Dozens of children—from toddlers to teens—took over Clark College’s main campus on April 24 for Take Your Child to Work Day 2025. This annual national tradition, now over 30 years strong, offers children the opportunity to imagine their future careers, explore the world of higher education, and learn more about the work their parents do every day.

At Clark, the event is more than a fun day off school—it’s a chance for young minds to engage with science, art, technology, and wellness through interactive activities across campus. For many, it also sparks early interest in college and the diverse career paths available in higher education.

Hands-On Learning and Big Smiles

The day’s main activities were hosted in Gaiser Student Center, where children moved from table to table, building, creating, and discovering. Some highlights:

• Security made 91 future penguin ID badges that children proudly wore
• Jasmine, daughter of Gabriela Sanchez-Ronceros (Transitional Studies), knelt on the floor to pet Oso, the therapy dog.
• Finn and his mom, Alyssa Montminy (ODEI), got creative with Lego bricks.
• Asher, supervised by his aunt, Jenifer Rivera (Financial Aid) painted a cookie – and later showed off his bright blue lips and tongue after eating it!
• Scarlett and her father, Daniel Rogers (Foundation), worked together to build a platonic solids 3D shape at the STEM Engineering table.
• Oliver, son of Cath Bush (Student Life), gently cradled empty mason bee cocoons during a guided tour of the STEM bee garden, proudly sharing them with others.

The main event was held in Gaiser Student Center. For two hours, children explore the world of higher education at Clark with these fun, interactive activities including:

• Bee walk – Discover native pollinators on campus
• Meet Oso – Hang out this friendly therapy dog and learn about our Basic Needs Hub
• Platonic solids – Create and build geometric 3D shapes with our Engineering department
• Cookie Decorating – Paint and snack on delicious cookies made by Clark’s bakery
• Fidget making and mandala coloring – Fidget toys, mandala coloring, mindfulness activities and snacks for all age groups provided by our Counseling and Health Center
• Oswald the penguin – Snap a photo with Clark’s official mascot

Campus-wide Adventures:

Beyond Gaiser hall, families were invited to explore the wider campus through self-guided activities:

• Security desk: Kids got official-looking ID badges. Security made 91 badges!
• Bookstore: Played a Penguin guessing game and collected free lanyards for their new “badges”
• Welcome Center: Starting point for a scavenger hunt
• Beacock Music Hall: Tried out different musical instruments
• Cannell Library: Enjoyed story time in the reading corner
• McClaskey Culinary Institute & Bakery: Kid-friendly lunch and treats including snack boxes, mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.
• Archer Gallery: Explore visual art exhibits
• Japanese Gardens: Wandered through peaceful paths and fountains

About Clark’s Take Your Child To Work Day

National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is an annual event held on the 4th Thursday of April where parents are encouraged to bring their children to work for one day. The event is designed to help children learn about different careers and gain exposure to the workplace.

Take Your Child to Work Day at Clark is a celebration of learning, family, and the joy of curiosity. As future penguins explored the campus, they left with full bellies, wide eyes, and maybe even a new dream or two.

Clark College director of Guided Pathways and Partnerships, Rhianna Johnson, was among the community leaders honored during Leadership Clark County’s A Night of Impact event on April 23 in Gaiser Student Center. A 2021 graduate of the program, Johnson continues to make a lasting impact on students and the broader community.

Tina Krause, executive director of Leadership Clark County, said: “Rhianna was nominated and selected by our board of directors to receive the Community Impact Award. This is an award given to someone who is making a difference in our community both in their job and volunteer efforts. Rhianna was chosen because of her infectious positive attitude, her initiative within the community, and her dedication to the students at Clark College. She was the perfect candidate for this award. We are so excited to honor her.”

LCC praised Rhianna on its Facebook page as a “fierce advocate for student success and has dedicated her career to education and workforce development in Clark County… She has an amazing way of understanding people, her positive attitude is infectious, and Clark County is a better place because of Rhianna.”

