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

Clark College presented its annual State of the College address in a new video format featuring messages from Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards, members of the Executive Cabinet, and ASCC President Gurraj Singh Dhami. The address highlights key achievements across the college and reinforces Clark’s commitment to student success.

Looking ahead, Clark College remains steadfast in its mission to advance education and equity while nurturing student success and driving economic growth in Southwest Washington.

President Edwards said, “In light of the current challenges facing higher education, we must remain true to our mission, values, students, and the community we serve.”

Watch the State of the College Video

2024 Highlights

Enrollment

• Increased by 1,000 students in 2024 and approaching pre-pandemic enrollment
• Our five Bachelor of Applied Science programs have greatly exceeded predicted enrollment.
• 23% of Clark students are high school students enrolled in Running Start
• More than 55% of our students plan to transfer to a four-year college, with the majority heading to Washington State University Vancouver.

Program Milestones

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) program celebrated the graduation of its first cohort in spring 2024.
• Medical Assisting program earned accreditation in 2024.
• On-campus student activities signaled the rebound of a vibrant student life, with the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) reporting a 54% increase in participation from 2023.

New Programs for In-demand Fields

Working with community employers and listening to our students, Clark has developed programs that are key for the growth and economic vitality of Southwest Washington. New academic and workforce program developments include new bachelor programs, healthcare pathways, and technology.

Three new programs and one new campus launching this fall include:

• Surgical Technology — Students can begin taking foundational classes in spring and summer terms.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — Clark’s first Bachelor of Science degree.
• The Advanced Manufacturing program will be housed in our new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at our Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield. The program is undergoing final approval.
• The AMC building will have a soft launch on April 7 and an official opening in fall term.

Supporting Success for Students

Clark College recognizes that our students need more than access to higher education. We also support our students through essential programs and wraparound services.

• 35% of Clark students are from low-income backgrounds
• 47% are the first in their family to attend college

To further support our students

• Clark launched a new Basic Needs Hub in 2024.
• Clark’s Penguin Pantry distributed over 54,000 pounds of food to 800 students’ families in 2024.

Other Initiatives outlined in the State of the College

Investments in improvements in technology provided data-driven decision-making and included a new, automated solution for identifying fraud, and the completion of a multi-year project for evaluating software accessibility.

Student financial aid support: Clark’s Financial Aid office distributed more than $31 million in federal aid to Clark students despite federal delays related to the FAFSA last year.

Stable college finances: In 2024 Clark earned more revenue and spent less than expected, contributing to an increase of $1.8 million in the available fund balance which allowed for funding 6 new positions, increasing the instructional adjunct budget, and adding funding for tutoring and security improvements.

Clark College Foundation celebrated 50 years of supporting Clark’s success. Clark College Foundation has contributed $90 million to Clark initiatives since its inception and rolled out two new funds to support student success and college innovation.

Clark’s accreditation renewal is happening this fall. More than a requirement for federal financial aid, accreditation is a rigorous evaluation of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that our college fulfills its mission and meets the highest standards to deliver exceptional educational opportunities to our students.

Community invitation: President Edwards invited the community to visit our lovely campus with wildflowers in the bee gardens, cherry trees in the Japanese Friendship Garden, and a robust offering of arts, theater, athletics, and community events.

Thank You: On behalf of Clark College, President Edwards expressed gratitude to the board of trustees, students, faculty, staff, community partners, and legislative representatives for their contributions to the college’s mission to ensure that education remains equitable and accessible to all who seek to learn and grow. Through education, empowerment, and opportunity, Clark College continues to elevate individuals in achieving their personal and professional goals.

Clark College is expanding its health care offerings with a new Surgical Technology program, equipping students with the skills to assist surgeons and nurses in operating rooms. Developed in collaboration with Clark County health care providers, the program offers a direct pathway to family-wage jobs in high-demand medical careers.

The degree: This two-year program leads to an associate of applied technology (AAT) degree, preparing graduates for critical roles in surgical teams.

Timeline:

• The first cohort will start in fall 2025, with space for 20 students
•  The first students will graduate in spring 2027

What does a Surgical Technologist do? The surgical technology program will prepare students to function effectively with surgeons and nurses in the operating room, performing duties that are vital for the safety and care of surgical patients.

Jim Reynolds, director of surgical technology and professor at Clark College is an experienced surgical technologist with years of working alongside surgeons in operating rooms. He explained that during surgery, a surgical technologist plays a crucial role by passing sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon. 

Reynolds said he is excited that Clark is offering this vital program.

“The hard work of bringing this program to Clark College has been shared by this college, the local community, and local hospitals,” Reynolds said. “I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing team that knows not just about the need for more surgical technologists in the area but also has the resources and the passion to assist in the creation of the program and to provide assistance in the years to come. Our advisory committee has been working together to build this program. I can’t wait to bring in our first cohort in September.”

First in Southwest Washington: Clark’s Surgical Technology program is the first of its kind in Southwest Washington, with the closest Washington programs offered at community colleges in the Puget Sound region. In the metro area, the closest program is at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon.

Prerequisites: Students can begin taking foundational classes this spring term, starting April 7. Before students are admitted to Clark’s program, they must complete prerequisite courses including microbiology, a sequence of two anatomy and physiology courses, and more.

Required certification: Prior to graduation, students will sit for the national certification exam for qualification as a certified surgical technologist, which allows surgical techs to practice in operation rooms nationwide.

“Graduates from this new program will meet a critical workforce need,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards. “This program will ensure that our hospitals will have well-trained surgical technologists. We are dedicated to preparing a trained workforce for our community to meet current and future needs.”

The surgical technology program joins a robust offering of allied health programs at Clark College: dental hygiene, emergency medical services, medical assistant, health information management and medical billing and coding, nursing, pharmacy technician, and phlebotomy.

Funding and partnerships

Clark College received a $141,260 Hospital Education and Employment Training (HEET) grant to develop the program to meet a critical workforce need in 2023. The grant proposal was developed in collaboration with PeaceHealth and the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP).

The grant is administered by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). HEET funding is used to develop or expand innovative training programs in partnership with labor and employers that support incumbent health care workers to advance their careers in the health care field while meeting the rapidly changing workforce needs of our health care system.

In collaboration with PeaceHealth and OFNHP, the Surgical Technology HEET project has included developing the program, including curriculum; integrating worker voice to ensure accessibility for workers; developing an incumbent worker pathway; and leveraging industry resources for quality instruction.

Clark College is pursuing a second HEET grant to fully implement the first cohort. The expectation is that the program will be sustainable after initial implementation.  

What Clark’s partners say

“Surgical technologists are in high demand, and play key roles on our clinical team,” said Chief Hospital Executive Cherelle Montanye, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. “This program will be a critical resource to prepare students for an excellent career path at hospitals and surgery centers across our region.”

“This is the type of program that OFNHP enthusiastically supports,” said Jonathon Baker, OFNHP vice president. “Programs like this will add to the skill set of our medical technicians, support health care in our region, and lift up our community.”

Learn more

• Clark College’s surgical technology program
• Clark College’s health care and biosciences programs
• Read an article in The Columbian here

Sixteen nursing students from Clark College’s 149^th nursing cohort gathered with their loved ones on March 19 in the Gaiser Student Center to celebrate their achievement at the traditional pinning ceremony. These students earned their Associate of Arts in Nursing DTA/MRP during winter term, a significant milestone in their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.

During the ceremony, Professor Nicholas Luisi presented the Clinical Excellence Award to one outstanding student. Before announcing the recipient, he told the graduates: “I am so proud of each of you. It’s been an honor to watch you grow in confidence.” He then announced that Kimberly Hoover was this year’s award recipient.

Faculty speaker Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki offered the new nurses advice including:

• You are never alone. Health care is teamwork.
• Ask questions. Stay curious.
• Prioritize self-care.
• You’ve been a support system for each other. As you enter your nursing career, find your support system.
• Success is relative. Celebrate it.
• Listen to your patients. Don’t forget that sometimes they are very scared.
• Remember your “WHY” – Remember why you worked so hard to become a nurse.

