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

Dr. Edwards chatted with students at Pizza with the President on May 16 in Penguin Student Lounge. The informal lunchtime event is presented each term by Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) to provide students with an opportunity to ask any questions of Dr. Edwards.  

ASCC President Casey Figone asked questions and fielded questions from other students. Here are highlights: 

Increasing in-person classes:  
“We’d love to see more students on campus. We’re striving to get more in-person classes, with a goal of 60% of classes in person and 40% hybrid/online.” 

Dr. Edwards

Encouraging students to get involved with civic engagement at all levels of government: 
“Going to Olympia and telling your stories as students is far more impactful than if I do it. Connect and find out what lawmakers are doing around student issues. Get involved at the state level, but also the local level. Find out who represents you.” 

Dr. Edwards

Criteria for adding new programs: 
“What we look for in adding programs: Is there a need? Do we have the capacity to offer the program? Does the program lead to well-paying jobs?” 

Dr. Edwards

Pizza with the President also is a time for the college president to ask students questions.

Dr. Edwards asked: “We are always trying to find ways to eliminate barriers for students and potential students. What are some of the barriers to attending Clark?” 

ASCC President Casey Figone answered: “Transportation. High gas prices. High housing costs. To afford rent, students often have multiple roommates. Students don’t know how to find affordable housing.” 

A discussion followed about resources for students to be informed. Dr. Edwards suggested College 101 and the college’s Financial Wellness Fair as starting points.  

Dr. Edwards asked, “Was Clark ready for you? The college should be student ready, just as much as the students should be college ready.”  

During the conversation, she told students: “This is a busy time of year for you, so hold onto your energy.” 

Fun facts about Dr. Edwards and Pizza: 

• Dr. Edwards’ favorite pizza is sausage, onion, and pepperoni. 
• As a Brooklyn, New York native, she grew up eating thin-crust pies. 
• When she traveled back home to Brooklyn to visit her mother for Mother’s Day, she said, “I made a point to have pizza.” 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish