Graduate Rona Young, center is flanked by her mother, Carol Young and her daughter Feddie Young. Feddie also is a Clark graduate and employee.
Graduates were celebrated at the Diversity Center graduation on June 7.
Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards challenged the graduates: “Don’t minimize your accomplishment. Be proud of it. Don’t ever forget where you came from. Be your true authentic self. Every day of my life, I remind myself I’m from the Boogie Down Bronx.”
Three graduates participated:
Matty Quinn, Associate in Fine Arts (Fine Arts: Studio Arts AFA)
Rona Young, Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services
Tracy Taylor, Associate in Applied Science in Supervisory Management
Alum Dee Harris, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion executive assistant, shared her story of living in a homeless shelter and being unsure of her future when a Clark College employee from Workforce Education Services spoke at the shelter about opportunities at Clark. Soon after, she enrolled at Clark and became a paralegal. Later she earned a bachelor’s degree. She has worked at the college for more than a decade. She has raised seven children.
Dee said, “I never felt I didn’t have an opportunity at Clark College. This degree is yours. This is what you have accomplished. No one can take that from you.”
Left to right: Matty Quinn, Tracy Taylor, Intirm Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanessa Neal and Rona Young.
In the keynote address, graduating student Matty Quinn shared their story of growing up in a low-income household that was unsafe and toxic. They first enrolled at age 18 but dropped out because “my life was a mess.”
Later, when they decided to return to college, their mother was critical and unsupportive. Matty got help in therapy and returned to Clark.
Matty said, “The past couple of years have been one of the biggest journeys of my life. I no longer have connections with people who bring me down. I’ve made my own family here.”
Matty also took on leadership roles as a Student Ambassador and a peer mentor.
“I was finally proud of myself,” they said.
Next, Matty will be starting an internship as a paraeducator to help the future generation of kids and artists.
Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vanessa Neal, closed with this inspiration: “Change is a constant part of life. You’ll face challenges and adversity. You’ll meet people who don’t understand you. Embrace your curiosity. Follow your opportunities. Lean into your courage over fear. Honor your truest self. Remember what matters and keep going.
Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish
Celebrating Juneteenth
Clark College celebrated Juneteenth on June 6 by gathering during lunchtime for barbecue, screening of a film, and celebrating community. The event was organized and sponsored by the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and culinary programs.
From its Galveston, Texas origin, Juneteenth is a federal and a state holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. Celebrations take place across the U.S. and beyond with focus on community and family gatherings, reflection, cuisine, and continued solidarity toward social justice. Clark College celebrated Juneteenth early on June 6 to accommodate academic and holiday schedules as well as to uplift the broader community Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, which Clark College will be involved in.
Clark College’s Juneteenth celebration was a free event open to all students, employees and community members, and included:
Food prepared by Chef Earl Frederick, Culinary Arts Professor in the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College, and cuisine staff and students. Chef Earl and crew served up marinated pork loin, coho salmon, Cajun shrimp, chicken thighs, braised greens, Southern-style cornbread, sweet tea, sorrel punch, mini red velvet cupcakes, pecan pie, and more— at no cost to diners.
Screening of the film Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Frontspresented by Dru Holley, the film’s director and producer. The film details the role played by Black soldiers throughout U.S. history. Premiering this summer in honor of Juneteenth, the film will air on PBS on June 12 and on World Channel on June 19 (Juneteenth).
Cuisine instructor Earl Frederick said, “Barbecue is recognized as a Black contribution to American culture. It was slaves who passed through the Caribbean, cooking animals over pits on sticks. This style of cooking called barbacoa translates now into what we know as Southern barbecue. They also picked up seeds from hot peppers in the Caribbean, which became an important flavoring for the pork in the South.”
Frederick said his maternal grandmother, a sharecropper from North Carolina, told him stories about the significance of barbecue.
“My grandmother told me that barbecue is something that Blacks and whites in the South share. When tobacco was harvested in the fall, it was all-hands-on-deck with Blacks and whites working together doing the harvest.”
Workers hung tobacco leaves in tobacco barns that have slats to let air through. To prevent spoilage, this work had to happen quickly, so a big oak fire was built to cure, dry, and smoke the tobacco. Throughout the night, workers stoked the fire, which accumulated hot coals.
Frederick explained, “The tradition developed to roast a pig using those hot coals. People dug a hole in the ground, put hot coals in the bottom of the pit, put a grate over the coals, and put a butchered pig on the grate to slowly cook the pig. Everybody—black and white—ate the pig together. Something that didn’t happen any other time.”
Clark had its first Juneteenth celebration in June 2020. President Joe Biden signed the legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday in June 2021, making it the 11th official federal holiday. Since 2022, Juneteenth also has been recognized as a state holiday.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth (“June” plus “nineteenth”) is a federal holiday observed each year on June 19. Juneteenth was first celebrated in Texas, where on June 19, 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Learn more at https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth. We encourage folx to research how to get involved with organizations and community events to celebrate Juneteenth and get involved in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
Photos: Clark College/Vanessa Neal
Spring Fest
Student Ambassador Mary, left with Peer Mentor Matty at the Spring Fest.Clark College/Jenny Shadley
‘Twas the week before finals
Clark students were stressed
So, they chilled with games and alpacas
At Clark’s annual Spring Fest.
Stress levels are high as Clark students are focused on studying for finals, writing papers, completing what they started so many months—or even years—ago.
Clark’s Activities Programming Board (APB) to the rescue with Spring Fest. Students, faculty, and staff gathered near Anderson Fountain and the grass near the Chime Tower for fun activities and games—all for free.
Students played and destressed in many ways:
Climbed a rock wall
Played on various inflatables including human foosball and hungry hippo
Raced each other through the giant obstacle course
Played giant Jenga and Connect Four
Tried out the EZ beats drum battle
Got sprayed-on temporary tattoos
Enjoyed free ice cream treats
Hugged and kissed therapy alpacas Napoleon and Jean-Pierre
Got your photos taken with the roving photo booth
And much more
Running Start students Callan Bixler and Lucille Ware sat on a bench eating ice cream. They had already played a game of giant Jenga and hugged the therapy alpacas. Finishing their ice cream, they headed to the bounce area before returning to studying for finals.
Diesel student Alex Baumgartner looks at the underbelly of a diesel truck.
At Clark’s Diesel Technology open house on June 1, faculty and students demonstrated diagnostic tools and systems, and showcased diesel trucks and heavy equipment to visitors.
Potential diesel students had the opportunity to bring family members for a close-up look at Clark’s diesel program. Professor Don Gonser gave informal tours, and current diesel students answered questions and talked about their experiences in Clark’s program.
Some high school students who visited the open house currently are studying diesel technology at Cascadia Technical Academy, a high school that includes a diesel program which offers a seamless transition to Clark’s program.
“We articulate 20 credits from Cascadia Tech’s diesel program,” said Professor Don Gonser, explaining that it saves Clark students two lab classes and substantial tuition expenses.
Diesel Professor Don Gonser instructs a Cascadia Tech student on air brakes diagnostics.
Alex Baumgartner, 19, transferred 20 credits from Cascadia Tech. He is completing his first year in Clark’s program and already works as a diesel mechanic at Civil Works NW in Brush Prairie.
“It makes sense to choose something that’s going to pay you a livable wage,” Baumgartner said as he demonstrated the air brake diagnostic equipment to visitors.
Stephen Korn is finishing his first year in the diesel program. He has 10 years’ diesel experience in the field, including in the military. He is earning his degree so that he can advance in his career and move up to management.
Clark diesel student Jayden Schauer demonstrates air brake diagnostic system.
Jayden Schauer, a second-year student who is preparing to graduate, said, “There’s so much opportunity in the diesel field. You can work in construction on heavy equipment, in trucking, on marine engines, in power generation used by big data centers, and more.”
The median hourly wage for a diesel engine specialist in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties is $29.09 per hour and median annual wage is $60,517, according to Washington Department of Employment Security Data Department/Data Division.
Those interested in enrolling in Diesel Technology are encouraged to begin the program in summer term but can enter the program any term. Summer classes begin July 10.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month
Left to right: AAPI Korean Club speakers Jullie Ji, Amanda Lee Harlan, Bethany Kim-Yin, and Melina My-Ai Doan
The Clark College community commemorated Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month in May in a variety of ways.
Korean Club hosts speakers discuss racism, acts of violence
On May 31 the college’s Korean Club hosted its first-ever Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander event, which it plans to repeat annually. Five speakers talked about their experiences with racism, discrimination and even violence. The speakers were:
Bethany Kim-Yin, a former social studies teacher and college admissions counselor
Jīn Darnel, president, Korean Society of Vancouver and Washington Asian Cultural Organization
Jullie Ji, teacher, Korean School of Vancouver; Korean Society of Vancouver
Amanda Lee Harlan, Clark College Workforce Education Services; president, Justice Impact Club; co-president, Korean Club; board member, Witness to Mass Incarceration
Melina My-Ai Doan, Clark College student; president of the college’s Korean Club
They spoke about being young children and experiencing other students make racist comments about their appearance, their ethnic food, the way they spoke English.
Bethany Kim-Yin said, “Violence against Asians happens every day. I’ve been spit upon. One of the lies I still tell myself is that If I stay small, I’ll be safe.” She added, “We’re not big enough for the American dream to be a reality.”
Jīn Darnel sang in Portland Opera for several seasons. She was the only Asian performer.
She said, “In my life, I’ve seen so much discrimination. I was very angry about it.”
Now she fights back against discrimination by creating opportunities for Asian artists and musicians.
Jullie Ji, a third-generation Asian-American, asked her math professor at Portland State University to explain an equation. The professor’s response: Go back to your country. Take ESL classes. Learn to speak English.
To bring Asian communities together, she is organizing a series of summer concerts in Vancouver featuring Asian musicians.
“We’re not all that different. We’re just different colors,” she said.
Melina My-Ai Doan said growing up in Vancouver was hard. The kids at school made fun of her Vietnamese food she brought for lunch. Making friends was difficult. Later, while working at a local movie theater, she experienced a racially motivated verbal attack.
She said, “We have been invisible and ignored. It’s time to speak up.”
While growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Amanda Lee Harlan said, “I endured a lot of racism, discrimination, name calling, bullying. It’s taken its toll. I remember being ashamed of my culture and my heritage.”
At age 20, she was called a derogatory name and punched in the face by a White Supremacist skinhead and wearing a swastika. Someone called the police, who put her and her husband—not the attacker—into the back of the police car.
“There is still so much violence against Asians, especially against our elders, who don’t feel safe reporting it,” she said. “Community is what we need right now. Having a safe space. Sharing our stories. My goal is to bring awareness to what’s going on in the Asian community and how we can help each other. I’d like to bring all the Asian communities together.”
College Book Club discusses Minor Feelings
Clark College’s book club met via Zoom on May 5 to discuss the book Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong. The book is a New York Times bestseller, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and a National Book Critics Circle Award winner. The Los Angeles Reviewwrote: “In Minor Feelings, poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong exposes the racism, shame, and erasure forced upon her as a Korean American woman.”
Heather Leasure, Clark’s Student Communication and Retention Manager said about the book, “The takeaway for me was about the structured life she (the author) was forced to lead. Also, the abuse that is rampant in Korean culture, especially from the mother.”
Japanese and Korean club members receive Vancouver City Council proclamation
Japanese Club picking up Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation at City Hall
Members of the college’s Japanese and Korean Clubs attended the Vancouver City Council meeting in May to receive Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle’s proclamation that May is “Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”
The proclamation includes this language:
“Whereas, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month is an annual celebration every May that recognizes the historical and current contributions of individuals and groups of Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent within the United States. The umbrella term includes communities from the entire Asian continent, including East, Southeast and South Asia, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. As of last year, there were about 24.3 million people of Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States;
“Whereas, the City of Vancouver recognizes the innumerable contributions, vibrant cultures, and rich histories of AA and NHPI. As some of the fastest-growing racial and ethnic groups in the nation and Vancouver, AA and NHPI communities represent a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and experiences that enrich our community;
“Whereas, this month we proudly celebrate the rich culture and history of Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander heritage and history in the City of Vancouver, as we dedicate ourselves to working together to address the challenges that still face so many of our neighbors and members of the Vancouver community.”
Spring Show
Clark College Theatre presents its spring show, “Technical Difficulties” on June 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 in the Decker Theatre* in Frost Arts Center. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free for Clark College students, faculty, and staff with college ID. General admissions, $12; senior citizens, $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Clark College Bookstore website: www.clarkbookstore.com
About the show
“Technical Difficulties” is a collection of socially distant shorts that tap into the delights and frustrations of staying connected. It is designed to be performed on the internet as well as on stage.
The shorts are directed by Clark College Theatre alums Kyra Sanford, Seven Tempest Fairy, Patricia Murphy, Linda Owsley, Travis Beagley, and Theo Harrison and Dr. Gene Biby, a Clark College drama professor.
Below are titles, playwrights, directors and summaries of the shorts:
“Oyster” by Elaine Romero. Directed by Clark Theater alum Kyra Sanford.
The plot: Marisela negotiates a potential opportunity in a border world where kids live in government cages and being bilingual comes at a price.
“Intro to Fiction (Virtual)” by Ken Urban. Directed by Clark Theater alum Seven Tempest Fairy.
The plot: During office hours, a professor discusses his student’s short story. When her characters feel too close for comfort for the professor, teacher and student must reckon with how to write a good ending.
“Black in Blue” by Aurin Squire. Directed by Clark Theater alum Patricia Murphy and Clark Theatre Professor H. Gene Biby.
The plot: After one act of police brutality too many, one man decides to do something. But in trying to get “street justice,” he threatens his life, his brother, and his job.
“Looking Back” by Arlene Hutton. Directed by Clark Theater alum Linda Owsley.
The plot: Kath was the last visitor to leave a major theme park before the pandemic lockdown. While reminiscing about life pre-Covid, two roommates challenge each other’s ideas of what truly makes a person happy.
“Artful” by C. Quintana. Directed by Clark Theater alum Travis Beagley.
The plot: In the wake of her ex-husband’s departure, Taani logs on to a Metropolitan Museum of Art webinar. Suddenly in conversation with the art itself, she finds the event is more personal than she ever could have imagined.
“Boredom, Fear and Wine” by Craig Pospisil. Directed by Clark Theater alum Theo Harrison.
The plot: When you’re stuck at home during a pandemic, everything happens online— even therapy. Harper is suffering and can’t reconcile feelings about the terrifying disease with the monotony of lockdown. Jess tries to be sympathetic, but the session goes off the rails.
“Telephones with Cords” by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen. Directed by Clark Theater alum Kyra Sanford.
The plot: Bozz and Banjo, best friends and fellow puppets, are feeling the separation of a Zoom existence. Frustrated, Bozz wants to talk by phone, and Banjo can’t help but sense their friend’s growing existential despair. Usually the optimist, even Banjo begins to wonder about the hands at work in their lives.
*Please enter Frost Arts Center through the front entrance, go through the lobby and into the exterior courtyard to the theatre entrance.
Spring Performances
Clark College Treble Ensemble perform at the Sakura Festival.
The Clark College Music Department is presenting five spring concerts from June 3 to 10 at various venues. All performances are free and open to the public. Donations to the college’s music programs are accepted at the door. For a complete roster of Clark College music events, see here.
Clark College Jazz Band under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris presents their spring concert on Saturday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Gaiser Student Center, Clark College main campus. Clark’s Jazz Band will be joined by the Advanced Jazz Band from Battle Ground High School, directed by Greg McKelvy.
Battle Ground HS was the Sweepstakes winner of the Clark College Jazz Festival in 2020 and it recently won the Basically Basie Jazz Festival in Kansas City. The program will include music by Tom Kubis, Dominic Spera, Bob Mintzer, Paul Baker, Matt Catingub, and more.
Clark College Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris presents their spring concert on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Durst Theatre at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, 3101 Main St., Vancouver.
Music will include “Shenandoah” arranged by African-American composer Omar Thomas, “Asuka” by Tetsusnosuke Kushida, Aaron Copland’s “Variations on a Shaker Melody,” “Marche of the Parachutists Belges” by Pierre Leemans, and “Golden Light” by David Maslanka. Clark College’s Treble Ensemble will join the band on Ron Nelson’s “Aspen Jubilee.”
Clark College Treble Ensemble and Clark College Chorale under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk and accompanied by Dr. Jeongmi Yoon present their spring concert on Thursday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver.
The Treble Ensemble is singing pieces in English, Japanese, Estonian, and Spanish. Music will include “She Lingers On” by Zanaida Robles, The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table,” and “Mis on inimene?” by Estonian composer Pärt Uusberg.
Clark College Chorale is presenting “The Last Words of David” by Thompson, “Let the Music Fill Your Soul” by Jacob Narverud, and “Afternoon on a Hill” by Barnum. The sopranos and altos will sing an arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine.” The tenors and basses will sing a classic arrangement of “Riders in the Sky.”
Clark College Orchestra under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Dr. Donald Appert on Friday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Durst Theatre at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, 3101 Main St., Vancouver.
The concert program includes works by Dohnani, Debussy, and Bernstein’sSymphony No 1 “Jeremiah” featuring soloist mezzo soprano Laura Beckel Thoreson, a Clark College music instructor.
Clark College Concert Choir and the newly formed Clark College Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk and accompanied by Dr. Jeongmi Yoon presents their spring concert on Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver.
Music includes “At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners,” “Ndikhokhele Bawo,” “Mata del Anima Sola,” Dale Trumbore’s “In the Middle,” and a lush arrangement of “Good Night Moon” by Eric Whitacre, with text is from the children’s picture book. Bring your copy and follow along.
The Chamber Choir will sing works by Rheinberger, Britten, and Macdonald, as well as an arrangement of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Adam Podd.
Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley
B.U.I.L.D.
Members of 2022-23 B.U.I.L.D cohort made their group presentations and will graduate from the program on May 26.
The Broadening Understanding, Intercultural Leadership and Development program (B.U.I.L.D.) is a nine-month cohort-based program designed to develop intercultural competency and equity in leadership amongst Clark College staff, faculty and students. The program encourages the students to explore power, privilege and inequity and their implications through awareness, learning and practicing social equity.
Vanessa Neal, Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Diversity, said, “I am so excited to celebrate the Purple Cohort of the B.U.I.L.D. program. I lift up and celebrate the great learning experience and connection within this program, not only as the leader of ODEI, but also as a participant. I am joined by President Edwards, Dr. Cruse, Sabra Sand and Calen Ouellette in team seven of the Purple Cohort.”
She added, “This Friday, we will celebrate all graduates of the Purple Cohort and I look forward, with great anticipation, to seeing how folx put theory into practice for the benefit of the College and student success!”
Below are this year’s seven teams of the B.U.I.L.D. Purple Cohort and their projects:
Team: Megan Jasurda (DSS), Mike Law (ODEI), Sandra Bush (Dual Enrollment)
Project: Disability Awareness training module
Created a new training, “Disability Awareness” via Canvas. They are proposing the training be made available to all new Clark employees. It covers basic information about what “disability” means, breaks down ableism, provides strategies for allyship, and shares resources for those who have questions about either accommodations, or who want to learn more.
Team: Nick Luisi (Nursing), Lana Strickland (ODEI), Laura LeMasters (Athletics)
Project:Equity in Healthcare presentation
Created a detailed presentation covering some inequities within the Nursing department – disparities in representation in the field and in the program, barriers to success and enrollment, and strategies to support systemically non-dominant students in the program. This group also presented challenges that students athletes face, including the need for an athletic trainer, and the increasing demand for mental health support among student athletes.
Developed this tool for managers to use to encourage their teams to be strategic in deciding which PPI trainings to attend. The tool can be used for notetaking and provides a discussion guide for folx to share their learning with their teams, and to find strategies to apply the learning to their positions.
Team: Julie Austad (CLASS), Charlie Sheese (eLearning), Darci Feider (HR), Rhianna Johnson (Guided Pathways)
Project:Clark Accessibility Checklist and Resource Guide
Developed a reference tool for folx to use as they develop materials for their work. The document provides details, guidelines and best practices for accessibility, contact information for people at the college who are experts, and creates a volunteer network of folx willing to be checkers. This document will be made available to all employees and will be updated as more resources are developed and found.
Team: Eben Ayers (Security), Carol Hsu (Engineering), Kathy Chatfield (eLearning), Katia Quintero (ODEI), Alex Kison (Career Services)
Project:“Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations” by Mira Jacob
As a group, they read and met monthly to discuss this book. Each group member shared takeaways and insight from this graphic memoir. As a result of their positive experience, the group plans to start a book club in the Fall to be open to all members of the college community. The first book will be “Good Talk.”
Team: Dr. Karin Edwards (President), Calen Ouellette (Foundation), Vanessa Neal (ODEI), Sabra Sand (Operations), Dr. Michele Cruse (Student Affairs)
Project:Confluence: Culture of Clark College
Examined the culture of Clark College through data collection and metrics. The goal is to develop strategies to better help people understand our values, while also making human connections.
Developed a plan to create a new event, Navigating Career Paths, focused on supporting systemically non-dominant students with networking opportunities, panels, and strategies to build social capital. Set for October 2023, this event will contribute to efforts to boost systemically non-dominant student recruitment and retention.
Learn more:
Because B.U.I.L.D. is a leadership and development program, the true value is the inward reflection needed for outward action and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism work.
As with most leadership development programs, a foundational component is learning that before one leads others, there is great importance in leading oneself. This means intentional self-reflection to better understand one’s values and beliefs while also doing internal work to expand knowledge and understanding to grow.
During the B.U.I.L.D. program, participants complete a series of ODEI workshops to build knowledge and skills toward equity leadership and intercultural competency.
Upon completion of the program, folx are expected to serve as equity ambassadors in their respective areas to advocate that policies, processes, procedures, decision-making, communications, and services are developed, implemented, and assessed equitably and in ways that center student and employee populations that most often experience inequitable outcomes in learning and workplace environments.
The ODEI team adds graduates to a B.U.I.L.D. Graduates listserv, which allows folx to reach out to these graduates to serve on a committee, workgroup, and so on. The college community, and beyond, continues to have high interest in growing in the ways of intercultural leadership and development.
Apply to join the 2023-2024 B.U.I.L.D. GOLD cohort
Applications are being accepted for the 2023-2024 B.U.I.L.D. Gold cohort. View the application here.
Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish
Black Student Union
Nicole Harris, Director of Student Equity and Inclusion, (second from the right) stood in the Diversity Center and greeted people coming through the doors to participate in the Black Student Union (BSU) Kickback on May 24. The informal event occurs every term.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provided food, music, and games. Mostly, it’s about connection and community.
Harris explained, “This is a space for Black students, staff and faculty to gather to celebrate our accomplishments, Black Joy and share our stories.”
People took turns introducing themselves to the group. Some are current students. Some are current Running Start students. Some are future students who plan to enroll at Clark next academic year.
Then, it was time to fill their plates and gather together to listen to music, play games, and talk.
If you are interested in getting notifications for this event, please reach out to Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at diversity@clark.edu or call 360-992-2292.
ODEI is located on the second floor of Gaiser Hall (GHL) 214. The elevator is located by Financial Aid.
Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish
Guided Pathways
Left to right: Tosha Big Eagle, Workforce Educational Services (WES); Rosalba Pitkin, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Amanda Harlan, WES.
Clark College held its first Guided Pathways and Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Fair on May 22 in Gaiser Hall. Geared for college faculty and staff, the event was a showcase for programs and departments to demonstrate their development of Guided Pathways framework.
Attendees viewed project exhibits and talked to project leads. They learned about projects and activities that connect students to sustainable career pathways through increased enrollment, improved retention and completion, reducing equity gaps, and ensuring robust program options and resources and culturally inclusive classroom environments.
What is Guided Pathways?
Clark College and other Guided Pathways colleges focus on making academic-to-career pathways clear for students.
Guided Pathways’ college framework provides students with clear program options, an understanding of how to identify the best options for them, support to develop a comprehensive plan for completion, tools for addressing and resolving any challenges along the way, and imbedded outcomes assessment. Internally, it is a vehicle for collaboration between departments toward student outcome goals.
Clark has an extensive Guided Pathways framework that will lead to improved student outcomes in the next several years.
How Clark is implementing Guided Pathways
Biology Professor Dr. Travis Kibota
Clark’s STEM programs displayed their robust plan for infusing Guided Pathways principles for STEM students transferring to four-year colleges.
Dr. Travis Kibota, a biology professor who is leading the Guided Pathways STEM transfer piece, said Clark is building connections with research communities at four-year institutions, including WSU Vancouver, Portland State University, Eastern Washington University, and others.
Dr. Roberto Anitori is a biology professor and the STEM lead for connecting Clark’s STEM students with undergraduate research opportunities. This summer two Clark biology students will participate in paid research internships in labs at WSU Vancouver.
Dr. Anitori said, “Undergraduate research—it’s the new, hot thing. Data backs it up, demonstrating it keeps students engaged.”
Left to right: Engineering Professor Tina Barsotti, Dean of STEM/WPTE Theo Koupelis, Math Professor and Division Chair Robert Weston and MESA Director Román Lara
Clark’s MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) program is the lead for peer mentorship and enrichment for Clark’s STEM students. Román Lara, director of MESA, said MESA provides mentorships between students at Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver. It also provides opportunities for Clark students to participate in enrichment workshops at Portland State University.
In addition to STEM, exhibits from English, Math, College 101, Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and Open Educational Resources (OER) and other emerging programs were represented.
Associate Director of Advising Tasaday Turner
Advising and Career Services have several projects in the SBCTC Guided Pathways 2022-2024 state work plan. The department participated in the Guided Pathways Fair with displays revealing useful information, such as the fact that more than twice as many Clark students choose to meet with academic advisors virtually as compared to in-person visits. Tasaday Turner, associate director of Advising Services, explained that her department is working to increase clarity on who is and who is not using their services.
She said, “It’s important for Advising to understand the populations we’re serving, and the populations we’re not serving. We want to dig deeper to ensure all students have access to advising.”
Additional Student Affairs areas participating in the Guided Pathways Fair included Entry Services, Credentials, Disability Support Services, and others.
Several displays highlighted the many outreach activities funded by Guided Pathways this academic year, including CTE Showcase Day, Level Up, Noche de Familia, Black Student and Family Day, and ODEI success coaches.
Director of Guided Pathways and Parterships Rhianna Johnson with Director of Programs at Workforce Southwest Washington Marnie Farness
Rhianna Johnson, Director of Guided Pathways and Partnerships and organizer of the fair, said about the Fair’s success: “It was great to see the turnout and engagement from the campus community. Exhibitors enjoyed putting together their displays and having the opportunity to share information in a livelier format than the typical slide deck. Some participants reported that they were surprised to learn how much activity has taken place during the year related to Guided Pathways.”
About Guided Pathways
Guided Pathways vision: A college that advances racial, social, and economic justice by achieving equitable student aspiration, access, economic progress, and educational and career attainment.
Guided Pathways mission: Creating an equitable system that prepares all learners to engage in a diverse society and workforce, achieve economic mobility through educational attainment, and contribute to a socially just society.
About Clark’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan
With feedback and input from departments across campus, the SEM plan is designed to advance racial, social, and economic justice by achieving equitable student outcomes in terms of aspirations, access, economic progress, and educational and career attainment.
