first morning of painting, Barrios shared his passion for creating murals.  

“When I was growing up in Mexico City, I went to a lot of museums, but I don’t remember the artwork,” he said. “But I do remember the murals on the street. People painting on the street—for us. I love public art and doing community projects.” 

The completed mural will be installed inside Joan Stout Hall after the unveiling on February 13, coinciding with International Day. It will join hundreds of public art pieces installed on Clark’s campus. 

Many students came to participate in the painting over the three days, even Clark’s youngest students from early childhood education. Many students expressed how this was a much-needed mental health break this week, and came back multiple times throughout the 3 days. Spanish language, communications classes, and more showed up to support the project.

Special thanks to Fourth Plain Forward, La Casita Art Gallery and Cultural Center, and the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington for their support of this project.  

About Christian Barrios 

An accomplished artist and muralist, Barrios’ artwork has made a significant impact on the Vancouver community. A graduate of Clark College, Barrios is deeply committed to promoting unity and diversity through his artwork, collaborating with organizations including Fourth Plain Forward and La Casita Cultural Center.  

Born in Mexico City, he learned ceramic painting in the historic Talavera tradition from his family’s business. At 16, he moved to the United States, expanding his skills under master marquetry artist Gene Zanni and exploring painting, paper mâché, and photography.   

Active in the Oregon and Washington Latino art scene, Barrios’ work has been exhibited at Portland Art Museum, The Dalles Art Center, and more. His art resides in private collections across Mexico, Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington.  

Devoted to community impact, Barrios collaborates with organizations including the Regional Arts and Culture Council’s Right Brain Initiative and the Hombres Honor Program. He’s the driving force behind La Casita Art Gallery and Cultural Center, a hub promoting diversity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent communities.  

Barrios’ recent mural on East Fourth Plain Boulevard illustrates his commitment to enhancing neighborhoods by celebrating diverse cultures through art. His work beautifully bridges cultural divides, making him a remarkable artist and community advocate.   

Learn more about Barrios and his work here. 

Clark College celebrated National First Generation Student Day by offering student success mentorships with renown mentor and trainer, Tamam Waritu. He tours around the nation talking to students about being of first generation and discussing student success. 

U.S. Bank provided funding to bring the nationally acclaimed mentor to Clark’s campus. 

The event was organized by Heather Leasure and Darci Feider, who are co-advisors of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. 

Feider said, “The small group one-on-one interaction with Tamam is invaluable. You can tell he is really connected and engaged with the students.” 

Leasure explained thanks to funding from U.S. Bank, the students who participated in the day-long mentoring with Waritu will continue being mentored by him for throughout their academic career at no cost to the students. 

“Because the students are engaged, I think this will be a pivotal moment they will look back on throughout their lives,” said Leasure. 

Tamam Waritu said, “I am a first-generation student and trainer. The goal is to make that paradigm shift in the mind of these students. To transcend obstacles. To not only survive college, but to thrive.” Here’s a video of Waritu talk about being first-gen. 

Transfer Fair offers resumé help, crafts  

Another part of the event was a student transfer fair with representatives from Washington State University, Central Washington University, Warner Pacific University, Western Governors University and Columbia Southern University who are there to answer students’ questions.  

Students were encouraged to go to the Career Center to get assistance in strengthening their resumés.  

Students also had the opportunity to unwind by doing crafts, games, and puzzles. Janice Currie made a bookmark she embellished with burnished leaves, mosses, and tree bark collected by fellow student and PTK officer Natalie Perdun. Next, Currie was heading to the Career Center with her resume.  

About Tamam Waritu 

Tamam Waritu, you can call him T, is a former first-gen low-income student turned Student Trainer.  Waritu is a national student speaker and a leadership development trainer who has worked with thousands of first-generation college students and staff in over 500 college and university campuses. He holds an Ed.M. from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. 

The training the Clark students received encompasses:  

• A full-day comprehensive, hands-on training with Waritu on Clark’s campus  
• An ongoing post-training mentorship with Waritu throughout their academic journey. Students will have the opportunity to schedule virtual group mentoring sessions with him so he can provide ongoing support and guidance. 

The program is tailored to meet the needs of first-gen low-income students. He addresses some pervasive issues first-gen students face: impostor syndrome, low self-efficacy, family issues and sense of belonging.  

Students have the opportunity to gain these takeaways: 

• The ability to see themselves as an asset, not a deficit—a complete paradigm shift   
• Heightened personal awareness and clearer vision regarding academic and career goals 
• The ability to sustain motivation throughout college  
• Increased self-confidence and adopting an attitude of “I belong” and “I have what it takes”  
• A greater understanding of the science behind habit formation 

From food stamps to Harvard… 

Taman Waritu comes from a family with no educational background. He grew up in a low-income government housing with food stamps as one of their main sources of income. He graduated from one of the lowest performing inner-city high school, considered an “at-risk” student. Since he was the first person in his family to go to college, his first day of college experience felt like he was in a different world… 

Read more about Tamam Waritu here. 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish