At the Students with Disability luncheon this past Tuesday, May 23, Alyssa Montminy said “When I think about my time as an adult I often think about diagnosis, life stages, and where I was.”

The event—that comes with free lunch for attendees—is part of a series planned by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to inspire students and faculty by sharing the stories of community members.

Stages of diagnosis

Alyssa described her series of diagnoses—first, the depression that was diagnosed in college, then the postpartum depression she experienced after each of her two boys (Bentley and Finley). While she anticipated having children would be hard, she said “I was woefully underprepared for how severe that situation would be.”

Most recently, “through TikTok I realized I had ADHD. And the boys had it too.” They worked through the formal diagnostic process together. Alyssa shared that women typically get diagnosed later in life, because the research on the condition was all conducted on young white boys like her sons.

As Alyssa’s children grew, she discovered her anxiety was something more and received an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis. She learned OCD does not always fit into the stereotypes, and that the compulsive rituals around her anxiety was enough to qualify her for the diagnosis, despite her consistently messy desk.

She said, “It doesn’t get better… there’s not a magic wand. We find ways to overcome. We do get stronger.”

Being brave in self-advocacy

Because stereotypes about mental health don’t always align with reality, Alyssa has found that doing research and hearing the experiences of others can be helpful information in looking for a solution. As she put it, “Sometimes Googling symptoms is a good idea.”

That information can help you be an advocate for yourself. Alyssa has asked for accommodations like cross-stitching during meetings.

“Sometimes it’s really scary,” she said. “Sometimes I tell myself that I have pink hair and people with pink hair are not afraid of standing up for themselves.”

She recommended finding community in your workspace so that you can advocate together, instead of being alone.

Quick Self-Care Tools

Alyssa passed out flyers with self-care tips.

54321 method

This grounding method engages the 5 senses of your body to keep you in the present moment. It is a type of mindfulness that is helpful in stopping anxiety or panic in the moment. The steps are:

1. 5 things you can see: Look around and name 5 things that you see.
2. 4 things you can touch: Touch 4 different textures.
3. 3 things you can hear: Identify 3 different sounds around you.
4. 2 things you can smell: Identify 2 things you can smell around or on you.
5. 1 thing you can taste: Either identify the taste currently in your mouth, or try a drink or food item.

Breathing exercises

Breathing is a quick way to ground yourself, calm down and relax your body and mind. When doing any breathing exercise, focus on breathing from your diaphragm.

1. Flower/bubble breathing: Take a slow deep breath in like you are inhaling the scent of your favorite flower. Hold that for a few moments then slowly blow out the air like you are trying to blow soap bubbles. When you exhale for longer than you inhaled, your body has an automatic relaxation response.
2. Square Breathing: Breathe in for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 4, breathe out for a count of 4 and hold your breath for a count of 4.

Other ways to take care of yourself

1. Journaling: Take just 5-10 minutes a day to write down whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t have to make sense or go together. Just write whatever comes to mind.
2. Find comfort: Drinking warm tea, eating comforting foods or surrounding yourself with comforting items such as blankets can calm your nervous system.
3. Keep a routine: Try to maintain a daily routine that includes waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, eating regular meals and snacks, moving your body and completing daily tasks.
4. Take mindful walks: Movement can help you get rid of stress hormones, clear your mind and focus on the moment.
5. Listen to music: Music can help relieve stress, calm you down or connect you to something that you have been missing.
6. Find community: Connect with others that understand what you are going through. Eat together, go on walks or just share space while you do something comforting.

Next Luncheon

The Queer Student Luncheon will be held June 3, 12–1 p.m.

Clark College Disability Access Center

Location on main campus: Penguin Union Building (PUB) 013
Web: https://www.clark.edu/dac
Main phone: 360-992-2314
Video phone for ASL: 360-991-0901
Email: dac@clark.edu

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

On Thursday, May 8, a line of people waiting for a taste of artisan treats wrapped around McClaskey Culinary Institute and into Gaiser Hall. The annual Baking Capstone, led by Chef Alison Dolder, is one of the biggest culinary events of the year.

Second-year baking students spent weeks testing recipes for their very own pop-up menus. One student created a fairy forest, pastries arranged on stumps, and red button mushrooms sprouting from the table. Another decorated eclairs like dachshunds. Yet another fused Mexican flavors with Viennoiserie, serving elote and concha flavored croissants.

“I learned I’m more capable than I thought I was”

While stressful to take charge of their own pop-ups, meeting the challenge gave students confidence.

Student Andrew Kehler, above, who presented a table bursting with artisan breads in baskets and on bamboo cutting boards, said, “I learned I’m more capable than I thought I was. I was telling my classmates, “It’s freaking me out, it’s kind of scary…everything turned out perfectly fine.”

Katelynn House, above, who showed a variety of creative Viennoiserie, shared, “The first few weeks I was trying things out, practicing. Then, the last couple of weeks I really cracked down. Then today came along, and it was a ride. But I did finish on time, and it’s beautiful.”

Katelynn’s favorite bake? The orange cinnamon rolls.

It was clear how much Chef Melanie Hendry inspired the students. Kehler said, “I chose to do bread for my pop-up because it is one of the activities that most resonated with me in the bakery. Chef Melanie showed a passion for it, and it kind of rubbed off on me… I love that I can take my time with bread. You kind of get to know it more intimately… it is a lot of concentration, knowing what you’re doing… taking your time, being patient with it and working with it.”

Kehler was most proud of the cinnamon sugar monkey bread, which he said was a surprise that came together at the last minute.

Leaving a legacy with a cookbook zine

This year, Chef Melanie collaborated with librarians Andrea Berg and Katy Anastasi on a new idea: a cookbook zine. Over several months, the librarians hosted workshops guiding students to design uniquely colorful pages. Captivated, the students spent hours in the library gluing, cutting, and drawing pages with pop-up recipes, stories, jokes, and coloring pages.

The zine—titled “Eat the Pastriarchy”—inspired sprawling conversations about collaboration, legacy, creativity, and privacy.

A copy of the zine will be archived in the zine collection in Cannell Library, so anyone can sneak a peek at the students’ baking secrets.

Berg shared, “The library was excited to support and excited to feature the cookbook zine in our zine library as another way for these bakers to have a lasting legacy at Clark. We had so much fun working with the baking students, they were so creative and supportive of each other and were excited about the zine project as a way to celebrate their own work and inspire future generations of Clark bakers.”

When the librarians brought the finished zines to the capstone, the students immediately circled to rifle through the pages and see their work in print, giggling and showing their friends and family.

About Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute

At the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College, we are building on nearly 60 years of excellence in culinary education to offer programs that prepare students to meet the growing demand for culinary and hospitality professionals. Our programs emphasize the mastery of the fundamentals as well as management and critical thinking skills to prepare students for a range of career opportunities.

Working in a new state-of-the-art facility, students gain real-world experience in high-volume food production, service, and retail settings. The Culinary Institute also creates a community space on campus that highlights the growing influence of food on our culture while giving students valuable hands-on experience in a production kitchen, retail bakery, food kiosks, and a full-service dining room.

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Clark College Foundation 

Penguins Give 2025 was a success, and it’s all thanks to YOU! 

Together, 255 donors raised $47,305 to support Clark students. As of May 7, gifts ranged from $5 to $5,000 and every single one made a difference. 

Top areas of support included (by total gifts): 

• Julian Nelson Memorial Scholarship: 66 gifts 
• Clark College General Scholarship Fund: 31 gifts 
• The Clark Fund: 24 gifts 
• Athletic Scholarships:21 gifts 
• MESA Program: 20 gifts 

Bonus Wins 

• Washington Trust Bank made an early morning 2-to-1 match available—completed within hours! 
• Umpqua Bank’s Coffee Break Challenge awarded an extra $500 to the Julian Nelson Memorial Scholarship. 
• The Northwest Wine and Food Society’s Happy Hour Challenge added another $500 to support the MESA Program. 
• Vanessa Neal’s (Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) name was drawn after Take Your Child to Work Day activities making her the winner of the iQ Credit Union Employee Challenge and earning ODEI an extra $500. 
• Multiple major matches helped boost donations across critical areas like the Penguin Pantry, Basic Needs Hub, Clark College Student Success Fund, and Arts@Clark. 

Partnership Magic: Once again, we partnered PenguinsGive with Take Your Child to Work Day, creating an incredible buzz and energy on campus. Watching our next generation engage with the spirit of philanthropy and community was truly inspiring. 

Leadership Matters: Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the leadership teams and boards at Clark College and the Clark College Foundation. Your investment, enthusiasm, and trust made this year’s PenguinsGive not just successful—but transformational. 

Thank you to every donor, advocate, volunteer, and supporter who helped us make this milestone possible. You’re the reason the Penguin Nation  waddles more impressively every year. 

Your generosity helps students pursue their goals, overcome obstacles, and build brighter futures. Thank you for showing up. 

About Clark College Foundation 
Clark College Foundation (CCF) is an independent, self-governed nonprofit that partners with Clark College to improve higher education access, student success, and community engagement. In the 2023–2024 school year, CCF distributed $1.6 million in scholarships, special awards, and financial support to hundreds of students. The Foundation contributed $4.8 million in total support to the college that same year. 

Make a Donation
If you miss this year’s PenguinsGive campaign, you can still donate to support your favorite Clark College program or project here.

Penguin fans packed the stands at Clark College’s softball field on May 2, gathering not just to cheer on their team but to celebrate a legacy. The afternoon dedication of the newly named Raines Softball Field brought together athletes, alumni, friends, and family, including many there to support Wilma Raines.

Clark College Athletics, Clark College Foundation, and members of the broader college community joined together at the Women’s softball field to recognize the contributions of the Raines family. The field was named in honor of Wilma Raines in memory of Jim Raines and his daughter Jami (Raines) Shogren, devoted supporters of Clark softball who left a lasting mark on the program. Wilma Raines, Jim’s widow and Jami’s mother, attended the ceremony, surrounded by heartfelt tributes and shared memories.

The Raines Family Legacy

Jim Raines, who passed away in 2018, devoted his life to empowering student athletes and helping ensure the success of Clark College’s softball program. Prior to his passing, he arranged for significant support to maintain the softball field and foster community sports opportunities.

Alums of Clark College, Jim and Wilma, also funded scholarships for student athletes, including one in memory of their daughter, the Jami Raines Memorial Scholarship.

Jami (Raines) Shogren was a standout softball player, following in her father’s footsteps as a catcher. The couple established student athlete scholarships in Jami’s honor after her death in 2008.

During the dedication ceremony, Calen Ouellette, CEO of Clark College Foundation, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the field’s new name.

“This isn’t just a moment to name a field,” Ouellette said. “It’s a moment to honor a legacy—a legacy of leadership, of belief in women’s athletics, and of deep investment in the future of our community.”

Ouellette spoke to the lasting impact of the Raines family, highlighting their decades of support for Clark College. “Wilma Raines and her late husband, Jim, have been pillars of support. Wilma understands something powerful: investing in your local community college isn’t simply an act of generosity—it’s an act of belief. Belief in opportunity. Belief in education. Belief in the power of young people to change the future.”

He went on to describe the symbolism of the field itself. “Thanks to a generous gift from the Raines family, this field will forever stand as a tribute—not only to Jim and their daughter Jami’s memory—but to every student-athlete who dreams bigger because someone believed in them. Fields like this aren’t just places where games are played. They’re places where confidence is built, where leadership is forged, where young women see they are worthy of investment and celebration.”

“Wilma’s decision to give back to Clark College sets an example for all of us,” Ouellette added. “When you support your community college, you strengthen the economic engine, the cultural spirit, and the social fabric of your entire region. Wilma, we are humbled by your family’s vision and heart. The Raines name will forever be woven into the lives of every Penguin who steps onto this field. Today and every day moving forward, Raines Softball Field will stand as a symbol of what’s possible when one family says, ‘Yes, I believe in them.’”

The Foundation presented Wilma with a painting of her husband and daughter standing on a softball field. The artist is Clark art professor Grant Hottle.

Laura LeMasters, Director of Athletics, presented Wilma with a commemorative Penguins softball jersey and a softball stamped with the field dedication date.

Holding the jersey, Wilma said, “I’m very humbled. My husband and daughter played on this field when it was a city league field. Thank you for showing up. I know it was in respect for Jim and Jami and me.”

LeMasters spoke about being introduced to Jim and Wilma Raines and understanding the depth and dedication their family brought not only to Clark, but to Clark Athletics. Jim Raines was a founding member of the Penguin Athletic Club that helped raise funds for the department to create improvements across all programs and was a member of the Hall of Fame committee. LeMasters worked with Wilma, managing the Jami Raines Memorial Scholarship.

