In the sloping field between McLoughlin Boulevard and the softball field, the Penguin softball team gathered around Steven Clark, biology professor, and Bee Campus project manager.

First, he talked for a few minutes about the importance of native bees. He told them Clark is a certified Bee Campus that plants native wildflowers to attract native pollinators.

Because native wildflower seeds are expensive, costing about $160 per pound, Professor Clark explained the importance of scattering a handful of seeds over a wide area. Holding a sack of native wildflower seeds, he demonstrated the preferred seed-sowing technique.

Then directing the players to form a line and spread out, he walked down the line as each player grabbed a handful of seeds.

Sweeping their arms back and forth, the softball teammates sowed seeds as they walked uphill. With so many hands helping, the job was quickly completed.

The Penguin softball team was just one group of students, faculty, and staff who helped Professor Clark sow 18 pounds of seeds on about three acres in several areas around campus in mid-February. All these areas were seeded last spring, too.

As winter turns to spring and warmer weather arrives, the seeds will sprout. Wildflowers will bloom. The bees will emerge from being dormant underground and will feast on wildflower pollen.

Bee campus by the numbers:

• Acres sown with native wildflower seeds: 3
• Pounds of seeds sown: 18
• Informational Bee Signs around campus: 11

Campus Bee Gardens include:

• STEM Building
• Clark College Foundation
• Foster Hall
• Baird Administration
• Clark College sign at McLoughlin Blvd. and Fort Vancouver Way
• McLoughlin Blvd. and softball field (across from Marshall Community Center)
• And more

Map of Bee Campus gardens

Certified Bee Campus

In April 2023, Clark College earned certification as a Bee Campus affiliate, becoming the fifth college in Washington to earn that distinction. A Bee Campus USA affiliate is a college campus that includes a bee habitat.

In the spring of 2023, students, staff, visitors, and, importantly, bees, saw native flowers sprouting up in gardens across campus. These flowers and natural areas where bees can make nests and lay eggs are helping Clark establish this bee habitat. Clark College—and other Bee Campus USA affiliates—show that the built environment (such as campuses, neighborhoods, city parks, and even roadsides) can feature a thoughtful design that allows bees to thrive in shared areas.

What’s happening with the Bee Campus in 2024?

Tilling the soil: Last fall after the wildflowers had finished blooming, aggressive non-native grass overwhelmed many of the Bee Gardens. Tilling disrupts the non-native grasses, so they do not overwhelm flowers.

Planting more flower seeds: The flowers from last summer self-seeded into the soil, reducing the number of seeds that needed to be sown this spring. However, tilling the soil drove some seeds too deep into the soil to germinate, so Professor Clark ensured some extra seeds were sown.

Bee signs: Eleven informational bee signs were erected around campus last December. Now people can read about the biology of bees, where they nest, what they eat, how many species we have, and much more.

Native bees in winter: It’s unlikely to see bees on campus this winter because the bees are safe underground. Most of the adult bees that flew from flower to flower last spring and summer have died, but the eggs they laid (mostly underground) have hatched and are progressing toward adulthood. They will develop into adult bees this winter, but the new adult bees will stay underground until the flowers bloom. Although thousands of bees are on campus right now, they are dormant underground and are waiting for the flowers of spring.

Learn more at Bee Campus (clark.edu)

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Chef Earl Frederick has cooked elegant meals for discriminating diners—from a former president to Club Med movers and shakers.  

But the Clark Cuisine instructor’s roots started with humble, downhome cooking. As a boy, he learned to cook alongside his grandmother, Susie Lovely Lewis in her kitchen in small town Ellenville in upstate New York. 

Chef Earl shared his story—and his delicious food—with Clark students, faculty, and staff at the Winter Student of Color Luncheon on February 6. The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs. It provides opportunities for students to be encouraged by inspiring stories, meet faculty and new friends, consider different career paths, and identify community resources and potential mentors. 

Chef Earl designed the luncheon menu to represent Black History Month—with a nod to his beloved grandmother and her specialties: fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and red velvet cupcakes. To that, he added some of his favorites, including pork loin and Jambalaya with Cajun sausage.  

The delicious meal was prepared by Clark’s Cuisine students under the watchful eye of Chef Earl, who emphasizes cooking from scratch with no shortcuts. His students smoked pork loin and made Cajun sausage.  

Cooking with grandmother 

While appreciative Clark diners savored the meal, Chef Earl shared family photos and told his story. A child of separated parents, he divided his time between the big city of Yonkers, New York, and small-town Ellenville. Family is important to Chef Earl. His grandmother had 13 siblings, so he was surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

One uncle got him interested in sports, encouraged him to play basketball, and got him to consider college. Another uncle modeled growing your own food and being sustainable.  

Because his father was a preacher, he says he grew up in the church. “I’m a preacher’s kid,” he said. “Church wasn’t just Sunday for me. It was every day—and all day on Sunday.” 

In the church kitchen, he helped his grandmother prepare meals for the congregation.  

He said, “At one point, I realized I was the only boy helping in the kitchen.” 

But he didn’t care. He liked to cook. And he was good at it. 

He shared an old photo of the church choir of his youth. He said, “All of those people never made it past sixth grade. On her deathbed, my grandmother told me to get an education. No one could take it away from me.” 

He did follow his grandmother’s advice to get an education, but his educational journey included bumps in the road and detours. 

Navigating rough patches 

When he was in high school, like many teens, he made some choices that did not please his family, particularly his beloved grandmother. Eventually, he was missing so many credits that he would not be able to graduate with his class. 

He was introduced to the local alternative school and told: “Either you don’t graduate, or you go here.” 

So, he enrolled in Ulster BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) Career & Technical Center. One of the selling points was its culinary program.  

“This place saved my life,” Chef Earl said. 

Chef Earl holds a baking and pastry diploma from Oregon Culinary Institute, a certificate in hospitality administration from University of Hawaii at Manoa, an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Warner Pacific University. He also is a certified American Culinary Federation executive chef. 

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University at age 19, his first job was working in the kitchens at Walt Disney World. Throughout his career, Chef Earl has worked in kitchens in Intel, Club Med, and Nike, and taught culinary skills to Job Corps students and The Portland Kitchen, an after-school culinary and job skills program. 

Paying it forward 

Chef Earl has volunteered his expertise to many nonprofits focused on food, including serving on the board of directors for Vancouver Farmers Market.  

In 2017, Chef Earl returned to the alternative school where he entered the pathway to become Chef Earl. He visited the culinary arts classroom, shared his expertise, and led a food preparation demonstration. It was a full-circle experience for him. He advised students to never destroy relationships they could benefit from later. Read about his visit here. 

In 2022 he was named a NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellow through the Association for Career and Technical Education. 

Chef Earl has been teaching Cuisine students at Clark College since 2016. What he enjoys the most about teaching at Clark is “engaging with the students. I also enjoy when they come back and visit and tell me how successful they are!”  

His grandmother would be proud of his achievements. 

Most memorable meal 

Although he has prepared countless delicious meals, one of the most memorable was when he was a chef at Club Med Crested Butte, a ski resort in Colorado.  

“I had the opportunity to cook for former President Jimmy Carter, then with the Carter Foundation. I made Duck à l’Orange, a classic French dish,” he said. “I still remember that day. Jimmy Carter told me it was the best he’d ever tasted!” 

Chef Earl’s words of wisdom 

• “Food is my life. Bringing people together. Breaking bread together. Community.” 
• “When I was young, I went through a time when I was getting into trouble. My grandmother said, ‘You represent my name. Don’t put any bad ju-ju out there with my name.’” 
• “On her deathbed, my grandmother told me to get an education. No one can take that away from you.” 
• “I’m a preacher’s kid. Church wasn’t just on Sunday for me.” 
• “There’s nothing you can do about the past, but you can change the future.” 
• “Never burn bridges because you never know if you need to cross them again.” 
• “Don’t just talk about it. Be about it.”  

Advice to students 

“Building relationships is important. You never know how that person can help you in the future.” 

“Be persistent. I applied for more than 150 scholarships in the days before the internet. I applied for many scholarships where I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to get it—but I got it because I was the only student who applied. I got 53 scholarships. I applied for this teaching job at Clark College three times before I was hired. Don’t give up.” 

Fun Facts about Chef Earl 

• He writes and performs spoken word poetry 
• Favorite spoken-word poet: Earl Simmons aka DMX 
• Favorite dish to make: Jamaican curried oxtail with rice and peas  
• Favorite food to eat: New York pizza or fresh pasta 
• Favorite restaurant: Cochon in New Orleans, LA 
• Go-to comfort food: Cast-iron fried chicken, braised collard greens, rice and cornbread 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The Veterans Center of Excellence at Clark College (VCOE) hosted an informational session with Lt. Col. Natasha Waggoner, Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor from the University of Portland on February 5. More than a dozen Clark students participated in this opportunity to learn about the AFROTC program and options available to them.  

