Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, Class of 2023.
Congratulations to the 24 seniors of Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program, who presented their community oral health group projects via Zoom on June 5.
Over the course of eight months, students worked with various community groups to create and implement oral health projects for an identified need in that group. They assisted oral health patients at Kamlu Retirement Inn, Washington State School for the Blind, Clark College Child & Family Studies, SeaMar Community Health Centers Women’s Clinic, and Truewood Senior Living. The presentations via Zoom presented the group they worked with, the project they created and implemented, and what they learned.
Students get ample hands-on experience in the Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center on the college’s main campus. Under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists, students provide affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients from the community annually.
“This year’s senior class has worked diligently to gain all the skills needed to work in our community to improve oral and overall health,” said Kristi Taylor, Dental Hygiene department chair and program director. “I am proud of each of them for their perseverance and dedication to learning the profession and providing compassionate care to our community.”
Professor Taylor added that the job placement rate for Clark’s Dental Hygiene graduates is 100%. Many of the graduating seniors already have been offered a position or have accepted a position.
Student Projects:
Group 1: Stephanie D., Aria B., Valentyna S., Ilona S., Arnoldo P.
Project: Community Oral Health Project with Older Adults (age 60+)
Description: Provide oral and systemic health education for residents (age 60+) at Kamlu Retirement Inn
Group 2: Lauren D., Rebecca H., Andrea A., Jennifer G., and Stephanie B.
Project: Community Oral Health Project with Visually Impaired Adolescents
Description: Provide oral health education and nutrition information for visually impaired adolescents at the Washington State School for the Blind
Group 3: Nicole F., Mackenzie C., Ceaira J., Savannah G., Mallary V.
Project: Community Oral Health Project with Children Ages 2-6
Description: Provide oral health and nutrition education for children ages 2-6 at Clark College Child & Family Studies
Group 4: Arghawan P., Sophia A., Caroline W., Ellie C., Brittany J.
Project: Community Oral Health Project with Pregnant Women
Description: Provide oral health and nutrition education for pregnant women at SeaMar Community Health Centers Women’s Clinic
Group 5: Alvina S., Arielle R., Chime L., Hyemi P.
Project: Community Oral Health Project with Older Adults
Description: Provide oral and systemic health education for residents at Truewood Senior Living community
About Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program
Competitive 7-term program, with 61-64 units required prior to entry; total of 184-unit program
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.
Clark Queer Agenda kicked off Pride Month with its first-ever clothing swap on June 1. Students chose clothing new to them. Clothing was neatly stacked on tables in PUB 161. One table had jackets. Another held pants, another shirts, another dresses.
Although many students donated clothing, students did not have to contribute clothing in order to shop. Blake chose a black overcoat and paired it with eggplant pants. Leilani found a peach shirt and black pants with multiple decorative zips. Lillian chose a lime green crop top with metal chain straps. Xoxia chose a black lacy button-up shirt.
It was also just a hangout space where students could connect. One student played acoustic guitar while others sat around chatting.
Alexsander Havens, president of Queer Agenda said the group promoted the event through its Discord server of about 70 students. ASCC President Casey Figone had posters made to hang around campus.
Students engage in Mutual Aid
The event was brainstormed during a Queer Agenda meeting when students were discussing future plans for the club and a desire to get more involved with advocacy.
PSU student intern Cassandra Walsh, left and Jill Forgash from ODEI fold clothing at the Queer Agenda clothing swap
The idea of mutual aid was introduced by Jill Forgash, a student success coach who works in Clark’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office and Cassandra Walsh, a Student CARE intern at Clark who is earning a master in social work degree at Portland State University. The group had expressed interest in arranging a clothing swap, and the event was a perfect fit with mutual aid.
At its core, mutual aid is simply students helping other students.
“Students in the group already were doing mutual aid without realizing it,” said Jill Forgash. “They share resources. They share clothing. They bring home-baked goodies to meetings.”
“As the students started planning the clothing swap, we advocated for the event to be student run, student centered,” said Walsh. “It’s been cool to see this idea on paper and then see them run with it.”
Forgash looked around the room and said, “This is a powerful example of community building.”
Queer Agenda plans to offer a clothing swap at least annually, if not each term. In the future, they may partner with other clubs such as Black Student Union and Theater and would like to connect with other students interested in mutual aid.
Clark Queer Agenda
Meets every Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Diversity Center (GHL 220)
Alpha Sigma Phi, Clark College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa celebrated its new 424 members at the 2023 Induction Ceremony on the evening of June 1. About 120 new members will graduate this spring term.
The official Honors Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s first PTK induction ceremony was in 1991. And it has been a five-star chapter for 27 out of 32 years since its inception.
From the podium, Clark College President, Dr. Karin Edwards welcomed the scholars.
Looking around the room, she said, “Congratulations on your achievements! I am so proud of all that you have accomplished. I look forward to seeing how you will impact the world.”
Guest Speaker Clark College Trustee Rekah Strong spoke about being raised by a hardworking single mom in Northeast Portland. Their family lived in public housing. She remembers the shame of standing in the grocery store checkout line while her mom paid with food stamps.
“Always honor where you came from,” she said.
Trustee Strong said that her mother instilled in her the value of education, but she wasn’t equipped to guide her. She enrolled in Clark College and worked to improve her grade point average.
“The beauty of community college is that you have people who will wrap around you and show you the way,” she said.
Trustee Strong told the students, “You already understand that excelling in your academic life opens doors for you. You’ve found the internal tenacity, the internal drive. Make sure you hold onto that. It makes me excited how every one of you will influence this community.”
Interim Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jim Wilkins-Luton did a show-and-tell with his martial arts white belt and black belt. He challenged students to consider what their own black belt journey—a long-held goal or dream—might be.
He asked, “What’s one thing you can do tomorrow to start your black belt journey?”
Michelle Lowery, Clark alumni and past PTK officer, told students the value of PTK and how it influenced her life. She said, “I want to thank the PTK members who helped me to see the good I can do.”
2022-23 officers are Eliza Butters, Jasdeep Atwal, Lizbet Jimenez, Kaylee Bathe, Lexi Kneipp, Meridian Bonser, and Leo Sanchez.
2023-24 incoming officers are Ziyad El Amrani, Kristin Mahan, Addison Johnson, Fennic Tatum, Nikhil Saahgal, and Natalie Perdun.
Advisors are Darci Feider and Heather Leasure.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the official Honors Society for two-year colleges. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929. More than 3.5 million students have been inducted since 1918, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s community colleges, making Phi Theta Kappa a true catalyst among members and colleges. Learn more at https://www.ptk.org/
Photos: Clark College/Maureen Chan-Hefflin
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.”
New tenured professor
Bruce Elgort with a robot.
Bruce Elgort, a professor in Clark College’s Computer Technology department, was granted tenure unanimously by the Clark College Board of Trustees on May 24.
Tenure is awarded by the college’s trustees based on professional excellence and outstanding abilities in their disciplines. The granting of tenure is based on the recommendations of tenure reviews committees to the vice president of instruction, which are then forwarded to the president, who presents a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Recommendations are based on evaluations by the faculty member being considered, the tenure review committee, students, supervisors, and peers. The final decision to award or withhold tenure rests with the Board of Trustees.
Bruce Elgort earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in electrical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey. He earned his Master of Science in engineering management from New York University, New York.
Experience in the field
Prior to teaching, Bruce worked for more than three decades in the field, including Elguji Software (founder/CEO); Sharp Microelectronics (strategic business operations, IT manager), and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (office services and IT manager, manager of marketing and communications, and electrical engineer). In addition, he was an independent international consultant for more than a dozen clients including Price Waterhouse Cooper, US Social Security Administration, US Department of Agriculture, Washington State Department of Transportation, Honda and more. Bruce is recognized by IBM and Amazon Web Services for being an innovative thought leader in cloud and artificial intelligence technologies.
Bruce joined Clark College in 2012 as a Computer Technology instructor. He serves on the Universal Design committee and Advanced Manufacturing committee. He is called on by staff and faculty as an accessibility expert. Bruce has received the Exceptional Faculty Award twice.
Teaching philosophy
You’ll find this technology professor working hard to inspire and challenge his students with meaningful web development and programming experiences. Bruce loves to tinker and test the boundaries of existing and emerging technologies, to then guide hungry minds through memorable, educational journeys to showcase with passion the ever-evolving innovations of society.
Photos provided by Bruce Elgort
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.
