By Malina Siharath, PTK Director of Public Relations
Left to right: 2024-2025 Phi Theta Kappa leaders: Malina Siharath, Lindsey Quiroz, Jude Georgeades-Tambara, and Mary Chavez
Congratulations to the 23 Clark College honors students who became members of Alpha Sigma Phi, the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) during this winter term. PTK celebrated these new members at the 2025 Winter Induction Ceremony on March 4.
The official honor society for two-year colleges, PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s first PTK induction ceremony was in 1991.
Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.
“Phi Theta Kappa is all about recognition,” said Darci Feider, PTK advisor. “During our induction ceremony, we recognize people for being scholars, for their achievements, and for being a part of our community.”
Additionally, Feider spoke on the importance of storytelling and connecting with the Honors In Action project that Phi Theta Kappa submitted in December 2024. Presented by Vice President of Service Jude Georgeades-Tambara, the Honors in Action project is a PTK program that combines academic research and service to address issues within students’ communities. The project’s 2024-2025 theme, The Power of Storytelling, was encapsulated in the induction.
2024-25 PTK Officers
The 2024-25 PTK officers are Mary Chavez, Vice President of Scholarship; Lindsey Quiroz, Vice President of Fellowship; Jude Georgeades-Tambara, Vice President of Service, and Malina Siharath, Director of Public Relations.
Officer Applications Open
Officer applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Benefits include professional development, public speaking skills, networking, training, and travel opportunities.
All-Washington Academic Team
PTK scholars representing Clark College will join PTK scholars from all the state’s 34 community and technical colleges to be recognized at the 2025 All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.
The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state’s finest higher education students attending two-year colleges. The program has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors the academic high achievers, the individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to success in their classrooms and in their communities. This recognition demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges. Learn more here.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Q: What is Phi Theta (PTK)?
A: Phi Theta Kappa is the international official Honors Society for two-year colleges.
Q: How does PTK benefit students?
A: Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the academic achievement of college students. It provides opportunities for its members to achieve academic and career success through scholarships and leadership training.
Q: Where are PTK chapters?
A: PTK has a presence at almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations.
Q: What is the history of PTK?
A: PTK was established in 1918. Later, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.
Q: How many students have been inducted into PTK?
A: More than 3.5 million students have been inducted into PTK.
Q: How many active PTK members are there?
A: There are about 250,000 active PTK members in the nation’s community colleges.
PTK at Clark College
Clark College has recognized Phi Theta Kappa as an official honor society since 1991. PTK doesn’t just recognize students’ academic success. It also provides them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths — and make their worlds a lot bigger. Clark College’s Alpha Sigma Phi Chapter Contact: ptk@clark.edu
Mia Beightol with her NWAC Runner of the Year ring.
Mia Beightol earned NWAC Runner of the Year after finishing first in her 3K run at the Fall 2024 Women’s Cross-Country Championships. She finished the run with a time of 18:18:4, winning by over 14 seconds.
Beightol’s win helped catapult the entire Penguins women’s cross-country team to second place at the championships overall. She was also the Southern Regional Champion with a time of 18:35.6.
Left to right: Mia shows her ring to Chair Denise Gideon, President Dr. Karin Edwards, Vice Chair Marilee Scarbrough, and Cristhian Canseco Juárez.
She was recognized with a championship ring at the Clark Board of Trustees’ meeting on February 26. Clark President Dr. Karin Edwards presented her the ring as an audience full of supporters and her parents watched over Zoom.
While Beightol herself was humble, the women’s cross-country coach Owen Frasier—who also received the 2024 NWAC Southern Region Men’s Coach of the Year—made sure the trustees understood what an accomplishment this was.
With emotion in his voice, he shared with the trustees that Beightol was not only an excellent athlete but academically accomplished, with a 3.7 GPA. He also shared that his own daughter looks up to Beightol for being a great, kind person.
This is the second year in a row that Clark College won the honor of NWAC Runner of the Year, the 2023 honoree was Sydnee Boothby.
The Northwest Athletic Conference is the parent organization for thirty-six (36) community colleges located in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. It is the mission of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) to foster athletic participation in an environment that supports equitable opportunities for student-athletes consistent with the educational objectives of member colleges. (From NWAC’s website)
Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent
Dr. Edwards receives Compass Award at MLK event
Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards was presented the Compass Award at “Rising Together,” the 15th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on January 20, MLK Day, at ilani Hotel and Resort in Ridgefield. The event is hosted by iUrban Teen.
The Compass Award is given to a person or organization who “encompasses equity as a north star.” A long-time educator with over 35 years of experience in higher education administration, Dr. Edwards found her niche in community colleges where she has witnessed the transformational power that education has in the lives of students and in the communities they serve.
Dr. Edwards said, “I am humbled to be recognized with a Compass Award at this event, and I look forward to continuing Dr. King’s vision through the college’s work. I hope everyone will find opportunities to contribute toward cultivating a more equal and just society to bring us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.”
Clark College Foundation and Clark trustees and staff attended the event in support for Dr. Edwards and her equity work at the college.
The annual event celebrating Dr. King’s legacy featured:
Compass Award presentation to Dr. Karin Edwards
Keynote speaker Keyonda McQuarters, inspirational leader and wellness advocate
Welcome by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnery-Ogle
Messages from spiritual leaders Pastor Joyce Smith and Pastor Matthew J. Hennessee
Performance by Kings Return, Grammy-nominated a cappella group
iUrban Teen posted this message on its Facebook page: Join IUrban Teen as we honor Dr. King’s legacy with an inspiring morning of inspirational speakers, unity, reflection, and community, featuring Grammy-nominated, a cappella sensation Kings Return. Together, we rise to create a brighter future!
Student Artist Recognized by Phi Theta Kappa
Student Beheshta Eqbali, a member of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa honors society, has been named a PTK Visual Arts Award recipient for her painting Afghan Girl. Her work will be published in the 30th edition of Nota Bene, Phi Theta Kappa’s honors anthology, and she will receive a $500 scholarship. The anthology will be printed in 2025.
Eqbali is a student leader in the Activities Programming Board. Her painting is being displayed in the ASCC Student Life offices in PUB 160.
PTK Advisor Darci Feider said, “Beheshta is a valued member of Clark’s PTK chapter. We are so proud of her for receiving the PTK Visual Arts Award for her beautiful painting, Afghan Girl. We’re excited that her work will be published in Nota Bene, and we can’t wait to see her honored in the Parade of Scholars at the PTK Catalyst convention in April. It’s wonderful to see her talent recognized on such a big stage. Our chapter is thrilled to support her and to celebrate this incredible achievement!”
About PTK
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s PTK chapter is Alpha Sigma Phi. Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.
BE: Art has been part of my life since I was a kid, but it became something much stronger in my teenage years and continues to be a powerful part of my life today. At first, painting was just a way to express myself without words. English is still new to me. Over time, though, it became something deeper, almost like therapy. It’s where I feel myself most, a space where I can share my thoughts and emotions without saying a word.
Q: What inspired you to paint Afghan Woman? Was there a specific person or event that inspired you?
BE: This painting is inspired by the courage and resilience of Afghan women, especially those who have faced unimaginable hardships yet carry strength in their eyes. It’s also deeply personal for me a way of staying connected to my culture and honoring the people who have shaped me. When I paint, I feel like I’m preserving a piece of my identity, even as I grow and adapt in a new world.
Q: What is the significance of your painting?
BE: For me, Afghan Girl is more than just a painting; it’s a reminder of where I come from and the heritage I carry with me. I see it as a silent storyteller, one that speaks of beauty, struggle, and quiet pride women into Afghan life. Through her expression, I hope others can feel the same depth of love and resilience that I see in my own people.
Q: What field are you studying at Clark?
BE: I’m studying web development because I love creating and problem solving, but painting remains close to my heart. My studies keep me grounded in technology, but painting keeps me balanced. It is where I can explore my creativity. It’s my place to be vulnerable and tell stories that go beyond the digital world and into something more personal. It’s a space where I can connect with my roots and share a part of myself that goes beyond the pixels on a screen.
Learn more
See Beheshta Eqbali’s painting in the ASCC Student Life offices, PUB 160.
Read more about PTK’s honors anthology, Nota Bene here
Congratulations, Dennis Blew, Management Analyst 3 in Enrollment Services, for receiving the Fall 2024 Classified Staff Excellence Award.
A warm congratulations to the other award nominees:
Angelina Albulov, Administrative Assistant 3, Social Sciences & Fine Arts
Dena Al-Mousawi, Program Coordinator, Office of VP Student Affairs
Jacob Salomon, Program Coordinator, Human Resources
Katie Massey, Deaf Interpreter 3, Disability Access Center
Kelly Eagan, Program Assistant, Transitional Studies Division
Marla Derrick, Program Coordinator, Athletics
Sara Irons, Early Childhood Specialist 2, Child & Family Services
Excerpts from Dennis’ nomination
“Dennis consistently demonstrates exceptional work performance, going above and beyond his assigned duties. His innovative approach to problem-solving has led to significant efficiency improvements within Enrollment Services and across the college. Dennis possesses a strong work ethic and consistently delivers high-quality work, even under tight deadlines. He is highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all his tasks. His ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and learn new technologies has been invaluable to the department.”
“Dennis has made significant contributions to the college community through his leadership in several key areas. As the Lead Query Developer, he has supported the query development process for Clark College, with a focus on improving efficiency and accuracy for all users. He has also taken on the role of a subject matter expert for ctcLink, providing valuable training and support to staff across the college. Dennis has been instrumental in enhancing our use of the PeopleSoft system.”
“Dennis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. He actively participates in diversity and equity initiatives, such as attending workshops and training sessions. He is respectful of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, and creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. Dennis is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to higher education for all students. He works diligently to assist students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation, low-income, and international students, in navigating the enrollment process and accessing the support services they need to succeed.”
About the Classified Staff Awards
Established in 2005, the Classified Staff Excellence Award recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements, or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award.
Criteria: Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible for another award for three years.
Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty.
Fall term’s Engineering Design Competition featured an edible building material: Pasta!
Teams constructed towers with dry pasta. They could use any type of pasta, and the towers ranged from round rigatoni beauties to tall, elegant lasagna sculptures. And there’s another catch: the towers had to have spaces for two small toy penguins to stand.
On the day of the competition, towers were tested for their ability to withstand force. They used an “Instron machine” to test the towers, which imposed increasing load on the towers. Some of the pasta towers burst with the force, making for an exciting minor pasta explosion.
The goal of the pasta towers was to reach a minimum of 20 Newtons of force, but many towers achieved taking hundreds of Newtons of force and some even hit over 2700.
Carol Hsu, an engineering professor who led the project, said “Watching the towers get crushed is always exciting, especially when it is catastrophic! In this competition, the students were challenged to design towers capable of withstanding a specified range of loads. Every team rose to the challenge with their pasta towers. Their success was largely due to prototype testing. Great job!”
Tina Barsotti, another engineering professor, explained that the project was devised by the students themselves. “Really what we’re teaching is the engineering design process.”
Advanced Manufacturing Center Finishes Construction
Left to right: Mortenson Market Director Carolyn Sizemore, Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards, Clark College Board of Trustees Marilee Scarbrough and Cristhian Canseco Juárez, and Clark College Vice President of Operations Sabra Sand.
The Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield has officially finished construction. To celebrate, developer and design-builder Mortenson officially presented Clark College with the keys this past Tuesday, November 19.
The ceremony, held in the new building, welcomed around 100 guests, including the Clark College Foundation and Board of Trustees, the City of Ridgefield, and on-site workers and trade partners. After speeches by project leadership, Clark’s mascot Oswald the Penguin helped accept the symbolic key presented by Mortenson.
Left to right: Sabra Sand, Calen Ouellette, Dr. Karin Edwards, Oswald, Vanessa Neal, Dorji Damdul, Dr. Terry Brown, Benjamin Sasse, and Gurraj Singh Dhami.
Speakers:
Dr. Karin Edwards, President, Clark College
Sabra Sand, Vice President of Operations, Clark College
Carolyn Sizemore, Market Director, Mortenson
Clark College will begin moving into its first building, the Advanced Manufacturing Center, over the next few months and readying the space for classes to begin in 2025. General education classes will be held there in Spring 2025; five general education classrooms and one computer lab will accommodate a future capacity to serve up to 1,200 students per term.
By Fall 2025, the complex will become the hub for the college’s advanced manufacturing program which is currently in development. When completed, the program will provide an initial enrollment of 32 students in two cohorts of 16, with plans to eventually serve 48 students across three cohorts. A grand opening is planned for 2025 when the college officially opens its doors.
The building’s heart, the open manufacturing floor is visible from the hallways and is always visitors’ favorite part of the building.
Located on a 10-acre property east of the Ridgefield Junction, the 49,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center features a vast open manufacturing floor, collaboration zones, satellite instructional facilities, classrooms, laboratories, offices, and more. The 35,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing training includes three industry-specific classrooms, four labs, five manufacturing cells, and a vast open manufacturing floor. The remaining 14,000 square feet houses the five general education classrooms, along with faculty and student amenities.
Manufacturing and classroom spaces in the Advanced Manufacturing Center are designed for multiple delivery modes including lecture, collaborative, project-based learning, and hybrid models implementing online content and classroom application. The facility’s acoustic design ensures that unamplified voice communication will carry above ambient machine noise. The flexible design of the structure is envisioned to accommodate future growth and will serve students, Ridgefield, and other north Clark County communities.
“This milestone marks an incredible step forward for Clark College and the Ridgefield community,” said Dr. Edwards. “We are committed to delivering an education environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and workforce readiness. The Advanced Manufacturing Center will provide invaluable opportunities to develop critical skills in a growing field, allowing us to support the region’s workforce and expand educational access in north Clark County.”
Mortenson’s Market Director, Carolyn Sizemore emphasized the project’s unique attributes. The LEED Silver-certified Advanced Manufacturing Center meets state energy performance standards, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves operational efficiencies. The progressive design-build construction delivery method used on the building was spearheaded by Mortenson in collaboration with Henneberry Eddy Architects; this delivery method proved instrumental to the successful implementation of the use of prefabrication in this project and the resulting efficiencies.
Mortenson is a U.S.-based builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Their portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, resulting as a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers.
100 guests, including the Clark College Foundation and Board of Trustees, the City of Ridgefield, and on-site workers and trade partners attended the event.
“The Advanced Manufacturing Center is a stunning testament to what can be achieved when stakeholders come together with a shared vision,” said Sizemore. “Clark College envisioned a sustainable, future-ready facility adaptable for growth in the Ridgefield community. We are proud to deliver this anchor building on the Ridgefield campus and we are confident that it will exceed the aspirations of Clark College and the Ridgefield community.”
Clark College employees gathered on September 16 to kick off the 2024-25 academic year during Opening Day festivities at O’Connell Sports Center. During the event, the following faculty and staff members were recognized. Congratulations to all the recipients! Read more about Opening Day: https://news.clark.edu/2024/09/opening-day-2024/
Left to right: Becky Engel, Halina Brant-Zawadzki, Tanya Diaz-Kozlowski, Sarah Blanchette, Catherine Johnston, and Sarah Luther
Clark College Exceptional Faculty Award is one of the highest honors that the college bestows. While anyone at the college can nominate a faculty member for this award, most nominations come from students to recognize professors who truly made a difference in their lives.
Halina Brant-Zawadzki, Nursing
Dr. Halina Brant-Zawadzki (Dr. B-Z) has taught Nursing at Clark College since January 2022. She has more than 18 years of experience in nursing education from various nursing schools in the Portland-Vancouver metro area, including being tenured faculty at the University of Portland’s School of Nursing. She teaches in the classroom, in the acute care setting, and in the simulation lab.
Dr. Brant-Zawadzki holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lewis and Clark College, both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland, and a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Washington. Her area of scholarship focuses on trauma-responsive education, stress management, and coping strategies in undergraduate nursing students.
Her student nominator wrote: “Dr. Brant-Zawadzki is the definition of ‘I’m here to help.’ She was attentive to each student and made everyone feel valid, supported, and wanted. She takes every question into careful consideration and tries different approaches for different learning styles. Her lectures and notes had videos, readings, demonstrations, and more to make sure every learner was addressed in their style.”
Sarah Luther, Mathematics
Sarah Luther earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education from Lewis and Clark College. She earned her Master of Science in Mathematics from Texas A&M University. Luther previously was a middle-school math teacher and a mathematics editor and textbook problem writer. She taught math at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon before she started teaching at Clark College 11 years ago.
Luther serves on the college’s Sigma Scholarship Committee and a tenure committee. She also is a member of Clark’s Math Activities Committee that organizes events to give students opportunities to interact with math outside the classroom. These include origami events, game nights emphasizing strategy and logic, and an event exploring the Pythagorean Theorem.
Her student nominator wrote:“Math is not at all my strength and when I first began Math 105, I was absolutely terrified. These feelings quickly vanished when I met with Professor Luther and realized I didn’t have to feel embarrassed to ask for help. She is not only very easy to understand, but also such an empathetic and understanding person who knows exactly how to work with students. It’s clear that she truly cares about the success of her students and I’m so incredibly grateful for her help this quarter.”
Sarah Blanchette, Human Services
Sarah Blanchette received an Associate of Arts in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Social Services from College of the Redwoods, a community college in Eureka, California, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at University of California Davis.
Next Sarah worked in social and human services leadership and administration for 25 years: 13 years at the Department of Social and Health Services and 7 years at Developmental Disabilities Administration. Working with youth, families, aging adults, and individuals with developmental disabilities led her to complete her master’s degree in Social Work at Eastern Washington University, which was co-located at Clark at the time.
Her master’s studies led Sarah to Clark College in 2019 to teach the next generation of human service workers through the BASHS and ACED programs.
Sarah said, “Teaching deepened my life. I have been inspired by my students’ resilience and by their passion for making the world a better place.”
Her student nominator wrote: “Sarah gives me hope for the future of my field. She teaches us alternative ways to view and use old ideas so we can apply conventional practices in a contemporary way that’s more trauma informed, culturally adaptable, and influenced by acknowledgement of the unique strengths and needs of various populations. She’s cultivating the generation of counselors that the world needs, and it’s both inspiring and motivating as an aspiring researcher trying to change the way helpers help for the better.”
Tanya Diaz-Kozlowski, Women’s Studies
Dr. Tanya Diaz-Kozlowski (she/her/ella) is a meditator, writer, and teacher who has taught Women’s Studies courses at Clark College since Fall 2020. She centers queer and BIPOC narratives in all courses to explore knowledge, subjectivity, and power with students as co-partners in learning, encouraging students to forge connections rooted in awareness, accountability, and compassion rather than reactivity, stereotypes, and dis/mis information.
Her contributions at Clark include mentoring queer and BIPOC students, serving on multiple hiring committees, speaking at the Queer Student Luncheon, serving as chair of a tenure committee, serving on the Instructional Planning Committee, and co-creating community and connection gatherings for Clark College faculty and staff.
Dr. Diaz-Kozlowski holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Wisconsin-Parkside, a Master of Science in Higher Education from Eastern Illinois University, and a doctorate degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a focus in social and cultural foundations from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In addition to her tenure at Clark, she has worked at the Uniting Pride Center of Champaign County and has taught at Illinois State University and The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Her student nominator wrote: “Race, gender, and sexuality all intersect with our identities. This is what we were taught in Women’s Studies and how Dr. Diaz-Kozlowski treats us reflects exactly what we learn. They respect pronouns and queer individuals. Also, they advocate for BIPOC and queer authors, which respects students’ identities as they may be relatable to us.”
Rebecca Engel, American Sign Language
Rebecca Engel earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Oregon State University and a Master of Education degree in Deaf Education from Western Oregon University. Before coming to Clark College, she taught middle school at Washington School for the Deaf. She has been teaching at Clark since 2006 and was granted tenure in 2020.
At Clark she teaches all levels of American Sign Language as well as Deaf Culture courses. She serves on Clark’s Curriculum committee, is ASL Club advisor, and actively participates in Teaching and Learning Center communities.
She also serves on CTE advisory boards for Evergreen and Vancouver school districts. She also serves on the Language Access advisory committee for OSPI.
Her student nominator wrote:“I am one of many students who have been touched by Becky’s contagious light and electric energy. She has supported me in my two years as an ASL student at Clark College and has always encouraged me to chase my dreams of becoming an ASL interpreter. Her willingness to teach me and her excitement toward my journey is a huge part of the reason why I am here today. She has shared resources with me, given valuable feedback that has grown my ASL skills, and reminded me why my dreams matter.”
“As a Deaf woman, Becky understands the value of respecting differences and has encouraged others to do so as well. Many times, we have discussed the importance of Deaf Culture as well as taking the time to learn from other people’s experiences. Becky is always willing to help and wants all of her students to feel supported in her classroom. She makes me feel like I am important and so are my opinions.”
Catherine Johnston, English as a Second Language
Volunteering with a literacy organization prompted Catherine Johnston to begin a career in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Fifteen minutes into her initial tutoring session with a pre-literate speaker of Arabic, she decided to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at University of San Francisco. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at DePaul University.
Since 1997, she has enjoyed teaching children and adults in language schools and universities, training teachers in a training certificate program, and writing and editing educational materials for several publishers. She has worked in educational settings in Hong Kong, Mexico, and various parts of the United States. She began teaching full time at Clark College in 2007.
Catherine said it is a privilege and a pleasure to have a role in the cultural adjustment process of her immigrant and refugee students, some of whom came here by choice and some of whom came here by circumstance.
She said, “Whether students are accomplished professionals, new to formal education, or somewhere in between, I appreciate the opportunity to help my ESL learners realize their goals. Serving alongside my Transitional Studies staff and faculty colleagues is a joy.”
Her student nominator wrote:“In the realm of education, there are teachers who simply impart knowledge, and then there are those rare individuals who leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of their students. Catherine Johnston, without a doubt, falls into the latter category. As an older student representing our diverse class, she is the best teacher I have encountered who helped me to believe in myself and have the courage to start a new life here in the United States, where English is not my first language.”
Exceptional Classified Staff Awards
Left to right: Terry Haye and Andra Spencer.
Andra Spencer,Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Her nominator wrote:“Andra has been a part of ODEI for a little over a year, and the positive impact of her work and dedication were immediately felt. Andra’s passion for equity and education is contagious. She dove into creating a PPI training on recognizing and disrupting antisemitism this summer and introduced many to a body of knowledge previously undiscussed at the college.”
Teresa Haye, Bachelor of Applied Science Teacher Education (BASTE)
Her nominator wrote:“Terry has been essential to the success of this program, which grew from 5 students in the first year to 20 students in the second year. Her passion for student success, removing barriers, and prioritizing tasks that allow for those dynamics are all part of her superpowers.”
Exceptional Administrative-Exempt Award
Monica Knowles, Bookstore
Her nominator wrote: “They are a productive leader; their work performance is exemplary. This is due partly to the fact that they have created well thought out procedures for the operation of the Bookstore. More importantly, they make sure that team members understand the importance of their roles in the big picture and provide the proper training for team members to perform their roles well. They foster an encouraging environment in which staff members want to collaborate and give their best for the Bookstore.”
Lora Whitfield Social Equity Award
Ciera Jones, Athletics
Lora Whitfield was an Early Childhood Education professor at Clark College who cared deeply about this community. She was committed to the success of her fellow employees and the students she served. As a tenured professor, she promoted equity and inclusion, creating a culture of community for all.
Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion reviews the nominations for this award and makes a recommendation based on a Clark employee’s demonstrated and sustained commitment to advancing equity. The recipient receives $1,000 and a plaque in honor of Lora Whitfield.
Her student nominator wrote: “Coach Ciera preaches equity and opportunity—and she stands by it. From allowing members onto her team who lack a background in the sport due to systemic failures, to promoting mental health resources and seeking ways to give back to the community, Ciera acts on her beliefs. She continuously goes above and beyond to ensure her team is involved on the field, in the school, and in the world around them. She is a shining example of leadership.”
“Coach Ciera demonstrates her leadership on the field, and in her office. When you speak with her, you can sense her respect for others. As a Deaf player on her team, I never felt lesser or othered by her. I was given numerous opportunities to grow in the sport, challenge my own obstacles, and better my mind and body. Her leadership instilled confidence in me that I carry to the classroom, and Ciera has reached out to me about partnering with the ASL Club to provide softball camps to the local Deaf community, furthering this inclusion and equity.”
Years of Service Awards
Brad Avakian, vice president of Human Resources, presented the years of service awards to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. Thanks to an anonymous donor through the Foundation, all years of service awards also come with monetary compensation based on the number of years served.
5 years
Human Resources: Alicia Dingivan
Instruction: Aaron Ahn, Andrea Belleisl, Sandra Bennett, Opinderjit Bhella, Sarah Blanchette, Chris Cerone, Kristin Christophersen, Joanne Costello, Kymber Croft-Miller, Jennifer Denrow, Cassia Gammill, Hernan Garzon, Katherine Goforth, Jesse Kysar, Nicholas Luisi, Erin Lynch, Olga Lyubar, Kathryn Matsuura, Stacie Murdoch, Kenneth Murr, Valenti Pischanskaya- Cayanan, Brian Shannon, Richa Sharma, Tabitha Stokes, Christopher Thompson, Christina Wallace
Operations: Courtney Braddock, Laurie Mitchell, Darcie Daniel
Student Affairs: Michael Aguirre, Kelsey Gramm, Amanda Mabrey
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Alyssa Montminy
Foundation: Andy Palmquist, Angela Torretta
10 YEARS
Instruction: Christopher Chaffin, Lindsay Christopher, Amy Ellis, Jay Fancher, Caron Ford, Jaron Gardiner, Rebecca Herman, Alec Josephson, Sergey Kachenkov, Darcy Kennedy, Manda Levie, Donald Ludwig, Brian McVay, James Powers, Cathy Reynolds, Jeffrey Snyder, Aubrey Tobias, Kurtis Trimbo, Michelle Vincent, Tiffani Young, Shelly Williams
Instruction: Linda Appert, William Athens, Jack Bohl, Loni Bramson, Amanda Brown, Erin Burrows, Amanda Crochet, Alison Dolder, Wendy Edgar, Nicole Ekle, Rebecca Engel, Heidi Fay, Cynthia Foreman, Michael Guerra, Marilyn Hale, Shanda Haluapo, John Jarvie, James Jensen, Divya Kashyap, Donna Marshall, Angelica Quinn, Julie Saiturn, Stephen Shepherd, Erin Staples
Operations: Kay Martinez
Student Affairs: Cindy Aplin, Margaret Estes
20 YEARS
Instruction: David Caldwell, Isaac Erskine, Gothard Grey, Izad Khormaee, John Kuhn, Gayle Lee, Kanchan Mathur, Christopher Milner, John Mitchel, April Mixon
Thao Schmidt and Dr. Edwards.Mark Bolke, Jennifer Dean, Sarah Gallow and Dr. Edwards.Sabra Sand, Monica Knowles, Billie Garner, and a poster of Damon Grady.Shirley Schwartz and Dr. EdwardsGail Robinson, Don Gonser, Judy Emenegger, Kayoko Barnhill, Kristine Barker, and Aaron Bingham.Mike Arnold and Dr. EdwardsLisa Hasart and Dr. Edwards
25 YEARS
Human Resources: Thao Schmidt
Instruction: Mark Bolke, Ray Cooper, Jennifer Dean, Sara Gallow, Kathleen Perillo
Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley More photos from Opening Day can be found on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBHKt8
Nursing Program
Isaac Aguilar (pictured above recieving his nursing pin from his mother) has a heart for helping people. After working as a certified nursing assistant and an emergency medical technician, he realized he wanted to be a nurse and enrolled in Clark’s well-respected nursing program.
As a nursing student, he completed a residency in a hospital intensive care unit and had another realization: “I really like connecting with families on their hardest day.”
No doubt Aguilar will be a stellar, dedicated nurse.
Aguilar and 26 fellow nursing students from Clark College’s 147th nursing cohort graduated on June 20. The following night, they gathered with their loved ones to celebrate their achievement during their pinning ceremony on June 21 in Gaiser Student Center. These graduates earned their associate of arts in Nursing DTA/MRP. Next, they will take their exam to become a Registered Nurse. Most of them shared their plans to continue their education and earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing, or BSN.
Benjamin Kramer, the student speaker, provided medical care in the U.S. Navy before he enrolled in Clark’s nursing program. He thanked his wife and their two daughters for their support while he focused on Clark’s intense, two-year program.
He told his fellow nurses, “A lot of the medicine we do is not glitzy, but it will pay dividends for our patients.”
Allie Bryant (above, right) received the Clinical Excellence Award, bestowed on a graduate who has shown exceptional clinical performance.
In accepting the award, she said, “I decided to become a nurse because of my grandfather. He would be so proud.”
Juliah Larson and her family.Meghan Strizak and her family.
Then it was time for the pinning ceremony. In turn, each graduate stood and was pinned by someone essential in their journey to becoming a nurse: parents, spouses, partners, siblings, children, and best friends.
Allie Bryant was pinned by her father.
Isaac Aguilar was pinned by his mother.
Juliah Larson was pinned by her husband, while she held their baby.
Simon Kirpa was pinned by his wife.
Alicia Beach was pinned by her friend, Jennifer, a nurse.
Katy Hammond was pinned by her mother, and her husband and their children stood at the ready with congratulatory hugs.
Timothy Allen was pinned by his partner, Davin Kortt.
Kayla Brosius was pinned by her parents.
Alicia Bjur was pinned by her young daughter, accompanied by her husband and son.
Timothy Allen with his partner Davin Kortt.
After all 27 new nurses had been pinned, they stood and in unison, recited the nursing pledge, pledging to uphold certain ethics and standards within their profession. It is a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath for doctors.
Nursing graduates already have applied for licensure in the state they want to work in. They have one final step to earn an “RN” after their name. They must pass a rigorous exam, the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. It is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Many of these nursing graduates shared their plans to continue their education. Many have transferred to Washington State University Vancouver and will begin working toward their bachelor’s degrees in the fall, thanks to a seamless transition between the two schools and their nursing programs. Others have chosen online programs. Many graduates are heading for a well-deserved vacation after completing Clark’s rigorous nursing program.
After the ceremony, nurses, their families, and supporters headed for the reception. Several families walked outside into the warm, sunny evening to take photos.
But still inside Gaiser Student Center, new nurse Vanessa Kuhn (above, left) posed for a photo with her family. Her young son was fidgety. And hungry. When were they going to eat, he asked? She reassured him that they could go to the reception and eat after they took a photo to remember this celebratory night.
A photo was taken, and nurse Vanessa Kuhn stepped toward her new career.
Megan’s Nursing Story
Megan Boucher(above) dreamed of being a nurse, but as the mom of three young boys, she stepped toward her dream gradually. First, Megan completed the phlebotomy certification at Clark. She worked as a phlebotomist for eight years before returning to Clark to complete her prerequisites for the nursing program.
Megan persevered through breast cancer treatment while completing her nursing degree and raising her children as a single mom. It’s been almost two years since her diagnosis, and she is responding very well to her treatment.
Now her sons are teenagers. Megan said, “My sons are my inspiration… Even when I want to give up, I know that they are watching and need their mom to be strong and not give up.”
Megan hopes that sharing her own story will encourage those going through difficult times to keep going.
At last, she’s reached her longtime goal: Registered Nurse, and has accepted her dream job as a hospice nurse at PeaceHealth’s Ray Hickey Hospice House.
She said, “My heart is with hospice nursing. I desire to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual care for my patients and their loved ones during the end-of-life process. It is an honor to be allowed to walk that road with them.”
Megan Boucher graduated winter term 2024, but she participated in the June 20, 2024, commencement ceremony.
History of Nursing at Clark
First nursing cohort to begin associate degree program: 1962
Number of total nursing graduates: 4,434
Number of nursing classes graduating: 147
Nursing Pledge
In full knowledge and understanding, I promise to care for the sick with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regards to race, creed, color, politics, or social status, sparing no effort to preserve quality of life, alleviate suffering, and promote health. I will respect at all times the dignity and beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action which may endanger life or health. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skills at the highest level and give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the health care team. I will do my utmost to honor the international code of ethics applied to nursing and uphold the integrity of the nurse.
Learn more about Clark College’s nursing program here.
Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish
Spaceport America Cup
Clark Aerospace stands with its Emperor Penguin rocket and other college rocket teams from 20 nations.
The Clark Aerospace team launched its rocket, Emperor Penguin, at the Spaceport America Cup competition in Las Cruces, New Mexico on June 19. The event is the world’s largest Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) for student rocketry teams. A total of 6,153 rocketeers representing 152 institutions in 20 nations participated in the June 17-22 competition. Clark College was one of only three community colleges that participated.
Arriving at Spaceport
Xiunu “Sophie” Lin, Ph.D., professor of physics and director of Clark’s Aerospace student program, sent this email greeting to all Clark staff and faculty from the event: “I am excited to share that the Clark College rocketry team, consisting of 11 travelers (2 advisors, 1 mentor, and 8 students, including 4 minorities—females and LGBTQ+) have all safely arrived in Las Cruces, New Mexico to compete in the 2024 Spaceport America Cup Competition. We will be competing in the SRAD (Student Researched and Developed Motor) 10,000-foot category.”
Clark Aerospace at 2024 Spaceport America Cup with Emperor Penguin rocket. Photo by Tahoma Photography
Clark Aerospace students who participated in Spaceport America Cup:
Ethan Lloyd Walters
Vyacheslav Timofeyevich Lukiyanchuk
Alex Ramsey Kari
Rebekah Anne Irvin
Mia Juniper Autumn
Sydney Anne Erickson
Max Vaughn Baugess
Bladen Boone Mitchell
Professor Lin said, “Applaud for these students for the hard work they put together to make this launch possible.”
Emperor Penguin launching during 2024 Spaceport America Cup.
Clark Aerospace rocket specs:
Spaceport America Cup team number: 19
Rocket name: “Emperor Penguin”
Length: 122 inches
Weight: 71 pounds
Professor Lin explained that each team must work efficiently and compete to launch their rocket as early as possible. Teams that launch during the first two days earn extra points. The Clark Aerospace rocketry team passed the safety check for their rocket on Monday, the first day of competition. They made the recommended changes on Tuesday, and had their rocket ready for launch on Wednesday, the event’s first launch day.
Launches are halted if the surface wind speed is higher than 18 miles per hour. Clark’s rocket was on the launch pad and ready to be launched when winds suddenly gusted up to 24 miles per hour, causing event officials to halt all launches until the wind calmed down. Five minutes later, launches resumed.
Professor Lin said, “The rocket’s M motor was armed, and after 5 to 8 seconds of delay, it took off beautifully, leaving a trail of black-brown smoke behind.”
She sent this email update to Clark faculty and staff: “Yesterday, we launched our rocket before a thunderstorm hit the launch area, destroying the majority of the tents, and halting the rest of the launches that day.”
She added, “As the team advisor, I want to share that our journey to complete this project has been challenging. I often describe my experience as riding a roller coaster. It is a significant achievement that we made it to this competition. Clark College’s rocketry team is the only community college competing in the 10K SRAD (Student Researched and Developed) category. Our students have put in tremendous time and effort to build this project, wandering through many failures before they can make this journey possible. They are proud and excited to represent Clark College in this competition.”
Fall 2023: A team of six Clark students, an advisor, and a mentor was organized by the Clark Aerospace program to build a rocket for the 2024 Spaceport America Cup. The team spent about six months building the rocket for the competition. After flight tests and modifications, they had a rocket ready for the competition.
Clark Aerospace stands next to their Emperor Penguin rocket at the launch pad.
April 19, 2024, in Corvallis, Oregon: First Static Test on a 4-grains SRAD (Student Researched and Developed) motor under the help and support from the Rocketry team from Oregon State University. The test was conducted using a structure assembled by our own students.
April 26, 2024, in Brothers, Oregon: First test launch of Clark Aerospace’s Spaceport America contender, Emperor Penguin in the central Oregon desert. Professor Lin said: “The rocket soared to an altitude of 7,200 feet before safely landing approximately 0.5 miles from the launch pad. Despite a glitch in the GPS system onboard the rocket, the team successfully located it utilizing a radio tracker, with an unexpected assist from a team member and her dog, who managed to find the rocket before the radio tracker.”
May 18-19, 2024, in Brothers, Oregon: Second Static Motor Test on a 4-grains SRAD motor that measured both pressure and thrust.
June 2, 2024, in Brothers, Oregon: Third Static Motor test of our SRAD 6-grain motor for the ERSA competition. Performed above expectations, with expected pressure and higher than expected thrust.”
June 19, 2024, in Las Cruces, New Mexico: At Spaceport America Cup: Clark Aerospace students successfully launch their rocket, Emperor Penguin.
Clark Aerospace
The next challenge for Clark Aerospace: Building their project to compete in the next Spaceport America Cup competition in June 2025. The team plans to make their own motor, build a six-inch diameter rocket, and compete in the SRAD (Student Researched and Designed) 10,000-foot category.
Interested in joining? Clark Aerospace is looking for interested Clark students to join them. No prior experience with rockets is required. Clark’s Aerospace Club actively participates in science, technology, engineering, and math-based experiential project/aerospace design competitions, and students also attend launch events, museums, and aerospace-related activities. Email Clark Aerospace at clarkaerospace1@gmail.com
About Spaceport America Cup
Spaceport America Cup is the world’s largest intercollegiate rocketry conference and competition held in Las Cruces, New Mexico annually in June at Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. Spaceport America Cup is made possible by a partnership between Spaceport America and the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA).
The event showcases the technical prowess of thousands of the world’s most intellectually gifted college students centered around the field of intercollegiate rocketry. During the event, 36 awards were presented. The 2024 Spaceport America Cup winner was University of Maryland; runner up was Istanbul Technical University.
2024 Spaceport by the numbers
6,153 total participating rocketeers (77% male; 23% female)
152 teams
86 U.S. teams representing 35 states
66 international teams representing 6 continents
Teams represented 20 countries: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, The Philippines, Poland, Romania, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States
