Students and Veterans Center of Excellence staff meet with University of Portland Air Force ROTC at a luncheon.
The Veterans Center of Excellence at Clark College (VCOE) hosted an informational session with Lt. Col. Natasha Waggoner, Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor from the University of Portland on February 5. More than a dozen Clark students participated in this opportunity to learn about the AFROTC program and options available to them.
The AFROTC program at University of Portland has consortium agreements with Clark College and more than a dozen other colleges in the Portland-Vancouver metro area that allow students at those institutions to participate in the University of Portland’s AFROTC program at no additional cost to the student. Students who participate in AFROTC must attend weekly AFROTC classes at the University of Portland.
The Air Force is interested in recruiting cybersecurity professionals. Professor Dwight Hughes, the director of Clark College’s Cybersecurity Bachelor of Applied Science program, joined Lt. Col. Waggoner in talking with students about opportunities for collaboration between the college’s Cybersecurity program and AFROTC, including career development, military job opportunities and Air Force ROTC guest speakers in cybersecurity classes.
Full-time students may be eligible to join the AFROTC program at University of Portland, whether they are enrolled in a bachelor’s program at Clark or completing a bachelor’s degree at another college where AFROTC has an agreement.
VCoE program specialist, Eli Gonzalez-Roman shakes hands with AFROTC Donald Patton.VCoE Director Donna Larson talks with Lt. Col. Natasha Waggoner.
About AFROTC
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC):
Must be a full-time college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree
Eligibility is determined by Air Force ROTC
Opportunity to become an Air Force officer after completing a bachelor’s degree
Designed to prepare the student for active duty as an officer with increased responsibility year after year
AFROTC offers numerous programs and scholarship opportunities leading to an academic degree and a commission in the Air Force as a second lieutenant
Learn more about AFROTC at University of Portland:
The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence coordinates comprehensive support services for veteran students. These support services address academic, financial, physical, and social needs for student veterans and include math, science, and English tutors; textbook and calculator loans; textbook purchase; quiet study space; computer lab with printers; practical workshops; break area with comfortable furniture, piano, air hockey table, TV screen and more. To learn more, click here or visit PUB 015.
Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley
MESA Center opens
MESA Director Roman Lara Alvarado chats with MESA ambassadors Maisy Pantua Sibayan and Karina Hottinger in the new MESA Center.Clark College/Susan Parrish
Biology student Lemman Gurre sat at a high bistro-style table next to the wall of windows in the new MESA Center on the third floor of the STEM Building. From her third-floor vantage point, she could see the campus, a ribbon of the Columbia River, and Portland’s hills. In the quiet study space, she took notes as she read from her laptop screen.
Since the MESA Center opened fall term, the space has been well used by students. Director of MESA Román Lara said students use the center to study, plug in their laptops to work, use the center’s printer, check out textbooks from the lending library, or stop in for a snack and quiet moment between classes. The inner room offers large whiteboards and tables for students to study alone or to work on group projects.
In the reception area, MESA ambassadors, Maisy Pantua Sibayan and Karina Hottinger connect with students, welcome them to the space, and schedule students to use the space. Both are current Clark students pursuing STEM studies.
In the bright lounge, comfortable upholstered furniture in chartreuse, orange, and aqua invites students to sit in the quiet space to work on their classwork, study, or take a break. Students also can grab a snack in the kitchenette which includes a microwave, toaster oven, refrigerator, coffee pot, and hot water for tea.
What is MESA?
MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a national program designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented populations to succeed in STEM fields. This includes African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic, and Pacific Islander/Hawaiian and women community college students who transfer to universities and earn STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) bachelor’s degrees.
At Clark, this includes a dedicated space for studying and creating community, as well as opportunities for mentorship, assistance with books and fees, conference participation, campus visits, and more.
Clark College began its MESA program during the 2018-19 academic year. The program can serve up to 100 students and currently serves more than 80 students. Between 20 and 30 students are very active in the program. Others use the basic services, such as the textbook lending library. Learn more about Clark’s MESA program here.
Campus and industry tours
During fall term, Lara took a group of second-year Clark students to Seattle to attend a transfer student preview event at the University of Washington. Students learned about UW’s admission and application process, took a guided tour of the campus, and attended program-specific sessions, including a 3D printing demonstration. Some students had the opportunity to meet with academic advisors.
Lara is planning to take MESA students to tour the campuses of Portland State University and Washington State University Vancouver during winter term.
He also is planning industry tours for MESA students to visit local employers who hire STEM graduates. His wish list includes ABSCI, Boeing, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
He also promotes opportunities for undergraduate internships and research opportunities to MESA students and is always on the lookout for new opportunities. MESA students will be eligible to apply for undergraduate research opportunities at WSU Vancouver during the summer.
Clark MESA students visited the University of Washington campus in Fall 2023.
Eligibility for MESA:
Belong to historically underrepresented populations in STEM, including Black/African American, Indigenous/Native American, Latino/Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and women in STEM.
Be a first-generation college student whose parents did not receive a bachelor’s degree
Intend to earn a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major
Be a citizen or resident of the U.S., DACA eligible or undocumented
Come from an economically disadvantaged background
Do not hold currently hold a bachelor’s degree in any field
Services MESA provides:
MESA Center in STEM Building Room 358
Academic advising and transfer planning
Academic excellence workshops
Textbook lending library
Internship, research, and scholarship opportunities
University campus and industry visits
Professional development workshops
About Washington MESA
The Washington MESA program is an educational pathway program administered by the University of Washington and established by the Washington State Legislature. Clark College is one of 12 community colleges in Washington that offers a MESA transfer prep program center for its students who plan to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Learn more here.
60th Jazz Festival Results
Henrietta Lacks High School was one of the bands who participated in the festival. Clark College/Jenny Shadley
Thanks to the student musicians, band directors, chaperons, family, and community members who attended the 60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival from January 25-27. Nearly 60 middle school and high school jazz bands performed and delighted the appreciative audience—from toddlers to seniors. I’m pleased to announce the 2024 Jazz Festival results.
Yamaha Performing Artist Allen Vizzutti hosted a clinic on January 26. Photo: Justin Cushner
The top award of the competition is the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy, named after the Clark College band instructor who brought the jazz festival to our campus so many years ago.
Top award: 2024 Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy: Bothell High School Jazz 1, Bothell
This year featured a concert by the One O’Clock Lab Band® on the Wednesday before the festival. Photo: Justin Cushner
A Division—Outstanding Jazz Ensemble:
1st place: South Whidbey High School, Langley
2nd place: Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver
3rd place: Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground
A Division—Outstanding High School Musicians:
Adna Middle/High School, Adna
Jordan Stout
Myra Medina
Columbia High School, White Salmon
Anna Zendt – Columbia High School, White Salmon
August Peterson – Columbia High School, White Salmon
Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma
Danny McCarthy
Jason Nguyen
Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver
Jeremy Solis
Graham Rank
La Center High School, La Center
Kristin Dunlap
Dominic Stub
Aleks Chygasov
Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver
Joseph DiPrima
Parker Zaemann
Kyler Dixon
Stephen Samwel
South Whidbey High School, Langley
Olin Nelson
Corbyn Orchard
Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground
Lincoln Toland
Jackson Pierce
Basil Middlemas
Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland
Stacti Dore
Emma McCaullough
Sam Purcell
Harland Wakefield
AA Division—High School Jazz Ensemble:
1st place: Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie
2nd place (tie): Richland High School Freshman, Richland
2nd place (tie): Lakewood High School, Lakewood
AA Division—Outstanding Middle School and High School Musicians:
Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground
Hayden McCarty
Chloe Kalson
Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle
Zandy Owens
Columbia River High School, Vancouver
Preston White
Heritage High School, Vancouver
Naomi Halbrook
Cynthia Reyes-Mendoza
Jocelyn Cole
Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie
Thilo Kluth
Jack Smith
Levi Brown
Adam Haunreiter
Blake Bruning
Lakewood High School, North Lakewood
Leo Sandoval
Isaias Fuentes-Palominos
Richland High School, Richland
Henry Van Mason
Victor Zinchuk
Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield
Michael Grove
W.F. West High School, Chehalis
Amanda Linwood
Parker Morrison
THe Jazz Festival also features performances by the Clark College Jazz Band. Photo: Justin Cushner
AAA Division—High School Jazz Ensemble:
1st place: Heritage High School Jazz I, Vancouver
2nd place: Bothell High School Jazz II, Bothell
3rd place: Battle Ground High School Intermediate Jazz I, Battle Ground
AAA Division—Outstanding High School Musicians:
Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground
Logan Gillespie
Janae Clark
Bothell High School, Bothell
Christian Oversvee-Choi
Nathan Bardsley
Sachita Kadievelu
Aliah Bragg
Grant High School, Portland
Nathan Lauruhn
Heritage High School, Vancouver
Gavin Williamson
Kamiak High School, Mukilteo
Heidi Anderson
Ryan Jackson
Ingraham High School, Seattle
Maggie Roth
Felix Lewis
Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens
Allison Llubit
Mark Rodeheaver
Prairie High School, Battle Ground
Kyle Davenport
Judah Bollock
Richland High School, Richland
Cannon West
Tyler Hornell
Skyview High School, Vancouver
Liam Purcell
Cadence Sempk
Union High School, Camas
Cooper Givens
Kieran Iyer
Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver
Sam Arslanian
McKelvey Brewer
AAAA Division—High School Jazz Ensemble:
1st place: Bothell High School Jazz I, Seattle
2nd place: Lake Stevens High School Jazz I, Lake Stevens
3rd place: Grant High School Jazz I, Portland
AAAA Division—Outstanding High School Musicians:
Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground
Andie Townsend
Carter Stafford
Bothell High School, Bothell
Dylan Reed
Thomas Holmes
Aaron Mamula
Nicholas Ang
Buchanan High School, Clovis, Calif.
Kono Tiyaamornwong
Will Damrose
Trevor Nix
Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds
Gavin Bunbury
Addisyn Johnson
Grant High School, Portland
Sasha Burns
Xander Buck
Oli Rangle
Ingraham High School, Seattle
Henry Goss
Nathan Doyle
Kamiak High School, Mukilteo
Ethan Park
Ian Park
Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens
Phineas Ruji
Jack Santos
Richland High School, Richland
James Brady
Henry Rice
Skyview High School, Vancouver
Alejandro Santana
Sean Malcom
Union High School, Camas
Izzy Cryan
Evelyn Lo
International Day is February 13
Would you like to hear from some of the 57 international students who are enrolled at Clark and hear about their experiences at Clark?
Do you enjoy learning about the art, music, dance and martial arts of other cultures?
Does your mouth water when you consider sampling delicious food from all over the world?
Would you like to view the finished Clark College mural, “Coming Together for Art and Peace” and meet the artist, a Clark graduate, who designed it?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consider joining Clark’s International Programs for an International Day celebration geared for the entire family.
What: International Day celebration presented by Clark’s International Programs
When: Tuesday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: GHL 150 – Gaiser Student Center
Who is invited: Clark College students, faculty, staff—and the community
Activities: Free, family-friendly fun to learn about and celebrate cultures worldwide. It also is an opportunity to celebrate international education and exchange and to learn about the college’s International Programs department.
Associate Director of International Programs Jody Shulnak said, “Bringing folks together to learn about a variety of cultures and celebrating global exchange are highlights of this annual event. It’s also an opportunity for international students and those in our ESL program to engage and share about their home countries. It’s a meaningful event all around.”
Students paint the “Coming Together for Art and Peace” mural in November. The final piece will be presented at International Day.
International Day highlights
Unveiling the mural “Coming Together for Art and Peace” designed by artist Christian Barrios, a Clark College graduate. The mural was painted by Clark students, staff and faculty during a community mural project on campus during International Education Week last November. Barrios will be on hand to answer questions.
A panel of Clark College international students talking about their experience (video)
Kendo Dojo demonstration
Belly dancing demonstration by Clark alum, Ona Parker
Chinese drummers and dragon demonstration by Oregon Chinese Coalition
Story time by Clark College alum, Moses Korir, who will read his new children’s book, “Moses and the Impossible Piano”
Kendo Dojo demonstration at the 2023 Sakura Festival.
Schedule of Events
Time
Topic
11:05 a.m.
Welcome
11:05 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Art + Peace mural unveiling and remarks
11:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
International student panel video
11:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Belly dancing demonstration
11:50 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Raffle drawing and announcement
12:00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Chinese drummers, Oregon Chinese Coalition
12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dragon demo, Oregon Chinese Coalition
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Storytime: Moses & the Impossible Piano
12:45 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Raffle drawing and announcement
12:50 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
TBD
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
TBD
1:20 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
International student panel video
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kendo Dojo demonstration
2:00 p.m.
Closing remarks and final raffle draw
About Clark College International Programs
International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an intensive English Language program. During the 2023-24 academic year, Clark College has 57 international students. Learn more here.
Archer Gallery
I am excited to announce the next Archer Gallery exhibit, Afraid/Not Afraid, by Pamela Chipman (Portland) and Jan Cook (Seattle). This immersive photo-based art installation looks at gender and vulnerability. Please join us for the opening reception and artist talk (dates below). Exhibitions and art talks are free and open to the public.
Exhibit title: Afraid/Not Afraid What:Immersive, photo-based art installation looks at gender and vulnerability Artists: Pamela Chipman and Jan Cook
Exhibit dates:February 7 through April 25
Viewing hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Afraid/Not Afraid immersive photo-based art installation looks at gender and vulnerability.
Afraid/Not Afraid examines how women live with an ever-present threat of violence and the feeling of being unsafe in their world. Gender violence, sexual stereotypes, and the portrayal of women in the media and popular culture feed and perpetuate this fear in our society. This collaborative photo-based installation explores vulnerability and the artists’ relationship to it as women. The work looks at the emotional side of this subject and how these forces shape the lives and behavior of women, often in subtle ways, that become ingrained and normalized as part of their worldview.
In this immersive installation, the viewer becomes the voyeur, peeping through an exterior window of a house before entering the space. The exhibition combines projected images, large photographic fabric panels, and sound. The images reflect the relationship between being watched and objectified and how women present their identities to the world. The photographs and projections on semi-transparent layers combine and interplay as the viewer moves through the piece, building an intimate space for reflection.
The artists Jan Cook and Pamela Chipman created this installation together in an artist residency in Portland, Oregon. They are white cisgender women whose own experiences and concerns with safety and consent propelled them to make this body of work. In confronting this underlying fear, they want to call attention to and to create discussion and change around these issues.
Jan Cook is a Seattle artist who works with photo-based imagery to examine the ideas that run through our collective unconscious and tie us together in our humanity. Pamela Chipman is a Portland-based visual artist who explores themes of memory, domesticity, and femininity. She creates work that speaks to the history, strengths, and struggles of women in our culture.
About the Archer Gallery and Clark Art Talks
Archer Gallery serves the students and community of Clark College by exhibiting contemporary art in a not-for-profit educational setting. Archer Gallery exhibits work by nationally and internationally renowned artists and connects the Clark College community with accessible and diverse perspectives from the contemporary art world. Learn morehere.
Clark Art Talks serves the students and community of Clark College by hosting a monthly art lecture series. Distinguished artists and art scholars from around the country share their experiences related to their art practices and provide unique insights into their varied career paths and artistic techniques.
New transfer agreement
Clark College/Adeena Rose Wade
Clark College students who plan to transfer to Washington State University Vancouver will find a smoother, more intentional path, thanks to a new transfer agreement.
Clark and WSU Vancouver launched a new transfer agreement on January 22. The two institutions partnered to create a seamless guaranteed transfer pathway for students who are completing an associate degree at Clark and plan to transfer to WSU Vancouver to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The impetus for the agreement:
To make pursuing a bachelor’s degree more accessible and equitable.
To reduce barriers to a smooth transition to WSU Vancouver and eventually, to earning a bachelor’s degree
Specifically targeted to reach underrepresented, underserved, and students of color.
Long term: To increase the number of students who earn bachelor’s degrees in Southwest Washington.
The Guaranteed Admission program enables Clark College students to transfer seamlessly to WSU Vancouver and to reduce the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree. The reverse transfer agreement will make it easier for Clark College students to attain an associate degree if enrolled at WSU Vancouver prior to completing their program at Clark College.
“This agreement will create a clear path for Clark students transferring to WSU Vancouver,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards. “By removing barriers, more first-generation students and students of color can earn a bachelor’s degree and help close the equity gap.”
Clark’s Director of Advising and Career Services Emily Meoz explained that the previous system required students interested in transferring to make the first move by contacting either a Clark advisor or the admissions office at WSU Vancouver.
“This program takes the guesswork out of the transfer process for our students,” Meoz said. “Now, instead of waiting for students to come to us, we go to them. We will create intentional outreach to students to get them on the transfer pathway early.”
Washington State University Vancouver/Pat Connelly
Q & A about Guaranteed Admission Program
Q: How does this transfer agreement benefit Clark students?
A: Here are the benefits to Clark students:
Direct pathway to WSU Vancouver to pursue a bachelor’s degree
Intentional, additional support and guidance with transfer process
Guaranteed transfer advising at Clark at least twice per year
Early connection and long-term plan review by WSU Vancouver at least twice per year
Special events to guide and support transfer process
Automatic reverse transfer opt-in to earn a Clark College credential even if the student transfers prior to completing Clark’s program
Q: How does a Clark student become eligible for this transfer agreement?
A: Any student who plans to transfer to WSU Vancouver must:
Pursue a direct transfer degree at Clark College
Complete a declaration of intent form
Meet with Clark academic advisor at least twice per year
Apply to WSU Vancouver
Complete minimum 60 credits of college-level units towards an associate degree and earn a 2.0 minimum grade point average from 100-level and higher coursework, as calculated by WSU Vancouver. Some majors at WSU Vancouver require a higher GPA.
Q: What is the essence of this transfer program?
A: It provides intentional support and guidance for students so the credits they take at the outset will transfer to WSU Vancouver. That results in students saving money, reducing student debt and increasing graduation rates of transfer students.
Q: Wasn’t there already a transfer agreement between Clark and WSU Vancouver? How is this different from the previous transfer agreement with WSU Vancouver?
A: Yes. Clark graduates with a minimum 2.0 GPA already are guaranteed admission to WSU Vancouver, but it is not widely known or marketed directly to students. The previous system required students interested in transferring to make the first move by contacting either a Clark advisor or the admissions office at WSU Vancouver. Under the new transfer agreement, Clark will create intentional outreach to students to get them on the transfer path early.
Q: How was the transfer agreement developed?
A: This transfer program was developed by Advising leaders from both Clark College and WSU Vancouver who participated in a year-long Aspen Institute project focused on increasing transfer success and reducing inequitable graduation rates among underrepresented students. Learn about The Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success and Equity Intensive here.
Q: Does Washington State University have similar guaranteed admission agreements with other community colleges in the state?
A: Yes. WSU has similar agreements with three other community colleges:
WSU Pullman with Spokane Falls Community College
WSU Tri-Cities with Columbia Basin College
WSU Everett with Everett Community College
Children’s Dental Health Clinic
Photograph from the 2017 Children’s Dental Health Day at Clark College. Clark College students have been participating in this event since 2007.
Can you pass this quiz?
True or false:
Cavities (tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tooth decay is preventable.
February is National Dental Health Month.
Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program holds a free dental care day for children in our community every February.
If you answered “true” to all the above questions, you are right.
Were you shocked that question #1 was true? Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that could lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Research shows that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.
Please help spread the word about Clark’s free dental health clinic for children.
What: Free children’s dental health clinic Who: Children ages 4 to 17 Presented by: Clark’s Dental Hygiene department When: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, Health Sciences Building Cost: Free! Make an appointment: Call the dental hygiene business office: 360-992-2158. Address to navigate to Health Sciences building: 2232 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver Closest parking: Brown Lot 1
The college’s dental hygiene students will provide free care under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Services will include cleanings, sealants, x-rays, doctor’s exams, fluoride, and select emergency treatments for children ages 4 to 17, regardless of insurance.
Kristi Taylor, program director of Clark’s dental hygiene department, said, “We are excited to offer our annual free children’s dental health day for children in our community between the ages of 4 to 17. If you have or know any children who would benefit from a free cleaning and exam, this would be a great opportunity for them. Call and schedule an appointment before the slots fill up.”
About Clark College’s Dental Hygiene program and clinic
The Clark College dental hygiene program is nationally recognized for excellence and highly regarded by dental professionals in the region. The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the college’s main campus, offers affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients annually. The center features modern technology and equipment to ensure quality care for patients. Patients in the Vancouver/Portland area receive high-quality, low-cost care from Clark College dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Available time for patient treatment varies from term to term. Clinic days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Learn more about the clinic.
Photo: Clark College/Nick Bremmer
Winter Welcome Week 2024
Welcome Week kicked off on Monday, January 8 with the first day of winter term and for the first back-to-school day of 2024. A popular feature of Welcome Week is the staffing of information tables set inside buildings all around campus with helpful volunteer staff answering students’ questions, helping them find their classes, and offering campus maps. The tabling to assist students would not be possible without so many staff and faculty volunteering their time to help Clark students.
Just as in fall term, parking lots were crowded as thousands of students returned to classrooms and labs across the main campus, at the Clark College Building at Washington State University Vancouver, and Clark’s Columbia Tech Center after winter break.
Unlike the beginning of fall term, when the weather invited students outside, students gathered indoors to greet friends and catch up before dashing off to their next class.
Student Involvement Fair
Later in the first week, Gaiser Hall’s Student Center bustled with activity as students, staff, and faculty gathered for Clark’s Winter Beach Party Involvement & Financial Wellness Fair in the Gaiser Hall Student Center on January 11. Students stopped at the tables that filled the hall to ask questions and to learn more about the college’s support services, student clubs, and programs.
Clark College wants to ensure students know about and can access wrap-around services, including Penguin Pantry, Disability Support Services, Counseling and Health Center, and more. The Student Involvement Fair, which is held during the first week of every quarter, is an excellent way for students—particularly new students—to learn more about these programs, services, and opportunities.
Students had the opportunity to learn more about the college’s student clubs, programs, on-campus jobs, and college and community resources. Students also connected with peers with shared interests—from learning Spanish to building a rocket to drawing comics, and more.
To promote a fun atmosphere, students lined up for free fruit smoothies and snow cones.
At Clark’s ASCC student government table, student leaders answered students’ questions and shared information about getting involved with student government. Read about ASCC here.
Students stopped by the Activities Programming Board table to learn about upcoming opportunities to connect with fellow students—including Bingo, movies, trivia games, free pizza, and more. Read about APB here.
At the Spanish Club table, students learned about opportunities to participate in field trips to learn more about the Spanish language as well as immersing themselves in Hispanic culture.
At the Model United Nations Club table, students learned about the opportunities to participate in mock UN representations and delegations.
At the Columbia Writers Series table, students learned about the literary series and an upcoming opportunity to meet Anis Mojgani, the poet laureate of Oregon, on February 13. Learn more about CWS here.
Students and graduates who have had their work published in The Iceberg, the art department’s annual student comics anthology, offered copies of the 2023 Iceberg as well as several past issues. They encouraged artists and writers to submit their work for the 2024 Iceberg. The deadline is May 1 for the 2023 Iceberg comics anthology that will be distributed in October.
At the Korean Culture Club table, students saw traditional clothing and learned what the club offers: K-Pop, K-Dramas, Korean food, history, and more. The club kicked off the year with a dance event. Next, club members are organizing a Lunar New Year celebration in February.
Several students crowded around the Clark Aerospace Club table to chat with aerospace club students to learn more about opportunities to help build a rocket. Behind them, their “Little Penguin” rocket they designed and built last academic year reached toward the sky. Over the summer, some of the students competed in the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket competition in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
An increasing number of students have been requesting food assistance from the Penguin Pantry. But many students are not aware of a plethora of other food pantries offering food assistance. Students stopped by the Clark County Food Bank table to talk with volunteers who provided a comprehensive list of free food pantries available throughout Clark County.
A student thanked the food bank volunteer, accepted the printed list of food resources, and tucked it into his backpack.
Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish
60th Clark College Jazz Festival
Mountain View High School jazz band won the Beacock Sweepstakes prize in 2023.
If you’re a fan of jazz, you’re in for a treat, thanks in large part to the dedication of Dr. Doug Harris and the intrepid Shelly Williams, who bring the Clark College Jazz Festival to our campus every year.
Clark College will host the 60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival in three full days of exhilarating big band jazz on Thursday through Saturday, January 25-27 in the Gaiser Student Center at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.
Middle and high school jazz ensembles from Washington and Oregon are scheduled to perform in addition to a new attraction, a ticketed fundraising concert by the Grammy-nominated The One O’Clock Lab Band® from the University of North Texas on Wednesday, January 24. The Clark College Jazz Band will kick off the fundraiser event at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 if purchased online through Jan 22 and $25 (cash only) at the door. All proceeds from the festival will go directly to student scholarships. View ticket info.
University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band® directed by Alan Baylock. Photo by Ahna Hubnik.
“We are so excited to present this year’s Clark College Jazz Festival, now celebrating our 60th anniversary. We are adding new attractions to this year’s festival,” said Clark’s Director of Bands and Festival Director Dr. Doug Harris. “We are thrilled to present the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band® directed by Alan Baylock. This band is recognized as the preeminent collegiate big band in the world—and has held that distinction for decades. It will be a performance no jazz lover will want to miss.”
The Clark College Jazz Band.
Special festival performances by the Clark College Jazz Band under the direction of Dr. Harris:
8:15 p.m. on Thursday, January 25
7:45 p.m. on Friday, January 26 with guest soloist Yamaha trumpet artist Allen Vizzutti
12:15 p.m. on Saturday, January 27
Another new event is that legendary trumpet player Allen Vizzuttiwill appear with the Clark College Jazz Band on Friday night. Harris said, “I first heard Allen when I was a freshman at the University of Florida and was amazed, as I’m sure our audience will be.”
The three-day event will culminate with last year’s Beacock Award-winning band, Mountain View High School Jazz I, directed by Sam Ormson performing on Saturday night.
Competition Highlights
During this year’s competition, 56 middle and high school jazz ensembles from Washington and Oregon are scheduled to perform in this year’s competition with trophies presented to the top three jazz ensembles for middle schools and division A through division AAAA high schools.
Individual outstanding musician awards will be presented at the end of each division’s preliminary competitions. On Saturday evening, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Award will be presented to one outstanding band selected from the entire festival.
Dr. Harris said the event is not just a competition, but also a learning opportunity for the young musicians to participate in “valuable clinics from an outstanding group of jazz educators.”
The clinicians are Dr. Nate Jorgensen, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of New Hampshire on Thursday, and Seattle-based Yamaha artist Allen Vizzutti on Friday.
Special!Wednesday, January 24: The festival will kick off with a 7:30 p.m. ticketed fundraising concert by The One O’Clock Lab Band from the University of North Texas
Thursday, January 25: Middle school bands and Division A high school bands
Friday, January 26: Division AA high school bands
Saturday, January 27: Division AAA high school bands and Division AAAA high school bands
Admission is $10 per day. Clark College students and children under 12 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free of charge.
About Guest Artists
Yamaha Artist Allen Vizzutti has performed in 70 countries and every U.S. state with notable artists and ensembles including Chick Corea, Doc Severinsen, NBC Tonight Show Band, Army Symphony Orchestra, Chuck Mangione, Woody Herman, New Tokyo Philharmonic, Budapest Radio Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Leipzig Wind Symphony, and Slovenian National Orchestra. The Seattle-based musician is also a composer and recording artist.
Nominated for seven Grammy Awards, The One O’Clock Lab Band®from the University of North Texas jazz studies program is noted for its exceptional individual musicianship and tight ensemble performance. The band has performed throughout the U.S. and in 18 countries. The band also has performed at major jazz festivals, including Monterey, and at major jazz venues, including Birdland in New York City.
About Clark College Jazz Festival
Dr. Doug Harris has been director of bands at Clark College since Fall 2018. Previously, he was assistant director of bands at Western Kentucky University, director of bands at Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University and a high school band director in Florida. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida and his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts degrees from the University of Northern Colorado. As a freelance trumpet player, Dr. Harris has performed with the Madison Scouts, Sacramento Mandarins, Teal Sound and Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. He is an active clinician, adjudicator, composer, arranger, and transcriber.
History of the Clark College Jazz Festival
1962: The beginning: Hudson’s Bay High School band director, Don Cammack, organized a one-day high school stage band invitational, the Southwest Washington Jazz Festival, for schools from Clark and Skamania counties.
1962-1969: The festival was organized by Vancouver and Evergreen public schools. Fort Vancouver High School and Evergreen High School took turns hosting. In the early days, trophies were made by middle school band director Jack Ager, who constructed musician figures from miscellaneous hardware and car parts.
1965: The festival grew to include bands from 8 high schools and 3 junior high schools. The program, called Jazz at the Fort, was directed by music educator Dale Beacock.
1970: Dale Beacock, then band director at both Clark College and Fort Vancouver High School, held the invitational Clark Stage Band Contest for the first time at Clark College. This inaugural event hosted 17 high school jazz bands with preliminary competitions held in the Gaiser Hall dining area, with finals in the gymnasium. Beacock’s vision of a competitive jazz showcase for schools throughout Washington and greater Portland promoted the growth of the festival.
1971: The festival grew to 32 bands held over two days.
1976: The number of participating bands grew to 52, welcoming bands from Oregon and Idaho.
1985: Chuck Ramsey became festival coordinator, a position he held for 22 years. He brought consistency to festival operations, increased student involvement, set the groundwork for the educational enhancement, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of ownership by Clark student volunteers.
2008: Richard Inouye became festival director. His professional and educational experience brought a new dynamic by encouraging a focus on jazz education and using technology to promote community awareness, public support, and streamline festival operations.
2012:Clark College Jazz Festival celebrated it’s 50th anniversary. Highlights included the Clark College Alumni Band directed by Chuck Ramsey featuring Clark band alumni from three generations of Clark band directors. Beacock and Ramsey were presented Legacy Sweepstakes Awards for their historic contributions to the festival.
2013: The festival went international, welcoming two bands from Tsawwassen, B.C.
2021-2022: The festival was on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2024: The 60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival welcomes 56 middle and high school jazz ensembles, more than 1,200 student musicians and more than 3,000 people during the three-day event.
For Jazz Festival details, contact Shelly Williams, 360-992-2662 or sjwilliams@clark.edu
View the schedule for all Clark College Music Department 2024 concerts.
Photos (unless noted): Clark College/Jenny Shadley
Faculty Professional Development
Nine Clark College faculty members have completed a new professional development certification for online teaching. The certification was designed by the college to address U.S. Department of Education requirements for regular and substantive interaction (RSI) in online courses. This certification was created, implemented, and awarded by Clark College, not the U.S. Department of Education.
Congratulations to the following faculty who completed the Clark eLearning Active Delivery Certification as of November 21, 2023:
Patricia Atkinson, Economics
Kimbree Brown, Psychology
Adam Coleman, Computer Technology
Kate Cook, Mathematics
Harold (Chris) Kernion, Communication Studies
Mackenzie Loyet, Biology
Richa Sharma, Communication Studies
Charlie Sheese, Communication Studies
Jennifer Stone Hill, English
In addition to the above faculty, 20 more Clark faculty have completed one or more of the workshops and are on the path to earn the certification during 2024.
Clark’s eLearning Active Delivery Certification launched Fall 2022 in its current iteration. The certification takes about 15 months to complete and consists of five online workshops:
eL301-Introduction to Active Delivery
eL302-Equity-minded and Culturally Responsive Teaching for Student Motivation and Success
eL303-Presence in the Phases of a Course
eL304-Active Delivery Strategies
eL305-Active Delivery and Scaffolding
“It’s a badge of pride to earn this certification,” said Kathy Chatfield, eLearning Instruction and Design at Clark College. “What these instructors have achieved is a big deal. This RSI is the Department of Education’s way of regulating what is expected when teaching online courses.”
Chatfield added, “This professional development certification is a critical aspect for Clark College accreditation. We’ve been very successful with our professional development, incrementally adding more advanced andragogy and skills for teaching more effectively with instructional technology.”
The learning objectives for Active Delivery Certification are:
Assess determinants of presence and related instructor roles
Plan and develop formative feedback focused on student achievement of learning objectives
Evaluate and apply universally designed, equity-minded, and culturally responsive active delivery strategies
Originally, Clark began offering the certification during summer 2017, but it was in one lengthy institute that was offered just once per year. When COVID hit and forced all instruction to go online in spring 2020, the college redesigned the certification to divide the content into more manageable pieces and offer it as part of the regular eLearning workshops.
Chatfield said, “We quickly realized it was too much for an individual to accomplish in a condensed format. So, we took the material and created five workshops, each taking two weeks of participation and a third week of submitting deliverables. We also designed the modular workshops so they don’t have to be taken in order.”
Faculty do not pay to take the workshops or to earn the certification. In fact, faculty who complete the certification are provided a $500 stipend from the college. Additionally, those who recently earned the certification received another $500 stipend provided by the Faculty Excellence Committee via Clark College Foundation. Chatfield said the extra $500 provided by the Foundation likely will not be available after June 2024.
Faculty register for professional development via Eventbrite. These 300-level workshops use the asynchronous online modality. All are facilitated by eLearning instructional designers. The workshops have had waiting lists.
Chatfield said, “We’re not offering this professional development certification to follow the rules. We’re doing it because it’s just good teaching and learning. The research has been overwhelming that these are the best practices. Rather than just meeting the rules, Clark has always gone above and beyond to ensure our students are receiving the best teaching and learning experience possible.”
Q & A about Active Delivery Certification
Q: When did Clark College begin providing professional development for faculty who teach in eLearning modalities?
KC: Clark College launched distance learning in 2005. We’ve been providing professional development since 2006. With every continuing year, we provide more advanced certification. We’ve been very successful with our professional development.”
Q: Who are the people designing the components for this certification?
KC: All instructional designers for the certification are adjunct faculty at Clark who currently teach at Clark. All have long-term connections with Clark.
Q: Why create this certification?
KC: The effort is designed to address Department of Education requirements for RSI (Regular and Substantive Interaction) in online courses. The underlying reason for more faculty to earn the certification is that we want Clark College to be the leader in quality online education. Clark College is currently offering about 13 degrees that students can earn fully online. We want Clark College to have a reputation for doing online learning well.
Q: How can Clark College faculty register for Active Delivery Certification and Clark’s othereLearning professional development?