LeMasters added, “The Raines family is deserving of having their name forever a piece of Clark College, Clark Athletics, and Clark softball. I want to thank everyone for attending this event as we officially name the softball field at Clark College the Raines Softball Field. With perfect timing, today’s game is the first game with our brand-new scoreboard, forever memorializing the Raines family. It is my pleasure to invite Wilma to cut the ribbon and formally dedicate this field in her family’s name.” 

Then Wilma stood between LeMasters and Oulette. Together, they held a massive pair of ceremonial scissors and cut the ribbon.

LeMasters said, “With that, we officially name this field the Raines Softball Field. Wilma, thank you so much.”

Five of the student-athletes are recipients of the scholarship named in honor of her daughter, Jami. As Wilma walked off the field, the softball team ran onto the field and warmed up for the Clark College vs Centralia College game.

2024-2025 student-athlete recipients of the Jami Raines Memorial Scholarship

• Ashley Griffith
• Zoey Mikkelsen
• Sophia Lawrence
• Tessa Treesh
• Gabriela Ventura

Penguin assistant softball coach Chloe Blehm was a recipient during her time here as a student-athlete in 2018-19.  

About Clark College Foundation

Clark College Foundation (CCF) is an independent, self-governed nonprofit that partners with Clark College to improve higher education access, student success, and community engagement. In the 2023-2024 school year, CCF distributed $1.6 million in scholarships, special awards, and financial support to hundreds of students. The Foundation contributed $4.8 million in total support to the college that same year.

About Clark College Athletics

The Clark College Athletics Department will enrich the greater community and the lives of student athletes by instilling in them a lifelong enjoyment of sports and physical activity.  With a commitment to diversity, integrity, and academic achievement, we provide a competitive and high-quality range of sports programs that focus on learning teamwork and on student success.

Learn more

• Clark College Foundation: https://clarkcollegefoundation.org/
• Clark College Athletics: https://clarkpenguins.com/
• Read more about the Raines family’s legacy at Clark College here
• Read Jim Raines’ obituary here
• View more photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCcJtW

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Led by Clark automotive professor Dannie Nordsiden, the automotive department welcomed nine students from CFA de la Mobilité, a vocational training center in Strasbourg, France.

Over several days, these high school-aged students toured Clark’s 14,000-square-foot automotive facility, met with faculty, staff, and local students, and gained firsthand insight into the college’s innovative “Dealer Ready” apprenticeship programs.

When Mike Godson, former head of the program, pulled out the textbook he wrote, Hybrid, Electric and Fuel-Cell Vehicles, the visiting students laughed in recognition. They use that textbook, too, all the way in France. They were extra excited that they now got to meet the man behind the words.

The visiting students, all in their final year of study at CFA de la Mobilité, are enrolled in a specialized auto training program. They were accompanied by two instructors: Roxane Adler, who leads the International Apprentice Mobility program and teaches history and literature, and Mikael Osterstock, an automotive maintenance instructor.

The CFA de la Mobilité group is on a 10-day tour of the Pacific Northwest. “The most valuable element was meeting Dannie, who welcomed us so well,” said Adler. “We sincerely hope to see him again and develop a wonderful partnership with Clark College.”

Exploring Hands-On Learning at Clark

On Wednesday morning, Professor Nordsiden accompanied the group to several local partner dealerships. There, the students had the opportunity to speak with professional technicians about careers in the automotive field and learn more about Clark’s unique approach to hands-on training. The “Dealer Ready” model allows students to earn income and gain work experience through paid internships while completing their degrees.

During their visit, the students also learned that Clark’s automotive programs are structured as apprenticeships, requiring students to work part-time in a professional repair setting while attending three days of in-person instruction in the college’s labs each week. This hybrid model ensures students apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments throughout the Vancouver-Portland metro area.

CFA de la Mobilité also has a similar partnership with Renault preparing students for careers with the international automotive manufacturer. 

Here’s what our French students have to share from their visit:

• The American diagnostic system is different because “it has more details and provides more detailed instructions.” The visiting students enjoyed practicing on the vehicles and troubleshooting together.
• The workshops are “larger and different, especially in terms of equipment like the wheel balancer.”
• What they enjoyed most was the human interaction, “both the instructors and the students were very welcoming—with whom we loved talking to and working with.”

“This visit reflects Clark’s ongoing commitment to global collaboration and career-focused education,” said Nordsiden. “This cultural exchange aligns the college’s general education competencies, ‘Civic and Global Consciousness,’ with our classes, by providing a look into our trade from another lens. In short, it allows our world to get a little smaller—and our knowledge a little broader.”

About CFA de la Mobilité

Located in the Parc des Forges in Strasbourg, the CFA de la Mobilité is a training institution with a mission to contribute to the development of vocational professions. Since 2023, this institution has been providing training to adult apprentices and trainees from vocational certificates to advanced technical certificates (BTS) in the automotive sector. CFA also has a Professional Automotive Electromechanical Technician training program with Renault.

Learn more about CFA de la Mobilité at www.cfamobilite.fr.

About the Clark College Automotive Technology Department
With a program history that spans more than 40 years, Clark College’s Automotive Technology department has received community recognition for producing top-tier automotive technicians and for its focus on hands-on learning and partnerships with dealerships that include Toyota, Dick Hannah, and Audi.

Learn more about Clark’s Automotive Technology programs at www.clark.edu/cc/auto.  

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

On a sunny spring evening this past Friday, May 2, Clark art students, faculty, and Foundation staff gathered at Art at the Cave for the opening of “The Day After Tomorrow: Art and Mentorship at Clark College”. It’s a benefit exhibition supporting the College via the Foundation through the sales of exhibited works.

The exhibit, organized by the Foundation, the Art Department, and Art at the Cave under the Arts@Clark initiative, explores the relationship between mentors and mentees.

How Faculty and Students Worked Together

Faculty and student artists were paired to work in parallel over the past several weeks. The gallery then displayed the art side by side in the gallery. For most of the students, this was the very first gallery exhibition of their work.

Gabe Parque, one of the faculty members, said, “I like to see what the students are interested in then guide them… Alex is very good at taking my advice or not.”

Alex Frederickson, Gabe’s student mentee, laughed at the observation and said that of all the faculty members they’ve worked with, Gabe’s instructional style works the best for her.

Another faculty mentor, Kendra Larson, shared that her collaboration with student Hana Lowenthal involved ‘a lot of texting.’ She noted that they share a similar creative process—producing a large volume of work, then selecting the best pieces to exhibit.

How Arts@Clark Made it Happen

Ruth Wikler, Clark College Foundation’s inaugural Director of Arts Programming, Partnerships, & Philanthropy, worked with gallery owner Anne John to design the event. She said, “Through my role at Clark College Foundation, I have the privilege of helping bridge College and Community through the arts in ways that are both innovative and inspiring… This effort has been more than a year in the making, and it has come to fruition through a unique collaboration.”

She added, “The exhibit’s focus on mentorship—pairing faculty with students—beautifully reflects Clark’s mission and the transformational power of arts education. Witnessing the impact of this work come to life at Friday’s opening was an unforgettable moment of shared joy and pride.”

Organizers shared, however, that the show is only “the first of many collaborations between Clark College Arts programs, Clark College Foundation, and the community of Southwest Washington under the new Arts@Clark initiative.”

About Arts@Clark

Arts@Clark is a new initiative that unites Clark College’s arts programs, the Clark College Foundation, and the Southwest Washington community through the arts. Stay tuned for exciting events coming in summer and fall 2025.

About Art at the Cave

Art at the Cave is a gallery owned by artist Anne John. Located in downtown Vancouver just steps from the library, the gallery is community-centered and beyond rotating gallery exhibits, hosts a variety of arts programming, including a poetry open mic, collage nights, meditation sessions, and more.

Art at the Cave partners with a nonprofit each year to put on an exhibition and donate part of the profits. This year, that beneficiary was the Foundation.

Come Visit the Exhibit Through May 31

The exhibit will be on display through the rest of May.

Art at the Cave
108 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660
https://artatthecave.com/

Gallery hours:
Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Congratulations to Clark College’s Surveying and Geomatics team who earned top honors at a prestigious national competition held over spring break, taking first place at the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) 24th Annual Student Competition.

Accompanied by Professor Brian Miyake, six Clark students traveled to Silver Spring, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., to compete against 25 academic teams from across the country. Clark College was the only school representing Washington or Oregon—and the competition marked the college’s first-ever entry into the event.

Clark’s first-place Surveying & Geomatics team:

• Robert Clapham, Class of 2026
• Eli Deschand, Class of 2025
• Rebecca Dunphy, Class of 2025
• Trevor Geivett, Class of 2025
• Brian Hankins, Class of 2026
• Milad Sadegi, Class of 2026

Clark’s team received support to attend the competition from the following:

• Land Surveyors Association of Washington
• Minister & Glaeser Surveying. Inc.
• PBS Engineering and Environmental 
• Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon
• S & F Land Services
• Westlake Consultants, Inc. 

“I am so proud of our Clark College students and their outstanding performance in this national competition. Most of the students had never visited D.C. before, so it was a completely new place for them to practice their surveying skills amongst so many historical sites,” Professor Miyake said. “The team showed exemplary professionalism, teamwork and survey ability in timed events and in the local D.C. community, while representing our state and college with pride and confidence.”

The competition consisted of one day of monument scavenger hunt and one day of technical field exercises–with students utilizing historical and modern survey instruments to complete tasks. A course was laid out on Capitol Mall between the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial.

Day 1: Monument Hunt. The first portion of the competition was a staged scavenger hunt.

• A list of D.C.-area monuments were assigned a point value and provided the day before the event.
• Monuments farther away or more logistically challenging were assigned higher values due to the risk of finding fewer of them.
• Monuments selected are older and are significant to the history of surveying in the area.
• Teams were released from the hotel in 30-minute increments and had six hours to complete their task. Teams were provided Metro public transit cards. No other mode of transportation was allowed. Teams had to stay together.
• Scoring: Teams accumulated points based on the point values of the monuments visited.
• Teams proved they reached the monument by taking a photo with a timestamp or a group photo in front of the monument. Extra points were provided for social media posts with those photos using #NSPS and #YSN.

Day 2: Measurement Exercises. The second portion of the competition was a four-part timed exercise to evaluate students’ technical ability while requiring some knowledge of historical concepts. Transportation and equipment were provided.

1. Route layout: Students were asked to layout a route using a baseline and plans provided using a Trimble Robotic Total Station. Performance was graded on the accuracy of calculated points versus plan and amount completed in time allotted.
2. Traverse: Students were asked to perform a four-sided traverse with a chain and compass. Performance was graded on the following criteria: closure, accuracy of leg distances and accuracy of internal angles.
3. Triangulation: Students were asked to complete a triangulate exercise of an unknown position from two to three known positions with a theodolite. Performance was graded based solely on the accuracy of the missing variable and calculating the area between the theodolite stations and the unknown position.
4. Boundary reconnaissance: Students were asked to calculate a series of points given any number of information that one might find on a deed/plat and utilize those in locating specific real-world points utilizing a Leica GPS unit. Performance was graded on the following criteria: Accuracy of calculated points vs plan and amount completed in time allotted.

About Surveying and Geomatics

Surveying and Geomatics involves the accurate assessment, measuring, and plotting of land and water boundaries for development projects that include buildings, roads, and bridges. Clark’s program uses state-of-the-art land surveying equipment and techniques to prepare students for entry-level work in government and private sector roles.

Learn more

• Surveying and Geomatics at Clark College
• National Society of Professional Surveyors 24th Annual Student Competition

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

Named in the All-Washington Top 16 Scholars

Seth Stigall Barranco Is a first-generation college student who wants to inspire his younger siblings to follow his path of graduating from college and pursuing an impactful career. At Clark he is a leader, helping to start a new club for video game design and organizing an event for MESA students and maintaining a 3.9 grade point average. After completing a summer internship at Oakridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, he will graduate from Clark College with an associate degree in computer and information sciences. In the fall he will join the first cohort of students in Clark’s new Bachelor of Science in computer science program.

Anton Vlasov

When Russian rockets leveled the apartment building next door, Anton Vlasov and his family left Ukraine to seek safety from the war. Building upon his work in the IT industry,

Vlasov enrolled at Clark College. Vlasov, 40, maintains a 3.81 grade point average and will graduate with an associate’s degree in computer and information sciences in June. Next, he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity at Clark with a goal of working as a cybersecurity analyst.

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