Clark’s Allied Health programs honored this year’s graduates with two noteworthy ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of our nursing and dental hygienist programs.

Dental Hygienists Stand Proud in Purple

Graduates and families were dressed to the nines at this year’s Dental Hygiene Senior Recognition. It was an elegant affair, with purple balloons and flowers – the program’s signature color – adding to the celebratory experience.

Students and faculty had a lot to celebrate. This year’s dental hygienist students examined 651 patients, completed 76 weeks of school, and passed 64 exams – a testimony to the time and effort they put into building their futures. As Danielle Hovey, this year’s student speaker put it, “You can’t spell HARD without an RDH.”

But the hard work paid off. Throughout the evening, students were honored with awards, accolades, and heartfelt gratitude for their dedication to their education.

“You remind people that they matter,” Professor Kristi Taylor said in her welcome toast. “Just by showing up and doing what you do best.”

Clark Vice President of Instruction, Dr. William ‘Terry’ Brown spoke to the graduating class, sharing a story about his first time at the clinic, when student Liliya Dudko pointed out something on his x-ray that no dentist of his had ever caught before and then encouraged him to practice proper dental care.

“That is the care and passion that clinicians ought to have for their patients,” said Dr. Brown.

In addition to honoring the graduates, the evening recognized the newest inductees of Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honor Society: Zoe Demming, Courtney Smoke, and Kayley Ward. Additionally, students were presented with numerous awards that showcased the dedication of the graduating class. Congratulations to:

• Kayley Ward, The Western Society of Periodontology Student Award
• Leisa Perrin, The Colgate STAR Award
• Amber Nicotra, The Student-Voted Pure Award
• Allana Guild, The Golden Scaler Award

At the conclusion of the event, students also presented awards to the instructors. Each instructor was given a plaque engraved with a saying or lesson that they had shared with the class this year. It was the perfect way to highlight the relationships that were formed among students and faculty throughout the year.

About Clark’s Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene program provides classroom and clinical experiences that successfully prepare students for the national board exam and various clinical licensing exams. Students serve the community by participating in oral health programs in area schools and caring for patients at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington and other local facilities serving the community. Upon completion of the program, students earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene Degree.

A Milestone moment for Nursing Program

Clark College recently celebrated a historic achievement—its 150th nursing cohort—with a heartfelt pinning ceremony honoring 24 graduates. More than just a tradition, the event marked the culmination of rigorous training and the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare. Each graduate was joined on stage by a chosen supporter—whether a parent, partner, or close friend—who placed the nursing pin as a personal message was read aloud. A slideshow of photos and quotes added to this tribute.

Graduate Keaton Wilbanks spoke on behalf of the class, highlighting the clinical and academic experiences shared by the cohort. “We shared many firsts—first codes, first live births, first times facing death, our first experience with postpartum care, and having discussions with patients about conditions that will kill them,” Wilbanks said. “We showed up, we stayed, we supported each other. Somewhere along the way, we stopped being students in competition and became nurses as part of a much bigger community.” Wilbanks plans post-graduation include traveling the country with his wife, and work in critical care before applying to CRNA school with plans to be an anesthetist.

The ceremony included remarks from Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards, Vice President of Instruction Dr. William “Terry” Brown, and Associate Dean of Nursing Jennifer Obbard. Professor Gabriele Canazzi provided a history of the nursing pin, and Professor Halina Brant-Zawadzki brought the graduates roses and read The Rose That Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur.

Jenny Fredrickson presented Emily Johnson with the Clinical Excellence Award. The award is based on professionalism, communication, clinical preparation, use of the nursing process, and organization. Johnson passed her NCLEX-RN exam and has been accepted to a residency position in critical care at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital. She will also be starting the BSN program at Washington State University in the fall. The ceremony concluded with the nursing pledge, led by Angie Bailey and Mckenzie Montalvo.

History of the Nursing Program at Clark College

Clark College’s nursing program began during World War II, offering Nurse’s Aide training in response to labor shortages. In 1964, the college graduated its first class of 15 nurses from a newly developed associate degree program. Jean Hamilton, the program’s first director, helped establish the program—the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and the fifth in the country. She designed the curriculum to be transferable, enabling graduates to pursue higher degrees.

Prior to that, most nursing education occurred in hospital-based programs. When St. Joseph’s Hospital closed its nursing school in the mid-1950s, Clark College began offering practical nursing courses to meet regional demand. The program has continued to evolve, preparing nurses for entry into the profession and further academic study.

^{_{*Margaret Lubbers (formerly Poff) is grandmother to Tatum Parsley, who serves as Clark’s first female welding instructor. A graduate of Clark’s welding program, Tatum now serves as a role model and mentor to aspiring welders.}}

A new partnership roared to life this spring between Clark College’s Diesel program and Portland Tractor, giving students hands-on access to modern heavy equipment and real-world training.

Through this collaboration, students learned how to assemble – and disassemble – complex heavy machinery, such as tractor gear boxes and transmissions. Portland Tractor graciously donated half of the equipment needed for this training and loaned the college the rest so that students could have full access to the tools that mirror what they’ll encounter in the field.

Students learned how to operate heavy-duty transmissions; tear down, inspect, and reassemble drive chains; read Caterpillar part lists and schematics; and master general mechanic skills and crane rigging and hoisting techniques. For many students, this was their first time handling large-scale equipment – an experience that sparked conversations about potential career paths available in the heavy equipment industry.

Taylor Cusack, operations analyst at Portland Tractor, was key in bringing the partnership to life, serving as the liaison between Clark and Portland Tractor. She created the banner that proudly hangs in the shop on campus and coordinated equipment deliveries.

But the most familiar name may have been John Holbrook, Technical Services Manager at Portland Tractor and a proud Clark alum from the class of 1984. John returned to campus for two weeks to support students and faculty as they worked on the new equipment. His connection to Clark runs deep, studying under Professor Bell as part of the student crew that helped build the campus sundial.

Many of the students who worked with John this term expressed interest in joining the Portland Tractor team, continuing the company’s long history of hiring Clark graduates over the year.

While Portland Tractor has been the program’s largest industry partner, it’s not the only one. The Diesel program also collaborates with Noregon, a computer software company, and Tekton Hand Tools, providing students access to state-of-the-art tools and technology across disciplines.

Partnerships like this one provide students with things that go beyond tangible tools – students receive mentorship, exposure to industry expectations, and the confidence that comes from real-world practice. These collaborations deepen their learning experience and play a crucial role in helping students to graduate career-ready and equipped to thrive in today’s evolving industry.

About Portland Tractor

Since 1976, Portland Tractor Inc. (PTI) has been a leading supplier of Caterpillar rebuilt and used/salvage heavy equipment parts, new OEM surplus parts, aftermarket parts, components, and attachments. Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Portland Tractor’s yard in Washougal is spread across 10 acres and includes over 60,000 square feet under the roof and holds not only the machines that they are currently dismantling, but also a wide selection of attachments, tires, wheels, and parts.

Learn More About Clark College’s Diesel Technology Program

Clark’s Diesel program prepares students for entry-level positions in the diesel technician trade, and it keeps up with industry changes through new and improved training in basic electronics and electrical systems. Students learn to work on brake systems, drive trains, electric and electronic circuits, hydraulic systems, and diesel engines, all of which are valuable skills for a successful career.

Learn more about the Diesel program at Clark.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Penguin fans packed the stands at Clark College’s softball field on May 2, gathering not just to cheer on their team but to celebrate a legacy. The afternoon dedication of the newly named Raines Softball Field brought together athletes, alumni, friends, and family, including many there to support Wilma Raines.

Clark College Athletics, Clark College Foundation, and members of the broader college community joined together at the Women’s softball field to recognize the contributions of the Raines family. The field was named in honor of Wilma Raines in memory of Jim Raines and his daughter Jami (Raines) Shogren, devoted supporters of Clark softball who left a lasting mark on the program. Wilma Raines, Jim’s widow and Jami’s mother, attended the ceremony, surrounded by heartfelt tributes and shared memories.

The Raines Family Legacy

Jim Raines, who passed away in 2018, devoted his life to empowering student athletes and helping ensure the success of Clark College’s softball program. Prior to his passing, he arranged for significant support to maintain the softball field and foster community sports opportunities.

Alums of Clark College, Jim and Wilma, also funded scholarships for student athletes, including one in memory of their daughter, the Jami Raines Memorial Scholarship.

Jami (Raines) Shogren was a standout softball player, following in her father’s footsteps as a catcher. The couple established student athlete scholarships in Jami’s honor after her death in 2008.

During the dedication ceremony, Calen Ouellette, CEO of Clark College Foundation, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the field’s new name.

“This isn’t just a moment to name a field,” Ouellette said. “It’s a moment to honor a legacy—a legacy of leadership, of belief in women’s athletics, and of deep investment in the future of our community.”

Ouellette spoke to the lasting impact of the Raines family, highlighting their decades of support for Clark College. “Wilma Raines and her late husband, Jim, have been pillars of support. Wilma understands something powerful: investing in your local community college isn’t simply an act of generosity—it’s an act of belief. Belief in opportunity. Belief in education. Belief in the power of young people to change the future.”

He went on to describe the symbolism of the field itself. “Thanks to a generous gift from the Raines family, this field will forever stand as a tribute—not only to Jim and their daughter Jami’s memory—but to every student-athlete who dreams bigger because someone believed in them. Fields like this aren’t just places where games are played. They’re places where confidence is built, where leadership is forged, where young women see they are worthy of investment and celebration.”

“Wilma’s decision to give back to Clark College sets an example for all of us,” Ouellette added. “When you support your community college, you strengthen the economic engine, the cultural spirit, and the social fabric of your entire region. Wilma, we are humbled by your family’s vision and heart. The Raines name will forever be woven into the lives of every Penguin who steps onto this field. Today and every day moving forward, Raines Softball Field will stand as a symbol of what’s possible when one family says, ‘Yes, I believe in them.’”

The Foundation presented Wilma with a painting of her husband and daughter standing on a softball field. The artist is Clark art professor Grant Hottle.

Laura LeMasters, Director of Athletics, presented Wilma with a commemorative Penguins softball jersey and a softball stamped with the field dedication date.

Holding the jersey, Wilma said, “I’m very humbled. My husband and daughter played on this field when it was a city league field. Thank you for showing up. I know it was in respect for Jim and Jami and me.”

LeMasters spoke about being introduced to Jim and Wilma Raines and understanding the depth and dedication their family brought not only to Clark, but to Clark Athletics. Jim Raines was a founding member of the Penguin Athletic Club that helped raise funds for the department to create improvements across all programs and was a member of the Hall of Fame committee. LeMasters worked with Wilma, managing the Jami Raines Memorial Scholarship.

LeMasters added, “The Raines family is deserving of having their name forever a piece of Clark College, Clark Athletics, and Clark softball. I want to thank everyone for attending this event as we officially name the softball field at Clark College the Raines Softball Field. With perfect timing, today’s game is the first game with our brand-new scoreboard, forever memorializing the Raines family. It is my pleasure to invite Wilma to cut the ribbon and formally dedicate this field in her family’s name.” 

Then Wilma stood between LeMasters and Oulette. Together, they held a massive pair of ceremonial scissors and cut the ribbon.

LeMasters said, “With that, we officially name this field the Raines Softball Field. Wilma, thank you so much.”

Five of the student-athletes are recipients of the scholarship named in honor of her daughter, Jami. As Wilma walked off the field, the softball team ran onto the field and warmed up for the Clark College vs Centralia College game.

2024-2025 student-athlete recipients of the Jami Raines Memorial Scholarship

• Ashley Griffith
• Zoey Mikkelsen
• Sophia Lawrence
• Tessa Treesh
• Gabriela Ventura

Penguin assistant softball coach Chloe Blehm was a recipient during her time here as a student-athlete in 2018-19.  

About Clark College Foundation

Clark College Foundation (CCF) is an independent, self-governed nonprofit that partners with Clark College to improve higher education access, student success, and community engagement. In the 2023-2024 school year, CCF distributed $1.6 million in scholarships, special awards, and financial support to hundreds of students. The Foundation contributed $4.8 million in total support to the college that same year.

About Clark College Athletics

The Clark College Athletics Department will enrich the greater community and the lives of student athletes by instilling in them a lifelong enjoyment of sports and physical activity.  With a commitment to diversity, integrity, and academic achievement, we provide a competitive and high-quality range of sports programs that focus on learning teamwork and on student success.

Learn more

• Clark College Foundation: https://clarkcollegefoundation.org/
• Clark College Athletics: https://clarkpenguins.com/
• Read more about the Raines family’s legacy at Clark College here
• Read Jim Raines’ obituary here
• View more photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCcJtW

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Clark College students considering a future in communication had a unique opportunity to connect with experts from Washington State University’s renowned Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. On January 23rd, the Clark College Communication Studies Department hosted a transfer panel and Q&A session in Gaiser Hall 205, giving students firsthand insights into bachelor’s degree pathways in the field.

Molly Lampros, communications studies professor, welcomed two special guests:

• Nanu Iyer, program director of the Murrow College of Communication at WSU Vancouver
• Imran Haider, director of online programs for the Murrow College of Communication at WSU

Lampros spoke about how Clark students who earn an associate of arts transfer degree can transfer to WSU, enroll in the Murrow College of Communication, and pursue a variety of degree options at the WSU campuses in Vancouver, Pullman, Everett, or the global (online) campus.

She told the students: “Ask questions to figure out how your career will continue in communication studies.”

Iyer started the program titled ‘Where Can Murrow Take You?’ by asking students to think broadly: “Where do we use strategic communications?”

A student replied, “I don’t know if this is where you’re going—but—everywhere?”

Iyer nodded. “Yes! Strategic communication is the brain behind every brand. Every field—including health care and government—needs people with communications skills.”

Haider agreed, “For me, having a communications degree has meant versatility. It allows you to open a hundred other doors that other majors don’t.”

He listed the variety of fields taught in WSU’s respected Murrow program: classes in journalism, advertising, public relations, and corporate communications. Then he added, “The classes are innovative. Exciting. What you’ll need in your career. These skills are flexible and versatile and have application in today’s communications world.”

A robust discussion followed, with Clark students asking questions to learn about the career opportunities they could pursue in communications studies.

“I was very pleased with the level of student engagement and thoughtful questions asked,” said Lampros. “Students were excited and grateful to meet program directors from different campuses, and they seemed enthusiastic. Several students chose to dress up for the event, and many made professional connections on LinkedIn immediately following the panel.”

During fall term, she took her Mass Media students to Murrow College at WSU Vancouver for a thoughtful workshop about misinformation and propaganda. Lampros, Iyer, Haider, and WSU Vancouver faculty member, Elizabeth Candello, spoke about the benefits of Clark’s associate’s transfer degree and its alignment with Murrow College. Lampros invited Iyer and Haider to make a presentation on Clark’s campus, and they agreed.

The Communication Studies department hosted a Clark-to-Portland State University transfer panel in 2023, but this was the first Clark-to-Murrow transfer panel event. It likely will not be the last.

“I’m always looking for ways to support my students in their transfer efforts and help them make connections to the workforce, which will set them up for success,” said Lampros. “It can be rare to find opportunities to build community outside of the classroom and I am happy to help bridge that gap for our students.”

She added, “Many of my students indicated their intention to transfer to WSU and expressed gratitude for the panel. An event like this underscores the importance of our collaboration with WSU and shows students that a transfer degree is accessible and approachable. This event also demonstrates the vast and diverse career paths possible with a degree in Communication Studies.”

Preparing to transfer

Clark transfer advisors Laura Arellano-Karki and Tasaday Turner attended the presentation at the invitation of Lampros.   

Turner, associate director of Advising and Student Success, said, “I really wanted to be there to support students and to provide information if needed.” She added, “It was great to hear how different people found themselves in a communication field and how that field is so very vast and broad.”

Turner reminded Clark students who plan to transfer to a four-year university: “Students should remember to apply early, get their financial aid forms completed, and submit their scholarship applications ASAP!”

Murrow College of Communication at WSU

Murrow College majors in strategic communication are offered at the Vancouver, Pullman, Everett, and global campus and include:

• Advertising
• Integrated strategic communication
• Public relations
• Risk and crisis communication

Murrow College majors in journalism and media production are offered at the Pullman campus only and include:

• Broadcast news
• Broadcast production
• Media innovation
• Multimedia journalism

These Murrow College minors are offered at the Vancouver and Pullman campuses:

• Communication
• Sports communication
• Health communication and promotion

Learn more

• Learn about the WSU Edward R. Murrow College of Communication here.
• Learn about Murrow College majors and minors here.
• Learn about Edward R. Murrow’s legacy here.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Seated at tables around Cannell Library, pairs of people were deep in conversation. At each table, one person was a Clark student. The other was an alum or community member working in the student’s prospective career.

More than 50 Clark students met face-to-face with alumni mentors and other professionals to find out more about their prospective careers during Clark College Foundation’s Check Out a Professional event on February 27. The event is designed to connect alumni and business partners with students for one-hour career conversations in Cannell Library.

The event’s organizer, Chandra Chase, associate vice president of Alumni Relations & Community Engagement at Clark College Foundation, said, “Our alumni and business partners look forward to this opportunity to connect with students. Often, they received critical career mentorship through family, friends, faculty, or internships and want to pay it forward.”

The Foundation reached out to alumni and other local professionals with this message: “This event is designed for you to have a one-on-one career conversation with students, aligned with your area of expertise. What will you talk about? Take yourself back to your student days. What career information should you have known?”

Seated with a digital media arts student, Alan Hwang (pictured right), chief executive officer at Riff Agency, recognized the value of networking and volunteered for the event. Hwang earned an associate degree in business at Clark in 2013.

“When I was starting in my career, the most impactful brain gain I had was through 50+ cold emails to community leaders in a hope to gain some insight into what it takes to be successful over coffee,” said Hwang. “I’m a huge believer in hands-on, real-world learning. The Check Out a Pro event is a streamlined process for Clark College students to get that same impactful experience I had and gain some insight into the real world as they consider entering the workforce. This is extremely valuable experience and why I personally dedicate time—and will continue to dedicate the time—to this event.”

Connections made

• Sheila Davis of Fourth Plain Forward met with a student who is interested in working for a nonprofit organization.
• Katie Devlin, an attorney with the Washington State Attorney General, met with a political science student.
• Eric Olmsted, president of OnLine Support and member of the college’s Cybersecurity / IT advisory committee met with a cybersecurity student.
• Mike Pyszka, a civil engineer with Parametrix who is working on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, connected with a civil engineering student.
• Manuel Galaviz from PeaceHealth Medical Center used his laptop to show a healthcare website to a Health Information Management student.
• Jasmine Tolbert of YWCA Clark County met with a student about a career in counseling. The student’s young son sat quietly wearing headphones and watching a cartoon on a tablet.
• PeaceHealth nurse Sofia Cartagena and retired Kaiser Permanente physician Dr. Rebecca Hoffman met with nursing students.

A first-year psychology student sat at a table with Michelle Bart, president and founder of NWCAVE (National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation). The student’s professor had suggested she earn her advocate certification. Not only did Bart tell the student about a 40-hour advocate training her organization was hosting in Vancouver the next week, but she offered her a scholarship to participate at no charge. It was exactly the certification the student needed.

Connection made. Opportunity gained.

Throughout the library, alumni and other professionals connected with students in similar meaningful conversations.

“Libraries are about connecting folks with the information they need, in whatever format that might be,” said Julie Austad, dean of Clark Libraries and Academic Success Services. “Sometimes it’s a book or an article. At this event, it was people. It was alumni. It was folks in the community who could relate to our students and talk about their experience getting into their chosen career.”

Check Out a Professional has been an annual event, but Chandra Chase from the Foundation said, “In 2025, we’re hoping to expand to two times per year.”

Check Out a Professional quick stats:

• Attendance: 55 students (more than double last year’s event)
• 55% first-generation college students
• Largest increase in student participation: Health care and STEM areas of study

Participating students are pursuing careers from accounting to computer science to mechanical engineering to web development and more.

Alumni and business participants included representatives from Bloom Collective, Clark Public Utilities, Dynamic Events, Edge Networks, Fourth Plain Forward, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, LiveChannel, Mountain Crest Counseling Services, National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation (NWCAVE), OnLine Support, Opsahl Dawson, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Riff Creative, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, TSMC (also known as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), The Vancouver Clinic, Washington State Office of the Attorney General, Webfor, Workforce Southwest Washington, YWCA Clark County, and ZP Productions.

Careers represented included animator, attorney, counselor, dental hygienist, engineer, filmmaker, health information management, human resources/recruiting, information technology, marketing, nonprofit management, nurse, therapist, physical therapist, physician, systems analyst, and more. Learn more about the Foundation’s Check Out a Professional event.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mural on metal 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Christian Barrios 

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about Barrios and his work here. 

To equip their engineering students for success, professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu encourage their students to create community by participating in campus and community outreach events, including STEM NERD Girls.  

These outreach events available in Engineering program provide opportunities for diverse learners to explore and achieve their educational goals by promoting social connectedness through peer support, volunteering, networking, professional interaction, and mentoring.  

“Building community fosters collaboration and connectedness,” said Professor Barsotti. “By providing these opportunities, the program encourages students to continue their paths in the STEM field. This helps us to retain students from systemically non-dominant groups.” 

Engineering graduates remain connected 

Four Engineering graduates who volunteered in outreach events also formed a study group when they were Clark students. Over the years, they have remained friends and continue to encourage each other as they transitioned to pursuing bachelor’s degrees, and now in the early years of their careers. They spoke on a panel at a Women in STEM tea on May 17 in the STEM Building. 

Megan Sarygin, Gabriella Miller, Shiori Baba, and Marie Roza heeded their professors’ advice when they were STEM students at Clark College. They volunteered in NERD Girls and contributed to other outreach and campus events. After they graduated from Clark, they transferred to various universities, but they continued their study group as they faced the rigors of advanced STEM classes and projects.  

Some years later, they still connect and remain friends. Now instead of seeking advice about college classes, they discuss the successes and challenges they are experiencing as young women working in male-dominated STEM fields. 

Megan Sarygin  

Profession: Field service engineer, Tokyo Electron US   

Education:  

• Clark College Running Start student; Associate of Science, mechanical engineering, 2019 
• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, minor in business administration, Washington State University Vancouver, 2021 

Insights:  

“Developing your social skills is very important, just like your hard skills. Social skills are just as important as your classes, getting good grades, and studying. Make connections. Work in a group. Work on your communications skills.” 

“Ask for help. In a lab at WSU Vancouver, we were using a mill and a lathe to make small parts for a gyroscope. Using the lathe did not make sense to me. I was so far behind. The lab instructor was patient and opened up the lab on the weekend for extra work on the lathe. It was so nice to have it click in my brain.” 

Gabriella Miller

Profession: Associate mechanical design engineer, Curtiss-Wright Corporation 

Education:  

• Clark College, Associate of Arts, mechanical engineering, 2018 
• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, Washington State University Vancouver, 2022 

Insights:  

“When we were growing up, it wasn’t expected that a girl would go into a STEM field.” 

“I wanted to work in a field where there are always questions to answer, opportunities to learn.” 

“I was drawn both to aerospace and neuroscience. I asked myself: Space or brains?” 

“Being able to make mistakes is sometimes harder for women. People can be more critical.” 

Shiori Baba

Profession: Project engineer classified as civil engineer, Bonneville Power Administration 

Education:  

• Bachelor of Science degree in geology/earth science, University of Washington, 2016  
• Clark College, supplemental prerequisite engineering classes to transfer to Portland State University 
• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, Portland State University, 2021 

Insights:  

“Networking is a scary term, but who you know is important. You don’t know who will be your boss or what opportunities may come up because of word of mouth.” 

“My agency makes transmission lines and maintains substations. It’s been male dominated, but I’m seeing more female engineers now. BPA has been putting in efforts for more diversity within their workforce.” 

“It’s okay to make mistakes. Just make sure you learn from your mistakes.” 

Marie Roza

Profession: Senior emerging technology engineer, Skanska, the fifth-largest construction company in the world 

Education:  

• Clark College Running Start student and Associate of Science degree in civil engineering, 2019 
• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, Portland State University, 2021 

Insights:  

“In engineering, there are so many options. You aren’t limited.” 

“Construction is very male dominated. Only about 13% are women. But within my company, we have an amazing focus on diversity and inclusion.” 

“Make your connections within your classes. It’s important to have a support system, especially as a woman in STEM. I could not have made it without these three.” 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Submitted by Clark College Foundation 

PenguinsGive, Clark College’s 24-hour fundraising event, is Thursday, April 20. In celebration of Clark College celebrating its 90^th anniversary this year, all Clark College and Clark College Foundation employees and retirees are challenged to “Give $90.” Join the members of the O Squad, your employee giving committee and give $90 to support Clark students. 

PenguinsGive at Sakura Festival 

If you’re attending the Sakura Festival on Thursday, on your way from the cherry trees to Gaiser Hall, get a FREE coffee or smoothie at the IQ Credit Union cart from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and make your donation. 

At the Foundation’s table, members of the O Squad will visit with faculty and staff about contributing during PenguinsGive and students can write thank-you notes to donors. 

The annual Sakura Festival returns to the Clark College main campus on Thursday, April 20 beginning at 1 p.m. The free community event underneath a canopy of cherry blossoms is presented by Clark College, the city of Vancouver and Vancouver Rotary. 

$15k Available for Matching Gifts 

Join colleagues in supporting Penguin Nation. Thanks to generous donors, gifts of any amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar. More than $15,000 is available to double donations. For example, a $50 gift to student scholarships becomes $100; a $90 donation to STEM programs becomes $180; $150 to the Music program becomes $300, thanks to some generous donors. 

Visit www.clarkcollegefoundation.org/penguinsgive 

It’s become an annual tradition: hundreds of Clark College students showing up to meet potential employers as graduation looms near. But while Clark’s Career Fair has become a familiar part of the academic cycle, not everyone realizes how many of those employer booths are staffed by former Clark students—some of whom attended the fair themselves, once upon a time.

Leslie Matheney, an HR generalist for Burgerville, remembered attending the fair before graduating from Clark in 2008 with her associate degree. “At the time, I wasn’t really ready for it,” she said, noting that she had just been looking for part-time work as she geared up to transfer to WSU Vancouver, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources and personal psychology.

Matheney, who was at the May 3 fair to recruit seasonal crew members and managers, said she felt being a Clark graduate helped her when she did start looking for full-time, permanent employment. “I think, especially because I was looking for a position at a local company, it was good,” she said. “I think that Clark is really well respected in this area.”

Sergeant Fred Neiman, who was recruiting for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, said that his workplace also values the diversity of Clark’s student body. “What we look for is folks who have a variety of education and background,” he said. “You deal with all kinds of people in public safety. So to have a background of diverse education and experiences, and knowing how to interact with lots of different kinds of people—that’s valuable.”

Neiman has a long personal connection with Clark College. Not only did he attend classes here in the late 1970s, but he came back to work as its Director of Security for eight years. Clark is also where he met his wife, and their three children all earned associate degrees from the college.

“It’s a wonderful institution,” he said. “I enjoyed attending here when I was a student, and I enjoyed working here when I was an employee.”

Vicky Barnes also has a child who graduated from Clark. She earned her own associate degree here—with highest honors, no less—while he was still a teen.

“I often got mistaken for a professor on campus,” laughed Barnes, who was at the fair to recruit for Woodland Public School, where she is the HR coordinator and district office manager. Barnes said she enjoyed her time as a Penguin, even though it meant long days—she attended Clark while working at WPS. “This is something I wanted to show my kids—that you can be a life-long learner.”

“It definitely benefited me in HR,” she said. “You learn how to engage with people, how to get out of your comfort zone.”

As if to prove this, she quickly turned to a woman eyeing her display of job descriptions to answer questions about open positions in the district.

According to Clark College Employer Relations Specialist Scott Clemans, 15 of the 110 employers who registered for this year’s fair indicated that they would have Clark College alumni present.

“Smart companies send alumni to events like these because they’re great role models and mentors for current Clark students,” Clemans said. “The alumni show current students what’s possible after college, and give great advice on how to achieve it. And of course, they relate to Clark students on a level that other recruiters simply can’t.”

Clemans added that the fair was an impressive success. “Not only did we have 110 employers registered to attend—the maximum the O’Connell gym would hold—but we had to create a wait list for interested employers and probably had about 20 more who were interested but contacted us too late to register,” he said.

This year’s job fair included not only employer booths but also a photo booth where visitors could get a professional portrait taken for their LinkedIn accounts. Leading up to the fair, Clark College Career Services also hosted numerous workshops and events, as well as the annual Career Clothing Closet, to prepare students and guests for the day. The fair, which is open not just to Clark students but to all job-seekers in the community, saw 923 visitors this year—up 15 percent from last year’s attendance.

Top photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley. Photos of Nieman and Barnes: Clark College/Hannah Erickson.

During the 2017 winter quarter installment of its renowned Columbia Writers Series, Clark College will welcome back former student Mitchell S. Jackson, an award-winning author. Mitchell will read from and discuss his writing from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, in room PUB 258 on Clark’s main campus.

“I’m excited about Mitchell’s reading because I think it will be a great opportunity for Clark students to hear from someone who grew up in the area and attended Clark,” says English instructor Alexis Nelson, who co-directs the Columbia Writers Series. “I also think The Residue Years suits the college theme of Transformation, in addition to being a unique and powerful read.”

Raised in Portland, Mitchell Jackson is the author of The Residue Years, a novel that Mitchell has said includes many autobiographical elements. The award-winning book centers on the relationship between Champ, a young African-American man struggling to balance his ambitions with his circumstances, and his mother Grace, recently released from rehab.

Jackson began his college career at Clark in 1993, where he played basketball under then-coach David Waldow. “My time at Clark was formative,” says Jackson. “It taught me that I would have to work hard to achieve my goals, that I’d have to take responsibility for my decisions. Coach Waldow was tough on me, but he was also a figure I needed at that point in my life.”

Jackson transferred to another college after one year at Clark, eventually earning an M.A. in writing from Portland State University and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from New York University. He currently resides in New York, and serves on the faculty of both New York University and Columbia University.

The Residue Years has earned significant accolades since its release in 2013. It was praised by publications including The New York Times, The Paris Review, and The Times of London. Jackson is the winner of a Whiting Award. His novel also won The Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence and was a finalist for the Center for Fiction’s Flaherty-Dunnan First novel prize, the PEN/ Hemingway award for first fiction, and the Hurston / Wright Legacy Award. Jackson’s honors include fellowships from TED, the Lannan Foundation, the BreadLoaf Conference, and the Center for Fiction. It was also the 2015 Everybody Reads selection of the Multnomah County Library. The New York Times said in its review of the book, “Jackson’s prose has a spoken-word cadence, the language flying off the page with percussive energy … there is a warmth and a hard-won wisdom about the intersection of race and poverty in America.”

The event is free and open to the public. Directions and maps are available online. Individuals who need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services (DSS) Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP). The DSS office is located in room 013 in Clark’s Penguin Union Building.

The Columbia Writers Series was launched at Clark College in 1988, bringing local, national and international authors to the college and the region. Information about the Columbia Writers Series is available at www.clark.edu/cc/cws.