Recently I gathered with our college community to celebrate the opening of our Basic Needs Hub that will connect our students with resources and opportunities that can help them stay in school, complete their education, and achieve their academic and career goals.

Standing in that welcoming space, I felt gratitude for our basic needs team who will be working with our students: Caitlin Malvar, Basic Needs Navigator, is assisted by two Portland State University graduate students earning master’s degrees in social work, Meagan Montalto and Pearl Brown, who are the team’s Basic Needs Program Specialists. And of course, Oso, our Basic Needs therapy dog!

That experience in our Basic Needs Hub caused me to contemplate how education, opportunity, and support can impact lives.

The youngest of eight children, I grew up in one of New York City’s housing projects in the South Bronx. I attended public schools until my seventh-grade teacher noticed that I wasn’t being challenged enough academically and suggested I consider attending a private school, which I did. I received support from A Better Chance, an organization that opened the door for me to attend Columbia Prep—and changed my life.

At Columbia Prep, I was in the same city I’d lived in my whole life, but it seemed like an all-new city to me. I was exposed to many new experiences: the ballet, the symphony, museums, Broadway shows, all of which were part of my academic experience. That is when I first experienced the transformative power of education as well as the disparities that exist between the haves and have-nots.

One teacher assigned us to do research at the New York Public Library’s flagship location downtown where I was greeted by Patience and Fortitude, the regal marble lion sculptures at the entrance at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. It was a long way from the South Bronx, in many ways. In my music appreciation class, we were assigned to attend the New York Philharmonic. Although I used my free transit pass to travel to Lincoln Center, it was a stretch both culturally and financially because I had to pay for my own ticket.

I was fortunate. I had a home, my mother’s home-cooked meals, clean clothes to wear, and a loving family. But money for extras like symphony tickets was not easy to come by.

That experience got me thinking: Why aren’t my friends in the Bronx afforded the opportunity to the symphony or the ballet or the museum? Why did I have to leave my neighborhood to get a good education? I realized how unfair that was. My quest for education was driven by that realization—that “aha” moment.

Straddling the two worlds of midtown Manhattan and the South Bronx, I developed survival skills to co-exist in both worlds. I got an excellent education at Columbia Prep, but I was frustrated that I couldn’t get the same quality education in schools in the Bronx. That’s been part of the reason for my advocacy for equity. It has led me on the quest for equal access and equitable success for students. It is what drives me to champion Clark College’s equity-centered strategic plan.

Eliminating barriers for students

During my entire career working in higher education, I have learned that providing opportunities for equitable success for college students means eliminating barriers that can prevent them from beginning or completing their education. Many students struggle with maintaining basic needs including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, childcare, paying their utility bill, and more.

Today more than half of the state’s college students qualify as low-income, and about half also reported experiencing food insecurity or housing insecurity, and more than 10% reported experiencing homelessness, according to the Washington State Achievement Council.

We are seeing these same barriers reflected in Clark College students:

• 31% of our students are low-income
• 45% of our students are first-generation college students without a family member to help them navigate college, including financial aid concerns
• Our campus food pantry saw a 70% increase between 2022 and 2023 in the number of students accessing food for themselves and their households.

Clearly, our students’ needs are great—and even overwhelming for so many. At Clark College, we continually ask ourselves:

• How can we eliminate barriers for our students?
• How can we help them stay on their path and complete their degree?

We already were offering free food pantry boxes every month, free bus passes, reduced membership to our campus fitness center ($10 per term), free counseling and health center, and much more.

But it wasn’t enough. Many students at Clark College and throughout our state still face so many barriers. Recognizing this need, the Washington State Legislature passed Second Substitute House Bill 1559 in 2023 requiring all public postsecondary institutions to address student basic needs by employing a benefits navigator, a single point of contact for students to access resources including public benefits, emergency assistance grants, housing supports, and more.

Providing access to basic needs

The state’s plan includes these action points for every public college or university:

• Hiring a basic needs navigator (or benefits navigator)
• Creating and implementing a hunger-free and basic needs campus plan
• Providing services through a basic needs hub (or benefits resource hub)

I am pleased that we have hired a basic needs navigator, a new role supported by the state to provide a single point of contact for students seeking essential resources.

