On Wednesday, February 28, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted a Black Student High School visit, where more than 100 students visited Clark College. Held during Black History Month, the event was designed to introduce local Black students and students of African descent to Clark and consider it a pathway to college, university, careers, and beyond. The event was organized by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NAACP Vancouver, Vancouver Public Schools, and Evergreen Public Schools in close collaboration with Student Affairs.  

The participating students attend Fort Vancouver High School and Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver Public Schools, and Mountain View High School and Union High School in Evergreen Public Schools. 

Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vanessa Neal said, “The energy in the room was reverberating off the walls! Coming together to share in joy, engage in shared learning and activities, and provide a culturally affirming space for Black students and those of African descent was the intent of the event—and participants found this, and more.” 

She continued, “As someone who was encouraged to continue my educational journey, it is my honor to introduce Clark College as a pathway to continued education to a new generation of high school students who are Black and of African descent. As representation matters, this event allowed students to engage with Black faculty and staff from the college, the NAACP, the Boys and Girls Club, the President of Clark College’s Black Student Union (BSU), as well as teachers and administrators from various high schools. We were excited to offer swag bags, campus tours, soul food, and intentional connection.”  

Students were attentive during presentations in Gaiser Student Center. Both Dr. Karin Edwards and Vanessa Neal delivered a welcome message to students and were also joined by Tanisha Harris, who delivered a message from Senator Maria Cantwell’s office. The keynote address was presented by Melissa Williams, policy associate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). 

Other presenters included: 

• Sarita Williams, Principal, Lincoln Elementary School, explained the history of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The song is often referred to as “The Black National Anthem.” The lyrics were written in 1900 by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson; his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, composed the music. 
• Cezanne Tyner, Vancouver Public Schools, led a community-building activity 
• Chris Hullum, Black Student & Family Engagement Advocate, Vancouver Public Schools 
• Dani Depuy-Grobbel, Associate Director of Dual Enrollment, Clark College 
• Bridgette Fahnbulleh, representing NAACP ACT-SO, provided information about ACT-SO as well as water bottles, hats, scarves, gloves, and books for students.  
   

NAACP ACT-SO  

A video introduced students to the NAACP ACT-SO achievement program (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics). Each year, high school students nationwide start a journey to sharpen their skills through ACT-SO. From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, participants work with community-based volunteers for a year to develop projects and performances. The experience culminates in local and national events where students compete for scholarships and other rewards. 

Campus Activities 

A highlight was a delicious soul food lunch catered by Ja’Das Soulful Eatz.  

Following lunch, students had a guided walking tour of the campus and were able to engage with Clark College’s Black Student Union President, Chishayla Kimmons, pictured left. 

After a full, fun four hours on campus, students gathered on the stage in Gaiser Student Center for a group photo. Talking excitedly with each other, the students filed out of Gaiser to their buses. Their excitement continued when they returned to their high schools. 

Vanessa Neal said, “One of our partners shared that when students returned to classrooms, their faces were still lit up with joy from attending the event. Thank you to everyone who approached this event with care and intentionality.”   

Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

ODEI is committed to serving all students, with a focus on systemically non-dominant groups (Jenkins, 1995-present) as they navigate Clark College. We help foster and retain a diverse college community, which includes students, faculty, and staff. 

Clark College’s goal of fostering a social and equitable college community is in part directed by the State (SBCTC), which has charged all community and technical colleges to lead with racial equity. ODEI is committed to serving people from systemically non-dominant populations as they navigate Clark College by helping to foster and retain a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. 

Our office supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. 

Learn more: Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (clark.edu) 

Clark’s Welding lab was visited by U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and a reporter and a photographer from The New York Times on February 26.

The New York Times is writing a story about the congresswoman in conjunction with the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.

The visit to Clark’s Welding program demonstrated the link between the many jobs that the bridge construction will create and how Clark College trains welders and fabricators for workforce-ready jobs, such as building a new I-5 Bridge.

During her visit, the congresswoman spoke with welding instructors, chatted with students, and observed them welding their projects. She even donned a helmet, gloves, and apron, wielded a torch, and tried her hand at welding.

On social media accounts, she posted six photos and wrote: “I was back @clarkcollege yesterday, and I met with students…getting their weld jobs done. I heard from them about why they chose the trades and took a look at some of their projects—including a mock pressure vessel! They even let me try my hand at a weld.”

As a staunch supporter of careers in the trades, the congresswoman last visited Clark’s Welding, Diesel Technology, and Automotive labs in May 2023. Before serving in Congress, she and her husband co-founded Dean’s Car Care, an auto repair and machine shop in Northeast Portland that he continues to own and operate today.

Photos courtesy of Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office.

In honor of Black History Month, the Clark College Bookstore window is displaying an exhibit featuring the work of two local Black artists, Claudia Starr Carter and Philemon Reid. The exhibit is on loan from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Vancouver. The artwork was curated by Carter’s sister, Bridgette Fahnbulleh of NAACP and Holly Jander Williams, a NAACP volunteer who worked with Carter on exhibits. View images from the exhibit at the end of the article.

What: Black History Month focus on local artists
Who: Sculptor Claudia Star Carter and painter Philemon Reid 
Where: Clark College Bookstore exterior window 
When: Through March 4 
Art loaned by: NAACP of Vancouver 

Rosalba Pitkin in the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) office coordinated with NAACP to bring the exhibit to the campus bookstore to share with the Clark community. Monica Knowles worked with Pitkin to showcase the art in the bookstore window. 

Pitkin said, “Recognizing these Black artists celebrates cultural richness, promotes representation, and contributes to a more inclusive environment.” She added, “I am grateful to NAACP for sharing this art, to Bridgette Fahnbulleh and Holly Jander Williams for selecting these pieces. This provides an opportunity for more people to enjoy this art and learn about these artists.” 

When 150 Black high school students, faculty, and administrators visit campus on February 28, they will have an opportunity to see the exhibit.  

Claudia Starr Carter 

Claudia Starr Carter (1954-2022) was an advocate for sharing Black history and Black art. She was a member of the NAACP Vancouver executive board and chair of NAACP’s Black History Month committee. She was a self-taught ceramicist and mixed media artist, a historian, a children’s education advocate, and a champion of Black history and Black art. 

Carter produced the bulk of her work in the ceramics lab at Clark College, where she took classes. Professor Lisa Conway from Clark’s Art department said Carter was her student first, and then volunteered for several years for the college’s ceramics studio, helping to keep the ceramics lab open later in the day and evenings so students could work.  

“Claudia Carter was a wonderful, warm presence in the ceramics studio at Clark College for many years,” said Professor Conway. “She started here as a student herself, then later worked as a studio monitor, helping other students realize their creations. Claudia was very giving and helpful in the studio at Clark and had a great sense of the power of her inner creativity. Claudia drew strong connections between her artwork, her family, culture, and history. She was experimental in her artwork, and her enthusiasm for the material and the creative process were a source of inspiration for others.” 

Almost a year after Carter’s death, a retrospective of her work was displayed in Gaiser Hall and Frost Arts Center at Clark College in February 2023 to celebrate Black History Month. 

Fellow Vancouver sculptor Russel Ford said he and Carter became friends when Clark’s ceramics studio was closed during the pandemic, and he invited her to use his kiln. Their connection grew.  

Ford wrote: “Claudia was deeply invested in telling the story of the Black community in Vancouver. Her goal was to create works that would inspire members of the black community to feel that this land was their land, that they were in no way excluded from the fabric of this community. She encountered little in terms of black art growing up and she wanted to help change that by working passionately in her chosen medium: ceramics and sculpture… Clark College offered her an opportunity to do just that. For many years, she could be found volunteering at the Frost Art Center, encouraging the many students that she encountered, and whenever possible, delving into the history of Black Vancouver.” 

NAACP Vancouver wrote this tribute: “A concern over the scarcity of books and art depicting the history and contributions of African Americans in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest eventually led Claudia to become both a tireless researcher and collector of local Black History and folklore. She was also an advocate of educating African American children about their history and roots in Vancouver and Clark County. Under Claudia’s leadership, the NAACP began an annual exhibition at Vancouver Community Library addressing Black History in Vancouver, the State and Northwest from early explorers through World War II. Claudia was committed to increasing education and dialogue on Black History in schools and in the community.” 

Where to see Carter’s work: Carter’s sculpture “Elephant Goddess” is on permanent display in Vancouver Community Library, 901 ‘C’ Street, Vancouver. 

Learn more: https://pnwsculptors.org/retrospectiveclaudia-star-carter/ (includes photo of Carter and her artwork) 

Philemon Reid 

Philemon Reid (1945-2009) was a self-taught artist who was born in Georgia, served in the military, attended college at night, and was an engineering technician with Bonneville Power Administration in Vancouver. Shortly before his death, Reid was awarded a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from North Portland’s Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center. 

Reid said about his art, “From an early age I was drawn to Cubism and the artist Picasso… I developed my own style… One of my main subjects has been music. I have a great love for blues and jazz, and I create from my moods and the feelings I experience while listening to music or just from my subconscious being.”  

After Reid’s death, journalist Bob Hicks wrote an in memoriam of Reid: “He did the thing he loved to do, which was to paint and sculpt images of the African American musicians who played the blues and jazz. He often listened to Coltrane or Miles or Ella while he was making his own art.” 

The Skanner newspaper wrote: “Reid’s love for blues and jazz, particularly musicians John Coltrane, Miles Davis and singers Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, was reflected in his colorful paintings and sculptures. Although Reid’s only formal art training was in high school, he developed his own unique style that was heavily influenced by Cubism and the artist Picasso.”  

Barry Johnson of OregonLive wrote that Reid’s work “often featured characterizations of musicians, and there’s something vaguely jazzy about his work—loose but formful and transporting. Where do they take you? To an ideal world, I think, where art and music are what matters. And his African American subjects, painted in a style that recalls the Harlem Renaissance gone cubist, somehow imply a sense of both singular creativity and community, especially his representations of small combos… I find that Reid’s work makes me want to ‘play,’ too – not jazz, necessarily, but anything that requires some intensity and creativity, anything that the company of other creators enhances.” 

Where to see Reid’s work:  Currently on view as part of the Portland Art Museum’s Black Artists of Oregon exhibit until March 31. 

Learn more: https://www.theskanner.com/news/northwest/5198-services-held-for-painter-philemon-reid-63-2009-06-18. 

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards delivered the annual State of the College address on February 14 in a packed Gaiser Student Center. The event originally was scheduled for January but was postponed due to a week of snow and ice. The space was filled with faculty, staff, students, members of the college’s board of trustees, Clark College Foundation staff and board members and community supporters.  

Emma Sturm, president of the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) kicked off the event and gave a report on increased student participation in college clubs and ASCC’s efforts to increase student engagement in campus activities.  

“It’s working!” Emma said. “More than 200 students participated in our ‘Barbie’ movie night.” 

Ray’s story 

Student and veteran Ray Jackson shared his Clark journey. After completing his U.S. Navy service, Ray enrolled at Clark in 2010, but he dropped out due to mental health issues, later diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. After working various jobs, he realized he needed more skills to be successful. His vocational and rehabilitation counselor at the Veterans Administration suggested he return to Clark College. 

So, in 2019, a decade after he’d started at Clark, Ray returned to Clark and earned an AAT degree in Machining Technology in June 2021, but realized he didn’t want to work in a machine shop with loud noises.  

Ray didn’t give up. He leaned into his interest in IT and earned his CompTIA A+ IT certification, an entry-level IT credential, which propelled him to return to Clark and earn an associate in applied technology degree in Network Technology in December 2023. Ray wanted to go further still. He returned to Clark yet again winter term 2024—this time to pursue a bachelor of applied science degree in Cybersecurity.  

Along Ray’s journey, he navigated college studies and parenthood with the help of several Clark College student support services, including the Veterans Center of Excellence, Disability Support Services, Advising Services, Financial Aid, Penguin Pantry, Counseling and Health Center, Child and Family Studies, and more. Ray thanked a long list of Clark programs, departments, and people for helping him be successful. 

Accomplishments and looking ahead 

During her speech, President Edwards announced that the college’s equity-centered strategic plan was approved by the college’s board of trustees last fall and provides a framework for all the college does. The new strategic plan is centered on students—to educate, empower, and elevate them to achieve their personal and professional goals. It also underscores a commitment to student success, empowerment, and equity. 

Community partnerships and philanthropy are essential for supporting student and college needs. President Edwards expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of Clark College Foundation and the community. Notably, a $1 million gift from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe will launch the Clark College Innovation Fund that will address pressing needs and drive innovation. Clark College Foundation has awarded more than $85 million over the past 50 years. This year alone, the foundation has awarded $2 million that directly assists more than 550 students.  

In addition, Clark has disbursed $24.5 million in financial aid from other funding sources, including state and federal grants and loans and community scholarships.  

Recently, the college was awarded a $2.2 million Title III Strengthening Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education primarily for increasing student completion rates. 

The college budget and its financial sources focus on supporting Clark College’s commitment to provide affordable education. Clark offers more than 100 degrees and certificates in over 70 programs, including 5 bachelor of applied science degrees. The annual tuition is $4,907 for 45 credits (during 3 terms). And 70% of Clark students transfer to four-year universities. 

Enrollment has increased by more than 10% this academic year compared to the 2022-23 academic year. Approximately 8,683 students enrolled during the Fall and Winter terms, translating to 5,932 full-time equivalent students. Increased enrollment is expected to impact the budget positively, reducing the need to use the fund balance as the college had to do in previous years during and immediately following the pandemic. 

New programs, degrees, and expansion of academic offerings are driven by community needs and workforce demands. The college will add a Civil Engineering Technology and Construction Management program, a Food Service Operations certificate, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree that was recently approved on February 1. 

The programs under development include:  

• Clean Energy Technician program that will expand the college’s existing Mechatronic Technology and Automotive Technology programs to meet high-demand jobs. 
• Surgical Technician program will be the first in Southwest Washington. Pending final approval in May, graduates of the two-year program will earn an Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) degree in Surgical Technology.  

Additionally, the Advanced Manufacturing Center is currently under construction at the college’s Ridgefield location at Boschma Farms. Scheduled to open in fall 2025, this center will serve up to 1,200 students per term.  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives remain top priorities at Clark College. Achievements include increased diversity in hiring and ongoing professional development initiatives. In addition, the college organizes The Northwest Regional Equity Conference, now in its fifth year. The conference plays a pivotal role in promoting equitable experiences for historically underrepresented students and employees. 

Looking ahead, reflecting on the college’s achievements, President Edwards expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and the community. As Clark College looks toward the future, she said it remains committed to student success, expanding program offerings, and strengthening community partnerships. Clark College continues to be a beacon of opportunity and excellence in the region. 

Dr. Edwards said, “In a prior State of the College address, I drew inspiration from Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming to frame our work here at the college. In her book, the former first lady emphasizes that becoming is an ongoing journey, not a fixed destination. I share her belief that maintaining the status quo leads to stagnation, and meaningful change requires breaking out of familiar patterns. She also said that ‘it is possible to have our feet planted in reality but pointed in the direction of progress. We may live in the world as it is, but we can still work to create the world as it should be.’” 

She said, “Today, I want to recognize our ongoing journey of becoming a beacon of hope, opportunities, and transformation rooted in social justice while providing excellent and equitable education.” 

Dr. Edwards added, “This journey hasn’t been without its challenges, including the ongoing effects of a global pandemic, declines in nationwide enrollment, and two years of substantial resource reductions, all while expanding services to meet the evolving needs of our students.” 

Then people gathered around for coffee, tea, and delicious heart-shaped cookies made by students in the Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program especially for the State of the College address on Valentine’s Day. 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley
View more photos from the event on our Flickr Page.

International Day organized by Clark’s International Programs was a roaring success on February 13.

A line of preschoolers from Child and Family Studies walked into Gaiser Student Center with their teachers and immediately expressed delight at the array of activities happening around the room—including drummers, a flying dragon, martial arts, and belly dancing. The children seemed eager to try everything.

Alumni shine

Three Clark alumni shared their expertise with the Clark community during the event:

• Artist Christian Barrios was on hand at the unveiling of the mural “Coming Together for Art and Peace.” He designed the mural. It was painted by Clark students, staff, and faculty during a community mural project on campus during International Education Week last November. Barrios had taken the mural back to his studio to add outlines and a black background. He finished it with a protective coat. Later the mural will be installed near the coffee shop in Joan Stout Hall.
• Author Moses Korir read aloud his new children’s book, Moses and the Impossible Piano that tells his story of growing up in a village in Kenya, encountering a piano for the first time, and then embarking on a life-changing educational journey to the United States to follow his dream of becoming a music teacher.
• Belly dancing instructor Dr. Ona Parker taught a basic belly dancing lesson with about three dozen enthusiastic students, faculty, staff, and preschool children moving their hips to the music. Dr. Parker was an international student at Clark College and later was a faculty member.

In addition, students from McClaskey Culinary Institute and the Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program prepared empanadas, falafel, salad rolls, and salted dulce le leche blonde brownies. People waited in a long line to sample the delights.

Other highlights

• A video of Clark College international students talking about their experience
• Kendo Dojo demonstration by Camas Kendo Dojo
• Chinese drummers and dragon demonstration by Oregon Chinese Coalition · Information about the Study Abroad program
• Henna tattoos by Glitter Ruby’s
• Making origami penguins
• Much more

About International Programs

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an intensive English Language program. During the 2023-24 academic year, Clark College has 57 international students. Learn more here.

In the sloping field between McLoughlin Boulevard and the softball field, the Penguin softball team gathered around Steven Clark, biology professor, and Bee Campus project manager.

First, he talked for a few minutes about the importance of native bees. He told them Clark is a certified Bee Campus that plants native wildflowers to attract native pollinators.

Because native wildflower seeds are expensive, costing about $160 per pound, Professor Clark explained the importance of scattering a handful of seeds over a wide area. Holding a sack of native wildflower seeds, he demonstrated the preferred seed-sowing technique.

Then directing the players to form a line and spread out, he walked down the line as each player grabbed a handful of seeds.

Sweeping their arms back and forth, the softball teammates sowed seeds as they walked uphill. With so many hands helping, the job was quickly completed.

The Penguin softball team was just one group of students, faculty, and staff who helped Professor Clark sow 18 pounds of seeds on about three acres in several areas around campus in mid-February. All these areas were seeded last spring, too.

As winter turns to spring and warmer weather arrives, the seeds will sprout. Wildflowers will bloom. The bees will emerge from being dormant underground and will feast on wildflower pollen.

Bee campus by the numbers:

• Acres sown with native wildflower seeds: 3
• Pounds of seeds sown: 18
• Informational Bee Signs around campus: 11

Campus Bee Gardens include:

• STEM Building
• Clark College Foundation
• Foster Hall
• Baird Administration
• Clark College sign at McLoughlin Blvd. and Fort Vancouver Way
• McLoughlin Blvd. and softball field (across from Marshall Community Center)
• And more

Map of Bee Campus gardens

Certified Bee Campus

In April 2023, Clark College earned certification as a Bee Campus affiliate, becoming the fifth college in Washington to earn that distinction. A Bee Campus USA affiliate is a college campus that includes a bee habitat.

In the spring of 2023, students, staff, visitors, and, importantly, bees, saw native flowers sprouting up in gardens across campus. These flowers and natural areas where bees can make nests and lay eggs are helping Clark establish this bee habitat. Clark College—and other Bee Campus USA affiliates—show that the built environment (such as campuses, neighborhoods, city parks, and even roadsides) can feature a thoughtful design that allows bees to thrive in shared areas.

What’s happening with the Bee Campus in 2024?

Tilling the soil: Last fall after the wildflowers had finished blooming, aggressive non-native grass overwhelmed many of the Bee Gardens. Tilling disrupts the non-native grasses, so they do not overwhelm flowers.

Planting more flower seeds: The flowers from last summer self-seeded into the soil, reducing the number of seeds that needed to be sown this spring. However, tilling the soil drove some seeds too deep into the soil to germinate, so Professor Clark ensured some extra seeds were sown.

Bee signs: Eleven informational bee signs were erected around campus last December. Now people can read about the biology of bees, where they nest, what they eat, how many species we have, and much more.

Native bees in winter: It’s unlikely to see bees on campus this winter because the bees are safe underground. Most of the adult bees that flew from flower to flower last spring and summer have died, but the eggs they laid (mostly underground) have hatched and are progressing toward adulthood. They will develop into adult bees this winter, but the new adult bees will stay underground until the flowers bloom. Although thousands of bees are on campus right now, they are dormant underground and are waiting for the flowers of spring.

Learn more at Bee Campus (clark.edu)

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Chef Earl Frederick has cooked elegant meals for discriminating diners—from a former president to Club Med movers and shakers.  

But the Clark Cuisine instructor’s roots started with humble, downhome cooking. As a boy, he learned to cook alongside his grandmother, Susie Lovely Lewis in her kitchen in small town Ellenville in upstate New York. 

Chef Earl shared his story—and his delicious food—with Clark students, faculty, and staff at the Winter Student of Color Luncheon on February 6. The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs. It provides opportunities for students to be encouraged by inspiring stories, meet faculty and new friends, consider different career paths, and identify community resources and potential mentors. 

Chef Earl designed the luncheon menu to represent Black History Month—with a nod to his beloved grandmother and her specialties: fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and red velvet cupcakes. To that, he added some of his favorites, including pork loin and Jambalaya with Cajun sausage.  

The delicious meal was prepared by Clark’s Cuisine students under the watchful eye of Chef Earl, who emphasizes cooking from scratch with no shortcuts. His students smoked pork loin and made Cajun sausage.  

Cooking with grandmother 

While appreciative Clark diners savored the meal, Chef Earl shared family photos and told his story. A child of separated parents, he divided his time between the big city of Yonkers, New York, and small-town Ellenville. Family is important to Chef Earl. His grandmother had 13 siblings, so he was surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

One uncle got him interested in sports, encouraged him to play basketball, and got him to consider college. Another uncle modeled growing your own food and being sustainable.  

Because his father was a preacher, he says he grew up in the church. “I’m a preacher’s kid,” he said. “Church wasn’t just Sunday for me. It was every day—and all day on Sunday.” 

