C-TRAN rolled out its bus wrapped in a colorful new Clark College design on May 17 during the college’s popular Career Fair.

The Clark College themed artwork is C-TRAN’s eleventh custom bus wrap installed over a 40-foot diesel hybrid electric bus. C-TRAN created a custom wrap highlighting some of the college’s landmarks and defining places. Both sides of the bus feature the chime tower and the Penguin Union Building. Across the top of the artwork in a blue strip are these words: “hope, opportunity, transformation” followed by “Clark College.” The photography and design work were created in-house by C-TRAN staff. Later this week, the Clark College bus will hit the road around Clark County. The wraps last about five years.

Standing in the parking lot and facing the bus, C-TRAN CEO Shawn M. Donaghy noted that the colorful Clark College wrap was a favorite among transit agency employees.

Parked in the lot between Gaiser Hall and Child and Family Studies, the colorful bus drew attention. The novelty of introducing C-TRAN’s new Clark College themed bus to the college community turned into a party.

Clark President Dr. Karin Edwards climbed aboard and asked, “Can I drive the bus?” and hopped in the driver’s seat.

Oswald, Clark’s mascot, sauntered over to check out the bus. He took a turn sitting in the driver’s seat, too.

Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle arrived to join in the fun. She hugged Oswald and posed for a photo with Donaghy and Vancouver’s most popular penguin.

Three classes of youthful bus enthusiasts from Clark’s Child and Family Studies eagerly lined up to climb aboard and check out the bus. One class sat on the curb next to the bus and talked about their favorite thing about the bus artwork: The chime tower.

They took their turn climbing aboard the bus. Once seated, their voices rang out: “The wheels on the bus go round and round!”

As the children disembarked the bus, they gathered around Oswald for high fives. Their teacher asked, “Did everybody give Oswald a high five?”

As they walked back to their classroom, the children waved and shouted, “Bye, Oswald!”

Your assignment? Keep an eye out for the Clark College bus around town this summer. Post your photos with #clarkcollegebus.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Oswald the Penguin has been Clark College’s mascot since the college was first founded—in fact, he was donated by the college’s very first student. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t changed his feathers from time to time. This fall, Oswald will be receiving his first makeover in 17 years.

“We love Oswald—everybody does,” said Athletics Director Chris Jacob. “But the current costume is hard to move in. We needed to help him get into a form that allowed him to cheer at games, to run out onto the court or field, and to be able to interact with people a little more.

“Basically,” Jacob added, “we sent Oswald to the gym over the summer, and he’s come back more toned and agile.”

Jokes aside, the process of redesigning the beloved mascot required input from many members of the college community, including Student Life, Admissions, Athletics, Communications and Marketing, and the Associated Students of Clark College. Starting in March, the work group discussed how to make Oswald better able to perform his duties as an ambassador of the college at games, special events, and in the community. A key issue was making the costume less burdensome for the students who wear it, while ensuring he remained the fun and approachable penguin that makes him a family favorite at community events.

“With the old costume, the feet were these giant things that made it hard to move without falling over,” said Student Life Program Support Supervisor Sami Lelo. “We would always need to have two students available if we wanted Oswald at an event—one to wear the costume, and the other to lead Oswald around by the hand so he didn’t bump into things or trip.”

The new costume’s feet slip over the tops of the performer’s own shoes, allowing them to wear athletic shoes for easier movement. Its arms and legs are also easier to move, allowing for better mobility—no need for a guide anymore. Also, the new costume can be donned without assistance, making it easier for Oswald to appear at events all over campus and the community.

The new Oswald will get his official reveal at the college’s annual Opening Day employee event that kicks off the new academic year, on September 17. At that point, the old costume will be officially retired and put into storage.

Cartoon images of the old Oswald, complete with tie and running shoes, will still appear in print and online media … for now.

“It’s inevitable that, once people get used to Oswald’s new look, they’re going to want to have images of him available to put on invitations, flyers, etc.,” said Clark College Senior Graphic Designer Jenny Shadley. “We’ll be ready for those requests when they start to come in.”

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

February 26 marks the beginning of Clark College Bookstore’s sixth annual Oswald on Spring Break Photo Contest.

Customers, students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in the contest by simply stopping by our store to complete an “adoption form” and pay a $2.50 (plus tax)  entry fee. Participants will receive an official 2014 Oswald toy and can begin snapping pictures of Oswald on location immediately. Participants enter their best picture of Oswald enjoying spring break before April 9 to be eligible for one of three Bookstore gift cards awarded to the pictures with the most customer votes.

Contest rules are available at the cash registers and on the Bookstore’s website. Bookstore employees may not enter the contest, but they may vote daily.

Contest Dates

February 26 – April 9  (or until Oswald toys are gone) Customers may enter the contest

April 9                        Contest entries are due

April 16-24                 All qualifying entries will be displayed in-store for voting. One vote per person per day

April 25                      Winners will be announced  (This is also World Penguin Day!)

Brandi Roberts contributed this article. Photo: Clark College Bookstore