The AFROTC program at University of Portland has consortium agreements with Clark College and more than a dozen other colleges in the Portland-Vancouver metro area that allow students at those institutions to participate in the University of Portland’s AFROTC program at no additional cost to the student. Students who participate in AFROTC must attend weekly AFROTC classes at the University of Portland. 

The Air Force is interested in recruiting cybersecurity professionals. Professor Dwight Hughes, the director of Clark College’s Cybersecurity Bachelor of Applied Science program, joined Lt. Col. Waggoner in talking with students about opportunities for collaboration between the college’s Cybersecurity program and AFROTC, including career development, military job opportunities and Air Force ROTC guest speakers in cybersecurity classes. 

Full-time students may be eligible to join the AFROTC program at University of Portland, whether they are enrolled in a bachelor’s program at Clark or completing a bachelor’s degree at another college where AFROTC has an agreement.  

About AFROTC 

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC): 

• Must be a full-time college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree 
• Eligibility is determined by Air Force ROTC 
• Opportunity to become an Air Force officer after completing a bachelor’s degree 
• Designed to prepare the student for active duty as an officer with increased responsibility year after year 
• AFROTC offers numerous programs and scholarship opportunities leading to an academic degree and a commission in the Air Force as a second lieutenant 

Learn more about AFROTC at University of Portland: 

• Web: www.up.edu/afrotc/
• Email: rotc695@up.edu 
• Phone: 503-943-7216 

About the Veterans Center of Excellence 

The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence coordinates comprehensive support services for veteran students. These support services address academic, financial, physical, and social needs for student veterans and include math, science, and English tutors; textbook and calculator loans; textbook purchase; quiet study space; computer lab with printers; practical workshops; break area with comfortable furniture, piano, air hockey table, TV screen and more. To learn more, click here or visit PUB 015. 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Biology student Lemman Gurre sat at a high bistro-style table next to the wall of windows in the new MESA Center on the third floor of the STEM Building. From her third-floor vantage point, she could see the campus, a ribbon of the Columbia River, and Portland’s hills. In the quiet study space, she took notes as she read from her laptop screen.  

Since the MESA Center opened fall term, the space has been well used by students. Director of MESA Román Lara said students use the center to study, plug in their laptops to work, use the center’s printer, check out textbooks from the lending library, or stop in for a snack and quiet moment between classes. The inner room offers large whiteboards and tables for students to study alone or to work on group projects. 

• In the reception area, MESA ambassadors, Maisy Pantua Sibayan and Karina Hottinger connect with students, welcome them to the space, and schedule students to use the space. Both are current Clark students pursuing STEM studies.  
• In the bright lounge, comfortable upholstered furniture in chartreuse, orange, and aqua invites students to sit in the quiet space to work on their classwork, study, or take a break. Students also can grab a snack in the kitchenette which includes a microwave, toaster oven, refrigerator, coffee pot, and hot water for tea. 

What is MESA? 

MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a national program designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented populations to succeed in STEM fields. This includes African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic, and Pacific Islander/Hawaiian and women community college students who transfer to universities and earn STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) bachelor’s degrees.  

At Clark, this includes a dedicated space for studying and creating community, as well as opportunities for mentorship, assistance with books and fees, conference participation, campus visits, and more. 

Clark College began its MESA program during the 2018-19 academic year. The program can serve up to 100 students and currently serves more than 80 students. Between 20 and 30 students are very active in the program. Others use the basic services, such as the textbook lending library. Learn more about Clark’s MESA program here. 

Campus and industry tours 

During fall term, Lara took a group of second-year Clark students to Seattle to attend a transfer student preview event at the University of Washington. Students learned about UW’s admission and application process, took a guided tour of the campus, and attended program-specific sessions, including a 3D printing demonstration. Some students had the opportunity to meet with academic advisors.  

Lara is planning to take MESA students to tour the campuses of Portland State University and Washington State University Vancouver during winter term.  

He also is planning industry tours for MESA students to visit local employers who hire STEM graduates. His wish list includes ABSCI, Boeing, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. 

He also promotes opportunities for undergraduate internships and research opportunities to MESA students and is always on the lookout for new opportunities. MESA students will be eligible to apply for undergraduate research opportunities at WSU Vancouver during the summer.  

Eligibility for MESA: 

• Belong to historically underrepresented populations in STEM, including Black/African American, Indigenous/Native American, Latino/Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and women in STEM. 
• Be a first-generation college student whose parents did not receive a bachelor’s degree 
• Intend to earn a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major 
• Be a citizen or resident of the U.S., DACA eligible or undocumented 
• Come from an economically disadvantaged background 
• Do not hold currently hold a bachelor’s degree in any field 

Services MESA provides: 

• MESA Center in STEM Building Room 358 
• Academic advising and transfer planning 
• Academic excellence workshops 
• Textbook lending library 
• Internship, research, and scholarship opportunities 
• University campus and industry visits 
• Professional development workshops 

About Washington MESA 

The Washington MESA program is an educational pathway program administered by the University of Washington and established by the Washington State Legislature. Clark College is one of 12 community colleges in Washington that offers a MESA transfer prep program center for its students who plan to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Learn more here. 

Thanks to the student musicians, band directors, chaperons, family, and community members who attended the 60^th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival from January 25-27. Nearly 60 middle school and high school jazz bands performed and delighted the appreciative audience—from toddlers to seniors. I’m pleased to announce the 2024 Jazz Festival results. 

The top award of the competition is the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy, named after the Clark College band instructor who brought the jazz festival to our campus so many years ago.  

Top award: 2024 Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy: Bothell High School Jazz 1, Bothell 

View the Results

Middle School Silver Division Jazz Ensemble: 

• 1^st place: Beaumont Middle School, Portland 
• 2^nd place: Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground 
• 3^rd place: Eckstein Middle School, Seattle 

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Musicians: 

Aspire Middle School, Lacey 

• Dylan Her  
• Nate Richardson 

Beaumont Middle School, Portland 

• Marilyn Ruthruff 
• Iris Ruthruff 
• Nate Lyon 

Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis 

• Ben Mittge  
• Maxton Hill 

Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground 

• Gavin DeMoss 
• Eli Lennick 

Eckstein Middle School, Seattle 

• Emily Chen  
• Ellie Bailey  
• Margo Cox  
• Oren Sternberg 

Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie 

• Oliver Armstrong 

Laurin Middle School, Battle Ground 

• Cody Halley 
• London Coy 

Liberty Middle School, Camas 

• Rowan Armintrout 
• Charlotte Summers 
• Katie Evert 

Skyridge Middle School, Camas 

• Elliot Foster 
• Daniel Liu  
• Jacob Weinstock 

South Whidbey Middle School, Langley 

• Lhamo Doryang 
• Judah Macarro 
• Dante Churchill 

Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver 

• Danica Jahr  
• Zach Pan 

View Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield 

• Lizzy Bloom 

Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver 

• Tyson Ruark 
• Henry Ormson 

A Division—Outstanding Jazz Ensemble:      

• 1^st place: South Whidbey High School, Langley 
• 2^nd place: Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver 
• 3^rd place: Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground 

A Division—Outstanding High School Musicians: 

Adna Middle/High School, Adna 

• Jordan Stout  
• Myra Medina 

Columbia High School, White Salmon 

• Anna Zendt – Columbia High School, White Salmon 
• August Peterson – Columbia High School, White Salmon 

Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma 

• Danny McCarthy 
• Jason Nguyen 

Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver 

• Jeremy Solis  
• Graham Rank  

La Center High School, La Center 

• Kristin Dunlap 
• Dominic Stub  
• Aleks Chygasov 

Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver 

• Joseph DiPrima 
• Parker Zaemann 
• Kyler Dixon  
• Stephen Samwel 

South Whidbey High School, Langley 

• Olin Nelson 
• Corbyn Orchard 

Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground 

• Lincoln Toland 
• Jackson Pierce 
• Basil Middlemas  

Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland 

• Stacti Dore 
• Emma McCaullough  
• Sam Purcell  
• Harland Wakefield  

AA Division—High School Jazz Ensemble: 

• 1^st place: Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie 
• 2^nd place (tie): Richland High School Freshman, Richland 
• 2^nd place (tie): Lakewood High School, Lakewood 

AA Division—Outstanding Middle School and High School Musicians:  

Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground 

• Hayden McCarty 
• Chloe Kalson 

Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle 

• Zandy Owens 

Columbia River High School, Vancouver 

• Preston White 

Heritage High School, Vancouver 

• Naomi Halbrook 
• Cynthia Reyes-Mendoza  
• Jocelyn Cole 

Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie 

• Thilo Kluth  
• Jack Smith  
• Levi Brown 
• Adam Haunreiter  
• Blake Bruning 

Lakewood High School, North Lakewood 

• Leo Sandoval  
• Isaias Fuentes-Palominos 

Richland High School, Richland 

• Henry Van Mason 
• Victor Zinchuk 

Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield 

• Michael Grove  

W.F. West High School, Chehalis 

• Amanda Linwood  
• Parker Morrison  

AAA Division—High School Jazz Ensemble:             

• 1^st place: Heritage High School Jazz I, Vancouver 
• 2^nd place: Bothell High School Jazz II, Bothell 
• 3^rd place: Battle Ground High School Intermediate Jazz I, Battle Ground 

AAA Division—Outstanding High School Musicians: 

Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground 

• Logan Gillespie  
• Janae Clark 

Bothell High School, Bothell 

• Christian Oversvee-Choi  
• Nathan Bardsley  
•  Sachita Kadievelu  
• Aliah Bragg 

Grant High School, Portland 

• Nathan Lauruhn 

Heritage High School, Vancouver 

• Gavin Williamson 

Kamiak High School, Mukilteo 

• Heidi Anderson  
• Ryan Jackson 

Ingraham High School, Seattle 

• Maggie Roth  
• Felix Lewis 

Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens 

• Allison Llubit  
• Mark Rodeheaver 

Prairie High School, Battle Ground 

• Kyle Davenport  
• Judah Bollock 

Richland High School, Richland 

• Cannon West  
• Tyler Hornell 

Skyview High School, Vancouver 

• Liam Purcell 
• Cadence Sempk 

Union High School, Camas  

• Cooper Givens  
• Kieran Iyer  

Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver 

• Sam Arslanian  
• McKelvey Brewer 

AAAA Division—High School Jazz Ensemble:          

• 1^st place: Bothell High School Jazz I, Seattle 
• 2^nd place: Lake Stevens High School Jazz I, Lake Stevens 
• 3^rd place: Grant High School Jazz I, Portland 

AAAA Division—Outstanding High School Musicians: 

Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground 

• Andie Townsend 
• Carter Stafford 

Bothell High School, Bothell 

• Dylan Reed  
• Thomas Holmes  
• Aaron Mamula 
• Nicholas Ang 

Buchanan High School, Clovis, Calif. 

• Kono Tiyaamornwong  
• Will Damrose  
• Trevor Nix 

Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds 

• Gavin Bunbury  
• Addisyn Johnson 

Grant High School, Portland 

• Sasha Burns  
• Xander Buck  
• Oli Rangle 

Ingraham High School, Seattle 

• Henry Goss  
• Nathan Doyle 

Kamiak High School, Mukilteo 

• Ethan Park  
• Ian Park 

Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens 

• Phineas Ruji  
• Jack Santos 

Richland High School, Richland  

• James Brady  
• Henry Rice  

Skyview High School, Vancouver 

• Alejandro Santana  
• Sean Malcom  

Union High School, Camas 

• Izzy Cryan  
• Evelyn Lo  

Would you like to hear from some of the 57 international students who are enrolled at Clark and hear about their experiences at Clark? 

Do you enjoy learning about the art, music, dance and martial arts of other cultures? 

Does your mouth water when you consider sampling delicious food from all over the world?  

Would you like to view the finished Clark College mural, “Coming Together for Art and Peace” and meet the artist, a Clark graduate, who designed it? 

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consider joining Clark’s International Programs for an International Day celebration geared for the entire family. 

What: International Day celebration presented by Clark’s International Programs 

When: Tuesday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Where: GHL 150 – Gaiser Student Center 

Who is invited: Clark College students, faculty, staff—and the community 

Activities: Free, family-friendly fun to learn about and celebrate cultures worldwide. It also is an opportunity to celebrate international education and exchange and to learn about the college’s International Programs department.  

Event webpage: Learn more here.  

Associate Director of International Programs Jody Shulnak said, “Bringing folks together to learn about a variety of cultures and celebrating global exchange are highlights of this annual event. It’s also an opportunity for international students and those in our ESL program to engage and share about their home countries. It’s a meaningful event all around.” 