In the church kitchen, he helped his grandmother prepare meals for the congregation.  

He said, “At one point, I realized I was the only boy helping in the kitchen.” 

But he didn’t care. He liked to cook. And he was good at it. 

He shared an old photo of the church choir of his youth. He said, “All of those people never made it past sixth grade. On her deathbed, my grandmother told me to get an education. No one could take it away from me.” 

He did follow his grandmother’s advice to get an education, but his educational journey included bumps in the road and detours. 

Navigating rough patches 

When he was in high school, like many teens, he made some choices that did not please his family, particularly his beloved grandmother. Eventually, he was missing so many credits that he would not be able to graduate with his class. 

He was introduced to the local alternative school and told: “Either you don’t graduate, or you go here.” 

So, he enrolled in Ulster BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) Career & Technical Center. One of the selling points was its culinary program.  

“This place saved my life,” Chef Earl said. 

Chef Earl holds a baking and pastry diploma from Oregon Culinary Institute, a certificate in hospitality administration from University of Hawaii at Manoa, an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Warner Pacific University. He also is a certified American Culinary Federation executive chef. 

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University at age 19, his first job was working in the kitchens at Walt Disney World. Throughout his career, Chef Earl has worked in kitchens in Intel, Club Med, and Nike, and taught culinary skills to Job Corps students and The Portland Kitchen, an after-school culinary and job skills program. 

Paying it forward 

Chef Earl has volunteered his expertise to many nonprofits focused on food, including serving on the board of directors for Vancouver Farmers Market.  

In 2017, Chef Earl returned to the alternative school where he entered the pathway to become Chef Earl. He visited the culinary arts classroom, shared his expertise, and led a food preparation demonstration. It was a full-circle experience for him. He advised students to never destroy relationships they could benefit from later. Read about his visit here. 

In 2022 he was named a NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellow through the Association for Career and Technical Education. 

Chef Earl has been teaching Cuisine students at Clark College since 2016. What he enjoys the most about teaching at Clark is “engaging with the students. I also enjoy when they come back and visit and tell me how successful they are!”  

His grandmother would be proud of his achievements. 

Most memorable meal 

Although he has prepared countless delicious meals, one of the most memorable was when he was a chef at Club Med Crested Butte, a ski resort in Colorado.  

“I had the opportunity to cook for former President Jimmy Carter, then with the Carter Foundation. I made Duck à l’Orange, a classic French dish,” he said. “I still remember that day. Jimmy Carter told me it was the best he’d ever tasted!” 

Chef Earl’s words of wisdom 

• “Food is my life. Bringing people together. Breaking bread together. Community.” 
• “When I was young, I went through a time when I was getting into trouble. My grandmother said, ‘You represent my name. Don’t put any bad ju-ju out there with my name.’” 
• “On her deathbed, my grandmother told me to get an education. No one can take that away from you.” 
• “I’m a preacher’s kid. Church wasn’t just on Sunday for me.” 
• “There’s nothing you can do about the past, but you can change the future.” 
• “Never burn bridges because you never know if you need to cross them again.” 
• “Don’t just talk about it. Be about it.”  

Advice to students 

“Building relationships is important. You never know how that person can help you in the future.” 

“Be persistent. I applied for more than 150 scholarships in the days before the internet. I applied for many scholarships where I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to get it—but I got it because I was the only student who applied. I got 53 scholarships. I applied for this teaching job at Clark College three times before I was hired. Don’t give up.” 

Fun Facts about Chef Earl 

• He writes and performs spoken word poetry 
• Favorite spoken-word poet: Earl Simmons aka DMX 
• Favorite dish to make: Jamaican curried oxtail with rice and peas  
• Favorite food to eat: New York pizza or fresh pasta 
• Favorite restaurant: Cochon in New Orleans, LA 
• Go-to comfort food: Cast-iron fried chicken, braised collard greens, rice and cornbread 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Biology student Lemman Gurre sat at a high bistro-style table next to the wall of windows in the new MESA Center on the third floor of the STEM Building. From her third-floor vantage point, she could see the campus, a ribbon of the Columbia River, and Portland’s hills. In the quiet study space, she took notes as she read from her laptop screen.  

Since the MESA Center opened fall term, the space has been well used by students. Director of MESA Román Lara said students use the center to study, plug in their laptops to work, use the center’s printer, check out textbooks from the lending library, or stop in for a snack and quiet moment between classes. The inner room offers large whiteboards and tables for students to study alone or to work on group projects. 

• In the reception area, MESA ambassadors, Maisy Pantua Sibayan and Karina Hottinger connect with students, welcome them to the space, and schedule students to use the space. Both are current Clark students pursuing STEM studies.  
• In the bright lounge, comfortable upholstered furniture in chartreuse, orange, and aqua invites students to sit in the quiet space to work on their classwork, study, or take a break. Students also can grab a snack in the kitchenette which includes a microwave, toaster oven, refrigerator, coffee pot, and hot water for tea. 

What is MESA? 

MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a national program designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented populations to succeed in STEM fields. This includes African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic, and Pacific Islander/Hawaiian and women community college students who transfer to universities and earn STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) bachelor’s degrees.  

At Clark, this includes a dedicated space for studying and creating community, as well as opportunities for mentorship, assistance with books and fees, conference participation, campus visits, and more. 

Clark College began its MESA program during the 2018-19 academic year. The program can serve up to 100 students and currently serves more than 80 students. Between 20 and 30 students are very active in the program. Others use the basic services, such as the textbook lending library. Learn more about Clark’s MESA program here. 

Campus and industry tours 

During fall term, Lara took a group of second-year Clark students to Seattle to attend a transfer student preview event at the University of Washington. Students learned about UW’s admission and application process, took a guided tour of the campus, and attended program-specific sessions, including a 3D printing demonstration. Some students had the opportunity to meet with academic advisors.  

Lara is planning to take MESA students to tour the campuses of Portland State University and Washington State University Vancouver during winter term.  

He also is planning industry tours for MESA students to visit local employers who hire STEM graduates. His wish list includes ABSCI, Boeing, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. 

He also promotes opportunities for undergraduate internships and research opportunities to MESA students and is always on the lookout for new opportunities. MESA students will be eligible to apply for undergraduate research opportunities at WSU Vancouver during the summer.  

Eligibility for MESA: 

• Belong to historically underrepresented populations in STEM, including Black/African American, Indigenous/Native American, Latino/Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and women in STEM. 
• Be a first-generation college student whose parents did not receive a bachelor’s degree 
• Intend to earn a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major 
• Be a citizen or resident of the U.S., DACA eligible or undocumented 
• Come from an economically disadvantaged background 
• Do not hold currently hold a bachelor’s degree in any field 

Services MESA provides: 

• MESA Center in STEM Building Room 358 
• Academic advising and transfer planning 
• Academic excellence workshops 
• Textbook lending library 
• Internship, research, and scholarship opportunities 
• University campus and industry visits 
• Professional development workshops 

About Washington MESA 

The Washington MESA program is an educational pathway program administered by the University of Washington and established by the Washington State Legislature. Clark College is one of 12 community colleges in Washington that offers a MESA transfer prep program center for its students who plan to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Learn more here. 

Would you like to hear from some of the 57 international students who are enrolled at Clark and hear about their experiences at Clark? 

Do you enjoy learning about the art, music, dance and martial arts of other cultures? 

Does your mouth water when you consider sampling delicious food from all over the world?  

Would you like to view the finished Clark College mural, “Coming Together for Art and Peace” and meet the artist, a Clark graduate, who designed it? 

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consider joining Clark’s International Programs for an International Day celebration geared for the entire family. 

What: International Day celebration presented by Clark’s International Programs 

When: Tuesday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Where: GHL 150 – Gaiser Student Center 

Who is invited: Clark College students, faculty, staff—and the community 

Activities: Free, family-friendly fun to learn about and celebrate cultures worldwide. It also is an opportunity to celebrate international education and exchange and to learn about the college’s International Programs department.  

Event webpage: Learn more here.  

Associate Director of International Programs Jody Shulnak said, “Bringing folks together to learn about a variety of cultures and celebrating global exchange are highlights of this annual event. It’s also an opportunity for international students and those in our ESL program to engage and share about their home countries. It’s a meaningful event all around.” 

International Day highlights 

• Unveiling the mural “Coming Together for Art and Peace” designed by artist Christian Barrios, a Clark College graduate. The mural was painted by Clark students, staff and faculty during a community mural project on campus during International Education Week last November. Barrios will be on hand to answer questions.  
• A panel of Clark College international students talking about their experience (video) 
• Kendo Dojo demonstration 
• Belly dancing demonstration by Clark alum, Ona Parker 
• Information about the Study Abroad program 
• Sampling of food from around the world 
• Henna tattoos by Glitter Ruby’s 
• Chinese drummers and dragon demonstration by Oregon Chinese Coalition 
• Story time by Clark College alum, Moses Korir, who will read his new children’s book, “Moses and the Impossible Piano” 

Schedule of Events

Time	Topic
11:05 a.m.	Welcome
11:05 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	Art + Peace mural unveiling and remarks
11:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.	International student panel video
11:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.	Belly dancing demonstration
11:50 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.	Raffle drawing and announcement
12:00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.	Chinese drummers, Oregon Chinese Coalition
12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Dragon demo, Oregon Chinese Coalition
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.	Storytime: Moses & the Impossible Piano
12:45 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.	Raffle drawing and announcement
12:50 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.	TBD
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.	TBD
1:20 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.	International student panel video
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Kendo Dojo demonstration
2:00 p.m.	Closing remarks and final raffle draw

About Clark College International Programs 

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an intensive English Language program. During the 2023-24 academic year, Clark College has 57 international students. Learn more here. 

Clark College students who plan to transfer to Washington State University Vancouver will find a smoother, more intentional path, thanks to a new transfer agreement.

Clark and WSU Vancouver launched a new transfer agreement on January 22. The two institutions partnered to create a seamless guaranteed transfer pathway for students who are completing an associate degree at Clark and plan to transfer to WSU Vancouver to complete a bachelor’s degree.

The impetus for the agreement:

• To make pursuing a bachelor’s degree more accessible and equitable.
• To reduce barriers to a smooth transition to WSU Vancouver and eventually, to earning a bachelor’s degree
• Specifically targeted to reach underrepresented, underserved, and students of color.
• Long term: To increase the number of students who earn bachelor’s degrees in Southwest Washington.

The Guaranteed Admission program enables Clark College students to transfer seamlessly to WSU Vancouver and to reduce the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree. The reverse transfer agreement will make it easier for Clark College students to attain an associate degree if enrolled at WSU Vancouver prior to completing their program at Clark College.

“This agreement will create a clear path for Clark students transferring to WSU Vancouver,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards. “By removing barriers, more first-generation students and students of color can earn a bachelor’s degree and help close the equity gap.”

Clark’s Director of Advising and Career Services Emily Meoz explained that the previous system required students interested in transferring to make the first move by contacting either a Clark advisor or the admissions office at WSU Vancouver.

“This program takes the guesswork out of the transfer process for our students,” Meoz said. “Now, instead of waiting for students to come to us, we go to them. We will create intentional outreach to students to get them on the transfer pathway early.”

Q & A about Guaranteed Admission Program

Q: How does this transfer agreement benefit Clark students?

A: Here are the benefits to Clark students:

• Direct pathway to WSU Vancouver to pursue a bachelor’s degree
• Intentional, additional support and guidance with transfer process
• Guaranteed transfer advising at Clark at least twice per year
• Early connection and long-term plan review by WSU Vancouver at least twice per year
• Special events to guide and support transfer process
• Automatic reverse transfer opt-in to earn a Clark College credential even if the student transfers prior to completing Clark’s program

Q: How does a Clark student become eligible for this transfer agreement?

A: Any student who plans to transfer to WSU Vancouver must:

• Pursue a direct transfer degree at Clark College
• Complete a declaration of intent form
• Meet with Clark academic advisor at least twice per year
• Apply to WSU Vancouver
• Complete minimum 60 credits of college-level units towards an associate degree and earn a 2.0 minimum grade point average from 100-level and higher coursework, as calculated by WSU Vancouver. Some majors at WSU Vancouver require a higher GPA.

Q: What is the essence of this transfer program?

A: It provides intentional support and guidance for students so the credits they take at the outset will transfer to WSU Vancouver. That results in students saving money, reducing student debt and increasing graduation rates of transfer students.

Q: Wasn’t there already a transfer agreement between Clark and WSU Vancouver? How is this different from the previous transfer agreement with WSU Vancouver?

A: Yes. Clark graduates with a minimum 2.0 GPA already are guaranteed admission to WSU Vancouver, but it is not widely known or marketed directly to students. The previous system required students interested in transferring to make the first move by contacting either a Clark advisor or the admissions office at WSU Vancouver. Under the new transfer agreement, Clark will create intentional outreach to students to get them on the transfer path early.

Q: How was the transfer agreement developed?

A: This transfer program was developed by Advising leaders from both Clark College and WSU Vancouver who participated in a year-long Aspen Institute project focused on increasing transfer success and reducing inequitable graduation rates among underrepresented students. Learn about The Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success and Equity Intensive here.

Q: Does Washington State University have similar guaranteed admission agreements with other community colleges in the state?

A: Yes. WSU has similar agreements with three other community colleges:

• WSU Pullman with Spokane Falls Community College
• WSU Tri-Cities with Columbia Basin College
• WSU Everett with Everett Community College