Fall term’s Engineering Design Competition featured an edible building material: Pasta!

Teams constructed towers with dry pasta. They could use any type of pasta, and the towers ranged from round rigatoni beauties to tall, elegant lasagna sculptures. And there’s another catch: the towers had to have spaces for two small toy penguins to stand.

On the day of the competition, towers were tested for their ability to withstand force. They used an “Instron machine” to test the towers, which imposed increasing load on the towers. Some of the pasta towers burst with the force, making for an exciting minor pasta explosion.

The goal of the pasta towers was to reach a minimum of 20 Newtons of force, but many towers achieved taking hundreds of Newtons of force and some even hit over 2700.

Carol Hsu, an engineering professor who led the project, said “Watching the towers get crushed is always exciting, especially when it is catastrophic! In this competition, the students were challenged to design towers capable of withstanding a specified range of loads. Every team rose to the challenge with their pasta towers. Their success was largely due to prototype testing. Great job!”

Tina Barsotti, another engineering professor, explained that the project was devised by the students themselves. “Really what we’re teaching is the engineering design process.”

For students wondering about a career in healthcare or bioscience, the Career Connect event on November 19th gave students a behind-the-scenes look into this high-demand industry. This event complemented the October 22nd healthcare and bioscience focused Career Connect event in the Clark College Building at WSU Vancouver.

Alex Kison from Career Services said, “While the October 22nd event was intentional in meeting current healthcare program students in the building where they take most of their classes, this event was more focused on exploring careers in healthcare and bioscience. It was especially geared for those who haven’t declared their major yet and are curious about this area of study and the related career pathways.”

Held in PUB 161 by the Career Services team, there was a welcoming atmosphere as students, staff, faculty, and community members chatted with local employers about careers, internships, and more.

In addition to exploring career pathways, students connected with the Career Services team, the Academic Advising department, and Student Success Coaches, learning more about the resources available in the Clark College community.

Participants were able to engage directly with employers and industry professionals, and explore their options, whether they were interested in becoming a nurse, pharmacy tech, healthcare administrative professional , or exploring other healthcare career opportunities.

The following employers participated in this event:

• Adventure Medics – EMT/Emergency Service Technicians, First Responders, Nurses
• AFC Urgent Care – Medical Assistants, Medical Administration, Medical Billing
• Ardon Health – Pharmacy Technicians
• Consumer Direct Care Network Washington – Caregivers, Service Coordinators, Administration
• Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Forensic Mental Health Services – Summer Internships, Behavioral Healthcare, Nursing
• Legacy Health – Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Assistants, Nursing, CNA, Medical Receptionists
• Multnomah County Health Department – LPN, RN, Certified Medical Assistants
• Providence – Phlebotomy, MLS/MLT, PT, OT, SLP, Pharmacy Tech, Radiology, and more
• Willamette Dental Group – Dental Hygienist externship opportunity

Potential employer like Adventure Medics is hiring EMTs, First Responders, nurses, and more.

“Adventure Medics is a diverse medical company,” explained Alex, a station supervisor who was representing the Event Medical portion of Adventure Medics. The Event Medical team staffs a variety of events from concerts to sporting events to motocross rallies.

Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) provides in-home care for older adults and those with disabilities. They are hiring service coordinators who provide customer service to clients, caregivers, and case managers. CDWA is also looking for caregivers who provide one-on-one services and offers a flexible schedule, especially for those in school.

Also present at the event was Jordan Wilcox, a recruiter and partner specialist for Clark College’s Surgical Technology program , starting in the Fall of 2025. Students can begin taking foundation classes for this new program in the coming Winter and Spring terms.

During this event, industry professionals not only talked about career opportunities, but also provided students with insight into the future possibilities of their fields. Included in the event were resources to help participants engage and learn more with employers, such as career conversation questions, bingo activities, and opportunities for prizes.

From building connections to planning the next step in their careers, this event had something for everyone.

Stay tuned for the next Career Connect event coming up in 2025!

Post and photos by Eli Knapp, Career Services

Gaiser Student Center was a hub of connection between employers and people seeking jobs during the Clark College Career Fair on May 17.

It was the college’s first in-person Career Fair since 2019. In total, 70 regional employers engaged with more than 300 students, alumni, and community members. The event was organized and hosted by the college’s Career Services team.

Open to all students, alumni and community members, the Career Fair offered job seekers opportunities to meet local employers representing various industries and programs of study, to find internships, part- or full-time jobs, and explore career opportunities.

The hall was filled with tables staffed by representatives eager to talk to potential employees about jobs and paid internships. At every table, employers were hiring.

• Clark County consistently is looking to fill 40 to 50 positions, said Rori Jones, human resources representative. Some of the positions are entry level.
• Thompson Metal Fab is hiring welder/fabricators, said Michael Moore, vice president of business development. The company has connections with the college’s welding program, but Moore added they also hire people without welding skills.

  He said, “We’ll give you free training onsite and access to top-notch benefits.”

• Matt Wadleigh of the YMCA is looking to hire preschool teachers, summer camp counselors, swim instructors and other positions. The key criteria?

  “Patience,” he smiled. “And like to work with kids, families, and active older adults.”

• FedEx is hiring package handlers and operations managers, said Susie Martinez, talent acquisition coordinator at FedEx. Martinez, a student at Mount Hood Community College, says FedEx offers tuition assistance up to $5,250 per year for employees who are college students.
• The City of Ridgefield is hiring students pursuing a finance degree to fill part-time summer intern positions.
• IQ Credit Union is hiring entry-level teller positions, including high school interns. It offers a week-long hands-on paid training.
• Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools are hiring school bus drivers, paraeducators, and teachers.
• Washington Department of Labor and Industry is hiring paid summer interns in many interest areas.
• PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is hiring registered nurses, medical assistants, and pharmacy technicians.
• Fresnius Medical Care is hiring dialysis technicians and dialysis nurses.
• PharMerica is hiring pharmacy technicians.

And more…

“The overall response to the Career Fair experience has so far been overwhelmingly positive,” said Emily Meoz, director of advising and career services at Clark College. “Career Fair planning and day-of coordination was a success, thanks to partnerships with community members and departments across the college.” 

Job seekers also had an opportunity to get a professional headshot photo taken in a photo booth for their LinkedIn accounts and other professional social media platforms.

Cath Keane, associate director of career services, said her team has been planning the event since October.

She said, “My greatest worry was: will people come? Will businesses come? We’re so pleased with the turnout. We have a waiting list of employers.”

Student success story

Clark College graduate Michael Peterson talked to people about career opportunities at Fred Meyer. After Peterson graduated from Clark in 2018, he transferred to WSU Vancouver, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in personnel psychology and human resources management in 2020. Now he’s the district human resources specialist at Fred Meyer. He says he covers hiring, onboarding and more for 15 stores.

He credits his two years at Clark as crucial to his success in a job and field he enjoys.

“I learned time management at Clark,” Peterson said. “I learned to balance my workload while going to school full time and working full time. I wouldn’t have been successful at WSU Vancouver if it weren’t for what I learned at Clark.”

Learn more

• View a complete list of participating employers.
• Connect with Clark College Career Services at https://www.clark.edu/enroll/careers/

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

Archer Gallery was buzzing as dozens of student artists stood in front of their creations and talked to art appreciators about their work.

The opening reception and awards ceremony for the Art Student Annual exhibition of Clark College art students drew students, faculty, staff, family members and the community.

Although the gallery’s student art show returned to an in-person event last year, it was subdued. This year, it was noisy. The space was filled with conversations and people connecting over art.

“This is the first student art exhibit that feels like we’re back,” said Grant Hottle, art department chair. “We have an astonishing level of work here. Our art faculty are great. We have an extraordinary group of students who work hard.”

There were 150 submissions of student work for this year’s show; 65 pieces were chosen, said Archer Gallery Director Kendra Larson. Students created their work in the past year. Their art professors curated the work.

“The strength and breath of this artwork reflects the hard work, dedication, and unique voices of our amazing Clark Students,” said Larson. “It was a fun celebration of all the art students and their hard work.”

Artwork will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until the closing reception on June 9.

Awards prizes were provided by Blick Art Materials, Georgies Ceramics and Clay, Gamblin Paint, Clay Art Center, PICA, McClain’s Printmaking, Collage, ProPhoto Supply, and Blue Moon Camera and Machine.

Award Winners

The awards juror was Prudence Roberts, writer, curator, and art historian. Here are her choices:

• Most Ambitious – Samantha Garcia Ortiz, for “Wine & Cheese Glasses Master Study”
• Solo Show Award – Lissette Torson
• Most Poignant – Syd Ness, for “Self Portrait”
• Best in Photography – Richard Cole, for “This Too shall Pass”
• Second in Photography – Tahnee Calderon Hernandez, for “Win a Prize”
• Third in Photography – Julia Smook, for “Lab”
• Best in Drawing – Colin Johnson, for “A Quiet Place”
• Second in Drawing – Chelsie Cannon, for “10 things I Thought Were Good Ideas at the Time”
• Best in Painting – Lissette Torson, for “Growth”
• Second in Painting – Juan Carlos Garcia, for “Civilization”
• Best in Ceramics – Denise Ostlund, for “Beyond Belief #2”

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

The Penguin Student Lounge looked and smelled like a delectable bakery as second-year students in Clark’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program displayed their creations as part of their capstone project. 

In the first portion of the capstone project, two professional bakers from Portland served as judges in a closed-door session. Greg Mistell, owner, Fleur De Lis Bakery & Café and Josh Svenhard, manager, Eurobake Bakery examined all the baked goods, asked students questions about their techniques and ingredients—and then the judges tasted everything. Fans of “The Great British Baking Show,” know the drill.  

After the judging, it was time for tasting. About 20 people waited outside the lounge in anticipation. When Alison Dolder, Professional Baking and Pastry Arts instructor, unlocked the doors, people made a beeline to tables where five second-year baking students had set up mouth-watering displays of their baked goods.  

Students spent five weeks preparing and baking for their capstone projects. Sometimes the baked goods didn’t come out right, and the student tried again.  

Looking around the room, Professor Dolder said, “They did a nice job. It was good for them to hear from industry professionals who aren’t their instructors.” 

Students have spent two years in the program and will earn an Associate in Applied Technology degree in Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Management. 

May 3 was the students’ last day of class. Next, students get hands-on work experience immersed in internships in professional bakeries in the community. During the five-week internships, students must work a minimum of 24 hours per week. Some will work more. Another student completed his capstone project earlier so that he could travel to Spain for his internship. 

Baker Kenzie Wallers will be doing her internship at Papa Haydn. “I’m excited,” she said. “I’ve already been hired to work full time.” 

Baking changed their lives 

Some students pursued baking right out of high school while others followed other careers but chose baking. 

McKenzie Cullen was a youth librarian before the pandemic. Although she enjoyed her job, she said, “COVID made me rethink what I’m doing with my life. I love baking!” 

Carolyn Nance, 35, said, “I’ve been dreaming about being a baker for a long time. These have literally been the best two years of my life. Clark’s program is even better than I expected.” 

Meet the Bakers: 

McKenzie Cullen 

Capstone focus:  Viennoiserie (laminated doughs) including puff pastry apple turnover, chocolate chip Schnecken croissant, puff pastry palmier, puff pastry vol au vent 

Internship:  Gluten Free Gem, Portland 

Allyson Hartwig 

Capstone focus:  Artisan bread including Nutella raspberry Babka (sweet braided bread), baguette, Winston knot and butter rolls 

Internship:  Di Tazza Gourmet Coffee and Café, Vancouver 

Anna Kakorin 

Capstone focus:  Individual desserts including opera cakes, raspberry vanilla cream puffs, Prinsesstårta (Swedish princess cake), orange creamsicle éclair, and Medovik (Russian summer honeycake)   

Internship:  Chandelier Bakery, Vancouver 

Carolyn Nance 

Capstone focus:  Artisan breads including baguette, pan bread, ciabatta and braided brioche 

Internship:  Forevers Bakery, Hazel Dell 

Kenzie Wallers 

Capstone focus:  Individual desserts including cream puffs, eclairs, mousse bomb, tiramisu, profiteroles and caramel cascade 

Internship:  Papa Haydn, Portland 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Clark College Engineering Professor Carol Hsu is an immigrant, a woman of color, and a pioneer of sorts who pursued a mechanical engineering degree at a time when only 10% of engineering students were women.

But did you know she’s also an avid gamer who plays World of Warcraft?

Professor Hsu talked about these things and more when she spoke to more than 70 Clark College students, faculty and staff at the Spring Student of Color Luncheon on April 25.

The free event is presented each term by Clark’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Multicultural Student Affairs. It provides opportunities for students to be encouraged by inspiring stories, meet faculty and new friends, consider different career paths, and identify community resources and potential mentors.

Professor Hsu shared her story and her lessons learned and shared tips to help students navigate college. She grew up in Taiwan, where she attended school seven days a week. When she was in high school, her family emigrated to Houston, Texas. She didn’t speak English, but thanks to her high school’s ESL classes, she learned.

Recognizing her aptitude to working with her hands, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Before her teaching career, she was an engineer at various companies including Chevron, Motorola and Hewlett-Packard. In her work, she traveled to many countries and experienced diverse cultures.

Now in her 13^th year of teaching at Clark, she also co-directs NERD Girls and other STEM outreach in the community.

She encouraged students to “find opportunities whenever possible. Get involved.”

Professor Hsu’s advice to students:

• Design is a process. It takes a team.
• Join clubs on campus and get involved to make connections.
• Get to know your professors, who know about opportunities and can write recommendation letters.
• Join a study group and make friends; encourage each other to keep going.

Her words of wisdom:

• “If you tell me ‘no,’ I’m going to show you that I can.”
• “Your reputation follows you, so do a good job.”
• “There’s nothing you can do about the past, but you can change the future.”

Fun Facts about Professor Hsu:

• She is an inventor who holds two U.S. patents.
• She is an avid gamer. In World of Warcraft, she is a warlock.
• She commutes to campus via bus and listens to audiobooks; she has listened to 377 audiobooks.
• Her favorite genre is fantasy; favorite authors include Brendon Sanderson and Neil Gaiman.

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish

More than 125 people attended the Black Student and Family Fair in Gaiser Student Center on April 15. Although most students were of high school age, middle school and elementary students also attended. It was the first time Clark College held this event, a partnership of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Guided Pathways.

This free event was designed to introduce Black students of all ages, their families and community to Clark College as a pathway to college, careers and beyond. Students and their families attended workshops, learned about Running Start, programs at Clark and career opportunities. Elementary and middle school students visited the college’s STEM Building and attended a workshop by Girls Inc. Students also learned about community resources available through WorkSource Vancouver, Gear Up, NAACP and more.

Speakers included Clark College President, Dr. Karin Edwards, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Michelle Cruse and guest musician and keynote speaker, Chibia.

The event also celebrated the unique experiences of Black culture through food, music and the arts.

“It was a joy to have Black students and their families on campus in an intentional space of belonging,” said Nicole Harris, Director of Student Equity and Inclusion. “The fair provided a cultural representation for the Black community through art, dance, music and storytelling.”

Entertainment included SEI Elite Dancers: Cuff It Challenge (center bottom photo) and a Kid Zone featuring face painting and games (Nikki Brown Clown, far right photo). Students received Clark College swag bags and had a chance to win door prizes and gift baskets. Light breakfast, lunch and refreshments were catered by Ja’Das Soul Eatz.

For some students, it was their first visit to Clark College or any college campus. Harris said, “A few students and family members told me it was their first time on campus, and that it was beautiful.”

Photos provided by Rosalba Pitkin and Amy Tam.