International Day highlights 

• Unveiling the mural “Coming Together for Art and Peace” designed by artist Christian Barrios, a Clark College graduate. The mural was painted by Clark students, staff and faculty during a community mural project on campus during International Education Week last November. Barrios will be on hand to answer questions.  
• A panel of Clark College international students talking about their experience (video) 
• Kendo Dojo demonstration 
• Belly dancing demonstration by Clark alum, Ona Parker 
• Information about the Study Abroad program 
• Sampling of food from around the world 
• Henna tattoos by Glitter Ruby’s 
• Chinese drummers and dragon demonstration by Oregon Chinese Coalition 
• Story time by Clark College alum, Moses Korir, who will read his new children’s book, “Moses and the Impossible Piano” 

Schedule of Events

Time	Topic
11:05 a.m.	Welcome
11:05 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	Art + Peace mural unveiling and remarks
11:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.	International student panel video
11:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.	Belly dancing demonstration
11:50 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.	Raffle drawing and announcement
12:00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.	Chinese drummers, Oregon Chinese Coalition
12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Dragon demo, Oregon Chinese Coalition
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.	Storytime: Moses & the Impossible Piano
12:45 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.	Raffle drawing and announcement
12:50 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.	TBD
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.	TBD
1:20 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.	International student panel video
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Kendo Dojo demonstration
2:00 p.m.	Closing remarks and final raffle draw

About Clark College International Programs 

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an intensive English Language program. During the 2023-24 academic year, Clark College has 57 international students. Learn more here. 

I am excited to announce the next Archer Gallery exhibit, Afraid/Not Afraid, by Pamela Chipman (Portland) and Jan Cook (Seattle). This immersive photo-based art installation looks at gender and vulnerability. Please join us for the opening reception and artist talk (dates below). Exhibitions and art talks are free and open to the public. 

Exhibit title: Afraid/Not Afraid 
What: Immersive, photo-based art installation looks at gender and vulnerability 
Artists: Pamela Chipman and Jan Cook 

Exhibit dates: February 7 through April 25 

• Viewing hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
• Opening reception—with free pizza: Wednesday, February 7, noon – 2 p.m. 
• Artist reception and performance by Lyra Butler-Denman: Saturday, February 17, 2 to 5 p.m. 
• Artist talk (in person): Thursday, April 18, 2-3 p.m. 

Website: Archer Gallery (clark.edu) 

Exhibition Statement: 

Afraid/Not Afraid immersive photo-based art installation looks at gender and vulnerability. 

Afraid/Not Afraid examines how women live with an ever-present threat of violence and the feeling of being unsafe in their world. Gender violence, sexual stereotypes, and the portrayal of women in the media and popular culture feed and perpetuate this fear in our society. This collaborative photo-based installation explores vulnerability and the artists’ relationship to it as women. The work looks at the emotional side of this subject and how these forces shape the lives and behavior of women, often in subtle ways, that become ingrained and normalized as part of their worldview.  

In this immersive installation, the viewer becomes the voyeur, peeping through an exterior window of a house before entering the space. The exhibition combines projected images, large photographic fabric panels, and sound. The images reflect the relationship between being watched and objectified and how women present their identities to the world. The photographs and projections on semi-transparent layers combine and interplay as the viewer moves through the piece, building an intimate space for reflection. 

The artists Jan Cook and Pamela Chipman created this installation together in an artist residency in Portland, Oregon. They are white cisgender women whose own experiences and concerns with safety and consent propelled them to make this body of work. In confronting this underlying fear, they want to call attention to and to create discussion and change around these issues.  

Jan Cook is a Seattle artist who works with photo-based imagery to examine the ideas that run through our collective unconscious and tie us together in our humanity. Pamela Chipman is a Portland-based visual artist who explores themes of memory, domesticity, and femininity. She creates work that speaks to the history, strengths, and struggles of women in our culture. 

About the Archer Gallery and Clark Art Talks  

Archer Gallery serves the students and community of Clark College by exhibiting contemporary art in a not-for-profit educational setting. Archer Gallery exhibits work by nationally and internationally renowned artists and connects the Clark College community with accessible and diverse perspectives from the contemporary art world. Learn more here. 

Clark Art Talks serves the students and community of Clark College by hosting a monthly art lecture series. Distinguished artists and art scholars from around the country share their experiences related to their art practices and provide unique insights into their varied career paths and artistic techniques. 

Clark College students who plan to transfer to Washington State University Vancouver will find a smoother, more intentional path, thanks to a new transfer agreement.