Our navigator, Caitlin Malvar, first developed a comprehensive, holistic plan of action for addressing our students’ food insecurity, housing instability, and other basic needs so that they can focus on their education.

Next, our navigator focused on establishing a basic needs hub in our student union building. It provides a single location on campus where students can connect with our navigator to access a range of vital services, learn what benefits they may be eligible for, and get help completing various enrollment applications for food, housing, healthcare, utilities, and more. Although many college students can qualify for assistance, most do not realize they are eligible for these resources.

“So many of our students do not realize they are eligible to receive SNAP benefits,” said Caitlin, who is helping eligible students apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). “We are destigmatizing the need for essential resources to thrive in higher education and in life.”

Crashing through barriers

Through the collaboration of our basic needs hub and our Workforce Education Services (WES) office, our students can now access wrap-around services and resources to help them complete their education. With all of these in place as we step into a new academic year, Clark students—and students around Washington State—are crashing through barriers as they step toward achieving their academic goals.

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Vice President of Instruction Dr. William “Terry” Brown shared his story with Clark students, faculty, and staff at the Fall Student of Color Luncheon on November 12 in PUB 161.

The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs. The purpose of the student luncheons is to allow students and employees to hear inspiring stories, connect with faculty, meet new friends, consider different career paths, and identify community resources and potential mentors.

Dr. Brown began by saying, “Today I have the opportunity to address the most important people here at Clark College—our students.”

Then he spoke directly to the students, weaving his personal stories into his narrative as a Black man growing up in Florida at the beginning of desegregation. He challenged societal norms, earning a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and then a doctorate.  

Dr. Brown said, “Never underestimate what students can achieve.”

He talked about how during the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, and how students were instrumental in bringing about societal change.

“When I look around this room, I see people who are fully capable of changing the world,” he added, “I am convinced that when capable, talented people are supported, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”

He challenged students: “Nobody does anything really important by themselves. Surround yourself with people who will help you become successful.”

Decide who you want to be:

• Conceive your vision of yourself as a fully functioning human being.
• Choose – There’s power in choice: what you choose to be, where you choose to go, who you choose to spend time with. Not choosing is also a choice.
• Commit to where you’re going and what you’re doing.
• Challenge limitations, especially if they are self-imposed.

Dr. Brown told students: “Challenge your own limitations. Sometimes the biggest obstacles are the limitations we put on ourselves. To students of color, there are enough limitations out there. Don’t put limitations on yourself.”

He added, “People challenged my intellect, my competence, my identity, even my personhood.”

Here are some of the questions people have asked him:

• “Who the hell do you think you are?”
• “Why are you here?”
• “You’re too black.”
• “You’re too white.”

Dr. Brown said, “For the person of color, there will always be some challenge to your personhood. Take time every day to affirm your personhood. Your strengths. Your weaknesses. Where you come from. Where you’re going. This is a fight for our personhood.”

He spoke about the importance of finishing what we start: “Completing a task gives you a record of your accomplishment. You look back on what you’ve already done. That can be your guide to go forward.”

He charged the students to have the courage to conceive their vision of who they are and who they want to be, then to commit to their vision and achieve their vision. “It takes courage to see this through to the end.”

Dr. Brown concluded with a quote from author Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”

Read a story here about Dr. Brown’s Penguin Talks presentation at Vancouver Community Library.

Connect with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)

• In-person: Diversity Center, Gaiser Hall 214
• Phone: 360-992-2292
• Email: diversity@clark.edu
• Website: www.clark.edu/cc/diversity

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The Clark College community gathered to celebrate the open house of the Basic Needs Hub on November 6. Students, staff, faculty, and members of the Clark College Foundation toured the space and greeted the staff.

People chatted on the comfy couches. Some signed their names to penguin prints and pinned them on a bulletin board that says: Penguins Flock Together for Basic Needs. Other visitors helped themselves to coffee, sparkling water, fruit, or donuts. Many stopped to say “hello” to Oso the therapy dog, an important member of the Basic Needs team.

Q: What are the basic needs for Clark students – or any college students?

A: The list of basic needs for students is long: Housing, food, water, clothing, physical health, mental health, childcare, transportation, access to technology, and other needs that students may face difficulty with, and that hinder their ability to begin or continue their enrollment in school.

Clark College and the city of Vancouver provide a comprehensive system of basic needs services to support the personal and academic success of students. The Basic Needs program helps students better navigate and understand all the resources available.

Basic Needs Hub

The Basic Needs Hub is open to all Clark College students, staff, and faculty. Come grab a coffee and a snack, and take a break. They also have computers, printers, and school supplies to help students get their homework done. They also stock supplemental pantry items and hygiene products.

The Basic Needs Team is eager to connect with Clark students, support them in accessing Basic Needs resources, and cultivate their sense of belonging at Clark.

Donate to support the hub’s fundraising campaign.

Basic Needs Team

Caitlin Malvar, Basic Needs Navigator, is assisted by two Portland State University graduate students earning master’s degrees in social work, Meagan Montalto and Pearl Brown, who are the team’s Basic Needs Program Specialists.

Let’s not forget, Oso, the Basic Needs therapy dog. Oso and his owner, Caitlin, are a certified therapy dog team. Find him in the Basic Needs Hub, where he helps bring comfort and support to the campus community. Come say hi! When Oso isn’t working hard in the Basic Needs Hub, he loves to hike, go to the coast, chase squirrels, and snuggle with his black cat sister, Luna.

Malvar said, “I am grateful to be building the foundation of a very special space here at Clark College. I am motivated and overjoyed to see the Basic Needs Hub open and serving students. With the help of my team, I know we will make a huge impact on our community.”

All about the Basic Needs Hub

• Learn more about the Basic Needs team here.
• Learn more about the Hub here.
• Basic Needs resource inventory here
• Donate to the Basic Needs Hub here

Connect with the Basic Needs Hub

• Where: Gaiser Hall 216 (upstairs next to WES)
• When: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Email: basicneeds@clark.edu
• Phone: 360-992-2766

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Clark College students, staff, and supporters gathered with the Clark College Foundation on November 6 at the Hilton in downtown Vancouver for a dinner event to celebrate the intersection between students, scholarships, and the community. The Clark College Foundation Annual Event: A Scholarship Story focused on the impacts of scholarships, not just in a student’s life, but how they ripple throughout the entire community.

Clark College mascot, Oswald, greeted guests and posed for photos. The evening ended with a rousing performance by White Lotus Dragon and Lion Dance Team.

The Foundation awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to Clark students during the 2023-2024 academic year, contributing to the over $9 million in financial aid grants and loans distributed to the students. Since the Foundation’s inception in 1973, it has supported Clark College with more than $85 million, including scholarships and grants for education and essential needs.

Cheree Nygard, chair of Clark College Foundation board of directors said, “Every scholarship represents an investment in the future, helping students who might not otherwise pursue their dreams. Whether it’s a single parent balancing work and school, a first-generation student blazing new trails, or someone retraining for a new career, scholarships make these stories of success possible. Education is the foundation of a thriving community, and at Clark, we are shaping the future of Southwest Washington, one student at a time.”

Nygaard continued, “I’m passionate about this work because I’ve seen firsthand how it changes lives. When we support education, we’re not just helping individuals — we’re empowering families, building stronger neighborhoods, and creating a ripple effect of positive change that touches us all.”

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards said, “It is truly a privilege to be here tonight, as we come together to celebrate the transformative impact of scholarships on our students and our community. Scholarships are more than just financial aid—they represent hope, opportunity, and belief in the future. They give students the chance to pursue their dreams, and they remind us that when we unite in support of education, we can achieve incredible things. This sense of unity, this collective commitment to making a difference, is what sets Clark College apart.”

A Scholarship Story

First-generation college student and scholarship recipient Malina Siharath, pictured above, spoke from the podium about how receiving three scholarships from the Foundation is making her second year at Clark much less stressful than her first year.

She said, “In my first year of college, I paid all expenses out of pocket or with personal loans. Because of the Darby/Smith Scholarship, Fordham Scholarship, and the Clark Alumni Scholarship, I will graduate from Clark College with only that first year of debt.” She added, “When the community helps students through scholarships, they truly change students’ lives on their academic journeys.”

Siharath is pursuing a communications degree, with a goal of working in public relations and social media. She already is putting her skills to work as director of public relations of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

Clark College Foundation CEO Calen Ouellette, said, “What an incredible evening this has been! We’ve heard powerful stories of how scholarships transform lives—creating opportunities, igniting dreams, and opening doors that might otherwise stay closed. But the best part? This story doesn’t end tonight. In fact, it’s just beginning, and you’re all part of it.” He added, “If you’ve been inspired by the stories and would like to continue being a part of this ongoing narrative, I invite you to support Clark College scholarships. Every dollar you give helps write the next chapter in a student’s life.”

Thank you to the event sponsors

• Waste Connections
• U.S. Bank
• U.S. Bank Wealth Management
• Peterson & Associates
• Moss Adams
• The Columbian

Learn more:

Learn more about the Clark College Foundation here
Support future Clark College scholars – Donate here

Photos courtesy of the Clark College Foundation and photographer Emily Shirron.

On Tuesday, November 5, the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) and Activities Programming Board (APB) presented Democracy, Dogs, and Donuts to celebrate civic engagement on election day. Students handed out “I voted” stickers, provided voter information and delicious donuts. Therapy dogs — dressed flamboyantly in patriot red, white, and blue — mingled in the crowds to help soothe election anxiety.

For many Clark students, it was their first time being eligible to vote in either a general or a presidential election. ASCC student government led the effort to encourage new voters by hosting voter registration events on campus and directing students to the ballot box on campus.

ASCC Civics and Sustainability Director Keith Christian said, “ASCC and APB held the election day event as a way for Clark College students to celebrate our nation’s right to vote and get more engaged in the Clark College community. Helping Clark College students by engaging them in activities, volunteering, and getting more involved, we can find more ways to connect with each other and the community we live and work in.”

About ASCC and APB

The Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) student government advocates and represents Clark College students by serving as the liaison between students and faculty, staff, administration, and the community.

The Activities Programming Board (APB) is charged with the creation of a comprehensive events calendar to include cultural, educational, family, and social events for Clark students both on-campus and virtually.

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

On Friday, November 1, Clark College welcomed the community to its annual POWWOW as it hosted Educating for the Seventh Generation, a celebration of Indigenous cultures in Gaiser Student Center.

It was a family affair for all ages — from toddlers to teens, from young parents to senior grandparents and great-grandparents all reveling in the cherished community event. Vendors set up at tables to sell their crafts, including jewelry, art, and clothing.

First, Native American veterans presented the colors. Next, drummers sitting in a circle on the stage, pounded rhythms and chanted. That was the signal for the dancers. Wearing colorful regalia, dancers moved rhythmically along the floor as the bells on jingle dresses tinkling along with the drums.

Attendees were invited to participate in a round dance, and they jumped in, including Vancouver, Washington mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. A blanket dance was also performed, and the blanket was spread out to collect donations for the college’s Dreamcatcher Scholarship.

Dreamcatcher Scholarship

One highlight of the event is announcing the students who were selected to receive a Dreamcatcher Scholarships. The scholarship is designed to help current and future Clark College students who identify as Native American Indian, Alaska Native, Hawaiian Native or indigenous to the Americas. The Dreamcatcher Scholarship will be awarded from the fund in the name of Becky Archibald and Anna Schmasow for their endless commitment advocating the education for the Seventh Generation. 

The 2024 Dreamcatcher Scholarship recipients are:

• Michelle Britz
• Dabai Do Che’
• Kayla Morgan

Scholarship recipient Kayla Morgan said, “I’m from Aniak, Alaska. I proudly embrace my Yup’ik heritage.”

The Clark College student is in her first quarter of the dental hygiene program pursuing her goal to become a dental hygienist.

Morgan said, “The Dreamcatcher Scholarship allows me to pursue this path, providing crucial support as I advance in my education and work toward making a difference in dental health.”

Scholarship recipient Michelle Britz has Tlingit ancestry. She is pursuing an associate in arts degree at Clark College and plans to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree to pursue her career goal of occupational therapist. Britz is a single mother of three young sons. Her oldest son with disabilities has been an influencing factor in her direction of study.

She said, “It’s been amazing seeing him grow and learn from various therapies. I’m very interested in how the mind and body work together. I’ve also always enjoyed helping people. Working with people directly keeps me engaged.”

Britz added, “It feels like I have a mountain in front of me, but I am going to do my absolute best to provide a happy and full childhood for them. Luckily, I have an opportunity to gain a degree that would allow me to help people and still be available for my children in the after-school hours. This scholarship, along with FAFSA, would relieve me and my family of some of the financial stress that tuition presents.”

History of the POWWOW at Clark College

Since 2009, Clark College has celebrated Indigenous cultures during the first weekend of November with a powwow that includes music, dance, food, vendors, honoring of veterans, and the announcement of the Dreamcatcher Scholarship honoring our vision of Educating for the Seventh Generation.

Clark College coordinates and hosts this annual event in honor of Native American Heritage Month. “Educating for the Seventh Generation” references our responsibility to teach the future Seventh Generation to maintain our resources, traditions, and customs. It is the way of caring and preserving for the Seventh Generation, which is a true sustainable practice to consider the impacts of every decision for the next seven generations into the future.

Learn more about Clark’s POWWOW here.

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Did you know that Native Americans couldn’t be United States citizens until 1924, and that state law continued to prevent some from voting until long after that? Did you know that California committed a genocide against Native Americans — and only apologized in 2019? 

Jhon Kuppens delivered the third and final Penguin Talks on October 31 at Vancouver Community Library. He spoke on the theme of Native American, Indigenous or Indian? – about American Indian tribal histories, sovereignty, federal trust responsibility, and rights. Kuppens discussed the impact of tribal politics, culture, law, jurisdiction, and values while examining the legacy of historical trauma. 

Kuppens is an enrolled member of the Gabrielino-Tongva Indian Tribe, a California Indian Tribe known as the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. He holds a Master of Legal Studies degree in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Washington State University. 

Kuppens shared his own story. Because of his name inherited from his father, he was frequently told “you don’t look Native American,” which he found very hurtful. His mom’s side was an early California family, and he is descended from enslaved Native Americans forced to work at the San Gabriel Mission run by Spanish colonizers. He asked if anyone had read the book Island of the Blue Dolphins growing up. “That’s my tribe.” 

While he was immersed in his culture growing up, he was always told to hide his Native American and Spanish heritage from those outside the tribe. “It was [perceived as] a negative thing.” 

He explained that while he knew some about his own tribe’s history, there was much he didn’t know about the history of tribes across North America growing up. 

When he was a young man, he became curious about his heritage. After an interaction with the Bureau of Indian Affairs gave him a glimpse of the complexities of tribal law, he dived further in to learn more and eventually became a lawyer himself. 

Tribal rights 

• While many tribes have treaties with the United States that protect their rights, the United States has disobeyed those treaties. 

• Getting federally recognized is an incredibly complicated process with two pathways: acts of Congress, or an extremely complex recognition process through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

• Many tribes have been fighting for federal recognition for decades. Even Sacagawea’s tribe, the Lemhi-Shoshone, is not federally recognized. 

• The United States frequently gave unwanted desert land to tribes for reservations. Now, companies attempt to take natural resources from those lands against the will of the people who live there. For example, the Navajo Nation has and is near a lot of valuable uranium deposits. Mining is creating health hazards for the Navajo people and they are trying to take legal measures against the miners. 

• Jurisdiction can be very complex on lands belonging to Native Americans. It can be very difficult to determine who has the rights to what under criminal law, family law, and public services. 

Local tribes 

• Tribes local to our area include the Cowlitz Tribe, the Chinook Nation, the Yakama Nation, and more. 

• Local tribes helped Lewis and Clark survive winter as they traveled through what is now known as the Pacific Northwest. 

• Cowlitz Tribe only recently gained federal recognition (2000) and a reservation of their own (2015).  

• Chinook Nation has been fighting for federal recognition for over 120 years. They were briefly recognized in 2001, but the status was revoked 18 months later. 

• In 2022, the Yakama Nation won a court case against Klickitat County which preserved their ownership of treaty-granted lands on Mount Adams and in Southwest Washington. 

Speaking about Native Americans with respect 

• Native Americans don’t like being considered “minorities,” and most don’t prefer the term “Indian.” 

• Alaska Natives should not be called “Eskimos.” 

• The terms “Indian-giver”, “totem pole”, “powwow”, and “off-the-reservation” when used as casual idioms are rooted in racism and disrespect of Native American culture. 

Kuppens ended his talk with a tip: “When you meet tribal people, have a kind heart towards them.” 

Want to learn more? 

Sign up for Kuppens’ Community Education class, “Tribal Sovereignty, Federal Recognition, and Federal Trust Responsibility.”  On three Tuesday sessions between November 3 and 19, Kuppens will share more about tribal law to better prepare those who collaborate and work with tribal governments. 

About Penguin Talks 

Clark College and Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries partnered to present Penguin Talks, a lunchtime speaker series at noon on three consecutive Thursdays in October in the Columbia Room at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver. The free, public series featured local experts sharing their knowledge about critical topics impacting our community. 

Recaps of the first two Penguin Talks: 

Dr. Terry Brown presented “The Power of Education”  on October 17, 2024. 

Melissa Williams presented “Grapping with our Racialized History” on October 24, 2024.     

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Melissa Williams, Policy Associate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges delivered the second Penguin Talks on October 24 at Vancouver Community Library.

Williams has almost 20 years of experience working in administrative leadership positions in higher education, including 13 years at Clark College. She serves on the Alumni Board of Clark College Foundation.

Speaking on the theme “Red, White, and Brown: Race in the United States,” Williams shared a detailed timeline focused on race and policy. She shared slide after slide illuminating laws, Supreme Court decisions, and policies that were integral in the formation of race in the U.S.

All of these policies and laws resulted in far-reaching consequences for those being oppressed. They determined whether a person was free, whether they could vote, where they could attend public school, who they could marry, what language they could speak, whether they were eligible for the G.I. Bill, whether they could get a home loan, live in a certain neighborhood, be protected by a union. The list is long and so very thorough.

One such policy was the Naturalization Act of 1790 which restricted citizenship to “any alien, being a free white person” who had resided in the U.S. for at least two years. Native Americans were considered “domestic foreigners” and were denied universal citizenship.

Other examples were Slave Codes and Black Codes, sets of laws that curtailed agency, expression, and limited recourse for Africans and African Americans—both enslaved and free—for more than 200 years from the 1600s to the 1800s.

Although Blacks were often the target, Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese—and many more people of color were targeted. In 1878, the Supreme Court ruled that Chinese individuals were ineligible for naturalized citizenship. Then the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act prohibited Chinese immigration for 10 years by an act of Congress. Ten years later, when the law was scheduled to expire, it was renewed and later made permanent. It was not repealed until 1943.

Native Americans were universally granted citizenship in 1924—and they were here first!

In 1942, shortly after the U.S. entered World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, forcing the evacuation and internment of 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast, most of whom were U.S. citizens or documented immigrants.

Williams said, “It is important to think about how policy, law, and traditions have shaped our country and our communities.”

Here are some highlights of Williams’ presentation.

Why talk about race?

• Even with all things equal, people of color nearly always experience worse outcomes than their White counterparts in every sociocultural and economic pillar.
• As a group, Black people specifically almost always experience worse outcomes than all others due to centuries of persistent anti-Black bias around the world.
• The fierce fight for equality and rights that people of color have waged in our nation has broadened access and inclusion for all people. The fight continues.
• Race has a profound impact on our lives.

What is racism?

• Racism is a system of race-based power and advantage.
• Systemic racism is the complex interaction of history, culture, policy, and social institutions that oppresses some groups to give an advantage to others.
• In the United States, the foundation of this system is white supremacy (the superiority of whiteness).

White supremacy

• The notion that White people and their ideas, views, values, communication styles, work styles, pursuits, approaches to relationship-building, appearances, and behaviors are the human standard to which all other people are compared.
• The term “white supremacy” is often associated with racist hate groups, but it more accurately describes the underpinning of U.S. culture and commonplace beliefs of people who grow up in a society.
• White supremacy can exist without malice.

What is race?

• Race as we think of it isn’t biological but is very real culturally, socially, politically, and economically.
• Race is an immensely powerful social construction.

At the conclusion of presenting the timeline, Williams shared a quote from Ibram X. Kendi from his book, How to Be an Antiracist:

“Americans have long been trained to see the deficiencies of people rather than policy. It’s a pretty easy mistake to make: People are in our faces. Policies are distant. We are particularly poor at seeing the policies lurking behind the struggles of people.”

Williams said, “Remember that folks have always been fighting for equity and justice.” She added, “It is important that we continue to grapple with our racialized history. We’re still grappling. We’re still making corrections.”

Some books and films Williams referenced:

• Ibram X. Kendi, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America (2016)
• Ibram X. Kendi, How to Be an Antiracist (2019)
• Isabel Wilkerson, Caste: The Origin of our Discontents (2020)
• Documentary 13^th: From Slave to Criminal with One Amendment, a film by Ava DuVernay that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States and the mass incarceration of Black Americans (2016); streaming on Netflix
• The PBS documentary series: Race: The Power of an Illusion discusses the origins, beliefs, and consequences of what we call race (2003)

About Penguin Talks

Clark College and Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries are partnering to present Penguin Talks, a lunchtime speaker series offered at noon on three consecutive Thursdays on October 17, 24, and 31 in the Columbia Room at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver. The free, public series features local experts sharing their knowledge about critical topics impacting our community.

Next Penguin Talk – October 31  

Native American, Indigenous or Indian? with Jhon Kuppens

Jhon Kuppens, enrolled member of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrielino/Tongva, will speak about American Indian tribal histories, sovereignty, federal trust responsibility, and rights. Kuppens will explore the impact of tribal politics, culture, law, jurisdiction, and values while examining the legacy of historical trauma.

Kuppens holds a Master of Legal Studies degree in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Washington State University.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Sandra Bush (they/them) has psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES), a diagnosis that changed their life and also pushed them on a personal journey of discovery.

Bush, a Clark graduate and now Clark employee, shared their story with Clark students, faculty, and staff at the fall term Students with Disabilities Luncheon on October 22. The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The purpose of the luncheons is to allow students and employees to hear inspiring stories, connect with faculty, meet new friends, consider different career paths, and identify community resources and potential mentors.

Bush spoke about how they learned to cope with their diagnosis and stop allowing society to define them.

“Society is going to always have something to say about your ability or lack of,” Bush said, and added, “Society doesn’t always get to make the rules.”

Reaching this conclusion was a journey after hearing negative bias from society and from family members when they were growing up. “I have a hard time loving myself as I am… I’m doing work to figure out what that means.”

Their seizures, which are triggered by emotional stress or typical stress, can be dangerous and cause Bush to get hurt. The exact triggers for Bush’s condition have evolved over time. They have worked hard on managing emotional triggers and have developed strategies like listening to music or watching a funny video. At the same time, the condition makes it challenging to work through stressful emotions.

When Bush first started experiencing seizures, they were frightening and dangerous. Being a Black person experiencing medical issues also changed how Bush was treated. Bush shared a story about an early seizure episode when they were alone at a mall and only had time to call their mother before falling to the ground and becoming unresponsive. When someone saw Bush on the mall floor, they made the racist assumption that Bush was on drugs and decided to kick Bush to see if they responded. The person stopped kicking only when Bush’s mother screamed through the phone. Finally, someone called 911 to get Bush help.

For the record, Bush noted, that’s not how you should treat someone having a reaction to drugs, either. They said, “People don’t always respond best to something they don’t understand.”

Getting diagnosed required a lot of tests. Even after getting diagnosed, they experienced some challenging times. Bush spent their first week as a college freshman in the hospital.

Bush worked hard to understand how their disability does and does not limit them.

They advised: “Sit with it. Do research about your disability. What does it say you can and can’t do? Test it.”

Bush described their own process of trying smaller things—like starting with shorter walks—then working their way up. They also gained the courage to ignore the judgements of others and lean into interests and hobbies, like jewelry-making and rock hounding, that don’t trigger their condition.

Bush offered the audience six questions to help them on their own journey of discovery:

1. Who are you?
2. What makes you YOU?
3. Who’s holding power over you and why?
4. What do you need to let go of?
5. Do you respect and love yourself?
6. What does changing the narrative look like for you?

Save the Date:

Next DEI luncheon – Students of Color Luncheon in the Penguin Union Building (PUB), room 161 on November 12 at Noon.

Connect with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI):

• In-person: Diversity Center, Gaiser Hall 214
• Phone: 360-992-2292
• Email: diversity@clark.edu
• Website: www.clark.edu/cc/diversity

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

The Community Room in the Clark College Building at WSU Vancouver was the place to forge community and career connections on October 22. Students, alumni, community members, and local employers intersected at Clark’s Career Connect event, the first-ever Career Connect event the college has hosted at this campus.

Clark students pursuing Health Care and Bioscience programs connected with campus supports and with employers to discuss available internships, jobs, and other opportunities.

Looking around the room busy with people making connections, Alex Kison from Career Services said, “We got the word out to students!”

The event was organized by the Career Services team, with Kison leading the logistics. The Career Services team includes Kison, Emily Meoz, Trisha Haakonstad, Michael Caldwell, Aaron Campbell, and Niira Krupnick. Student employees Eli Knapp and Paul Dulaney also assisted with the event.

Connecting with Clark services

Advising Services, Career Services, and Student Success Coaches worked together to staff the event. Staff members assisted students who had the opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding of academic pathways, career possibilities, and strategies for success.

These departments partnered with faculty to coordinate timing for the event that would make the most sense for student participation. The event was held in the community room on the main floor of the building that houses the majority of Clark’s Allied Health programs. Organizers scheduled a lunchtime event and offered free pizza, salad, and drinks.

Jordan Wilcox, program specialist for Clark’s upcoming surgical technology program, spoke to students about the new program and its prerequisites. The new program is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025.

Lana Strickland, Student Success Coach for students pursuing Healthcare and Biosciences was on hand to chat with students about scheduling time with a coach, improving study skills, and more.

Connecting with employers

Logan, a Clark biology student who plans to pursue a career in either microbiome research or zoology made his way around the various tables as he talked to employers. He stopped at the Multnomah County Health Department table to discuss potential career opportunities.

Ardon Health, which operates specialty pharmacies, is hiring pharmacy technicians. A Clark pharmacy tech student is currently doing an externship with them.

Kaiser Permanente is hiring medical assistants, nurses, and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Consumer Direct Care Network is hiring in-home caregivers.

Clark nursing student Kevin was the first to make connections with people around the room and turn in his Career Connect BINGO card, which includes activities related to career exploration and connections made at the event.

Over a two-hour period, valuable connections were made as Clark students stepped closer to their much-anticipated careers.

Next Career Connect Event

If you missed the October 22 event or are looking for more opportunities to connect, here is an upcoming opportunity:

Exploring Healthcare & Biosciences Careers – A Career Connect event

• When: Tuesday, November 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Clark’s main campus in PUB 161 (Penguin Lounge)

“We want to meet students where they are already taking classes,” explained Kison. “The November 19^th event is more exploratory for students and community members who are interested in a healthcare and bioscience career but want to learn more and explore the different options. There will be healthcare and bioscience employers and industry professionals such as nurses, pharmacy technicians, and healthcare administrative specialists who will be available to speak to experience in their field.”

Employers who participated in the October 22 Career Connect:

• American Family Urgent Care
• Ardon Health (specialty pharmacy services)
• Consumer Direct Care Network (in-home caregivers)
• Department of Social and Health Services
• Kaiser Permanente
• Legacy Health
• Multnomah County Health Department
• PeaceHealth
• Providence
• The Vancouver Clinic

Clark connections:

• Allied Health programs
• Career Services
• Student Success Coaching
• Academic Advising
• Surgical Technology program (starting Fall 2025)

Make connections

• Advising Services: advising@clark.edu or (360) 992-2345 or GHL 108
• Career Services: careerservices@clark.edu or (360) 992-2902 or GHL 108
• Student Success Coaches: Schedule a session here

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish