[ [

January 10-11: Vagina Monologues AuditionsYVCC will host auditions for The Vagina Monologues from 4:00-7:00pm in Kendall Hall Auditorium. Faculty, staff, and students, as well as community members, are encouraged to attend. No previous acting experience is necessary. For more information: 574.4822.

January 11: Women’s Basketball Home GameCome cheer for the Yak’s as they battle Big Bend Community College. This game will be held in Sherar Gym at 6:00pm. For a complete list of upcoming athletic events visit www.yvcc.edu/athletics.

January 11: Grazing Arid Lands-An Ecological ViewYVCC Biology Instructor Dr. Matthew Loeser hosts a lecture on Grazing Arid Lands – An Ecological View. Dr. Loeser will be discussing findings from his research as well as summarizing other ecological research addressing livestock grazing in arid lands. This event will be held at 7:00pm in Glenn Anthon Hall Room 215 and is free and open to the public. For more information: 574.4869.

January 24: Brown Bag Lunch SeriesJoin YVCC’s Business Club for a brown-bag lunch at 12:30pm in the Parker Room. Featuring Colleen Malmassari, business assurance senior and recruiting coordinator and Cathy Sterbenz, senior account manager from Moss Adams; this event will provide accounting majors and those interested in accounting with information regarding professional opportunities and educational pathways. For more information: 574.4904.

January 26: Yakima’s Best Singer ContestASYVCC will host Yakima’s Best Singer Contest at 7:00pm in Kendall Hall Auditorium. The event offers students and community members of all ages the chance to compete for the title of Yakima’s Best Singer. Tickets cost $2 and can be purchased at the door. Auditions for the competition will be held January 17 & 18 from 4:00-6:00pm in the Martin Luther King Room. For more information: 574.4775.

February 1: Faculty Lecture SeriesThe Faculty Lecture Series continues with Geology Instructor David Huycke. His lecture, Exploring the Geology of the American Southwest will be held in the Parker Room at 7:00pm. This event is free and open to the public. The series continues on February 29 with Anthropology Instructor Chris Landreau. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/calendar.

February 4: Jeans & Jewels GalaThe Larson Gallery Guild, in partnership with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, presents the annual Jeans & Jewels Gala. The fundraising event features gourmet hors d’oeuvres, live music, and entertainment. The cost is $65 per person. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.com.

February 8: Geology of Cowiche CanyonYVCC’s Biology Department, in partnership with the Cowiche Canyon Conservatory, presents David Huycke. His talk Geology of Cowiche Canyon, will be held at 7:00pm in Glenn Anthon Hall Room 215. This event is free and open to the public. The series continues on February 28 with Dr. David James. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/calendar.

February 11-March 31: From the Ground UpThe Larson Gallery hosts From the Ground Up, featuring clay and mixed media works by Jan Crocker, Renee Adams, Ruth Allan, Rachel Dorn, Carole DeGrave, Mike Hiler, Lisa Nappa, Carolyn Nelson, Mardis S. Nenno, Greg Pierce, Steve Robinson, and Delma Tayer. Opening reception is Saturday, February 11, from 3:00-5:30pm. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.com.

February 13-18: Celebrating V-Day 2012YVCC hosts V-Week beginning February 13 with displays, lectures, and workshops to raise awareness about violence against women and children. The Vagina Monologues will also be performed with three productions on February 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30pm in Kendall Hall Auditorium. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/calendar.

Calendar

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Produced by YVCC Community RelationsNiki Hopkins & Stefanie MenardPublished January 2012

If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact us:Yakima Valley Community CollegeOffice of Community RelationsPO Box 22520 • Yakima, WA 98907-2520email: publications@yvcc.edu / 509.574.4646

Contents3 President’s Letter

4 Campus News

5 YVCC Foundation

6 Larson Gallery

7 Annual Report

9 Student Highlights

11 Athletics

13 Sharing Good News

14 Adventures in Mongolia

On the CoverYVCC student Brian Michener is enrolled in classes on YVCC’s Grandview Campus. He is pursuing his interest in agriculture by earning an associate of science degree in agribusiness. Michener has a unique opportunity to work in the industry while completing his studies. Owned and operated by the Michener family, Bill’s Berry Farm in Grandview, Washington strives to use sustainable agricultural practices to keep the farm in production for years to come. For more information about Bill’s Berry Farm visit www.billsberryfarm.com.

YVCC Student GovernmentGrandview Student Council and Associated Students of YVCC officers gather for a quick photo in front of the new college/city library. Read more about the grand opening celebration on page 4.

Board of Trustees: James Carvo • Paul McDonald • Robert Ozuna • Lisa Parker • Patricia Whitefoot

Sincerely,

Linda Kaminski, Ed.D.President

Campus News

As fall quarter quickly comes to a close, I am amazed at how much we have accomplished in ten weeks. Our fall quarter began with the long-awaited opening of the Grandview Library that has completely transformed the Grandview Campus. It is a beautiful structure that will provide information resources for YVCC students and lower valley residents of all ages for many years to come. Once classes were under way, we were very busy preparing for our October accreditation visit. After three days of meetings with our eight evaluators from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and several years of preparation, we were elated to hear how impressed they were with our college and our ability to fulfill our mission. We look forward to sharing more information about our report in the next issue of the Campus Update. Because evaluation for accreditation is a continuous process of institutional improvement, we have already begun preparation for our Year One Report. In this issue of the Campus Update we have included our Annual Report. The report includes information about our priorities and goals as well as information about the students we serve and how we allocate our resources. During the fall quarter, we had many exciting events and examples of the successes of our talented students. Many of these are highlighted in this issue of the Campus Update. We welcome your participation in our ongoing activities, which include athletic events, exhibits at the Larson Gallery, lecture series, music concerts, and our theatre productions. As always, we thank you for your support and commitment to our thousands of students who depend on us to reach their educational goals and begin their careers in our valley.

[ [

President’s Message

Board of Trustees: James Carvo • Paul McDonald • Robert Ozuna • Lisa Parker • Patricia Whitefoot

Grandview LibraryThe grand opening ceremony for the new joint college/city library on the Grandview Campus was held in September. More than 100 people gathered to celebrate this milestone. YVCC President Dr. Linda Kaminski spoke to the excited group, noting the rich history of collaboration between the college and the city of Grandview. Since the beginning, the city has partnered with YVCC to assist in the continued growth of the campus. This most recent addition was made possible through a state matching grant. The matching funds were acquired through federal grants, most notably a $600,000 Hispanic-serving Institutions Assisting Communities grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Grandview community and donors throughout the Yakima Valley also contributed to make this project a reality. The building was designed by Yakima architectural firm, Brockway, Opfer, Raab, Architecture and built by Blew’s Construction of Spokane.

Vesta GrantThe Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) housed at Missouri State University received a four-year, $4.99 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish VESTA as a National Center of Excellence. VESTA is a NSF funded partnership between the Missouri State University system, two year colleges throughout America, state agriculture agencies, and vineyards and wineries with a 21st century vision for education in grape growing and winemaking. YVCC is a subawardee of the grant and will be the VESTA representative from Washington State. YVCC will receive approximately $50,000 per year over the next four years. This grant gives the YVCC Vineyard and Winery Technology program the opportunity to continue converting its program to deliver education online. Participating in the grant as a member of VESTA will also expand the visibility of YVCC’s program across the state and nation.

4

Above left: Dignitaries gather at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Grandview Library. From left to right: Grandview Campus Dean Bryce Humpherys, YVCC Board Members Lisa Parker, Paul McDonald, and Robert Ozuna, Representative Bruce Chandler, YVCC President Linda Kaminski, Grandview City Administrator Cus Artega, Miss Grandview Royal Court, Grandview Mayor Norm Childress, and members of Grandview’s city council. Above right: Jesse Joseph Humpherys explores the children’s section of the new library.

Aerospace GrantYVCC, along with 12 other Washington Community and Technical Colleges (CTC) will share $1.58 million in Governor’s Investment in Aerospace (GIA) grants. The Governor’s discretionary Workforce Investment Act and state aerospace training monies fund the GIA grants designed to assist CTCs in developing new training in aerospace industry-identified areas. The CTCs collaborated and formed the Aerospace Consortium for Employment in response to this opportunity. The consortium’s mission is to meet urgent workforce needs with short-term training programs in the areas of precision machining, machine maintenance, fiber optics, and quality assurance/inspection. The consortium worked with The Boeing Company to identify areas of immediate need and developed two-to-six month training programs to meet those needs. Fund allocation varies among the thirteen schools. YVCC received $38,600 for the 2011-2012 academic year and is offering precision machining in partnership with the Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center.

[ [Community

Helps Student Alicia Cikauskas Succeed

Grants from the US Department of Education have helped the YVCC Foundation to build its endowment for student scholarships. Currently the college is the recipient of a Title V Grant that began in 2007. The focus of the grant is to expand educational opportunities and improve the completion of degrees for students. During this grant period YVCC allocated $575,000 to the Foundation’s endowment. A match project, the Foundation was responsible for collecting donations to match the funding given from the US Department of Education in yearly increments of $115,000. Off to a good start, the Foundation collected over $306,000 during the first year and continued to collect funds successfully for the next three years. Now in the fifth and final year, the Foundation has collected all of the needed funds for this match project, one-year earlier than was required. The more than $1,150,000 will generate investment income that will be allocated for student scholarships for years to come.

YVCC Foundation

YVCC Student Alicia Cikauskas is grateful for the support she has received from the YVCC Foundation. Attending YVCC for two years, the nineteen-year-old sophomore has received scholarships for the past two years totaling $4,000. “The YVCC Foundation has helped me a lot,” stated Alicia Cikauskas. “I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be a full-time student without the funding that I received from them. I also would not be as far along in my coursework,” she continued. Alicia has a love of art, and plans to find a way to incorporate it into her daily life. She also has an interest in radiologic science and is considering attending the radiology program when she finishes her prerequisite courses. Incorporated in July 1977, the Foundation’s primary goal is to provide scholarships for students. They award approximately $150,000 in scholarships annually. In the past 34 years the Foundation has helped students accomplish their goals by awarding over 4,200 scholarships totaling more than $2.4 million. The YVCC Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 academic year. Applications will be accepted until March 15. Representing more than 125 donors, the Foundation will award scholarships to full-time YVCC students in late May. For scholarship information visit www.yvcc.edu/scholarships. Interested in becoming a donor? Please contact the YVCC Foundation at 574.4645.

Title V Grant Provides Opportunities for Students

The YVCC Foundation honored Mr. Joe Batali, Jr. with the 2011 Director of the Year Award. Batali joined the Foundation in 1995. During his time on the board he has been active in all scholarship activities including rating scholarship applications and awarding them at the annual award ceremony. In addition, Batali currently serves as Chair of the Awards Committee, and for the past several years he has presented the Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching Award and the Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Award during YVCC’s annual commencement ceremony. Since 2009 he has served as the Foundation’s vice president. In addition to his work with the YVCC Foundation, Batali has also served as secretary of the YVC Corporation for several years.

2011 Director of the Year Award

Alicia Cikauskas

Joe Batali, Jr.

Larson GalleryJourneys Without Maps Exhibit

6

The Larson Gallery’s Cultural Education Extension Program (CEEP) continues to grow its educational outreach through the work of Gallery Director Cheryl H. Hahn. A partnership between the Larson Gallery and Educational Service District 105 (ESD), the CEEP is designed to enhance the educational experience of high school students in the Yakima Valley by providing opportunities to learn about the arts and career paths in art-related fields. Three CEEP sessions have been scheduled for this academic year. The first event was held in November and allowed 30 area students to meet with Yakima artists Duane Heilman and Brian Holtzinger. The students also visited the artists’ studios where they observed live painting demonstrations and talked with artists about career pathways following high school.

This September the Larson Gallery featured an exhibition titled Journeys Without Maps, which included multimedia works by long-time Yakima artists Ann Marta Bowker and Sue Grimshaw. Inspired by their life journeys, both creatively and personally, Bowker and Grimshaw displayed paintings, drawings, fiber works, garments, and jewelry. In addition, the exhibit highlighted illustrated travel journals by Kathy LaFetra, YVCC student services program coordinator. LaFetra’s work offered a different type of “journey” by showcasing her 40 years of world exploration. Ten journals were included; all of which were filled with text and renderings and were “painted” with graphite, watercolor, ink, and color pencil. “Since high school I’ve traveled all over the world, seeing 56 countries, all seven continents, and the seven

Cultural Education Extension Program

seas,” states Kathy LaFetra. “I’ve crossed both the Arctic and the Antarctic Circles. I’ve trekked up to 18,500 feet altitude in Nepal and down to 1,240 feet below sea level at the Dead Sea in Israel,” she continued. Although she always had a destination in mind, what she found in a particular location was always a surprise, and always inspired her. “Journeys without maps are the ones that make a difference, the only ones that matter: the mother and her children at the youth hostel, escaping the terror of war in their hometown; the encounter on the with a bear on the trail who wouldn’t let me pass; the soldier grabbing at my clothes; the 4000 year old, red-headed, fair-skinned mummy in the middle of China; the camel ride through endless desert; ...These are the journeys we can’t forget, these are the journeys that require us to draw and paint and stitch and sew - to connect across all boundaries. These are the journeys that matter, the journeys without maps - these are the true travel; these are the true art,” concluded LaFetra. Ultimately, the show evidenced a creative fusion of process and idea; however, the chosen title for the exhibition came from the artists themselves; for at the heart of their art making has been their willingness to begin without a plan or a “map” for what is to take shape.

2004 Travel Journal by Kathy LaFetra

Cultural Education Extension Program 2011

In February, under the direction of Hahn, students will help install artwork for the ESD and Allied Arts Show. Participants will learn about the use of art gallery tools and installation techniques such as: eye level, theme, and label copy. Students will also gain more in-depth knowledge about museum practices including exhibit installation and the role of the preparator in the museum field. In April, students will tour the art department and museum of culture and environment at Central Washington University. They will also have the opportunity to observe the artist Joan Cawley Crane as she shares her ideas and technical approaches to her work. The CEEP initiative is part of the Larson Gallery’s commitment to arts education in the Yakima community. Other outreach opportunities include ongoing school tours in the Gallery, and presentations in local elementary and higher education classrooms. The Larson Gallery also works closely with YVCC instructors to enhance each student’s educational experience through the discovery of and interaction with ongoing art exhibitions.

YVCC embraces its role as both a provider of higher education and an employer, and actively seeks partnerships to provide opportunities for the economic, social, and cultural development of our external and internal communities.

• • • YVCC partners with P-12 institutions to promote college readiness, and collaborates with higher education institutions to promote transfer and shared programing for students to complete their degrees and certificates. • • • Through YVCC’s strong partnerships with business and community organizations, YVCC students have the opportunity to gain work experience through clinical placements, internships, and on-the-job-training. • • • YVCC enriches the life of the Yakima Valley through a variety of events and activities for our students and community members including hosting musical concerts, drama productions, lecture series, athletic events, and Larson Art Gallery exhibits. • • • YVCC has over 200 community representatives who serve on advisory committees for our Workforce Education programs.

YVCC provides learner-centered environments with a focus on its diverse students, providing a foundation for lifelong learning, resulting in student achievement of educational goals through completion of courses, certificates, and degrees.

YVCC increases access through programs and services that address the diverse challenges, learning styles, goals, and schedules of students in the district.

• • • 85% of incoming students participate in mandatory new student orientation with 76% of students reporting that YVCC was their first choice for college. • • • The Office of Outreach and Multicultural Services provided over 10,824 interactions focused on early outreach to middle and high school students, parents and community events, and visits to YVCC. The efforts are funded by the Title V Hispanic-serving Institution Grant.• • • YVCC offers classes on the Yakima and Grandview campuses and at our multiple learning centers throughout our district. These classes are available during the day, evening or weekend in a traditional classroom environment or through online or interactive TV.

• • • The annual survey of YVCC students indicated that 92% of students report the college is helping them meet their educational goals.• • • Fall to winter retention rates have increased from 77% in 2003-04 to 80% in 2010-11. • • • 79% of students successfully complete the courses they attempt.

Yakima Valley Community College offers services throughout Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat counties.

Mission StatementYakima Valley Community College enriches and enhances individuals and communities by delivering accessible, student-centered education. YVCC addresses the needs of our diverse communities by providing learning opportunities in basic literacy; academic, professional, and technical education; and lifelong learning.

Annual ReportCommunity

Access

Success

Data for this report provided by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, the Budget Office, the Financial Aid Office, and the Office of Outreach and Multicultural Services. Sources include: State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Annual Report, Data Warehouse, Achieving the Dream, and YVCC’s Title V Grant Report.

Grants and Waivers$15,176,816

62%

Student Loans$6,569,483

27%

Work Study$712,640

3%

Scholarships$1,083,468

4%

Outside Agency$1,069,157

4%

State Operating Funds

$19,037,45274%

Local Funds$588,701

2%

Tuition$6,056,991

24%

Federal Grants$2,139,236

37%

State Grants$2,063,299

35%

Local $1,616,136

28%

State & Federal Grants & Contracts 2010-2011Total $5,818,671

Financial Aid 2010-2011Total $24,611,564

Operating Resources 2010-2011Total $25,683,144Annual Data 2010-2011

Enrollment10,608 Annual Headcount 4,792 Full-time Equivalent

Course Type38% Academic30% Professional/Technical21% Basic Skills11% Developmental Course Type by Full-Time Equivalent

Student Population59% Students of Color37% Male63% FemaleThe average age is 28 years Student Population by Headcount

Graduating Class of 2011840 total degrees and certificates awarded 671 degrees; associate of arts, business, science 92 certificates; more than 45 credits 77 certificates; less than 45 credits

Employees316 Full-Time Employees 36% Faculty 45% Classified 11% Exempt/Professional 8% Administrative

Capital Projects 2010-2011 Grandview Campus College/city of Grandview Library Construction

Hispanic-serving InstitutionSince 2002 YVCC has been designated as a Hispanic-serving Institution by the United States Department of Education based on the high percentage of students who are low-income and of Hispanic decent. With this designation, YVCC was awarded three Title V grants. The grants allow the college to strengthen the institution for all students and provided support to the faculty.

At a Glance

Student ScholarshipsStudents[ [

This November YVCC’s Tiin-Ma Club celebrated National American Indian Heritage Month. This year President Obama issued the annual proclamation to celebrate the contributions of the American Indians and urge the peoples of the United States to learn more about American Indian cultures. Tiin-Ma invited the Wapato Indian Club to host a special performance that demonstrated American Indian sign language. The group performs traditional and non-tradition Native dances, and works to preserve American Indian traditions.

This fall ASYVCC collaborated with the Christian’s United, Veteran’s and Circle K student clubs, as well as YVCC’s Business Office and Basic Skills Division, the Union Gospel Mission, Acts 20:24 Ministries, and Yakima Kiwanis Club to help the families of YVCC students in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. These individuals worked hard to provide food items for eight needy families to complete their thanksgiving meal. “This project and these gifts have made a great impact on the lives of our students in both the receiving and the giving,” stated Roxanne Baca, student life program assistant. “Thank you to everyone that helped this year to collect food and money donations, and package and deliver the baskets,” concluded Baca.

YVCC hosted its 2nd annual Sustainability Day this October. This event grew from last year, bringing local agencies such as Yakima Waste Systems, Yakima Arboretum, Valley Cycle and Fitness, Bob Hall’s Chevrolet, Coca Cola Bottling Company, Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, and the Yakima Environmental Learning Foundation to campus to raise awareness about sustainability. Students and community members were able to view green alternatives to conventional transportation, including a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. The event gave a snapshot of how transportation, restoration and conservation of natural resources, and recycling are critical issues surrounding sustainability.

YVCC, along with the 34 community and technical colleges statewide, celebrates Adult Literacy Week each October. Originally designated by Governor Gregoire in 2005, YVCC has continued to acknowledge literacy champions in our community each year. YVCC honored the law offices of Talbott, Simpson, and Davis in Yakima as the 2011 Literacy Champion for their support of I-BEST student Maria Lopez-Rodriguez. Hoping to provide better opportunities for her family, Maria enrolled in YVCC’s Business Technology Program in January 2010. She excelled in her classes and earned two certificates, Business Technology Office Skills I and Business Technology Office Skills II. During this time, she also had the opportunity to intern at Talbott, Simpson and Davis. After the internship she was offered a job as a receptionist at the firm. With their support, she is continuing her education while working part-time. She is pursuing her associate’s degree in criminal justice and will graduate in June 2013.

YVCC Department of Music celebrated the holidays with its traditional Madrigal Feaste. Directed by Dr. Scott Peterson, music instructor, the Madrigal Feaste is a medieval themed dinner theatre. First appearing at YVCC in 1988, the event has a long-standing tradition of entertaining guests and bringing together students, staff, and faculty. Included in the festivities are comedy, holiday carols, and a brass ensemble performed by the YVCC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. In addition, this year’s event features opera music performed by guest artists from the Yakima Valley Light Opera Company, and was held for the first-time off campus at The Seasons Performance Hall. Individuals attending were treated like royalty by indulging in a delicious traditional English holiday meal fit for a king and queen.

Yakima Valley Community College and the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) are creating opportunities for students of the Yakima Valley. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-premedical field and want to become a physician have the option to take courses at YVCC that will satisfy prerequisites for entry to PNWU medical school. Anna Hackenmiller always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but was concerned about the time and money it would take to attend medical school. After high school, Anna attended Shoreline Community College and Eastern Washington University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. After working at Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic for several years, Anna decided that she could help more people as a doctor. “I’ve always had the ambition to become a doctor. As I got older, I realized that I still had the option of pursuing my dream, and learned that YVCC offered all of the prerequisite courses I needed,” stated Hackenmiller. In the summer of 2009, Anna enrolled at YVCC. “I feel like everything fell into place for me to pursue this degree. Being able to attend YVCC made the entire process tremendously easier. The small class size, location, and cost were huge factors in choosing to attend YVCC instead of a university. It was also beneficial to be able to meet with faculty during office hours. I would not have made the choice to return to school this late in life without YVCC offering this option for me,” she continued. Involved in campus life, Anna also helped establish a student Pre-Med Club and served as its president. She finished her coursework in the spring of 2011 and took the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). “I am incredibly impressed with the level of academics of the science faculty at YVCC. I felt completely prepared for the MCAT test,” she concluded. Following the test, Anna was accepted to PNWU and will begin in August of 2012. She will graduate in 2016 and hopes to continue to work with the Farmworkers Clinic. Another student who is taking advantage of this opportunity is Alana Lautensleger. Completing her first quarter at YVCC, Alana is impressed with YVCC’s science program. A graduate of the University of Washington, Lautensleger holds two bachelor’s degrees; one in forest ecology and one in environmental studies. Working seasonally since graduation, Alana decided to return to school. She began exploring possibilities and realized that her love for science would help her in achieving a lifelong goal of attending medical school. “It didn’t make sense to go to a four-year school to take these courses when we have such an amazing science program right here at YVCC,” stated Lautensleger. “Taking courses at a community college is a better option for students because you can communicate more personally with faculty. If I were to take these courses at a university, I would be sitting in an auditorium full of students, which isn’t conducive to my learning style,” she continued. Once her prerequisite courses are completed, Alana plans to apply to medical school at PNWU. She hopes to work in the medical field in the Yakima Valley. For more information contact Dr. Mazhari; smazhari@yvcc.edu, 574.4887 or Dr. Shean; bshean@yvcc.edu, 574.4865 for advising.

Yakima Rotary Award Scholarships to YVCC Students 10

Students Take Advantage of YVCC Science Opportunities

Above left: Alana Lautensleger in YVCC’s biology lab. Above right: Anna Hackenmiller works on a lab assignment during Dr. Mazhari’s chemistry class.

One of Yakima Valley Community College’s volleyball stars is sophomore Tori Farias. A local player from Yakima’s Eisenhower High School, Tori choose YVCC to stay close to family. “I have really enjoyed my experience at YVCC,” states Tori Farias. “The friendships that I developed on the court carried over into the classroom. I went to the NWAACC Tournament as a freshman and had such a great experience that I wanted to come back and play with Coach Al Rogers, Coach Nikki Morozzo, and the girls my sophomore year,” she continued. After a successful first season with the Yaks, Farias married and moved to Oahu, Hawaii where he husband is stationed. Making the decision to come back for her sophomore year was positive for Farias. “I have learned a lot from Coach Al and Coach Nikki, not just on the court, but lessons that will help me in my life,” she concluded. Committed to success both on and off the court, Farias was named to the NWAACC All-Star Team and received honors as a member of the 2011 NWAACC All-Academic Team. She is working toward a certificate in dental assisting.

Tori Farias

[ [Athletics

With a number of players returning after a third place finish at last year’s NWAACC Championship Tournament, the 2010-2011 women’s volleyball team looked forward to this season. Starting off the fall with great league play, the team recently wrapped up a successful season with an overall record of 24 wins and 11 loses and another appearance at the NWAACC Championship Tournament. Highlights of the season included a 3-0 sweep of #1 ranked Spokane on their court and a tournament win led by Tori Farias and Danielle Najera at the Whatcom Invitational. Farias was named MVP of the tournament and she and teammate Danielle Najera were also named to the All-Tournament Team.

SoccerIn his third year as Head Coach for YVCC’s Women’s Soccer Program Jake Sagare led his team to their first NWAACC playoffs under his leadership. They ended regular season play 10-5-0 in the Eastern Region and 12-6-1 overall despite an unusual amount of injuries sustained by players throughout the season. “This year was a true indication of what hard work can get you,” stated Sagare. “The team overcame injuries and different positional roles to give our team a consistent winning run at the end of the season,” he continued. “The team should feel proud of reaching the playoffs after falling short in the 2010 season,” he concluded. Also coaching the Yaks again this season was Assistant Coach Tammy Vela. “As a coaching staff we truly enjoyed the player’s enthusiasm and hard work,” stated Vela. “We will miss the sophomores next season, but have a very strong core of returning players who will no doubt provide leadership to the incoming recruits,” she continued. Individual players were recognized for their efforts this season including All-Eastern Region Team members Chelsea Nell, Amanda Freisz, and Elizabeth Figueroa. Player Katy Allen was named to the 2011 NWAACC All-Academic Team. Allen, along with teammate Michelle Galvan, was also nominated for the NWAACC All-Star Team.

Volleyball

Briana Mares

Amanda Freisz

12

Amid academics, practices, and competitions the YVCC athletic department constantly strives to find time to aid the community and serve the youth of the valley. “The community service aspect does not only serve to enhance a student-athlete’s college experience, but also serves to expand character,” states Cody Butler, head coach of YVCC’s women’s basketball program. “Events, such as our basketball camp for youth with special needs, provide opportunities for our athletes to gain a strong sense of self-worth and also experience personal satisfaction and growth from volunteering and making a difference in another person’s life,” he continued. “Also important are the benefits that the community receives. Voluntarism enables both the college and the community to gain an enormous advantage by creating an appreciation that they have a “partnership” with the Yakima Valley Community College athletes,” concluded Butler. The women’s basketball team also volunteered with the Yakima Valley Hearing & Speech Center this fall. They assisted with the Dr. Dale Miller Reception and Room Dedication hosted by the center to honor the contribution Dr. Miller made to the Yakima Valley community. The team then served as hosts and sold raffle tickets during the For Love of Food and Fashion event held at Gasperetti’s Restaurant. The fundraiser was a success and the women’s team was a great help. The team also walked in the Veteran’s Day parade with the YVCC’s Teachers of Tomorrow student club. The basketball season kicked off in November. Come watch the Yaks play in Sherar Gym. Schedules are available online at www.yvcc.edu/athletics.

Yaks Volunteering in Our Community

The Yaks finished league play in 4th place qualifying for tournament play. “We had a good year,” stated Head Coach Al Rogers. “The team was impressive at the NWAACC Tournament. They were the shortest team there and played well,” he concluded. YVCC finished in a four-way tie for 5th place. Coach Rogers, in his 23 season with the Yaks, also recognized the key role of Assistant Coach Nikki Morozzo. A former Yak, who played for Rogers, Morozzo was instrumental in the continued success of this year’s team. Individual players recognized for their outstanding efforts included NWAACC All-Academic Team members Tori Farias, Traci Schweyen, and Raini Weaver. Players Tori Farias and Danielle Najera were selected as members of the NWAACC All-Star Team.

YVCC Women’s Volleyball Team

Women’s Basketball Players sell raffle tickets at the Yakima Valley Hearing & Speech Center fundraiser.

Veteran’s Day Parade

Volleyball

The Facility Operations Department has teamed up with first quarter biology students to make our campus a cleaner, healthier place for everyone. Environmental Safety, Health and Security Manager Patrick Amato has been working with Biology Instructor Jeremy Buegge’s classes to sample surfaces in the buildings for microbes. The results of student experiments are then shared with Facility Operations staff to better inform their approach to cleaning.

Congratulations to English Instructor Joy Clark. Clark recently received the Two-Year College English Association (TYCA) Pacific Northwest Lisa Ede Teaching Excellence Award. TYCA recognizes two individuals annually for outstanding teaching in honor of Lisa S. Ede’s leadership and contributions to teaching throughout our region.

Security Officer Jeff Cornwell recently received the Golden Plunger Award. The award is given quarterly by the Facilities Operations Department to a deserving staff member. Cornwell was recognized for his dedication to his job and for always lending a helping hand.

Faculty Director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness Wilma Dulin and Research Analyst Shelia Delquadri’s article titled, Using Data to Enlist Faculty Members in Strategic Enrollment Management, was recently published in the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

The English Department, led by cochairs Dodie Forrest and Dan Peters, hosted a successful joint conference, entitled Harvest, with the Two-Year College Association-Pacific Northwest and the Pacific Northwest Writing Centers Association this past October. Over 120 people attended the event featuring presenters from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.

Art History Instructor David Lynx recently received certification as a primordial sound meditation instructor from Chopra Center University. This certification, which course study included ancient Vedic texts, will be used to enhance his Asian art history class.

Instructional and Classroom Support Technician Denise Moore and YVCC student Crystal Elliott were recently awarded competitive scholarships to attend the National Association of Vet Techs of America conference in Washington DC. This leadership conference was attended by veterinary technicians and students from across the country.

Congratulations to Jeff Morrow on his award as the Summer 2011 Classified Employee of the Quarter. Morrow is a Grounds and Nursery Specialist VI for the Facilities Operations Department. Beginning at the college in 2000, Jeff is now the lone full-time employee tasked with taking care of the Yakima Campus grounds. “I maintain the campus landscape and irrigation system, and work hard to keep the campus looking nice for the students and staff. It’s nice to have your peers appreciate your effort and hard work,” stated Morrow.

YVCC Dental Hygiene Coordinator and Instructor Cheri Podruzny was recently selected to present her research paper The Predictive Validity of Critical Thinking Skills on Dental Hygiene Student Performance at the American Dental Association and DENTSPLY International’s Student Clinician Research Program in Las Vegas. Through DENTSPLY’s American Dental Hygienist Association Graduate Student Research Award Program, one graduate-level dental hygiene student is selected each year to present their research.

Congratulations to Andrea Simon on her award as the Fall 2011 Classified Employee of the Quarter. Andrea first began working at YVCC in 2006 as a work-study student, and then part-time before being hired as a Classroom and Instructional Tech II in the Writing Center in 2008. Her principle duties involve consulting with students about their work. “I have this little part of the world in the corner of Glenn Anthon Hall in which I get to hear and be a part of students‘ lives,” states Simon. “I have a blast working here, helping students, making friends with faculty and staff...Because I love my job I feel a little guilty being praised for doing it; however, I feel very honored to be chosen from among the many great employees of YVCC,” she concluded.

Jeff Morrow

Andrea Simon

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Staff from the Basic Skills Division launched the Bring Brenda Home project. What started with the sale of a few African handmade necklaces grew to a successful fundraiser led by Diane Buchanan. The group made over 600+ stuffed bunnies for an Easter sale, Monique McFadden graciously sold her watercolor prints and donated proceeds, and Leslie Eglin and Nancy Carr spearheaded a community yard sale. Many people also made cash donations. Through all of these efforts the group raised over $4,000 in less than three months. Brenda arrived in November and now resides with her adopted family in Bellingham.

The Washington State TRiO Association (WSTA) was recently recognized by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and honored with the State Excellence Award. Each year COE honors two state TRiO associations; one award for ‘Excellence’ at the state level, and one ‘Emerging Chapter’ award for making great strides towards becoming an excellent state association. WSTA earned the Emerging Chapter Award for having shown the most growth as an organization and was recognized for outstanding efforts in public relations and marketing, fund development, alumni organization, government relations, membership, leadership, and overall organization. YVCC’s TRiO Program began in 1978 and is a member of the Washington State TRiO Association.

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Imagine standing in a landscape of grassy, fenceless, rolling hills when a small band of horses appears and is driven from one horizon to the other by its stallion. Or imagine watching a herd of shaggy yak grazing, and then eating sweet, rich yak butter. My husband Andy, who is a horse veterinarian, and I went to Mongolia for just over three weeks in June/July of 2011. We spent 17 days visiting eight soums (counties) in the Arkhangai aimag (province) in central Mongolia, and five days in the capital city of Ulaan Baatar. We went to Mongolia to work with a non-governmental organization called Veterinary Education and Training Network (V.E.T.Net). V.E.T.Net developed out of the work of Christian Veterinary Mission that started in Mongolia in 1995, after the fall of Russian communism in 1991. V.E.T.Net currently employs 80 Mongolians, many of whom are veterinarians; there are eight long-term consultants from the United States that also work with V.E.T.Net, and many short-termers like us. Veterinary education and services in Mongolia are under-developed, in a country with more than 40 million livestock, three million people, and 30-40% of the population subsisting as nomadic herders. Both veterinarians and herders are eager to learn about parasites and other common diseases, as well as business principles. V.E.T.Net seeks to provide this education, as well as English instruction, pharmaceutical importation, and other projects.

Adventures in MongoliaBy Dr. Kelley Denome

Dr. Denome, an instructor in the Veterinary Technology Program at YVCC, was honored by the YVCC Foundation with the Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching Award in June. She used the monetary gift from the award for this journey.

Our countryside team included four Mongolians and the two of us. Our driver may have had the most important job-keeping us safe bouncing around in a 1950s Russian-made van that had to be pushed off the road twice before we left the capital city, and driving us on unmarked dirt tracks. There were two veterinarians that taught rural veterinarians and herders, and an accountant that taught business classes to both veterinarians and herders. Our job was to be the “hook” (Mongolians like westerners), and to teach herders and veterinarians. A typical day was 3-5 hours in the van, 1 or 2 training sessions, and consulting on clinical cases. In between, we drank lots of milk tea and some airag (fermented mare’s milk), ate real Mongolian BBQ and other interesting Mongolian foods, and listened to our teammates tell stories (mostly in Mongolian!) and sing Mongolian folk songs. Mongolia is a beautiful country, with wonderful traditions, hospitable people, and amazing livestock. The people are struggling to develop their infrastructure and economy, while preserving their culture and respecting the land. We are very grateful for the opportunity to serve and experience the land and people of Chinggis Khaan.

photos courtesy of Dr. Kelley Denome

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