Clark and WSU Vancouver launched a new transfer agreement on January 22. The two institutions partnered to create a seamless guaranteed transfer pathway for students who are completing an associate degree at Clark and plan to transfer to WSU Vancouver to complete a bachelor’s degree.

The impetus for the agreement:

• To make pursuing a bachelor’s degree more accessible and equitable.
• To reduce barriers to a smooth transition to WSU Vancouver and eventually, to earning a bachelor’s degree
• Specifically targeted to reach underrepresented, underserved, and students of color.
• Long term: To increase the number of students who earn bachelor’s degrees in Southwest Washington.

The Guaranteed Admission program enables Clark College students to transfer seamlessly to WSU Vancouver and to reduce the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree. The reverse transfer agreement will make it easier for Clark College students to attain an associate degree if enrolled at WSU Vancouver prior to completing their program at Clark College.

“This agreement will create a clear path for Clark students transferring to WSU Vancouver,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards. “By removing barriers, more first-generation students and students of color can earn a bachelor’s degree and help close the equity gap.”

Clark’s Director of Advising and Career Services Emily Meoz explained that the previous system required students interested in transferring to make the first move by contacting either a Clark advisor or the admissions office at WSU Vancouver.

“This program takes the guesswork out of the transfer process for our students,” Meoz said. “Now, instead of waiting for students to come to us, we go to them. We will create intentional outreach to students to get them on the transfer pathway early.”

Q & A about Guaranteed Admission Program

Q: How does this transfer agreement benefit Clark students?

A: Here are the benefits to Clark students:

• Direct pathway to WSU Vancouver to pursue a bachelor’s degree
• Intentional, additional support and guidance with transfer process
• Guaranteed transfer advising at Clark at least twice per year
• Early connection and long-term plan review by WSU Vancouver at least twice per year
• Special events to guide and support transfer process
• Automatic reverse transfer opt-in to earn a Clark College credential even if the student transfers prior to completing Clark’s program

Q: How does a Clark student become eligible for this transfer agreement?

A: Any student who plans to transfer to WSU Vancouver must:

• Pursue a direct transfer degree at Clark College
• Complete a declaration of intent form
• Meet with Clark academic advisor at least twice per year
• Apply to WSU Vancouver
• Complete minimum 60 credits of college-level units towards an associate degree and earn a 2.0 minimum grade point average from 100-level and higher coursework, as calculated by WSU Vancouver. Some majors at WSU Vancouver require a higher GPA.

Q: What is the essence of this transfer program?

A: It provides intentional support and guidance for students so the credits they take at the outset will transfer to WSU Vancouver. That results in students saving money, reducing student debt and increasing graduation rates of transfer students.

Q: Wasn’t there already a transfer agreement between Clark and WSU Vancouver? How is this different from the previous transfer agreement with WSU Vancouver?

A: Yes. Clark graduates with a minimum 2.0 GPA already are guaranteed admission to WSU Vancouver, but it is not widely known or marketed directly to students. The previous system required students interested in transferring to make the first move by contacting either a Clark advisor or the admissions office at WSU Vancouver. Under the new transfer agreement, Clark will create intentional outreach to students to get them on the transfer path early.

Q: How was the transfer agreement developed?

A: This transfer program was developed by Advising leaders from both Clark College and WSU Vancouver who participated in a year-long Aspen Institute project focused on increasing transfer success and reducing inequitable graduation rates among underrepresented students. Learn about The Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success and Equity Intensive here.

Q: Does Washington State University have similar guaranteed admission agreements with other community colleges in the state?

A: Yes. WSU has similar agreements with three other community colleges:

• WSU Pullman with Spokane Falls Community College
• WSU Tri-Cities with Columbia Basin College
• WSU Everett with Everett Community College

Can you pass this quiz?

True or false:

1. Cavities (tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
2. Tooth decay is preventable.
3. February is National Dental Health Month.
4. Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program holds a free dental care day for children in our community every February.

If you answered “true” to all the above questions, you are right.

Were you shocked that question #1 was true? Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that could lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Research shows that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

Please help spread the word about Clark’s free dental health clinic for children.

What: Free children’s dental health clinic
Who: Children ages 4 to 17
Presented by: Clark’s Dental Hygiene department
When: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, Health Sciences Building
Cost: Free!
Make an appointment: Call the dental hygiene business office: 360-992-2158.
Address to navigate to Health Sciences building: 2232 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver
Closest parking: Brown Lot 1

The college’s dental hygiene students will provide free care under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Services will include cleanings, sealants, x-rays, doctor’s exams, fluoride, and select emergency treatments for children ages 4 to 17, regardless of insurance.

Kristi Taylor, program director of Clark’s dental hygiene department, said, “We are excited to offer our annual free children’s dental health day for children in our community between the ages of 4 to 17. If you have or know any children who would benefit from a free cleaning and exam, this would be a great opportunity for them. Call and schedule an appointment before the slots fill up.”

About Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program and clinic

The Clark College dental hygiene program is nationally recognized for excellence and highly regarded by dental professionals in the region. The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the college’s main campus, offers affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients annually. The center features modern technology and equipment to ensure quality care for patients. Patients in the Vancouver/Portland area receive high-quality, low-cost care from Clark College dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Available time for patient treatment varies from term to term. Clinic days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Learn more about the clinic.

Photo: Clark College/Nick Bremmer

Welcome Week kicked off on Monday, January 8 with the first day of winter term and for the first back-to-school day of 2024. A popular feature of Welcome Week is the staffing of information tables set inside buildings all around campus with helpful volunteer staff answering students’ questions, helping them find their classes, and offering campus maps. The tabling to assist students would not be possible without so many staff and faculty volunteering their time to help Clark students. 

Just as in fall term, parking lots were crowded as thousands of students returned to classrooms and labs across the main campus, at the Clark College Building at Washington State University Vancouver, and Clark’s Columbia Tech Center after winter break.  

Unlike the beginning of fall term, when the weather invited students outside, students gathered indoors to greet friends and catch up before dashing off to their next class.  

Student Involvement Fair 

Later in the first week, Gaiser Hall’s Student Center bustled with activity as students, staff, and faculty gathered for Clark’s Winter Beach Party Involvement & Financial Wellness Fair in the Gaiser Hall Student Center on January 11. Students stopped at the tables that filled the hall to ask questions and to learn more about the college’s support services, student clubs, and programs. 

Clark College wants to ensure students know about and can access wrap-around services, including Penguin Pantry, Disability Support Services, Counseling and Health Center, and more. The Student Involvement Fair, which is held during the first week of every quarter, is an excellent way for students—particularly new students—to learn more about these programs, services, and opportunities. 

Students had the opportunity to learn more about the college’s student clubs, programs, on-campus jobs, and college and community resources. Students also connected with peers with shared interests—from learning Spanish to building a rocket to drawing comics, and more.   

To promote a fun atmosphere, students lined up for free fruit smoothies and snow cones.  

At Clark’s ASCC student government table, student leaders answered students’ questions and shared information about getting involved with student government. Read about ASCC here. 

Students stopped by the Activities Programming Board table to learn about upcoming opportunities to connect with fellow students—including Bingo, movies, trivia games, free pizza, and more. Read about APB here. 

At the Spanish Club table, students learned about opportunities to participate in field trips to learn more about the Spanish language as well as immersing themselves in Hispanic culture. 

At the Model United Nations Club table, students learned about the opportunities to participate in mock UN representations and delegations.  

 At the Columbia Writers Series table, students learned about the literary series and an upcoming opportunity to meet Anis Mojgani, the poet laureate of Oregon, on February 13. Learn more about CWS here.  

Students and graduates who have had their work published in The Iceberg, the art department’s annual student comics anthology, offered copies of the 2023 Iceberg as well as several past issues. They encouraged artists and writers to submit their work for the 2024 Iceberg. The deadline is May 1 for the 2023 Iceberg comics anthology that will be distributed in October.  

At the Korean Culture Club table, students saw traditional clothing and learned what the club offers: K-Pop, K-Dramas, Korean food, history, and more. The club kicked off the year with a dance event. Next, club members are organizing a Lunar New Year celebration in February. 

Several students crowded around the Clark Aerospace Club table to chat with aerospace club students to learn more about opportunities to help build a rocket. Behind them, their “Little Penguin” rocket they designed and built last academic year reached toward the sky. Over the summer, some of the students competed in the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket competition in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  

An increasing number of students have been requesting food assistance from the Penguin Pantry. But many students are not aware of a plethora of other food pantries offering food assistance. Students stopped by the Clark County Food Bank table to talk with volunteers who provided a comprehensive list of free food pantries available throughout Clark County.  

A student thanked the food bank volunteer, accepted the printed list of food resources, and tucked it into his backpack.  

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish