At the construction site for Clark College at Boschma Farms, Oswald the Penguin arrived in style—riding in the back of a white Tesla hatchback, his penguin feet dangling, and his penguin arms waving to the crowd. 

Then he stepped down from the car and led the crowd to kick off the “topping out” ceremony at the Advanced Manufacturing Center, the first building being constructed at Clark’s new site located on 10 acres just east of the Ridgefield Junction at Interstate 5. Clark College in collaboration with developer and design-builder, Mortenson, hosted the ceremony on November 2. The event celebrated the structure reaching its full height.  

Guests had an opportunity to use gold or silver Sharpies to write their name and a message on a long steel beam temporarily suspended a few feet above the ground. The beam was painted Clark College blue and was topped with an American flag and a live, potted evergreen tree symbolizing persistence, prosperity and longevity.  

Then the crowd gathered under a large canopy to hear Clark College and Mortenson leaders speak about the importance of the project.  

Dr. Karin Edwards, president of Clark College said, “Just five months ago, we stood in this same place—and it was an empty field and an excavator.” She added, “The Advanced Manufacturing Center will enable future students with innovative training for careers in the manufacturing trades while also providing programs accessible to Ridgefield and the communities in north County. Our vision is for this progressive instructional center to serve our growing region and the critical workforce needs including advanced manufacturing.”  

Cristhian Canseco Juarez, chair of the Clark College Board of Trustees, said, “This Advanced Manufacturing Center not only stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to innovation and growth but also underscores our dedication to our community needs and providing the local industry with highly skilled workers.”  

After all guests had signed their names, a boom truck with a 50-foot mast began slowly hoisting the beam to the top of the structure. Meanwhile, four Mortenson ironworkers rode scissorlifts to the top of the structure, where they attached their safety harnesses. Then they guided the beam into place and secured it with spud wrenches and hefty bolts.  

The crowd clapped and whooped appreciatively.  

In less than two years, the Advanced Manufacturing Center will greet its first cohort of students. When it opens in the Fall of 2025, the Advanced Manufacturing Center will provide initial enrollment of 32 students in two cohorts of 16, with plans to eventually serve 48 students across three cohorts. In addition, this Clark building will also provide five general education classes with a computer lab that will have the capacity to serve up to 1,200 students per term. 

About the Advanced Manufacturing Center 

Designed to accommodate a multitude of both instructional and community needs, the Advanced Manufacturing Center will be adaptable for future growth. Manufacturing and classroom spaces will be designed for multiple delivery modes including lecture, collaborative, project-based learning, and hybrid models implementing online content and classroom application. The facility’s acoustic design will ensure that unamplified voice communication will carry above ambient machine noise.  

A noteworthy aspect of the project’s construction is the building’s prefabricated exterior walls which will soon be installed by the Vancouver-based team from contractor and fabricator, Western Partitions, Inc. The progressive design-build construction delivery method, spearheaded by Mortenson and in collaboration with Henneberry Eddy Architects, are instrumental to the successful implementation of the use of prefabrication in this project and its resulting efficiencies.   

“As we mark this critical milestone and reflect on the 155 days and roughly 19,000 hours of injury-free work, we underscore our commitment to timeliness and safety,” said Mike Dickey, senior project manager of Mortenson.  “I stand proud of everyone who has contributed to this project and extend a heartfelt thanks for a job well done.” 

On track to be a LEED Silver certified building, the Advanced Manufacturing Center will meet state energy performance standards, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve operational efficiencies. 

Advanced Manufacturing Center by the numbers 

Projected completion: Late 2024 

First classes to begin: Fall 2025 

Building size: 49,000 square feet 

• 3 industry-specific classrooms 
• 4 four labs 
• 5 manufacturing cells 
• A vast manufacturing floor 
• 5 general education classrooms 
• Plus faculty and student amenities 

More event photos visit our Flickr Page

Photos Clark College/Jenny Shadley unless noted otherwise

In a grassy field west of Ridgefield Junction, Clark College officials gathered at the site of the future Clark College at Boschma Farms campus to commemorate the project’s “first dig” on June 12.

Clark College at Boschma Farms will be similar to the college’s other auxiliary campuses at Washington State University Vancouver and Columbia Tech Center. The first dig kicked off the construction of the site’s first building, the Advanced Manufacturing Center. The 48,000 square-foot building is projected to be ready for classes beginning Fall term 2025.

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards was joined by Clark College Foundation CEO Calen Ouellette; Board of Trustees Chair Paul Speer and Vice Chair Cristhian Canseco Juarez; the college’s Vice President Administrative Services Sabra Sand, Vice President of Information Technology Sudha Frederick, Interim Vice President of Instruction Jim Wilkins-Luton and others.

Representatives from Mortenson Construction and Henneberry Eddy Architects, the companies selected for Progressive Design-Build services on the first building, also participated.

The group gathered in front of an enormous John Deere Excavator that already had made the first dig and had created a mound of dirt.

“We’re pleased to be here today for the first dig,” said Dr. Edwards. “This land has been blessed by the Cowlitz. During the last three years, there have been many conversations, a culmination of ideas flowing back and forth to get us here today.”

She looked around and said, “What you’re going to see in two years will be absolutely spectacular.”

Board of Trustees Chair Paul Speer said, “This is not just a building. It’s the seeds of our future. Generations will come here who we will never see.”

Carolyn Sizemore, market executive at Mortenson, invited everyone to grab a tiny gold shovel and plant a succulent with soil from the first dig. Next there was a golden shovel photo opportunity.

Finally, Dr. Edwards climbed into the cab of an enormous John Deere excavator, sat in the driver’s seat and looked around.

A copse of deciduous trees stood between the site and the Interstate 5, a half-mile to the west. To the east were rolling hills of farmland. To the south and west, new housing developments dotted the landscape. High above the field two hawks soared in search of dinner. The scene is bucolic.

But now there is work to do. White and pink flags on wooden stakes flapped in the breeze. The enormous excavator and other construction equipment—a bulldozer, a track loader, a mini excavator, and an off-loader—were ready to go to work.

In only two short years, Clark College students will gather here to pursue their dreams.

About Clark College at Boschma Farms

Clark College at Boschma Farms will offer a variety of programs to serve the community and equip students to complete a program at Clark College and be workforce ready. Eventually, the campus is expected to include classrooms, professional labs, offices, study areas, services and support spaces.

About the Boschma family

Hank and Bernice Boschma, originally from the Netherlands, settled in Ridgefield in 1965 where they purchased land to start a dairy farm. They took a citizenship course at Clark in preparation for the national exam. Later, their daughter Gerry attended Clark.

Learn more at https://www.clark.edu/about/visitors-guide/getting-to-clark/boschma/

View more photo on Flickr

Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Clark College, in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, has selected an artist for the Advanced Manufacturing Building for its Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield, Washington. After a call for artist submissions, the Clark College Art Selection committee selected emerging artist, Sarah Folden to lead a group of artists to create public art for the new campus, expected to open in Fall 2025. 

Clark College President, Dr. Karin Edwards, said, “We are excited that Sarah Folden will be leading a group of talented, Native American artists in creating public art for this building at Clark College at Boschma Farms. I look forward to seeing their art come to life on our new campus.” 

“To say this project could be life changing for me would be an understatement,” said Folden. “More importantly, it would be life changing to the other young lives I connect with and simply an honor to help reflect the college’s partnership with my tribe on this project for the Boschma Farms campus.” 

The committee also has engaged artist and curator RYAN! Feddersen to curate existing artworks to purchase for the building in addition to work that will be created specifically for the space. 

Clark College at Boschma Farms will be similar to the college’s other auxiliary campuses at Columbia Tech Center and Washington State University Vancouver. Clark College at Boschma Farms will offer a variety of programs to serve the community and equip students to complete a program at Clark College and be workforce ready. Eventually, the campus is expected to include classrooms, professional labs, offices, study areas, services and support spaces. Construction of the 48,000 square-foot building will begin June 2023 and is projected to be completed by Winter 2024. Classes are projected to start in Fall 2025. 

About the artists and curator: 

Sarah Folden, a Cowlitz tribal member, creates art inspired by her heritage and ancestral connection to place. Folden’s work is both traditional and contemporary, integrating many mediums and carved block printmaking. After a career in tribal fisheries, she became a self-taught artist who learned Coast Salish design from accomplished indigenous artists Peter Boome and Brian Perry. 

Folden’s public art can be seen in a 26-foot Coast Salish mural at the ferry landing terminal on Orcas Island. Folden has worked on three high school mascot redesigns recently in a Coast Salish style. She is currently illustrating an indigenous foods book, designing multiple murals to be installed Summer of 2023 and has designed huge chandeliers inspired by native hand drums which will be displayed throughout the new ilani Resort Hotel that opened April 24, 2023. She also joined the Membership Board for Whipsmart, Washington State’s only trade association dedicated to supporting the creative community. Folden teaches art to native youth, and volunteers for public art groups supporting environmental and social causes. 

Corbin Jones, a Cowlitz tribal member, is a high school senior whose interests and areas of focus are natural resources and computer sciences. Corbin is studying 3D computer graphics, animation, and commercial art. They have recently found their first professional success in commercial art sales. As a neurodivergent person on the autism spectrum, Corbin has found their place supporting other youth with differences and organizes a weekly art and gaming club offering social opportunities to area kids. 

Brian Perry (Hopi-Cheelth), a Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal member and artist with lineage in Quinault, Suquamish and Makah, learned traditional carving from his grandfather and uncles and became interested in Northwest Coast art when he took classes from David Boxley. He studied with Duane Pasco, Dave Franklin, and Eddie Charles. His work captures the essence of characters from traditional tribal stories. 

Perry transitioned from a 20-year career in fisheries to a successful public artist in 2014 when his small sketch turned into a significant sculpture at his tribe’s new hotel. Creating a scaled drawing and collaborating with a metal shop, Perry’s work became a 46-foot-tall steel sculpture. He has since created two 36-foot Salish sea-going canoes, a 12-foot house post and a 12-foot glass sculpture at the Burke Museum. https://www.northwestcoastalart.com/ 

RYAN! Feddersen’s (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation) public artworks include Inhabitance for the Portland International Airport, Schema for CitizenM Pioneer Square, and Antecedents for the University of Washington. She has curated exhibitions for the Portland Art Muse, New Burke Museum, and Museum of Northwest Art and a collection of artwork for Kamiak Elementary School in Pullman, Washington. http://ryanfeddersen.com/about/ 

About Art in Public Places Program 

Washington State Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program (AIPP) purchases and cares for artworks in state buildings, colleges, universities, and schools throughout Washington. Its goal is to build and care for a state art collection that is impactful, accessible, valued, and reflects Washington’s diverse communities. Learn more about Washington State Arts Commission: https://www.arts.wa.gov/public-art/ 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college. 

Learn more: 

Boschma Farms campus: https://www.clark.edu/cc/boschma
Clark College Art Selection committee: https://www.clark.edu/about/governance/public-disclosure-and-records/adminProcedures/800/807/index.php 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

President Knight takes a moment to joke with the crowd during his 2017 State of the College address.

At his annual State of the College address on January 20, President Bob Knight spoke about the importance of an organization finding its “true north,” which he defined as “the very reason the organization exists, and what it can do better than anything else.”

Knight went on to say that Clark College has been steering its course toward its own true north, which he said was encapsulated in its mission statement: “Clark College, in service to the community, guides individuals to achieve their educational and professional goals.”

“There are two absolutely key words in this statement: ‘community’ and ‘guides,'” he said.

President Knight with students, left to right, David Malagon-Lopez, National Anthem singer Cori Weaver, ASCC Finance Director Bill Skates, and ASCC Executive Assistant Jennette Kachmar.

Knight pointed out several ways the college is helping to better guide students, including work on implementing a “Guided Pathways” model of education that helps channel students into well-planned routes to their degrees; new enrollment labs and Penguin Welcome Days to help students be prepared for college before they even begin classes; and the expansion of the COLL 101 class to all incoming students planning to earn an Associate of Arts degree. He reminded the audience gathered in Gaiser Student Center that almost three-quarters of Clark’s student body were first-generation college students.

“They need that structure,” he said. “They need that extra help and support.”

Knight also highlighted some of the ways the college is working with its community. He mentioned the strong relationship Clark’s Automotive Technology program has developed with local businesses like Dick Hannah Dealerships, who recently donated $4,000 tool kits to students working there. And he gestured to the temporary wall on one side of the student center, blocking off construction of the Tod and Maxine Culinary Institute, which, when completed later this year, would be the only nonprofit culinary institute within 120 miles.

Knight pointed out that the culinary institute, as well as Clark’s newly opened STEM Building, would not have been possible without generous support from the Clark College Foundation, which for the first time this past year surpassed $1 million in scholarship donation. When the state did not fully fund the STEM Building’s construction, Knight said, “our Foundation came to the rescue through our community and raised the money to build that facility. Not every college in this state has that luxury.”

Continuing the theme of community, Knight discussed the important role Clark College at Boschma Farms would play in the under-served northern portion of the college’s service district. While the land for this new facility in Ridgefield has been acquired, funding for the design phase has not been included in Governor Jay Inslee’s proposed budget for the next biennium. “This project is a cornerstone in what Ridgefield Mayor Ron Onslow like to remind me is the state’s fastest-growing city,” Knight said.

Stacy Watne holds her Presidential Coin.

As is traditional, Knight used the address as an opportunity to hand out Presidential Coins to individuals who provide exemplary service to Clark students, the college, and community. New this year, Knight bestowed two coins on individuals who are not employees at the college–alumnus George Welsh ’67 and professor emeritus Dr. Larry Easter–as well as to two employees, custodian Stacy Watne and Disability Support Services Program Support Supervisor Irene Cheney.

Knight concluded by saying that while he realized that the U.S. Presidential Inauguration was also happening that day, he would not be commenting on it except to say, “Whatever goes on nationally won’t affect what happens at Clark College. Clark College will remain an open, safe, inclusive environment.”

To see more highlights of the past year at Clark College, watch this video:

Photos: Jenny Shadley

More photos can be viewed on our Flickr page.

President Knight welcomes guests to his 2015 State of the College Address.

“Over the past year, we have seen many successes and we have seen many things that seemed like a dream or a far-off vision come to fruition.” So began President Bob Knight’s 2015 State of the College Address, held January 15 in Gaiser Student Center, in a speech full of hope and celebration.

As President Knight pointed out, there was much to celebrate: the successful completion of the Clark College Foundation’s capital campaign, the beginning of the long-delayed construction of a new STEM building, the introduction of the college’s first-ever bachelor’s degree, the acquisition of land for a new North County campus, the expansion of services in the Columbia Gorge, and much more.

Left to right, Clark College Foundation CEO and President Lisa Gibert, Bernice and Hank Boschma, and Clark College President Bob Knight at the 2015 State of the College Address.

Regarding the North County campus, Knight noted that Hank and Bernice Boschma were sitting in the audience and thanked them publicly for the donation of land that made the North Campus location possible. Knight also announced that there would be a public monument on the new campus that told the story of the Boschma Family, who moved to Ridgefield from the Netherlands and began a successful dairy farm.

“As we look to North County we are inspired by what the Boschma family created and we are looking for the next opportunities that will allow people to live, be successful, and contribute to the community of Southwest Washington,” he said. “That is why we are looking at Clark College at Boschma Farms as a possible center for advanced manufacturing and medical programs.”

Knight also took the opportunity to unveil the final draft of the college’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, which is undergoing a final round of public feedback before being presented to the college’s Board of Trustees for approval. “A key change from our old Strategic Plan is that we don’t just want to be a place that welcomes students in,” he explained. “We want to be a learning college where people come and complete their educational goals.”

President Knight thanks 99-year old professor emeritus and WWII veteran John Deurwaarder for his service to the college and the country.

As is his tradition during the State of the College, Knight also awarded Presidential Coins to exceptional staff and faculty members in honor of their service. Early during his address, he also presented a coin to Professor Emeritus John Deurwaarder, who celebrates his 100th birthday in May.

At the end of his address, President Knight urged guests to make sure others know about the future plans and current accomplishments at the college. “You’re here because you care about Clark College and you care about our community,” he said. “You need to help tell the story about this wonderful asset in our community.”

See more photos from the State of the College on Flickr.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Clark College student Petya Grozeva sings “At Last” to start the evening’s performances.

A multimillion-dollar gift of land, a matching grant for STEM, and a prestigious Presidential Award bestowed to a regional trust–these were all on the menu this year at Savoring Excellence, Clark College’s annual donor appreciation dinner and program.

President Robert K. Knight announced a $3.1 million gift of land from the Boschma family as the location of Clark’s next satellite campus during the May 21 event. When combined with private and state funding, the transaction consists of a $5.67 million land purchase by Clark College Foundation. The new campus will be located in Ridgefield, Wash., on 59.24 acres.

Knight said that future students and the North County community will reap the greatest benefits of the Boschma family gift.

“For our students, the door of opportunity and access will be opened wider. For the city of Ridgefield, this announcement is monumental,” he said. “Once built, the North County campus will be known as Clark College at Boschma Farms.”

Lisa Gibert, president and CEO of Clark College Foundation, who was instrumental in securing the gift and brokering the land purchase, said the gift sets the tone for the future of North County.

“This type of partnership demonstrates the overwhelming generosity that people of Southwest Washington have for Clark. Making education more accessible for people in the region means greater prosperity for the residents and a brighter economic future,” she said.

Meyer Memorial Trust

Clark College student Saeed Nasser sings “Bawadaak”

In addition to the land gift news, Gibert announced that Clark College Foundation received a $400,000 matching grant from Meyer Memorial Trust to outfit the college’s upcoming science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) building with equipment and furnishings.

Economists predict that there will be 18,700 STEM jobs in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties by the year 2021. To meet the demand, Clark is poised to be a regional leader in STEM education and job training. The college will break ground on a new public/private-financed STEM building this summer. The more than 70,000 square-foot facility will house many of Clark’s STEM programs at its campus on Fort Vancouver Way. When completed in 2016, the center will serve in partnership with industry and other educational institutions to foster exploration, interactive learning and innovative teaching techniques for women and men.

Meyer Memorial Trust, funded through the estate of Fred G. Meyer, founder of the Fred Meyer supermarket chain, invests in people, ideas and efforts that deliver significant social benefit to Oregon and Clark County, Wash., through inspiring, innovating, partnering and leading to improve the quality of life in those regions.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Also during the Savoring Excellence celebration, Gibert noted that a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington was awarded to Clark to benefit the college’s Pathways program. The grant will assist in helping break cycles of poverty through access to education, literacy training, mentoring and career services.

Murdock Charitable Trust

Clark College student Chris Crosland plays “Tears of the East”

Sandwiched between song and musical instrument performances by Clark students, Gibert presented her Presidential Award for Excellence during the event. M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which provided $250,000 to Clark College in 2013 for new dental equipment, received the accolade. The money purchased modern technology to ensure student access to current advances in the industry and meet federal privacy regulations.

“The grant allows Clark’s nationally recognized Dental Hygiene program to meet rapidly changing technology advancements in the profession. Students must be trained in the use of modern tools in order for them to secure jobs. M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is also directly affecting the wellness of residents in Southwest Washington because Clark students care for hundreds of underserved patients each year,” said Gibert.

The Firstenburg Family Dental Hygiene Education & Care Center opened earlier this year after undergoing renovations, adding paperless charting software and updating its digital radiography area. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust grant enabled the college to purchase instructional cameras, workstation computers, radiology computers, patient privacy materials and vacuum systems.

Savoring Excellence is a yearly event presented by the Clark College Foundation to honor major contributors to the programs and students of Clark College.

See more images from the event on our Flickr page.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley
Video: Clark College/Nick Bremer-Korb

Clark College has received a second land gift in as many weeks—for a total of more than $3.85 million in gifts—which when combined with private and state funding, will be the location for a future Clark campus in Ridgefield, Wash.

A $731,549 gift of land from Ridgefield East 1 Associates, LLC in addition to a May announcement of a $3.12 million land gift from the Boschma family, will have a long-lasting effect for the region, including expanding access to education.

Lisa Gibert, president/CEO of Clark College Foundation, who was instrumental in securing both gifts and brokering the land purchases, praised the Ridgefield East gift as the ideal location for an entrance to Clark’s upcoming campus. “These 10 acres will be the gateway to Clark College at Boschma Farms,” she said. “In the years to come, we will work with the city of Ridgefield to encourage retailers such as eateries and coffee houses to open shops, making it an attractive entryway for a vibrant new campus.”

Clark College will benefit by the acquisition of the new property through the combined generosity of Ridgefield East 1 Associates, LLC, the Boschma family and the charitable support of Clark County residents, Clark College alumni, philanthropic supporters, trusts and foundations.

The Ridgefield East transaction consists of a $1.99 million purchase price by the Clark College Foundation, accompanied by a $731,549 land donation—providing a total of 10.28 acres for the future expansion of Clark College. Once built, the North County campus will be known as Clark College at Boschma Farms.

The land is adjacent to the 59.24 acres that was partially gifted from the Boschma Family, LLC and purchased by Clark College Foundation in May. The Ridgefield East property is located on the east side of N. 65th Avenue. It is east of Interstate 5 and Pioneer Street. The address is 264 N. 65th Avenue, Ridgefield, Wash.

The gifts and acquisitions represent a long-term visionary chapter for the growth anticipated at Clark College. The college’s 2007 Facilities Master Plan identified North County as an area where the college could fulfill its mission of providing access to an underserved area of the service district. The Washington Legislature approved the project concept in 2009.

Recently, the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges prioritized building projects for the upcoming biennium. Though no money has been allocated yet, funding for design and building has received a green light.

The population in the area has continued to expand. Clark College believes that once facilities and programs are available on a North County campus, students from the northern region of Clark and South region of Cowlitz counties will utilize this location for their educational needs and career advancement.

Clark College announced today the purchase of land that will become the location of a new campus serving the northern portion of the college’s service district.

The purchase was made possible with the strong partnership of the Clark College Foundation, which finalized the purchase of nearly 60 acres through a generous $3.1 million gift from the Boschma Family LLC. Additionally, the foundation will pay $6 million for the land. The acreage is located in Ridgefield on the east side of North 65th Avenue, north of Pioneer Street and northeast of the Interstate 5 and Pioneer Street interchange.

The leadership gift from the Boschma family was key in being able to move forward on this project. In making the more than $3.1 million gift, Hank and Bernice Boschma said they were excited to be a part of expanding educational opportunities for students in the region, including first-generation and immigrant students.

In April, the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges prioritized building projects for the upcoming biennium. According to that prioritization, the North County Campus building will receive design funding in the 2017-2019 budget, and likely receive construction funding in the 2019-2021 budget.

The gift and acquisition help realize the long-term vision for the growth anticipated at Clark College. The college’s 2007 Facilities Master Plan identified North County as a growth area based on projections from regional economists, and the most recent update of the Facilities Master Plan reinforced the need for a facility in this part of Clark’s service area.