Johnson’s community service includes:

• Rooted School in Vancouver board of directors
• Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce education and workforce committee
• Clark County Youth Consortium
• National Job Corps Association board of directors

“Participating in Leadership Clark County was a natural fit for my passion for community development. The program connects current and aspiring leaders in Clark County to learn more about the different agencies and processes that make our community run,” said Rhianna Johnson. “In my career, I have focused on contributing to education and workforce development programs that improve economic mobility for our neighbors, which is a major component of a thriving community. I greatly appreciated working with others who are also trying to improve our small corner of the world.”

Leadership Clark County honored these LCC alumni who have made an impact on the Clark County community:

Community Impact Award: Rhianna Johnson, Clark College

Volunteer Impact Award: Scott Johnson, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA)

Advancing Equity Award: Clarissa Hightower, Southwest Washington Equity Coalition

The organization also awarded an emerging leader between age 21-30 who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to service within the Clark County community. The recipient will receive full tuition to participate in the LCC Class of 2026.

Emerging Leader Award: Maggie Bernetich, Council for the Homeless

Founded in 1993 by a group of community leaders, Leadership Clark County (LCC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic leadership program. Our mission is to develop effective leaders to enrich a thriving community.

Leadership Clark County offers a nine-month leadership development program that focuses on topics that impact the community, including education, economics, social services, and more. With over 800 alumni and growing, LCC’s graduates serve our community as nonprofit board members, civic group leaders, business leaders and elected officials.

Learn more: https://www.leadershipclarkcounty.com/

Two Clark College students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement and community service at the 28th annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony, held April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.

Seth Stigall Barranco and Anton Vlasov represented Clark College as members of the prestigious All-Washington Academic Team, a statewide program that honors high-achieving students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The program is part of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.

They join more than 80 scholars from across Washington State who are pursuing transfer or workforce pathways and demonstrating excellence both in and out of the classroom.

Darci Feider, advisor of the Clark College PTK chapter, Alpha Sigma Pi, said, “I’m incredibly proud of Seth and Anton for being named to the All-Washington Academic Team. Their hard work and commitment to learning have made them outstanding representatives of Clark College.”

Seth Stigall Barranco

Anton Vlasov

All-Washington Academic Team Ceremony

Each student received a medal and a $250 scholarship from Key Bank. They also are eligible for additional scholarships from private sponsors and transfer scholarships for four-year colleges and universities.

Program sponsors:

• Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges
• Washington State Association of College Trustees
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges

Scholarship sponsors:

• KeyBank
• Washington State Employees Credit Union
• Washington State Association of College Trustees

Learn more

• All-Washington Academic Team
• Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
• Clark College PTK chapter, Alpha Sigma Phi

At Clark College’s Spring Students of Color Luncheon on April 17, Vice President of Information Technology Sudha Frederick delivered a powerful and personal message on the role of mindset in achieving success. Drawing from his upbringing in Hyderabad, India, and a life shaped by academic rigor and faith, Frederick shared six core attitudes that have guided his journey: gratitude, curiosity, integrity, concern, humility, and a solution-focused mindset.

Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs, the free, public event brought students, staff, and community members together for meaningful conversation and a shared meal.

Frederick spoke about growing up in Hyderabad, India and being the son of a professor at several Christian seminaries. He was influenced by both academic rigor and a deep sense of faith.

In his message titled “Developing Powerful Attitudes for Success: Attitudes and Aptitude,” he reflected on how each of these attitudes has played a transformative role in his personal and professional life:

1. Gratitude – “An attitude of gratitude can change your outlook and your life,” he said, encouraging students to appreciate both small wins and major milestones.
2. Curiosity – Frederick encouraged students to choose curiosity over complacency by being open to learning new things, understanding the “why” behind the “what,” discovering new perspectives, and solving problems creatively.
3. Integrity – He emphasized the importance of growing organically, avoiding shortcuts, and building trust through consistent, honest actions.
4. Concern – Frederick called on students to lead with empathy by choosing an attitude of concern by listening actively, responding with thoughtfully, connecting meaningfully with others, and contributing positively to your community.
5. Humility – He shared how humility has helped him remain grounded, learn from others, and stay receptive to growth.
6. Solution/Resolution – Finally, “be a problem solver, not a problem creator,” he advised, reminding students that focusing on solutions empowers them to take action and create change.

President Edwards who attended the luncheon, reflected on the impact of Frederick’s message in her weekly email to faculty and staff:

“Sudha shared that gratitude, curiosity, integrity, concern, humility, and a focus on solutions/resolution will enhance your chances of success. Thank you to Sudha for sharing this important message with our students, and to ODEI for hosting the event.”

Q & A with Sudha Frederick

Q: When did you know that you wanted to work in Information Technology? Did you experience an “aha” moment during which you realized IT would be your career path?
SF: I had the opportunity in my late teens to work at an e-commerce company when I moved to Finland. I started off with assembling computers and I loved it.

Q: In what ways has embracing these six powerful attitudes impacted your life?
SF: It has resulted in strong relationships with my peers and supervisors. I have been blessed in so many ways. My faith is what drives me to live by all of these attitudes.

Q: During your presentation you showed a photograph of a motorcycle. What type of motorcycle is it?
SF: I ride an Aprilia 1100 RSV4.

About Sudha Frederick

Sudha Frederick joined Clark College in April 2023 as the Vice President of Information Technology. Sudha brings 15 years of experience in the field of information technology and 7 plus years in serving in leadership positions in several non-profit organizations. He has a master’s degree in business administration from George Fox University, a master’s degree in ministry management from Multnomah University and a master’s in Sociology from

Madurai Kamaraj University. When away from work, he loves spending time with his family, church, playing the electric guitar, and riding his motorcycle.

In his VP role, Frederick is responsible for the organization’s technology vision and execution providing oversight of campuswide information technology activities, sponsoring IT committees, working with IT service units across campus, assessing current IT infrastructure and making appropriate recommendations and strategies to deliver timely and qualitative IT services across the University.

Sudha Frederick is passionate about building IT Teams to provide top notch IT services. One of his main focuses is to equip and empower his team to succeed by paying close attention to their natural potential and skillsets to set them up for success. He believes in transformational servant leadership.

Next ODEI Luncheons:

• Students with Disability Luncheon: Tuesday, May 13 at noon in PUB 161
• Queer Student Luncheon: Tuesday, June 3 at noon in PUB 161

Connect with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI):

• In-person: Diversity Center, Gaiser Hall 214
• Phone: 360-992-2292
• Email: diversity@clark.edu
• Website: www.clark.edu/cc/diversity

For the first time in years, the Sakura Festival finally got its perfect spring day. The weather was warm, the cherry trees were bursting with fluffy pink blossoms, and not a single dark cloud dared to show up.

Drawn by sunshine and drifting petals, a large crowd of Clark students, employees, and community members of all ages filled the Japanese Friendship Garden. Beneath the canopy of blossoms, they celebrated spring, friendship, and hope, set to the graceful sounds of a traditional Koto performance by Yukiko Vossen, accompanied by flutist LeeAnn McKenna.

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards welcomed visitors and remarked that it was the first time in her five years at Clark that Sakura conditions had been perfect.

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnery-Ogle shared the history of Clark’s cherry trees and remembered former Clark President Bob Knight and former Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard. Both men were instrumental in building the sister-city relationship with Joyo, Japan, and honoring that relationship every year in the Clark College cherry grove during Sakura. The mayor expressed sadness that both Knight and Pollard passed away recently, but their legacy will live on.

McEnergy-Ogle said, “We lost both Bob and Royce recently. And while we mourn the loss of two community champions, we celebrate their legacies in events and moments like today. And we can renew our commitment to carry forward the relationships and causes that blossomed under their stewardship.”

Consul General Ken Todorikiof the Japanese Embassy in Portland and Clark student Nicole Vara Madriz, who studied abroad in Japan, also addressed the crowd.  

Dr. Edwards shared the history of Clark’s Royce E. Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden and its significance to our college and the greater community. She also shared life lessons from Sakura.

Sakura’s Life Lessons

1. Embrace Impermanence
A powerful reminder that nothing in life is permanent.  When you accept impermanence, you learn to live more fully and appreciate what you have while it lasts.

2. Find Beauty in Simplicity
Cherry blossoms are not extravagant or overly complex. Their beauty lies in their simplicity. This teaches us that we don’t need grand gestures or material possessions to experience joy.

3. Let Go with Grace
When cherry blossoms fall, they do so gracefully, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene. This is a lesson in letting go.  Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it means trusting that something new and beautiful will emerge.

4. Celebrate New Beginnings
Cherry blossoms are often associated with spring, a season of renewal and rebirth. They remind us that after every ending comes a new beginning. No matter how difficult or dark a period may seem, there’s always the promise of fresh starts and brighter days ahead.

After sharing these life’s lessons, Dr. Edwards added, “Today, as we celebrate spring, the spirit of international friendship, and the spiritual significance of these cherry blossom trees, let us remember to practice mindfulness, simplify our lives, be grateful for small joys, and embrace change.”

She thanked Clark’s grounds crew for working hard to maintain the college campus. Then she added, “We’re proud that Clark College can be a place of beauty and reflection for everyone in Vancouver. And I know that both Royce Pollard and Bob Knight would be proud of that legacy, too.”

Next, Clark College Treble Ensemble, directed by Dr. Jacob Funk, performed songs including “Sakura,” a traditional Japanese folk song depicting spring, the season of cherry blossoms.

Butterfly Garden

An outdoor butterfly garden near Anderson Fountain was a new and very popular addition to Sakura Festival. A long, steady line of students, Clark employees, and community members—many of them parents with young children—waited patiently for an opportunity to spend five minutes in the netted enclosure staffed by Student Life.

Once inside the net structure, visitors quietly interacted with 150 painted lady butterflies. Holding swabs soaked in nectar, visitors enticed the butterflies to perch and feed from their hands. Many of the visitors were young children, delighted in the up-close experience to marvel at these delicate, fluttering creatures.

In Japanese culture, butterflies carry rich symbolic meaning, frequently appearing in traditional art, literature, and aesthetics. They often represent transformation, the beauty of nature, and the fleeting nature of life.

After the butterfly garden closed, ASCC student volunteers gently collected the butterflies. Beheshta Eqbali, a member of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa honors society, cradled a butterfly in each hand, pausing to admire their bright orange wings before placing them in a mesh enclosure for transport.

Gaiser Student Center

When the outdoor portion of the ceremony concluded, hundreds of people moved indoors to Gaiser Student Center, where guests enjoyed many activities and presentations, including:

• Cherry blossom cookies made by students in Professional Baking & Pastry Arts
• Display tables included a tea ceremony, Ikebana (flower arranging), Japanese calligraphy, Japanese Club, and Kendo Club
• Video tribute to former Mayor Royce Pollard and former Clark President Bob Knight

Cultural Performances

• Video tribute to former Mayor Royce Pollard and former Clark President Bob Knight
• Haiku presented by the Japanese Club
• Nostalgic traditional Japanese Dance “Fuji Musume” (Wisteria Maiden)
• Adorable art shared by Clark College Child and Family Study’s, kimono-clad children 
• Energetic show by Takohachi drum group 

Did You Know…?

Tucked between the vibrant blooms and quiet pathways of Clark College, the Royce E. Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden is more than a scenic spot – it’s a living symbol of international friendship and local pride.

• Celebration of Friendship:
  Dedicated during the 2012 Sakura Festival, the garden honors former Vancouver mayor and Clark College trustee Royce E. Pollard, whose vision helped forge the sister city bond between Vancouver and Joyo, Japan. His legacy now blooms each spring in a sea of cherry blossoms.

• A Landscape of Meaning:
  Every curve and stone in the garden tells a story. The winding path mirrors the mighty Columbia River, connecting people and places across our region. Sculpted earth mounds reflect the soft rise and fall of nearby hills, while a striking stone sculpture from Japan pays tribute to the mountains that define our skyline.
• Roots of Generosity:
  The garden’s iconic cherry trees are two special gifts. In 1990, Mr. John Kageyama of America Kotobuki donated the first 100 Shirofugen cherry trees. Nearly three decades later, Mr. Tatsuo Ito of SEH America extended that legacy with 200 Somei Yoshino trees, ensuring the blossoms will inspire generations to come.

More information

• Learn more about the history of our Sakura Festival here.
• Read The Columbian’s 2025 Sakura story here.
• More photos can be viewed here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC9pui
• The lifespan of a painted lady butterfly is 14 to 28 days. Learn 10 facts about painted lady butterflies here.

Photos: Jenny Shadley/Clark College

Clark College hosted more than 350 high school students from across five counties for its annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs Showcase on April 15.

Students from grades 9 through 12 explored Clark’s degrees and programs and learned about a wide range of CTE programs offered at Clark, gaining insight into potential career pathways and educational opportunities.

Sponsored by Guided Pathways, this year’s event included attendance from 25 high schools across seven Clark County school districts. Participating schools outside of Clark County drove all the way from Stevenson (Skamania County); Glenwood, Klickitat, and Lyle (Klickitat County); Kalama (Cowlitz County); and Mossyrock High School (Lewis County).

Some of the student engagement included:

• Professor-Chef Aaron Guerra led a group of high school students through the cuisine kitchens at McClaskey Culinary Institute. He said, “I’m an example of living your dream. I followed my heart, followed my passion, worked hard, and built a great career.” He added, “It takes hard work to be successful in life—and in the kitchen.”
• Across campus in the Diesel Technology lab classroom, Professor Jeff Rush told students: “Learning electrical is a long path. But it can open doors to a great career in diesel technology.”
• In the STEM Building, engineering professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu led students in an engineering challenge to design and build a helicopter-like device that can carry cargo. Caleb Gross from Ridgefield High School and Daeannamae Beckey from Columbia River High School teamed up and used ChatGPT to find detailed plans for building their copter.

Gaby Posteuca, a Clark admissions recruiter who helped coordinate the event, said, “What a turnout we had for our CTE showcase this year! It was gratifying to see hundreds of students who were engaged in the workshop activities and asking questions. I am confident that this event sparked the high school students to consider their future career and how Clark College can help them attain their career goals.”

Exploring Career Pathways

Each high school student chose two workshops to attend from a list of offerings, including observing CTE classes in action. These included allied health programs Health Information Management, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Pharmacy Tech, and Surgical Technology; Automotive Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management, Diesel Technology, Welding Technology, Mechatronics, Engineering, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Cuisine Management, Professional Baking and Pastry Arts and Early Childhood Education and more.

Workshops in Gaiser Hall included financial aid and scholarships, admissions, career exploration, Running Start, and more.

All over campus, high school students met Clark faculty, learned about specific programs, experienced demonstrations, and participated in hands-on activities.

Finally, the students gathered in Gaiser Student Center for boxed lunches and a Resource Fair, where they made connections and asked questions of Clark staff from Admissions, CTE Dual Credit, Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, MESA, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and more. Gaiser Hall was buzzing with staff assisting students to plan for their future careers.

Participating Clark County High Schools

• Battle Ground: Battle Ground High School, Prairie High School
• Camas: Camas High School, Discovery High School, Hayes Freedom High School
• Evergreen: Evergreen High School, Henrietta Lacks High School, Heritage High School, Legacy High School, Legacy-Open Doors, Mountain View High School
• Hockinson: Hockinson High School
• Ridgefield: Ridgefield High School
• Vancouver: Columbia River High School, Fort Vancouver High School, Hudson’s Bay High School, Skyview High School, Vancouver Flex Academy
• Washougal: Washougal High School

Participating Schools Beyond Clark County

• Cowlitz County: Kalama High School
• Klickitat County: Glenwood High School, Klickitat High School, Lyle High School
• Lewis County: Mossy Rock High School
• Skamania County: Stevenson High School

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

On a blustery, rainy day, students returned to Clark College for the first day of spring term on April 7. Pink and white blossoms fell from trees and danced through the wind as students shouldering backpacks hurried to classes on the main campus.

Students were greeted by Clark staff members volunteering at information tables inside buildings around campus. Helpful volunteers answered students’ questions, offered directions, provided campus maps and more. These information tables were successful in helping students feel welcomed.

Inside Bauer Hall, a student stepped up to an information table and asked for help in finding his class.

“Who teaches your class?” asked the volunteer.

The student replied, “Robert Weston. Room 106.”

The volunteer looked at the building map, pointed, and said, “Just down that hallway.”

Similar scenarios played out all over campus as students navigated to their new classes.

First Day at Boschma Farms

Almost 15 miles from the main campus, the first-ever class of students arrived at the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield. Balloons tethered to a welcome sign greeted students at the new Clark College location. During spring term, the college has scheduled a soft opening with general education classes at the AMC.

The first student to arrive was Victor Gonzalez, who was heading for Professor Brenda Rosencrans’ Math 111 algebra class upstairs in classroom 208. As soon as Gonzalez stepped through the front door, he was greeted by a contingent of staff and faculty.  Then he was offered a Penguin gift bag by his algebra professor and Vice President of Instruction William “Terry” Brown. Gonzalez was surprised that his class was being held in a brand-new building and that his was the first class to convene there.

Gonzalez, who is pursuing a degree in computer science, said his advisor and professors told him about Clark’s new Bachelor of Science in computer science program that is starting in the fall. He is looking forward to learning more about it as he steps toward his future career in computer science.

After all the algebra students had arrived, they posed with Professor Rosencrans, Dr. Brown, and other Clark staff on the stairway of the building. Then it was time to head to their classroom.

Following their class, several students asked for a tour of the building. Professor Will Zander of the new Advanced Manufacturing program showed them around.

Advanced Manufacturing Quick Facts

During fall term, the first cohort of Clark’s new advanced manufacturing program will begin at the Advanced Manufacturing Center.

• Building: Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms
• Program: Advanced Manufacturing
• Two-year degree: Integrated Technician, Associate in Applied Technology (98 credits)
• Certificate of Achievement, Introduction to Manufacturing (36 credits)
• Certificate of Proficiency, Manufacturing Operator (47 credits)
• First cohort begins: Fall 2025

Learn more

• Read The Columbian’s story about the first day at the AMC at Boschma Farms: https://www.columbian.com/news/2025/apr/07/help-us-meet-the-critical-need-clark-colleges-new-boschma-farms-capus-in-ridgefield-welcomes-students/

• Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms: https://www.clark.edu/about/visitors-guide/getting-to-clark/boschma/

• Advanced Manufacturing Academic Plan in Clark College catalog: https://catalog.clark.edu/academic-plans/advanced-manufacturing/#academicplanstext

Clark College celebrated a very special birthday on April 3 as students, staff, and faculty gathered in the Basic Needs Hub to honor Oso, the campus’s beloved therapy dog, on his fourth birthday.

Party hats, dog videos, gifts, and donations of pet food filled the room—as Oso soaked up the love. The celebration was organized by Oso’s favorite person, Basic Needs Navigator Caitlin Malvar, who invited the campus community with this message:

“One of the best days of the year is soon approaching! Our furry colleague, Oso, is turning 4! Please join us April 3 from noon to 1 p.m. to celebrate! Oso’s birthday wish is to host a pet food and toy drive for our students who have pets in need! Please feel free to bring unopened pet food and toys to the party. All donations will be distributed to students in the Basic Needs Hub and Penguin Pantry.”

The party not only celebrated a cherished campus companion but also supported Clark students and their pets—just the kind of gift Oso would have wished for. The Clark community donated more than 50 items: packages of dog and cat food, plus pet toys.

In addition, Oso eagerly tore open his own gifts—much like any four-year-old would. He latched onto a special red stuffie dog—and wouldn’t let it go.

Malvar said: “I want to thank the Clark community for celebrating Oso with me. But even more important, for supporting our Basic Needs Hub, which is vital to our students.”

Donate Unopened Pet Food

If you didn’t have an opportunity to attend Oso’s birthday party and would like to donate unopened pet food, stop by the Basic Needs Hub and say hello to Oso.

Malvar said, “Oso comes to campus with me most days. But occasionally, he is off on adventures in the woods with his other parent.”

• Basic Needs Hub hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/basic-needs/

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Spring is a busy, exciting season at Archer Gallery – and if you’ve never been to the gallery, I encourage you to stop by. This April and May, the gallery welcomes artist-in-residence Bruce Conkle and a slate of public programs, including seven art talks and three workshops.

All events are free and open to the public, and will have light refreshments – so invite your colleagues, friends, and family along. Unless otherwise noted, events take place in the Archer Gallery, located at the lower southwest entrance of the Penguin Union Building. See you there!

Artist-in-Residence Bruce Conkle

For the 2025 Artist-in-Residence, Bruce Conkle was chosen because his work is engaging, thoughtful, and funny and because he has experience working with students. He has an extensive resume and plans to use his time in the residency to create ambitious drawings and sculptures. His first workshop will be about creating paper sculptures, and his second workshop will be on silver leafing. His work explores climate change, which is an important, current topic discussed in science, art, philosophy, and social science classrooms amongst others.

Conkle declares an affinity for mysterious natural phenomena such as snow, fire, rainbows, crystals, volcanos, tree burls, and meteorites. He examines contemporary attitudes toward the environment, including deforestation, climate change, and extinction. Conkle’s work often deals with man’s place within nature and frequently examines what he calls the misfit quotient at the crossroads.

His work has been shown in Reykjavik, Iceland; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and in the United States in New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle and Portland. Conkle’s recent projects include public art commissions for the Oregon Department of Transportation, TriMet/MAX Light Rail, and Portland State University’s Smith Memorial Student Union Public Art + Residency. He has been the recipient of a Hallie Ford Fellowship, an Oregon Arts Commission Artist Fellowship, and Regional Arts and Culture Council project grant.

• Artist Talk: April 15, 1-2 p.m. at Penguin Union Building, Room 161
• Workshop 1: “Paper Sculpture” April 30, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
• Workshop 2: “Silver Leafing”  May 6, noon – 1:30 p.m.
• Closing Reception: May 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Artist’s website: https://bruceconkle.com/

Clark Art Talks

For the Clark Art Talks, I have invited artists from a variety of media, backgrounds, and experiences to share their work with our community. Each of these professional artists have unique histories and will share personal stories of artistic struggle and success with Clark students. As a student studying art, it is extremely valuable to hear how other artists have carved out careers for themselves.

Chris Lael Larson

• Artist Talk: April 21, 10 – 11 a.m.
• Zoom: https://clark-edu.zoom.us/j/89415804013
• Artist’s website: https://www.chrislaellarson.com

Chris Lael Larson combines digital media with traditional painting, photography, and drawing materials. His colorful work playfully challenges our ideas of visual perception. His artist talk will be via Zoom to accommodate a digital painting class that meets online.

Larson has shown work in more than 30 cities across the U.S., with notable exhibitions at the Berkeley Museum of Art, Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, and The Portland Art Museum NW Film Center. He received a 2020 grant from The Regional Arts and Culture Council to publish Cape Disappointment, a photo book documenting the visual vernacular of the distinctive towns of the coastal northwest — places where historical, cultural, commercial, and natural forces layer to create a confounding visual mélange.

Malia Jensen

• Artist Talk: April 23, 1 –2 p.m. in PUB 161
• Artist’s website: https://www.maliajensenstudio.com/

Malia Jensen creates sculptures and videos that investigate systems of nature. Her aesthetic is clever, polished, and highly crafted with a nod to symbolic imagery. Jensen draws inspiration from the natural world and the complex relationships we negotiate within it. Her technically accomplished work marries the tactile authority of the handmade with complex psychological narratives and a genuine quest for harmony and understanding.

Her work can be found in many public and private collections nationally and throughout the Northwest. Her project, Nearer Nature, received support from the Creative Heights Initiative of the Oregon Community Foundation. The resulting six-hour video, “Worth Your Salt,” was screened online during her virtual residency with the Portland Art Museum and was added to its permanent collection.

Kimberly Trowbridge

• Artist Talk & Color Workshop: May 1, 10 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. FAC 108
• Artist’s website: https://www.kimberlytrowbridge.com/

Kimberly Trowbridge works with installation, paint, and performance to create psychological landscapes and large narrative paintings. A lecturer on color theory, Trowbridge is the director of The Modern Color Atelier, a multi-year painting program at Gage Academy of Art, Seattle. She has led plein-air painting tours in Spain, Portugal, and Twisp, Washingon. She is currently developing work in the Pacific Northwest and the Mojave Desert and is writing her first book on color.

Trowbridge, who has developed a practice of traveling and oil painting directly from nature, says, “On the field is where I cultivate a deep and sensitive awareness of color interaction. I consider these field works my ‘primary documents,’ and they help inform my larger, narrative paintings.” She added: “I use stage-like, pastoral settings to create visual allegories of our physical and spiritual connection to the natural world.”

Mark R. Smith

• Artist Talk: May 9, 1 –2 p.m., PUB 161
• Artist’s website: https://markrsmithstudio.com/

Mark R. Smith’s art utilizes textiles as a way to examine and understand social structures. He will talk about teaching, collaboration, and public art. His current studio practice involves using recycled textiles which he incorporates into labor-intensive, densely patterned motifs that reference communal architecture, crowd dynamics and the behavioral aspects of social organisms.

His work has been featured in institutions across the U.S. His solo exhibitions include Gallery Hlemmur, Reykjavik, Iceland; the Office of the Governor, Salem, Oregon, and the Elizabeth Leach Gallery in Portland, Oregon. His work is included in several public and private collections, including the American Embassy, Accra, Ghana; City Arts Inc., New York; King County Public Art Collection, Meta, Seattle, Washington; Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon; and Nike Inc., Beaverton, Oregon.

For Event Information: Archer Gallery (clark.edu)

Photographs submitted Kendra Larson.

Clark hosted the Eighth Annual Pacific Northwest Japan Bowl on March 15. Organized by the Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO), the event welcomed over 100 high school students from twelve schools across Oregon and Washington. This year was the largest Pacific Northwest Japan Bowl to date.

Clark College welcomed over 100 high school students from across Oregon and Washington for the 8th Annual Pacific Northwest Japan Bowl on March 15. Organized by the Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO), this year’s competition was the largest yet, bringing together students to test their knowledge of Japanese language, culture, and history.

In addition to competing, participants attended a college fair, where Clark students, including volunteers Kai Welch and James Simina, shared their experiences and encouraged future language learners.

Not only do competing teams test their knowledge of arts, culture, geography, and language, but they get to attend a college fair to learn about schools and network with other students.

Two Clark students, Kai Welch and James Simina, volunteered at the event. James shared his experience learning Japanese at Clark with prospective high school students during the college fair.

2025 Results

Level 2
1^st Churchill High School (OR)
2^nd International School of Beaverton (OR)
3^rd Woodinville High School (WA)

Level 3
1^st Westview High School (OR)
2^nd Woodinville High School (WA)
3^rd Bothell High School (WA)

Level 4
1^st Sunset High School (OR)
2^nd Bothell High School (WA)
3^rd International School of Beaverton (OR)

About the Pacific Northwest Japan Bowl

The largest regional quiz competition on Japanese language and culture, the Japan Bowl invites 100+ high schoolers across Oregon and Washington to compete together. It’s run by the Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO). Every year, the top teams go on to compete at the national level in Washington, D.C.

Learn more about PNW Japan Bowl at https://jaso.org/japan-bowl/

Photos courtesy of Michiyo Okuhara