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 theiQ 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.
Clark College Dedicates Raines Softball Field
Left to right: Laura LeMasters, Wilma Raines, Calen Ouellette, and Shirley Schwartzcut the ribbon to officially name the softball field in Raines’ honor.
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.”
Wilma Raines holds a watercolor of her husband and daughter, painted by art professor Grant Hottle.
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.”
Wilma Raines holds a jersey during the dedication in front of (left to right) the softball team, Laura LeMasters, Calen Ouellette, and Shirley Schwartz.
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.
Clark Students and Faculty Exhibit at Downtown Gallery
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
Left to right: Ruth Wikler and Anne John.
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.
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
April 24 is PenguinsGive
contributedby Clark College Foundation
Mark your calendars, Penguin Nation—Thursday, April 24 is the fifth annual PenguinsGive, Clark College’s 24-hour digital day of giving. For one day, we rally together to support Clark students and the programs that change lives. Whether you’re on campus or cheering from afar, you won’t want to miss this milestone celebration!
Double Your Impact with Matching Funds
Thanks to the generosity of Clark College donors, every gift made during PenguinsGive will be matched dollar-for-dollar* – that means your gift has the power to go twice as far.
For example:
A $150 gift to the Student Success Fund becomes $300.
A $90 donation to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion turns into $180.
A $50 contribution to the Music program grows to $100.
No matter the size of your contribution, every dollar counts double for Clark students and programs!
Celebrate Our Legacy of Giving
Over the years, the Penguin Nation has joined forces during PenguinsGive to:
Fund scholarships that open doors for student success.
Launch vital programs, including the new Basic Needs Hub, through the Student Success Fund, ensuring students can access essentials like food and housing support.
Enhance student life with resources across athletics, academic programs, and beyond.
This fifth PenguinsGive is our chance to celebrate how far we’ve come—and to take our impact to even greater heights.
Be Part of the Best PenguinsGive So Far
Mark Your Calendar: Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Spread the Word: Tell friends, family, and fellow alumni about the big day.
Choose Your Cause: Support the Clark College programs that mean the most to you—scholarships, student services, athletics, STEM, music, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Basic Needs Hub, and more.
Make Your Donation: Remember, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact.
Join the Celebration!
On April 24, let’s show up for Clark students in a big way. With your support, we’ll continue to make a brighter future for Southwest Washington, strengthening programs, championing student success, and demonstrating the power of generosity across our entire Penguin Nation.
Are you ready to make this the best PenguinsGive yet? We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
For a little extra fun, drop by the Gaiser Student Center for Take Your Child to Work activities. Enjoy a beverage from the iQ Credit Union coffee cart, and while you’re there, you can nominate your favorite program or department and give them a chance to receive an extra $500 courtesy of iQ!
*While matching funds last. A maximum gift match of $500 per donor applies. For any gift over $500, we will contact you to discuss gift match options.
Rotarians tour the Advanced Manufacturing Center
Rotarians from Clark County at the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, WA. Photo credit: Kathy Chennault.
Rotarians from around Clark County joined Clark College Foundation and Clark College for a tour of the new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at Boschma Farms on February 4. Located just east of the Ridgefield Junction, the building will welcome its first general education classes during spring term. The Advanced Manufacturing program is under development.
Angela Torretta, above, of Clark College Foundation welcomed the Rotarians: “Clark College at Boschma Farms exists due to community demand. The college has been in conversation with individuals and organizations in Clark County who have shared the need for a local training center to provide skills to the current and future advanced manufacturing workforce.”
Next, Amy Easton, president of the Rotary Club of Greater Clark County, stood on the steps of the AMC and greeted her fellow Rotarians: “This is a unique opportunity for all seven Clark County Rotary clubs to come together, foster collaboration, and celebrate our shared commitment to supporting education and strengthening connections within our community.”
Jay Schmidt, board chair of the High-Tech Council and Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Committee, paraphrased Dr. Terry Brown, Clark’s vice president of instruction: “This building will be a great place for experiential learning.”
Then the Rotarians divided into groups for a guided tour of the state-of-the-art building. They toured the classrooms equipped with the latest advanced manufacturing technology, the light-filled general education classrooms with high ceilings and tall windows, the quality assurance lab, the computer lab, and the collaboration spaces. They also toured conference rooms and other spaces that will be available for the community to rent for meetings, community groups, and other events.
The tour ended in the impressive high bay—the heart of the building. Here students will learn the fundamentals of advanced manufacturing, which is a network of automated technology designed to produce products with high efficiency in manufacturing processes, while reducing lead times, materials, and manufacturing defects.
Will Zander, above far left, director of the new Advanced Manufacturing program, stood in the enormous high bay and pointed out the equipment to the Rotarians.
In the next 10 years, the region of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon anticipates a shortage of 1,755 advanced manufacturing technicians. Designed with input from industry partners, this high-bay, and the entire Advanced Manufacturing Center, is where students will gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to step into an in-demand career and meet the growing industry need.
Soon, Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms will be a hub of experiential learning that will train the workforce for tomorrow.
All seven Rotary clubs in Clark County were present:
Rotary Club of Greater Clark County
Rotary Club of Vancouver
Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise
Rotary Club of Battle Ground
Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal
Rotary Club of Lewis River
Rotary Club of Three Creeks
Left: The AMC features dots on the glass to keep birds from flying into the windows. Right: The heart of the building is a two-story or “high bay” area for students to learn advanced manufacturing with state-of-the-art equipment.
Q & A with Amy Easton, president, the Rotary Club of Greater Clark County
Jay Schmidt from the High Tech Council gives insight on the purpose of the building to the Rotarians. Photo: Clark College/Maureen Chan-Hefflin
It was Amy Easton’s idea to offer Rotarians a tour of the AMC.
Q: Why did you decide Rotarians should tour the AMC?
AE: Rotarians are deeply committed to supporting education, workforce development, and community engagement, so when I learned about the new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at Clark College, I saw a great opportunity for all seven Clark County Rotary clubs to come together and experience this transformative project firsthand.
The AMC represents a major investment in technical education and job training, which aligns with Rotary’s mission to foster economic development and strengthen communities. I wanted our members to see how this facility will prepare students for in-demand careers, and how Rotary can continue to support initiatives that create lasting impact in our region.
Q: When did you reach out to the Foundation?
AE: I first connected with the Clark College Foundation last summer to explore the possibility of organizing a tour for Rotarians. From the start, the Foundation was enthusiastic about the idea, and we worked closely to coordinate an event that would give Rotarians an inside look at the facility before it officially opens to students. The collaboration was fantastic, and we’re so grateful to the Foundation for helping make this event happen.
Q: What do you think about the Advanced Manufacturing Center and Clark College having a presence in Ridgefield/North Clark County?
AE: The Advanced Manufacturing Center is a game-changer for Ridgefield and North Clark County. It not only expands Clark College’s reach but also creates new opportunities for students, local businesses, and the workforce in this growing region.
By providing hands-on training in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, the AMC will help bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students graduate with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers.
Having this state-of-the-art facility in Ridgefield means that local students and employers alike will benefit from a stronger, more connected pipeline of talent, boosting economic growth in North Clark County and beyond.
Left to right: Wilma Raines, Dave Smith, and Ceci Ryan Smith gathered to remember Bob Knight.
PUB 161 was packed with the Clark College community—both present and past—as they gathered to share stories about former Clark President Bob Knight during a remembrance event on January 10.
Knight, who led Clark College as president from 2007 to 2019, passed away on December 14. He was 67.
Penguin Nation Remembers Bob Knight
Julie Taylor, who worked in the president’s office, experienced Knight’s sense of humor and practical jokes daily.
Taylor said, “Bob had a tradition of buying the loudest, most obnoxious penguin toys and lined them up on my counter. As he left for the day, he would activate every penguin toy on his way out, and said, ‘See you later, Julie.’” Taylor would be serenaded by a loud, obnoxious penguin chorus at the end of every day.
Mark Magdaleno, head baseball coach, said that in his 43 years as a professional baseball coach, Bob Knight understood the value of student athletes. He said, “Bob knew our athletes had a choice of what college to attend. He embraced our athletes in their choice to attend Clark.”
Magdeleno said Knight often attended Penguin baseball games, even after he retired. He added, “He cared about his student athletes. He cared about this school. God bless you. Let’s go, Penguins!”
Michelle Golder, event services manager, shared several stories about Bob’s fun-loving nature and the office pranks: “Bob lived every day to the fullest. He loved Clark and genuinely believed the work we did was making a difference in our community. He created the presidential coin to recognize Clark employees for going above and beyond.”
She added, “After I organized my first commencement, Bob found me in my cubicle to especially thank me for a job well done. Kindness came second nature to Bob. He was one of the most genuine people who cared about others.”
Sylvia Thornburg and Kathrena Halsinger.
Kathrena Halsinger, Interim Dean of Social Sciences and Fine Arts, recalled that Knight greeted her whenever they saw each other walking on campus. He also frequently attended the annual release parties for The Phoenix and opened the event.
Rhianna Johnson, currently director of Guided Pathways and Partnerships, was the director of Clark’s educational programs at Larch Corrections Center in Yacolt when Knight was president.
Johnson said, “Bob was so supportive of the program. He always attended the graduation ceremonies. He also came to play basketball with Larch students. He really cared about helping incarcerated people reenter society successfully.” She added, “We used to have Clark faculty and staff softball games. Bob was, of course, the pitcher.”
Wilma Raines, a Clark alum and a longtime donor to Clark College students and athletics, was Knight’s workout buddy at O’Connell Sports Center. Raines said, “We hit the gym every morning at 6:30, and started with the elliptical.”
Ceci Ryan-Smith, who was a Clark College alumni board president and Clark College Foundation board member when Knight was hired, said the leadership went around and around about Knight not holding a Ph.D. in Education, which is a typical requirement for a community college president. But Ryan-Smith spoke up on Knight’s behalf: “He may not have a Ph.D. in education, but he had a Ph.D. in life. I believe ultimately, we all won because we got Bob.”
Sudha Fredrick, vice president of Information Technology Service, Steven Clark, biology professor, and Sylvia Thornburg, who was dean of Instructional Planning during Knight’s tenure, were among those who also shared their “Bob” stories.
Calen Ouellette, Chief Executive Officer at Clark College Foundation, served as emcee. He wrapped up the program by saying: “In closing, I encourage each of you to carry Bob’s example with you. Whether it’s through a kind word, a purposeful act of service, or a bold step toward a better future—honor his legacy by making a positive impact, just as he did. Thank you for joining us today to remember Bob Knight. His legacy will forever inspire the Penguin Nation.”
White Lotus Dragon and Lion Dance Team visit a table during their performance.
Clark College students, staff, and supporters gathered with the Clark College Foundation on November 6 at the Hilton in downtown Vancouver for a dinner event to celebrate the intersection between students, scholarships, and the community. The Clark College Foundation Annual Event: A Scholarship Story focused on the impacts of scholarships, not just in a student’s life, but how they ripple throughout the entire community.
Clark College mascot, Oswald, greeted guests and posed for photos. The evening ended with a rousing performance by White Lotus Dragon and Lion Dance Team.
The Foundation awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to Clark students during the 2023-2024 academic year, contributing to the over $9 million in financial aid grants and loans distributed to the students. Since the Foundation’s inception in 1973, it has supported Clark College with more than $85 million, including scholarships and grants for education and essential needs.
Cheree Nygard, chair of Clark College Foundation board of directors said, “Every scholarship represents an investment in the future, helping students who might not otherwise pursue their dreams. Whether it’s a single parent balancing work and school, a first-generation student blazing new trails, or someone retraining for a new career, scholarships make these stories of success possible. Education is the foundation of a thriving community, and at Clark, we are shaping the future of Southwest Washington, one student at a time.”
Nygaard continued, “I’m passionate about this work because I’ve seen firsthand how it changes lives. When we support education, we’re not just helping individuals — we’re empowering families, building stronger neighborhoods, and creating a ripple effect of positive change that touches us all.”
Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards said, “It is truly a privilege to be here tonight, as we come together to celebrate the transformative impact of scholarships on our students and our community. Scholarships are more than just financial aid—they represent hope, opportunity, and belief in the future. They give students the chance to pursue their dreams, and they remind us that when we unite in support of education, we can achieve incredible things. This sense of unity, this collective commitment to making a difference, is what sets Clark College apart.”
A Scholarship Story
First-generation college student and scholarship recipient Malina Siharath, pictured above, spoke from the podium about how receiving three scholarships from the Foundation is making her second year at Clark much less stressful than her first year.
She said, “In my first year of college, I paid all expenses out of pocket or with personal loans. Because of the Darby/Smith Scholarship, Fordham Scholarship, and the Clark Alumni Scholarship, I will graduate from Clark College with only that first year of debt.” She added, “When the community helps students through scholarships, they truly change students’ lives on their academic journeys.”
Siharath is pursuing a communications degree, with a goal of working in public relations and social media. She already is putting her skills to work as director of public relations of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Clark College Foundation CEO Calen Ouellette, said, “What an incredible evening this has been! We’ve heard powerful stories of how scholarships transform lives—creating opportunities, igniting dreams, and opening doors that might otherwise stay closed. But the best part? This story doesn’t end tonight. In fact, it’s just beginning, and you’re all part of it.” He added, “If you’ve been inspired by the stories and would like to continue being a part of this ongoing narrative, I invite you to support Clark College scholarships. Every dollar you give helps write the next chapter in a student’s life.”
Thank you to the event sponsors
Waste Connections
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank Wealth Management
Peterson & Associates
Moss Adams
The Columbian
Learn more:
Learn more about the Clark College Foundation here Support future Clark College scholars – Donate here
Photos courtesy of the Clark College Foundation and photographer Emily Shirron.
Sound Garden
Two preschool girls, pictured above, stood on either side of a blue metal rain wheel and spun the wheel, which created a gentle rattle sound reminiscent of rain. The wheel is one of six pieces of musical playground equipment installed recently in a new sound garden nature space within Clark College’s Child and Family Studies preschool.
Pointing to a whale drum near the back fence, Paul Caggianese, a CFS teacher and program supervisor, explained that the drum had been the only musical equipment since it was installed about two decades ago.
“Adding to the whale drum has always been a dream,” said Caggianese, who stood in the preschool’s backyard watching a group of preschoolers play.
Students play on the xylophone and chime flowers. The grey metal drum (the first of the sound equipment) sits at the back by the garden beds and the blue rain wheel is to the right by the fence.
But a lack of funding deterred them.
Michele Volk, director of Child and Family Studies, added, “Every year I meet with the Clark College Foundation to look at our wish list—and they make our wishes and dreams happen.”
Last year, Volk spoke to the foundation about funding for additional outdoor musical equipment, and they worked to make that longtime dream a reality. Now the whale drum is part of a new sound garden, including these additions:
A blue rain wheel that emits a rattling sound much like rain
A xylophone with aluminum keys and two mallets so that children can create a variety of notes
A set of four vibrant chime flowers, each with an attached mallet. Each flower emits four sustained notes to produce enchanting, sustained gong sounds ranging from alto to soprano.
Left to right: Michele Volk and Paul Caggianese in the sound garden. Watch a video interview with Michele and Paul on Clark College’s Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-53o7EywYn/
Generous donors
“The sound garden was a project CFS had wanted to develop for years, but lacked the resources to make it happen,” explained Kathy Chennault, Director of Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations at Clark College Foundation. “The foundation’s
connection with the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation provided the impetus to seriously explore this opportunity.”
The Ella Fitzgerald Foundation provided $5,000 in seed money. Donors via the Clark College Foundation provided the required $5,000 match. With two generous gifts, the initiative moved from concept to reality.
“We felt this was an important project to support as music can have such a profound impact on a young child’s life,” said Randal Rosman, Vice President of Programs at the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation. “Music can help children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively as well as with language development. Music is a way to bring people together, share experiences, and learn about diverse cultures. We hope that this sound garden and the associated programming help to create a sense of community with the kids and adults who interact with it.”
Benefits of music education
A student sings “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” while using the xylophone.
As Volk and Caggianese watched a group of preschoolers enthusiastically making music with the new equipment, they spoke about the benefits of introducing music in early childhood education, including preschoolers playing in a sound garden.
Caggianese said, “The impacts that music has on your ability to do math, look at language and literacy, just all those influences. And then on top of it, (it’s) another method for children to decompress.”
Volk nodded, “The developmental part of it is a real key to impacting them for lifelong love, joy, and a sense of wonder in music.”
Caggianese added, “Music is a bridge between cultures and languages.”
“Music develops the whole child in ways that people don’t always think about,” Volk said.
All around them, busy preschoolers played in their new sound garden. The team at CFS hopes to add more percussion equipment to the sound garden next.
PenguinsGive a success
Clark College supporters stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun during this year’s PenguinsGive, Clark College Foundation’s annual 24-hour fundraising event on April 25. The Foundation raised a total of $66,124 for Clark College during PenguinsGive this year.
This year PenguinsGive coincided with the Sakura Festival and Take your Child to Work Day at Clark College. There is no better time to be a Penguin than when campus is busy with activities and celebrations. On that note, there is a lot to celebrate about PenguinsGive this year including:
$66,124 raised for Clark College
254 digital gifts
Largest single gift: $8,000 to Surveying and Geomatics
Top 5 funds by number of donors:
Men’s soccer
Clark College Student Success Fund
Women’s softball
Student Scholarships
Working Parent Scholarship
Umpqua Bank provided two challenges, the 10 a.m. coffee break challenge and the 5 p.m. happy hour challenge. The first department or program to get 10 gifts received an extra $250. Congratulations to the winners of these challenges:
A new scholarship for Clark students who are working parents
The Penguin Softball team
The 2024 PenguinsGive campaign would not have been as successful without the support of so many of you. A huge thank you to those who gave!
Make a Donation
Even though the Foundation’s 2024 PenguinsGive campaign has ended, you can still donate to support your favorite Clark College program or project here.
PenguinsGive
Join the Clark College Foundation for PenguinsGive, our exhilarating 24-hour annual fundraising event on Thursday, April 25—which happens to be World Penguin Day!
This year promises to be our biggest and best yet, with over $50,000 in matching funds ready to double your donations. Whether you give to the Student Success Fund, the Innovation Fund, or any other area, your support will make twice the impact.
PenguinsGive Fun
Get into the PenguinsGive spirit! If you’re attending the Sakura Festival or bringing your child to work that day, don’t miss the fun at Andersen Fountain.
Stop by our tent’s digital photo booth from 1:30-3:30 p.m. to snap some memorable selfies with Oswald.
While you’re there, seize the opportunity to double your impact by donating to a cause close to your heart. Visit our Foundation table to chat with the O Squad and discover how your contributions during PenguinsGive directly enhance student success at Clark College.
Donation Matching
During PenguinsGive, gifts of any amount will be matched dollar for dollar. For example, a $50 donation turns into $100 for scholarships, $90 becomes $180 for STEM, and $150 transforms into $300 for the Music program, all thanks to our generous donors.