Class speakers Kristie Castle and Kim Hoover addressed their fellow students: “We are running on coffee, adrenaline, and sheer willpower. If we can handle nursing school, we can handle anything.”

Next, it was time for the pinning ceremony. In turn, each new nurse stood to be pinned by a special supporter who encouraged them over the finish line: spouses, partners, parents, siblings, children, and nursing professors crossed the stage to present a Clark College nursing pin to each new nurse.

After the new nurses had been pinned, they stood in unison and recited the nursing pledge — to uphold certain ethics and standards within their chosen profession.

The core principles of the nursing pledge are:

• Dedication to service: Nurses pledge to dedicate themselves to the nursing profession and to provide compassionate, skilled care to their patients.
•  Ethical conduct: The pledge emphasizes adhering to the code of ethics of the nursing profession and maintaining the confidentiality of their patients.
• Professional integrity: Nurses are committed to maintaining and elevating the standards of the profession.
• Patient-centered care: The pledge emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of their patients.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Nurses pledge to collaborate will all members of the healthcare team.

Nursing graduates have already applied for licensure in the state in which they want to work. They have one final step to earn an “RN” after their name. They must pass a rigorous exam, the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. It is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. 

Four nursing graduates on the stage have already taken the exam and passed.

Many of these nursing graduates shared their plans to continue their education and earn their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, or BSN at Washington State University Vancouver, Oregon Health & Science University, or Boise State University.

Several already have secured nursing jobs at a variety of Vancouver and Portland hospitals.

After the ceremony, nurses, their families, and supporters headed for the reception to celebrate with their loved ones. Although they have earned their degree Winter term, many students will participate in Clark College Commencement ceremony this year on June 18.

Congratulations to Clark’s 149^th Nursing cohort

Maria Arellano was pinned by her parents.
Plans: work in Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in the intensive care unit.

Danielle Carter was pinned by her son.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Washington State University Vancouver.

Kristie Castle was pinned by her husband and daughter.
Plans: work at PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Joshua Dowdy was pinned by his girlfriend, Jennifer.
Plans: pursue continuing education in wound care.

Kaylee Elizabeth was pinned by her mother.
Plans: work in labor and delivery or a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Sarah Gish was pinned by her husband and her sister-in-law, a nurse in Tennessee.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Kim Hoover was pinned by her husband and her oldest daughter.
Plans: work at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center’s residency program; will complete her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Saharah Knittle was pinned by her husband.
Plans: work at Oregon Health & Sciences University.

Nukolai Kolobovnikov was pinned by Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki.
Plans: work in the ER at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland.

Kayla Lindsey was pinned by her father.
Plans: pursue her BSN at OHSU and work as a critical care nurse in an ICU.

Desiree MacPherson was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jenn McMillan was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Bridgett Moody was pinned by her husband.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Josie Olson was pinned by her parents and her sister.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jamie Perez was pinned by her husband as her three young children looked on.
Plans: pursue her BSN in the fall and work in labor and delivery.

James Vanover was pinned by his mother, Julie.
Plans: work on the PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center surgical floor.

Nursing Pledge

In full knowledge and understanding, I dedicate myself to the profession of nursing. I promise to provide compassionate care with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status. I will spare no effort to preserve quality of life, alleviate suffering, and promote health.

I will respect at all times the dignity and beliefs of those within my care. I hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action, which may endanger life or death. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level, and work in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team. I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing and uphold the integrity of the nurse.

Learn more about Clark College’s nursing program here.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The anticipation was sky-high in the Clark College STEM Building on March 11. Engineering students gathered near the drop tower in the three-story foyer and waited.

“Doors closing,” announced a student with a clipboard. The countdown began: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1!”

All eyes turned upward.

Then—whoosh! A robotic lunar rover plummeted from three stories above. Gasps filled the air as its parachute deployed, sending the rover gliding gently toward the ground.

Now for the real test: Would it land in one piece? Could it navigate the terrain, scoop up moon rocks (a.k.a. plastic balls), and cross the finish line—all on its own power?

Every term, engineering professors Tina Barsotti and Carol Hsu pose a real-world problem to their students and instruct them to design and build an object that solves the problem. Teams of students work together. At the end of each term, teams present their prototype to their peers, explaining their process and materials used. Finally, teams test their designs.

The Project Artemis Challenge

Engineering students were given this challenge during winter term:

Design an autonomous device that can withstand a three-story drop, collect as many gumballs as possible, and move to a designated end zone within the time limit.

Designed with NASA’s Project Artemis in mind, the purpose of this device is to collect geological samples from the moon’s surface.

To simulate landing on the moon, student engineers dropped their rovers from the STEM Building’s three-story drop tower. Most teams designed a parachute to slow the fall. If the vehicle survived the drop, its mission was to pick up as many gumballs as possible (simulating moon rocks) and cross the finish line—without human intervention.

Professor Carol Hsu said, “This project is particularly challenging as it requires withstanding a drop before completing a task. However, students consistently rise to the challenge and gain invaluable experience.” She added, “One of my students shared, ‘My daughter became interested in learning more about robotics after watching the competition!’”

During the winter engineering challenge, some teams’ projects succeeded and made it across the finishing line with “lunar rocks.” But a larger number didn’t survive the three-story drop. One of those teams, Isaac Newton’s Dog Diamond, gathered the pieces of their broken lunar rover and carried them back to a table to assess the damage.

One group reported: “We learned that the trial-and-error process does, in fact, involve error. These experiences taught us the importance of adaptability and persistence in problem-solving. If we were to do this project again, we’d spend more time on testing and making prototypes to improve the design.”

Designing within Engineering Parameters

Each team was required to design and build their vehicle to adhere to strict parameters.

Design specifications:

• Size: Must fit within a 35 cm x 35 cm x 35 cm box
• Weight: Must weigh less than 2.0 kg
• Power source: Must be self-contained in the device
• Mobility: Must be fully autonomous
• Design: Must be students’ own design, outside of motor components
• Cost: Must cost less than $100

Materials: Student engineers used a variety of materials including 3D printed filament, balsa wood, CDs, modeling clay, threaded metal rods, and various kinds of wheels and axles. Designs also incorporated electronics or a motor and power box within the body of the robot, and a parachute to reduce the descent speed.

Teams: Engineering students comprised 18 teams including The Argonauts, Imperfectly Designed, Robo Legs, Robo Rangers, Sisters in Science, Innovation Nation, Safety Hazards, Blue Moon, and Isaac Newton’s Dog Diamond.

Throughout the morning, all 18 teams presented their designs and then climbed the stairs to test their projects in the drop tower. After testing their autonomous vehicle, students examined what worked, what didn’t, and how they would improve it.

One group reflected: “Looking back on this project, we learned that we are all very early in our engineering careers and there is still a lot to learn. Designing and building a fully autonomous vehicle is difficult and an intricate process. Also, Open AI is a very useful tool…that can be used to create code for the purpose we need. If we were to do this project over again, we would have learned about our team members’ knowledge and backgrounds before assembling the team so we could create a team with more diverse skills and experience.”

Another group reported: “We utilized our engineering knowledge and available tools to optimize our machine’s efficiency. As we deepen our understanding of engineering coding, we recognize that programming could significantly improve our design.”

Early Pi Day Celebration

After all the tests were completed, the students celebrated Pi Day early—with free pizza followed by apple and cherry pies baked by students in Clark’s McClaskey Culinary Institute.

Professor Tina Barsotti said, “True engineering talent emerges from embracing failure, learning from it, and using it to build something stronger, smarter, and more resilient. We must celebrate our failures as they are our connection to innovation.”

Previous engineering competition stories

• Fall 2024
• Spring 2024
• Winter 2024

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish and Carly Rae Zent

More than 75 healthcare professionals, educators and workforce development experts gathered for an inaugural Healthcare Pathways Education and Industry Summit at Clark College Columbia Tech Center on March 7. With a shared goal of expanding healthcare career pathways and partnerships in Southwest Washington, the event buzzed with new connections, strategic discussions, and plans for future collaborations.

Host agencies included Clark College Health Sciences unit, Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence, Workforce Southwest Washington and Career Connect Southwest, a program of Educational Service District 112.

Building pathways with partners

Scot Headley, dean of Business and Health Services at Clark College, said, “We view this event as the next step in bringing more collaboration and alignment in raising awareness and building pathways into healthcare careers amongst the various educational agencies, colleges, community organizations, and employers. I am grateful for our partnership with ESD 112 and Career Connect Southwest and for the faculty and staff at Clark who are willing to invest their time, energy, and creativity into building these pathways.”

This cross-sector gathering addressed the following objectives:

1. Share successes and challenges of existing programs
2. Develop a regional roadmap for healthcare career awareness
3. Plan community engagement strategies
4. Identify quick-turn and long-term solutions to workforce challenges

The event included two panel discussions. Additionally, during a collaborative small-group work session, group members considered these questions:

• Given the current healthcare workforce shortages, what innovative strategies or partnerships have you seen succeed in attracting and retaining talent, including in rural areas?
• How can the healthcare industry collaborate more effectively with educational institutions to ensure students are graduating with the skills and certifications needed to meet immediate labor demands?
• What emerging trends in healthcare (e.g., technology, aging population) do you foresee having the most significant impact on the types of roles and skills needed in the next 5-10 years, and how should education systems adapt to these changes?
• What resources and opportunities could be made available to educators and students to acquaint them with opportunities and needs within healthcare?

Summit discoveries

Groups collaborated and wrote their answers and ideas on whiteboards, including these:

• Build strategic partnerships for developing allied health programs
• Create incumbent worker pathways
• Provide resources to K-12 faculty to understand and present health care pathways to students
• Lack of capacity from employers and education to build and deliver systems for career exploration and preparation
• Clinical experience is valuable

After robust discussions, it was clear what is needed in moving forward:

• More partnerships between education and industry
• Improved communication between education and industry partners
• More clearly defined career pathways for students, including those who do not plan to earn a four-year degree
• More hands-on opportunities for students, via career days, externships, paid internships, and more

Partner feedback

Vickei Hrdina, Director of K12 Workforce and Higher Ed Partnerships, Educational Service District 112 and executive director of Career Connect Southwest: “This Summit has been instrumental in strengthening collaboration between K-12, higher education, and industry leaders. By developing a clear roadmap for aligning high school Career and Technical Education with post-secondary training and real workforce needs, we’ve taken a significant step toward building a more seamless talent pipeline. This model will not only guide regional efforts but also serve as a framework for other high-demand sectors.”

Chad Mullen, Career Connect Southwest network manager: “The need for strong and reciprocal relationships between industry and education was clear at this summit. When we work together to increase our efforts to help our students explore, prepare for, and launch into many career pathways in healthcare, we can help those students envision and pursue their future in the field.”

Sean Moore, senior project manager, healthcare, Workforce Southwest Washington, also is a member of several health care advisory boards at Clark College: “By bringing together employers, union representatives, community partners, high school and college educators ensures we are all focused on developing in-demand, career pathway/living wage opportunities for emerging talent to meet the needs of our Southwest Washington healthcare workforce.”

Paul Huddleston, dean of students at Cascadia Tech Academy: “Getting industry and education in the same room is fantastic. I’m looking to improve our program, to provide our students opportunities to explore careers, and to equip our students with the skillset industry is looking for.”

John Armerding, health sciences teacher, Columbia River High School, Vancouver School District: “My primary goal here is to figure out next steps for my students. It’s important to recognize that four years of college is not for everyone.”

Andrew Goss, health sciences teacher, Heritage High School, Evergreen School District: “I want to find more opportunities for my students. I want to learn what gaps do I need to focus on to prepare my students?”

Kelly Stellrecht, Washington State Opportunity Scholarships: “We are trying to make more connections with employers and students.”

Jess Friason, Legacy Health: “How can we provide more opportunities to middle school and high school students? How can what we offer complement a high school’s needs?”

Participate in a future summit

Contact Scot Headley, dean of Business and Health Services at Clark College

• Email: SHeadley@clark.edu
• Phone: 360-992-2938

Learn more

• Clark College Health Sciences unit
• Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence
• Workforce Southwest Washington
• Career Connect Southwest

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish