With those words, Tanna Engdahl, Spiritual Leader of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, opened the first Penguin Talks: Lunch and Learn session of 2025. The event, titled “Tribal Sovereignty, Cultural Preservation, and Honoring Ancestral Traditions,” invited participants to step into the living history of the Cowlitz people.
From the creation story of how the Cowlitz Tribe came to be, to the structure of their daily life – living in plank houses, hunting and preserving food, racing horses, and their own Salish language – Tanna painted a picture that invited participants to experience the Cowlitz tribe’s enduring spirit.
In the middle of her story, she paused. “And then it all changed.”
Just as she had shared this world with participants, Tanna then showed the profound changes that followed the arrival of Lewis and Clark. The expedition to the West marked the beginning of a difficult era where diseases swept through the tribe, and in the time of treaties, they were pressured to abandon their ancestral land.
However, the Cowlitz Tribe are known as the “Forever People” for good reason.
She shared with the audience the deep connection her people have with their ancestors, and how those deep-rooted relationships have supported and carried their people through generations of hardship, injustice, and perseverance.
Her story came full circle with the modern-day fight for recognition—the tribe’s fight to regain their land and become a federally recognized tribe. Tanna left the room with a lasting impression of the Cowlitz Tribe:
“We are a people who never gave up, never retreated…we are strong today because of our ancestors.”
Learn More
Penguin Talks: Clark College Lunch & Learn is a free, three-week series that allows participants to explore impactful local topics and engage with inspiring speakers. Register here.
Upcoming sessions
May 29 – Build, Strengthen, Sustain Community—Together with Calen Ouellette, CEO of Clark College Foundation
June 5 – The Role and Future of Community Colleges with Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards
Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl
Fun and Games at Spring Fest 2025
Spring is in the air at Clark College! With commencement less than a month away, students and staff members took a well-deserved break to enjoy the sunshine at two events on May 21.
Spring Fest 2025
The lawn near Anderson Fountain was abuzz with excitement as students, staff members, and families played games and connected with fellow Penguins during the annual Spring Fest. Whether they raced one another on inflatable slides and horses, competed in friendly volleyball matches, showed off their airbrushed tattoos, or posed for a caricature artist, fun was had by all throughout the day.
Activities Programming Board (APB), left to right: Austyn Fuerstenberg, Abigail Ng, Beheshta Eqbali, and Elena Castillo coordinated the annual event.
This event, coordinated by the student-led Activities Programming Board (APB), provided students with more than free activities and food – it allowed them to meet new people and connect with friends.
“It’s all about bringing students together,” shared Beheshta Eqbali, an APB Events Coordinator. “This year was one of the most successful Spring Fests because we had it for a longer period on one day instead of on two days, so everyone was here today.”
Between rounds of giant Jenga and Connect 4, students chatted with each other over ice cream, burritos, fresh fruit, and other snacks. Portland magician, Hart Keene, also took the stage, wowing the crowd with card tricks.
Abigail Ng, an APB Coordinator, is graduating this year and personally appreciated the break Spring Fest provided for students. “Spring quarter is an important time for student events – students might be stressed, and some of them might have senioritis, so it’s important to enjoy the sun and take a break.”
With the spring quarter’s final projects wrapping up and commencement less than a month away, this event provided some well-deserved downtime for Clark’s hard-working students.
Bee Campus: Talk & Tour
Participants in the Bee Campus Talk & Tour have a chance to view the bees up close.
On the heels of World Bee Day and Spring Fest, Biology Professor Steven Clark led the Bee Campus Talk & Tour workshop, where staff members learned about Washington’s 600 species of native bees and how Clark stays bee-friendly as an official Bee Campus. He shared fun facts and common myths – for example, did you know the average bee’s life span is one year? In Washington, they spend the majority of that time underground!
Staff members then joined Professor Steven on a leisurely stroll to one of the campus’s bee gardens – located just outside of the STEM building – where native plants attract various bees and other insects. From honeybees to sweat bees, participants helped identify different species and observed how much pollen each bee had gathered, putting into practice what they learned in the workshop.
Different species are active at different times of the season, so the bees that are pollinating flowers during spring quarter won’t be the same ones you see buzzing around during the summer. When you’re on campus, take a walk through the bee gardens and see how many kinds of bees you can spot!
Learn More
Students interested in joining Clark’s Activities Programming Board can learn more on the APB webpage.
Want to become involved with or learn more about Clark’s Bee Campus? Email Professor Steven Clark, College Bee Campus Coordinator, at sclark@clark.edu.
Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl and Carly Rae Zent
Understanding the Present through the Past
On May 20, Clark College welcomed acclaimed author and policy expert Heather McGhee for a powerful conversation about equity, opportunity, and the cost of systemic racism in America. Drawing from her best-selling book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, McGhee urged the audience to recognize this moment as a national inflection point—and to take collective action toward building and shaping a more inclusive future.
With a strong background in economic policy, McGhee focused on pressing interconnected issues such as the affordability of education, poverty, healthcare, and sustainable energy solutions. “When I set out on this journey to write The Sum of Us, I was thinking about the present and the future. How much you can’t really understand where you are, standing in a moment, unless you understand the steps that you took to get to a place.”
Zero-sum game
McGhee goes back to the historic Bacon’s Rebellion in 1793 because the laws that followed the defeat of Bacon’s Rebellion created a zero-sum story. “These laws told the colonial plantation elite that the European landless and indentured folks that ‘your freedom, your citizenship, your process and your humanity is contingent on there being someone beneath you.’ And if they rise, it is a threat to you.”
The idea of a zero-sum game is that there can be no mutual progress—if one player scores a point, the other player loses a point.
McGhee explained that we need to have all the players scoring on the team, “You want all of the players on the field scoring points for your team, where inequality is actually bad for growth. Right?”
“It is one of the loudest and oldest stories in America… that progress of people of color has to come at the expense of white folks.” She explained how these narratives foster division and hinders collective progress, pointing out that “the black-white economic divide has cost the U.S. GDP $16 trillion over the last 20 years.”
McGhee’s call to action
McGhee called for unity across diverse backgrounds, urging individuals to challenge this divisive narrative. “We need to organize in a way that is explicitly cross-racial,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual progress in overcoming systemic barriers.
Community engagement emerged as another vital theme in McGhee’s address. She noted, “Every scholar of authoritarianism has observed that… being in regular contact with other people is an essential part of the formula that defeats autocracy.” This statement highlights the significance of interpersonal connections and support networks, particularly following the social isolation exacerbated by the pandemic.
Drawing inspiration from historical movements, particularly the civil rights movement, McGhee reminded the audience of the resilience demonstrated by those who came before us. She asserted, “The first generation to defeat American fascism was the abolition generation,” drawing parallels between past struggles and the current fight for justice and equality. McGhee encouraged her audience not to lose hope, stating, “They kept fighting. They kept teaching their children to fight,” inspiring listeners to continue advocating for change.
In conclusion, McGhee’s reminds us of the responsibilities we hold as individuals and as a community. “You don’t have to do it all the time… but there will come a moment when you have a choice to make,” she concluded, encouraging everyone to be prepared to speak up and stand for justice when the opportunity arises.
Q&A with Dr. Edwards and the audience
President Dr. Karin Edwards asked questions of Heather McGhee following the lecture.
Following her speech, Heather McGhee engaged in a Q&A with President Dr. Karin Edwards and then opened it to the audience for questions. Topics included: environmental racism, psychological and emotional costs of racism, and truth and reconciliation.
McGhee explained how the exploitation of natural resources mirrors the historical exploitation rooted in chattel slavery. She stated, “The very orientation that our industrialized capitalist society has towards the Earth comes from the same willingness to exploit.” She elaborated on this by discussing “sacrifice zones,” areas where pollution is concentrated due to a lack of political power to resist industrial developments. McGhee highlighted a grassroots effort in Memphis, where a diverse coalition successfully fought against a natural gas pipeline that threatened both the local Black community and a vital aquifer, demonstrating how environmental issues can unite disparate groups.
McGhee pointed out that while many have made strides in education and business, systemic barriers remain. She cited research showing that “the average Black college graduate has less household wealth than the average white high school dropout,” illustrating the deep-rooted economic disparities that perpetuate inequality. McGhee emphasized that racism affects everyone, not just marginalized communities, and that its economic impact extends widely.
McGhee advocated for a collective effort to acknowledge the nation’s complex racial history, emphasizing the need for organized healing processes across communities. She noted that many societies have successfully navigated their traumas through similar processes, and she called for educational reforms that accurately portray America’s past, stating, “Our country should know our own dark history, and we shouldn’t be lied to in our textbooks.”
Susan Parrish (right), retired Clark College staff writer, was in the audience. Susan’s story was featured in The Sum of Us. When Susan was interviewed in 2018, she was recently divorced, laid off from her communications job, had two months to sell her house when the real estate market was at its lowest in decades, and she wasn’t making a living wage. Three years later, she found her story among the many others who shared how they’d lost so much during the Great Recession.
Attendees also raised questions about personal experiences with racism and strategies for fostering dialogue across divides. McGhee emphasized the importance of finding common ground and shared values, encouraging individuals to approach conversations with empathy and a willingness to listen. She acknowledged the challenges of discussing sensitive topics within families and communities, but asserted that doing so is crucial for progress.
In closing, McGhee reiterated the importance of solidarity, particularly for vulnerable communities, urging everyone to recognize the humanity of immigrant communities who seek a better life in the U.S. “The most powerful people in the world profit from their exploitation and from a fear of one another,” she remarked, underscoring the need for collective action to uplift marginalized voices and confront systemic inequities.
Members of Career, Advising, and Student Success Services host the events at various locations on campus.
Career Services regularly hosts events that expose students to potential job paths and connects them with industry professionals. Two events this past week highlighted the value of partnering with our community and educating students on careers.
Justice System Career Panel and Fair
Clark College students, alumni, and community members gathered in Foster Auditorium on May 14 for an engaging panel discussion and career fair, designed to introduce attendees to the diverse career opportunities within the justice system.
Hosted by Clark College Career Services and the Clark County Bar Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the event provided invaluable insights into the various career pathways available in the field.
The panel discussion featured professionals from a range of disciplines within the justice system. Panelists shared their experiences, discussed the challenges and rewards of their careers, and answered questions from attendees, fostering a lively and informative dialogue.
Panelists at the Justice System Career Fair in Foster Auditorium.
Panelists included:
Anna Lookingbill, LICSW: Jail Transition Manager, Clark County Jail Services
Jamie Schulz: Paralegal, Butchard Law
Alicia Hensley: Management Analyst, Clark County District Court
Amy Harlan: Diversion Counselor, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
Jade Day: Interpreter Services Coordinator, Clark County District Court
LaQuinta Daniels: RCS Program Coordinator, Clark County Juvenile Court
Heather Kahl: Family Court Services Coordinator/Guardian ad Litem, Clark County Superior Court
Erin Welch: Detention Alternatives Supervisor, Clark County Juvenile Court
Deagan Williams: Program Coordinator -Jury Administration, Clark County Superior Court
Cory Bobeck: Attorney/Rule 6, Johnson & Associates
Stephanie Stephenson: Probation Services Case Manager, Clark County District Court
Christopher Swaby: Chief Defender, Clark County Public Defense
Following the discussion, attendees moved to the Foster Lobby, where they engaged in one-on-one conversations with panelists and other community members in an informal career fair setting. This space allowed students to connect personally with professionals, ask in-depth questions, and gather resources to support their career exploration. Many students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to build meaningful connections and gain greater clarity about potential career paths in the justice field.
In addition to career exploration, participants enjoyed complimentary pizza and drinks while networking with potential mentors and employers. The event successfully inspired students and community members to consider roles within the justice system, reinforcing the importance of education and professional engagement in pursuing justice-related careers.
A Student connects with Student Success Coach Phoebe Cordova and Academic Advisor Wende Fisher.
Business and Entrepreneurship Career Connect Event
Clark College’s Career Services team hosted the Business & Entrepreneurship Career Connect Event on May 13th, 2025, offering students, alumni, and community members a valuable opportunity to engage with industry professionals and explore potential career pathways.
Held in the Scarpelli Hall Lobby, the event welcomed over 30 students, along with eight employers, faculty and instruction representatives, student success coaches, academic advisors, and career services team members.
Rather than a traditional job fair, the event served as an interactive platform for attendees to gain insight into various industries, understand career trajectories, and build meaningful connections with seasoned professionals.
The employers who attended included:
Ken Torre
Rally Pizza/Lucky Horseshoe
Northwest Business Development Association
Odyssey World
John Jackson Insurance
Neil Jones Food Company
Wurthy.co
Vancouver Housing Authority
From the moment attendees arrived, conversations flowed as students sought advice, asked questions, and engaged in discussions about the realities of working in business and entrepreneurship. Employers shared expertise on industry trends, provided guidance on professional development, and helped students visualize career paths beyond what’s found in job postings. Faculty and advisors played a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, ensuring students saw the bigger picture in their career journeys.
The atmosphere was welcoming and dynamic, with career exploration activities, a bingo game, and a raffle for a Clark College Bookstore gift card. Many students also took advantage of the opportunity to get professional headshots, helping them refine their LinkedIn profiles and personal portfolios.
Attendees expressed their appreciation for the event, highlighting how valuable it was to connect with professionals in a supportive environment. The chance to speak directly with industry experts and gain insights that will support the next steps in their career paths.
Sign-in table with Associate Director of Career and Student Success Aaron Campbell and Career Advisor Trisha Haakonstad.
Next Career Connect Event
Clark College’s Career Services team continues to create opportunities for students and alumni to engage with professionals from diverse fields.
The next Career Connect event will take place on May 28 in Cannell Library from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., focusing on the Creative & Communications Arts area of study.
Alyssa Montminy on the bravery of pink hair
At the Students with Disability luncheon this past Tuesday, May 23, Alyssa Montminy said “When I think about my time as an adult I often think about diagnosis, life stages, and where I was.”
The event—that comes with free lunch for attendees—is part of a series planned by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to inspire students and faculty by sharing the stories of community members.
Alyssa Montminy presents to a full house in the Penguin Union Building.
Stages of diagnosis
Alyssa described her series of diagnoses—first, the depression that was diagnosed in college, then the postpartum depression she experienced after each of her two boys (Bentley and Finley). While she anticipated having children would be hard, she said “I was woefully underprepared for how severe that situation would be.”
Most recently, “through TikTok I realized I had ADHD. And the boys had it too.” They worked through the formal diagnostic process together. Alyssa shared that women typically get diagnosed later in life, because the research on the condition was all conducted on young white boys like her sons.
As Alyssa’s children grew, she discovered her anxiety was something more and received an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis. She learned OCD does not always fit into the stereotypes, and that the compulsive rituals around her anxiety was enough to qualify her for the diagnosis, despite her consistently messy desk.
She said, “It doesn’t get better… there’s not a magic wand. We find ways to overcome. We do get stronger.”
Being brave in self-advocacy
Because stereotypes about mental health don’t always align with reality, Alyssa has found that doing research and hearing the experiences of others can be helpful information in looking for a solution. As she put it, “Sometimes Googling symptoms is a good idea.”
That information can help you be an advocate for yourself. Alyssa has asked for accommodations like cross-stitching during meetings.
“Sometimes it’s really scary,” she said. “Sometimes I tell myself that I have pink hair and people with pink hair are not afraid of standing up for themselves.”
She recommended finding community in your workspace so that you can advocate together, instead of being alone.
Quick Self-Care Tools
Alyssa passed out flyers with self-care tips.
54321 method
This grounding method engages the 5 senses of your body to keep you in the present moment. It is a type of mindfulness that is helpful in stopping anxiety or panic in the moment. The steps are:
5 things you can see: Look around and name 5 things that you see.
4 things you can touch: Touch 4 different textures.
3 things you can hear: Identify 3 different sounds around you.
2 things you can smell: Identify 2 things you can smell around or on you.
1 thing you can taste: Either identify the taste currently in your mouth, or try a drink or food item.
Breathing exercises
Breathing is a quick way to ground yourself, calm down and relax your body and mind. When doing any breathing exercise, focus on breathing from your diaphragm.
Flower/bubble breathing: Take a slow deep breath in like you are inhaling the scent of your favorite flower. Hold that for a few moments then slowly blow out the air like you are trying to blow soap bubbles. When you exhale for longer than you inhaled, your body has an automatic relaxation response.
Square Breathing: Breathe in for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 4, breathe out for a count of 4 and hold your breath for a count of 4.
Other ways to take care of yourself
Journaling: Take just 5-10 minutes a day to write down whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t have to make sense or go together. Just write whatever comes to mind.
Find comfort: Drinking warm tea, eating comforting foods or surrounding yourself with comforting items such as blankets can calm your nervous system.
Keep a routine: Try to maintain a daily routine that includes waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, eating regular meals and snacks, moving your body and completing daily tasks.
Take mindful walks: Movement can help you get rid of stress hormones, clear your mind and focus on the moment.
Listen to music: Music can help relieve stress, calm you down or connect you to something that you have been missing.
Find community: Connect with others that understand what you are going through. Eat together, go on walks or just share space while you do something comforting.
Location on main campus: Penguin Union Building (PUB) 013 Web: https://www.clark.edu/dac Main phone: 360-992-2314 Video phone for ASL: 360-991-0901 Email: dac@clark.edu
Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley
Clark College Dedicates Raines Softball Field
Left to right: Laura LeMasters, Wilma Raines, Calen Ouellette, and Shirley Schwartzcut the ribbon to officially name the softball field in Raines’ honor.
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.”
Wilma Raines holds a watercolor of her husband and daughter, painted by art professor Grant Hottle.
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.”
Wilma Raines holds a jersey during the dedication in front of (left to right) the softball team, Laura LeMasters, Calen Ouellette, and Shirley Schwartz.
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.
Clark Students and Faculty Exhibit at Downtown Gallery
On a sunny spring evening this past Friday, May 2, Clark art students, faculty, and Foundation staff gathered at Art at the Cave for the opening of “The Day After Tomorrow: Art and Mentorship at Clark College”. It’s a benefit exhibition supporting the College via the Foundation through the sales of exhibited works.
The exhibit, organized by the Foundation, the Art Department, and Art at the Cave under the Arts@Clark initiative, explores the relationship between mentors and mentees.
How Faculty and Students Worked Together
Faculty and student artists were paired to work in parallel over the past several weeks. The gallery then displayed the art side by side in the gallery. For most of the students, this was the very first gallery exhibition of their work.
Gabe Parque, one of the faculty members, said, “I like to see what the students are interested in then guide them… Alex is very good at taking my advice or not.”
Alex Frederickson, Gabe’s student mentee, laughed at the observation and said that of all the faculty members they’ve worked with, Gabe’s instructional style works the best for her.
Another faculty mentor, Kendra Larson, shared that her collaboration with student Hana Lowenthal involved ‘a lot of texting.’ She noted that they share a similar creative process—producing a large volume of work, then selecting the best pieces to exhibit.
How Arts@Clark Made it Happen
Left to right: Ruth Wikler and Anne John.
Ruth Wikler, Clark College Foundation’s inaugural Director of Arts Programming, Partnerships, & Philanthropy, worked with gallery owner Anne John to design the event. She said, “Through my role at Clark College Foundation, I have the privilege of helping bridge College and Community through the arts in ways that are both innovative and inspiring… This effort has been more than a year in the making, and it has come to fruition through a unique collaboration.”
She added, “The exhibit’s focus on mentorship—pairing faculty with students—beautifully reflects Clark’s mission and the transformational power of arts education. Witnessing the impact of this work come to life at Friday’s opening was an unforgettable moment of shared joy and pride.”
Organizers shared, however, that the show is only “the first of many collaborations between Clark College Arts programs, Clark College Foundation, and the community of Southwest Washington under the new Arts@Clark initiative.”
About Arts@Clark
Arts@Clark is a new initiative that unites Clark College’s arts programs, the Clark College Foundation, and the Southwest Washington community through the arts. Stay tuned for exciting events coming in summer and fall 2025.
About Art at the Cave
Art at the Cave is a gallery owned by artist Anne John. Located in downtown Vancouver just steps from the library, the gallery is community-centered and beyond rotating gallery exhibits, hosts a variety of arts programming, including a poetry open mic, collage nights, meditation sessions, and more.
Art at the Cave partners with a nonprofit each year to put on an exhibition and donate part of the profits. This year, that beneficiary was the Foundation.
Come Visit the Exhibit Through May 31
The exhibit will be on display through the rest of May.
Gallery hours: Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent
Clark Surveying Students Wins National Competition
Congratulations to Clark College’s Surveying and Geomatics team who earned top honors at a prestigious national competition held over spring break, taking first place at the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) 24th Annual Student Competition.
Students Robert Clapham, Milad Sadegi, Brian Hankins, Becca Dunphy, Trevor Geivett and Eli Deschand at US Capitol.
Accompanied by Professor Brian Miyake, six Clark students traveled to Silver Spring, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., to compete against 25 academic teams from across the country. Clark College was the only school representing Washington or Oregon—and the competition marked the college’s first-ever entry into the event.
Clark’s first-place Surveying & Geomatics team:
Robert Clapham, Class of 2026
Eli Deschand, Class of 2025
Rebecca Dunphy, Class of 2025
Trevor Geivett, Class of 2025
Brian Hankins, Class of 2026
Milad Sadegi, Class of 2026
Clark’s team received support to attend the competition from the following:
Land Surveyors Association of Washington
Minister & Glaeser Surveying. Inc.
PBS Engineering and Environmental
Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon
S & F Land Services
Westlake Consultants, Inc.
“I am so proud of our Clark College students and their outstanding performance in this national competition. Most of the students had never visited D.C. before, so it was a completely new place for them to practice their surveying skills amongst so many historical sites,” Professor Miyake said. “The team showed exemplary professionalism, teamwork and survey ability in timed events and in the local D.C. community, while representing our state and college with pride and confidence.”
The competition consisted of one day of monument scavenger hunt and one day of technical field exercises–with students utilizing historical and modern survey instruments to complete tasks. A course was laid out on Capitol Mall between the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial.
Clark students look toward the Washington Monument.
Day 1: Monument Hunt. The first portion of the competition was a staged scavenger hunt.
A list of D.C.-area monuments were assigned a point value and provided the day before the event.
Monuments farther away or more logistically challenging were assigned higher values due to the risk of finding fewer of them.
Monuments selected are older and are significant to the history of surveying in the area.
Teams were released from the hotel in 30-minute increments and had six hours to complete their task. Teams were provided Metro public transit cards. No other mode of transportation was allowed. Teams had to stay together.
Scoring: Teams accumulated points based on the point values of the monuments visited.
Teams proved they reached the monument by taking a photo with a timestamp or a group photo in front of the monument. Extra points were provided for social media posts with those photos using #NSPS and #YSN.
Day 2: Measurement Exercises. The second portion of the competition was a four-part timed exercise to evaluate students’ technical ability while requiring some knowledge of historical concepts. Transportation and equipment were provided.
Clark students at work on National Mall with Lincoln Memorial in background.
Route layout: Students were asked to layout a route using a baseline and plans provided using a Trimble Robotic Total Station. Performance was graded on the accuracy of calculated points versus plan and amount completed in time allotted.
Traverse: Students were asked to perform a four-sided traverse with a chain and compass. Performance was graded on the following criteria: closure, accuracy of leg distances and accuracy of internal angles.
Triangulation: Students were asked to complete a triangulate exercise of an unknown position from two to three known positions with a theodolite. Performance was graded based solely on the accuracy of the missing variable and calculating the area between the theodolite stations and the unknown position.
Boundary reconnaissance: Students were asked to calculate a series of points given any number of information that one might find on a deed/plat and utilize those in locating specific real-world points utilizing a Leica GPS unit. Performance was graded on the following criteria: Accuracy of calculated points vs plan and amount completed in time allotted.
About Surveying and Geomatics
Surveying and Geomatics involves the accurate assessment, measuring, and plotting of land and water boundaries for development projects that include buildings, roads, and bridges. Clark’s program uses state-of-the-art land surveying equipment and techniques to prepare students for entry-level work in government and private sector roles.
Dozens of children—from toddlers to teens—took over Clark College’s main campus on April 24 for Take Your Child to Work Day 2025. This annual national tradition, now over 30 years strong, offers children the opportunity to imagine their future careers, explore the world of higher education, and learn more about the work their parents do every day.
At Clark, the event is more than a fun day off school—it’s a chance for young minds to engage with science, art, technology, and wellness through interactive activities across campus. For many, it also sparks early interest in college and the diverse career paths available in higher education.
Hands-On Learning and Big Smiles
The day’s main activities were hosted in Gaiser Student Center, where children moved from table to table, building, creating, and discovering. Some highlights:
Future penguin Jasmine hangs out with therapy dog Oso (Basic Needs Hub). Jasmine is the daughter of Gabriela Sanchez-Ronceros (Transitional Studies).Alyssa Montminy from ODEI and son, Finn build with Lego bricks.Asher shows his half-eaten cookie while his aunt Jenifer Rivera (Financial Aid) looks on.Daniel Rogers (Foundation) and daughter Scarlett, who built a platonic solids 3D shape at the STEM Engineering table.
Security made 91 future penguin ID badges that children proudly wore
Jasmine, daughter of Gabriela Sanchez-Ronceros (Transitional Studies), knelt on the floor to pet Oso, the therapy dog.
Finn and his mom, Alyssa Montminy (ODEI), got creative with Lego bricks.
Asher, supervised by his aunt, Jenifer Rivera (Financial Aid) painted a cookie – and later showed off his bright blue lips and tongue after eating it!
Scarlett and her father, Daniel Rogers (Foundation), worked together to build a platonic solids 3D shape at the STEM Engineering table.
Oliver, son of Cath Bush (Student Life), gently cradled empty mason bee cocoons during a guided tour of the STEM bee garden, proudly sharing them with others.
The main event was held in Gaiser Student Center. For two hours, children explore the world of higher education at Clark with these fun, interactive activities including:
Steven Clark (Biology) shows future penguin Megan a pollinator her captured in the STEM bee garden. Megan’s mother Rachel works in WES.Mira Olenin (Financial Aid) and son Matthew pose with Oswald.Sisters Chloe and Aria hold the cookies they painted while their mom, Janessa McLachlan and grandmother, Joanne Vaughn (Financial Services) watch.The STEM Engineering table was busy with older kids building platonic solids 3D shapes.
Bee walk – Discover native pollinators on campus
Meet Oso – Hang out this friendly therapy dog and learn about our Basic Needs Hub
Platonic solids – Create and build geometric 3D shapes with our Engineering department
Cookie Decorating – Paint and snack on delicious cookies made by Clark’s bakery
Fidget making and mandala coloring – Fidget toys, mandala coloring, mindfulness activities and snacks for all age groups provided by our Counseling and Health Center
Oswald the penguin – Snap a photo with Clark’s official mascot
Campus-wide Adventures:
Charla Kimball (Accounting Services) and son Preston wait for their lunch in MCI..In the Clark Bookstore, Rachel George (WES) and daughter Megan guess how many chocolates are in the container
Beyond Gaiser hall, families were invited to explore the wider campus through self-guided activities:
Security desk: Kids got official-looking ID badges. Security made 91 badges!
Bookstore: Played a Penguin guessing game and collected free lanyards for their new “badges”
Welcome Center: Starting point for a scavenger hunt
Beacock Music Hall: Tried out different musical instruments
Cannell Library: Enjoyed story time in the reading corner
McClaskey Culinary Institute & Bakery: Kid-friendly lunch and treats including snack boxes, mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.
Archer Gallery: Explore visual art exhibits
Japanese Gardens: Wandered through peaceful paths and fountains
About Clark’s Take Your Child To Work Day
National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is an annual event held on the 4th Thursday of April where parents are encouraged to bring their children to work for one day. The event is designed to help children learn about different careers and gain exposure to the workplace.
Take Your Child to Work Day at Clark is a celebration of learning, family, and the joy of curiosity. As future penguins explored the campus, they left with full bellies, wide eyes, and maybe even a new dream or two.
Clark Students Honored on All-Washington Academic Team
Two Clark College students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement and community service at the 28th annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony, held April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.
Seth Stigall Barranco and Anton Vlasov represented Clark College as members of the prestigious All-Washington Academic Team, a statewide program that honors high-achieving students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The program is part of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.
They join more than 80 scholars from across Washington State who are pursuing transfer or workforce pathways and demonstrating excellence both in and out of the classroom.
Darci Feider, advisor of the Clark College PTK chapter, Alpha Sigma Pi, said, “I’m incredibly proud of Seth and Anton for being named to the All-Washington Academic Team. Their hard work and commitment to learning have made them outstanding representatives of Clark College.”
Seth Stigall Barranco
Named in the All-Washington Top 16 Scholars
Seth Stigall Barranco Is a first-generation college student who wants to inspire his younger siblings to follow his path of graduating from college and pursuing an impactful career. At Clark he is a leader, helping to start a new club for video game design and organizing an event for MESA students and maintaining a 3.9 grade point average. After completing a summer internship at Oakridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, he will graduate from Clark College with an associate degree in computer and information sciences. In the fall he will join the first cohort of students in Clark’s new Bachelor of Science in computer science program.
Anton Vlasov
When Russian rockets leveled the apartment building next door, Anton Vlasov and his family left Ukraine to seek safety from the war. Building upon his work in the IT industry,
Vlasov enrolled at Clark College. Vlasov, 40, maintains a 3.81 grade point average and will graduate with an associate’s degree in computer and information sciences in June. Next, he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity at Clark with a goal of working as a cybersecurity analyst.
All-Washington Academic Team Ceremony
Each student received a medal and a $250 scholarship from Key Bank. They also are eligible for additional scholarships from private sponsors and transfer scholarships for four-year colleges and universities.
Program sponsors:
Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges
Washington State Association of College Trustees
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges
