Showing Petroglyph Festival SupportThousands of years ago, the Coso Shoshone people left their mark in the Mojave Desert in the form of stick figures and animals carved into rock faces. In November, Ridgecrest invited enthusiasts, nature lovers, history buffs, world travelers, students, and families far and wide to discover the magic and beauty of the High Desert during the first Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival. An estimated 15,000 attended the weekend event which included educational seminars, exhibits, petroglyph tours, an inter-tribal Powwow and Cherokee Hog Fry, and a street fair. Petroglyphs painted on the entry doors at the Ridgecrest campus showed college support and reminded students to participate in the event. Cerro Coso Anthropology Professor Dr. Sarah King gave a seminar that provided middle school students a magical walk through the natural and historic wonders of the desert and history of the area. Festival goers were also given the rare opportunity to visit the largest known concentration of petroglyphs in the western hemisphere located on the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station by guided tour and explore thousands of images left by the hunter-gatherer people who populated the regions in times past. Cerro Coso was a proud participant of the first Petroglyph and Heritage Festival.

Showing Petroglyph Festival Support 1Tributes and Celebrations Honor Veterans 1

College Joins Digital 395 Network 2Coyote Soccer Makes History 2

Library Welcomes Lulofs 3New Student Housing Scholarship at ESCC 3

ESCC Bids a Fond Farewell to Librarian 3Student’s BOO-gie! 4

KRVECF Holiday Gala 4Chapai Joins CDC 5

Note-ables - Fall Band Concert 5Foundation Dinner Celebrates 25 Years 6

DECEMBER 2014 CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Inside this Issue

Month Long Tributes and Celebrations Honor VeteransA variety of activities, films, and exhibits were held at the Ridgecrest campus and throughout the local community to celebrate veterans and service members during the month of November. To kick off Veterans month, Cerro Coso hosted a community screening of the movie The Hurt Locker followed by a question and answer session. An educational veteran book exhibit was on display in the college library and veterans, students, and faculty were encouraged to display pictures of veterans and share stories. Poster boards located in the college library encouraged veterans, families, and friends to share their responses to specific prompts. On Wednesday, November 19th the college hosted a free community screening of Ground Operations, a documentary and social campaign that champions the growing network of combat veterans who are transitioning into careers as sustainable farmers, ranchers, and artisan food producers. The college collaborated with the local library and community offering programs and projects that spark dialogue about the many important issues returning vets face. Cerro Coso pays tribute to all American veterans who served our country honorably during war or peacetime. Funding provided by the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation.

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Coyote Soccer Makes HistoryThe Women’s Soccer Team made history on November 4th with a 1-1 draw against the Victor Valley Rams! Victor Valley went up 1-0 in the 12th minute with a great give and go just 15 yards out. The Coyotes out-possessed them in the first half 60-40 percent, but with only 4 shots on goal to their 17. The second half was even better, as the Coyotes out-possessed them closer to 70-30, and had 7 shots on goal to their 13. Coyote Goalkeeper Lisa Wallace had a monumental game and kept the Coyotes in it for 90 minutes with 29 saves. This gave the Coyote’s center mid, Daisy Zajicek, the chance to get

the equalizer in the 88th minute with a fantastic shot off of a set piece (she was fouled) from 30 yards out. The ENTIRE team played their hearts out for 90 minutes, and left NOTHING on the pitch. The girls were absolutely thrilled, and erupted into an immediate celebration tantamount to a conference championship. This was the Coyotes FIRST EVER draw, and the coach chalked it up to a huge upset and a phenomenal victory. The Lady Coyotes demonstrated a significant amount of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, and this was quite literally a culmination of their hard work this year. YAY LADY COYOTES!

College Joins Digital 395 NetworkOn Friday November 21, the Ridgecrest and Eastern Sierra College Center campuses in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes were connected to the Digital 395 network, a high speed fiber optic cable that spans 530 miles from Barstow, California, to Carson City, Nevada. The 150 Gigabit per second fiber will provide high speed internet access to education, health care, business, libraries, and public safety entities all along U.S. Highway 395. For Cerro Coso the benefits include: fiscal savings, improved service in delivery of classes and student support to the remote sites, and the capacity to take advantage of emerging new instructional technologies. Fiscally the college will save an estimated $38,000 annually and increase capacity three fold. The impact of the new connections will be a noticed improvement in many areas and operations of the college. Cerro Coso delivers a number of classes

to and between the remote sites via interactive TV (ITV), and these classes require large amounts of bandwidth to maintain quality of the sound and picture and the new connection will ensure this quality. The college will also be able to consolidate a number of services back to a central location that will net a savings on hardware and licensing. The new higher capacity network will also allow faculty greater access to online multimedia streams. Cerro Coso will now have the network capacity to offer new and innovative virtual student support services. Staff will also notice an improvement in connecting to the college’s administrative systems, reducing the amount of time it takes to process students and other administrative tasks. However, the greatest impact of the new high speed network will be to the students as they research and study. Unfortunately, Cerro Coso’s site in Lake

Isabella was not included in this project due to the physical location of the fiber. However Kern Community College District and Cerro Coso IT Departments are currently in negotiations with the local providers to improve the connectivity to Kern River Valley and hope to have a faster connection in place early in the spring semester.

Lady Coyotes left to right: Lisa Wallace, Mary Jane Watschke, Beverlee Wood, Jessica Schrader, Daisy Zajicek, Lindsay Galipeault, Rana Khalifeh, Brianna Malone, Zaylee Armstrong, Marissa Morales, Jessica Morfin, and Jennylee January.

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Library Welcomes Lulofs

Kathryn (Kathy) Lulofs joined the staff of the Cerro Coso Library as a Library Technician II in October. Lulofs was most recently a substitute teacher at the Etiwanda School District and spent some time as a GED

Teacher for American Career College. Prior to that, she served as the school librarian at the Simmons Institute of Funeral Services while attending college in Syracuse, New York. “One of the more interesting positions I’ve held,” said Lulofs. She wants to make a difference in the lives of others, and loves working with students every day helping them to access library services, utilize resources, and provide research and resource assistance. A native of Southern California, Lulofs is the daughter of two college professors. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Azusa Pacific University and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University, New York. Lulofs is happy to be in Ridgecrest and is excited to be a part of the dynamic and creative library team at the college. Her future plans include settling down with her fiancé, Nick, and starting a family in a few years. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, biking, and running. Welcome Kathy to the Cerro Coso family!

Kathryn Lulofs, Library Technician II.

ESCC Bids a FondFarewell to LibrarianNancy Williard came on board as adjunct Librarian at ESCC back in fall 2010. Tasked with overseeing LRC operations at both the Bishop and Mammoth campuses, Nancy has worked tirelessly to scale out library instruction programming, network with ESCC faculty on integrating research into the curriculum, offer library workshops and professional development, and develop meaningful collections on local history, art, and local authors. In the 4½ years that Nancy has worked as the ESCC librarian, she has seen the LRCs expand to include vibrant Learning Assistance Centers. She has strengthened ties between the LRCs and the local communities by orchestrating book sales in collaboration with the local library and by coordinating art exhibits in the LRCs. Additionally, Nancy played a pioneering role in helping to scale out the embedded librarian program, assisting online students in over 20 sections in the past 2 years. ESCC English faculty Christine Abbott, remarking on Nancy’s role, stated: “Her work as embedded librarian in my courses has contributed towards students’ production of refined, college-level research projects and annotated bibliographies, and I will miss Nancy and her professional expertise (and delightful personality) greatly”. Nancy and her husband, Peter, bought a home in Hendersonville North Carolina (near Asheville) to be near family and she will be moving there permanently this December. She hopes to continue working in the library field, but is also considering working as a paralegal with skills and knowledge she has gained from working towards Cerro Coso’s Paralegal Studies certificate. Whatever she does, she will be greatly missed. We all wish her the best of luck and thank her for her service!

ESCC Librarian Nancy Williard retires.

New Student Housing Scholarshipat ESCC

The Mammoth Lakes Foundation (MLF) has announced a new housing scholarship opportunity for Inyo and Mono County high school graduates. The MLF Housing Scholarship will provide financial assistance by way of a monthly housing credit to local students who choose to live at South Gateway Student Apartments (SGSA) while attending classes at Cerro Coso Community College. The South Gateway Student Apartments are dormitories that sit adjacent to the Mammoth Lakes campus on Mammoth Lakes Foundation property. The new scholarship award equates to a forty-five percent discount on standard room rental rates. To be eligible, students must have graduated from an Inyo or Mono County high school within the past two years. There is a minimum enrollment requirement of six on-site units at Cerro Coso. Then, in order to maintain eligibility, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better and complete ten volunteer service hours for the Mammoth Lakes Foundation. As seen at the ESCC Mammoth Lakes campus, students who live in the South Gateway Student Apartments generally participate in more campus activities, take better advantage of campus resources, and are more involved in leadership experiences and community events. In general, they are more engaged. Dion Agee, MLF Executive Director, summed up the student housing experience when he commented, “Living locally provides a win-win college experience. Students get to stay close to home, move forward with their educational goals and still be a part of our community.” Those interested in applying should contact MLF Scholarship Manager Jill Keefer.

KRVECF Holiday Gala

The Kern River Valley Education and Cultural Foundation opened the holiday season on November 8th with the grandest gala of them all at the Masonic Lodge in Kernville. More than 70 attended the festive event which began with a meet and greet before dinner, followed by a silent auction for unique one-of-a-kind items. Kernville resident Roberta Piazza Gordon and husband Josh Gordon provided the evening’s musical entertainment along with Heidi Swedberg and ‘The Smoking Jackets’. KRV Campus Manager Lisa Stephens shared how the Foundation’s ongoing support has made a tremendous difference in the lives of students. Cerro Coso student Heather Bopp was presented with the first Rev. Chuck White Memorial Scholarship award. A single mother with three young daughters, Bopp was praised for persevering through

her struggles to pursue her education in Business Office Technology. She credited CCCC staff for guiding her in the right direction to make the ideal educational choices that would ultimately lead her to fulfil her dreams of a college education and securing a job that will allow her to contribute by utilizing the knowledge she gained as a result of her studies at the college. Kristhomas Snyder received the 2014 Clayton A. Witherow Academic Achievement Award. A member of the U.S. Army Reserves for the past 15 years, Snyder is working towards a Master’s Degree in Mathematics or Physical Sciences and currently works part-time in the college’s computer lab. He has maintained a 3.9 GPA in his last six semesters and also tutors fellow students. Active in student government, Snyder was named Student of the Year for the CCCC KRV campus in 2012-2013 and works part-time at the local hospital. KRVECF President Tim McGlew, CEO of the Kern Valley Healthcare District, emceed this year’s event and celebrated the Foundation’s achievements over the past year in raising funds that are used to enrich the lives of KRV residents through educational and cultural activities. Cerro Coso Community College thanks the KRVEC Foundation for their hard work and generous support!

-- Photo courtesy of the Kern Valley Sun

CCCC student Kristhomas Snyder, recipient of the 2014 Clayton A. Witherow Academic Achievement Award.

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Student’s BOO-gie!They had been waiting for just such a night. To practice their mayhem, mischief, and other such frights…. The Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) summoned spiders, bats, black cats, and more… to see what their dance had in store. The moon was full, the wind was chill…this Halloween event was quite the thrill! “Eye” balls, cocktails, and witches brew, some tasty snacks like a finger or two, welcomed all witches and creatures of fright as monsters, ghosts, and ghouls of all types haunted the halls throughout the night. Something evil lurked in the dark…enter the graveyard only if you dared…go past the ghosts to the Demon’s lair…hold on, hold on with all of their might…and do all they could to survive the night. Only those who were strong and brave and bold accepted the summons for a wicked good time on October 30th. It was a Halloween party with dancing, eating, and music all night. The bewitching hour had come at last and the costume party was a spooktacular blast.

Chapai Joins CDC Preparing nutritious meals and snacks for picky eaters is no easy task, but new Child Development Center Food Service Coordinator Renee Chapai is up for the challenge. Prior to joining the Cerro Coso team Chapai spent 2½ years preparing meals for Sierra Sands. “Nutrition is important to the growth and development of children, and if you provide them with the right nutrition early on they will learn at an early age what’s necessary for good health,” said Chapai. “I love feeding people and trying new recipes.” She hopes to someday manage her own kitchen and sees potential for a future business in providing local families with

healthy meals. “People spend a lot of money eating out because they are so busy and the food is not that healthy. As a personal chef I could help provide healthier choices,” she said. Chapai loves watching the children flourish in their studies and understanding and takes great pride in knowing her work plays a critical role in creating a healthy food environment. A single mother of three: Hunter (4), Peter (10), and Haley (17), Chapai runs a local reptile group in town, helping to provide public outreach education and volunteers at a local pet shop. Peas and carrots are yummy and good for you too – Welcome Renee!

Renee Chapai, Cerro Coso Child Development Center Food Service Coordinator.

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Note-ables –Fall Band Concert

The Cerro Coso Band presented their fall concert on Thursday, November 20. The concert featured Dr.Thomas Foggia as guitar soloist in the piece “Malaguena”, assisted by Simon Austin on trumpet and Bill Knehans on bass, accompanied by the band. Also featured was the work “A Hymn for the Lost and the Living” by Eric Ewazen; a professor at Julliard who experienced the events of September 11, 2001, first hand. This truly emotional piece was balanced by “Sinatra in Concert”, a wonderful collection of songs made famous by Frank Sinatra which of course included the song “New York, New York”. Rounding out the concert was movie music including that from NFL films and Danny Elfman’s “Alice in Wonderland,” memorable TV music, and great marches. Strike up the band - featured something for everyone!

Tehachapi Open HouseTehachapi residents were welcomed by college staff and administrators to the Cerro Coso Open House on Wednesday, November 5th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tehachapi Unified School District. Visitors were offered detailed information about Cerro Coso degree and certificate programs and were joined by admissions staff to help

students and parents navigate the admissions process and answer questions. Financial aid representatives provided details about grants, as well as the many academic scholarships available at the college. The Open House provides occasion to learn more about placement testing, academic advisement, and financial aid. “We look forward to having students and their families join us to learn about our academic programs and student support services,” said Campus Manager Kristen Hanle. Attending an Open House provides new and returning students a chance to discuss their educational goals with the help of several key student service components, including Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, and Counseling staff. “This event offers a perfect opportunity for anyone interested in CCCC to come and see what the college has to offer in Tehachapi, ask questions, and get all their priority registration requirements met in one day,” concluded Hanle. Student Success Starts HERE!

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The Coyote Howler is a publication of Cerro Coso Community College. For more information about the stories in this publication,

or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Information Manager, at 760-384-6260 or

email ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

About this Publication

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGECERRO COSO COLLEGEPORTERVILLE COLLEGE

FOUNDATION FEATURE

Foundation Dinner Celebrates 25 YearsThe 24th Annual Mammoth Lakes Foundation Friends of the Foundation Dinner took place on Saturday evening, November 8th, 2014. In a celebration of the first 25 years of the non-profit founded by Dave McCoy, honors were also bestowed to Roxanne Tallman as Founder of the Year and Chris Johnson as Volunteer of the Year. Guests were greeted by MLF staff, including new Executive Director Dion Agee, at Smokeyard in the Village at Mammoth. Evan Russell presented some of the Mammoth Lakes Foundation’s past history and Dion Agee bestowed the honor of 2014 Volunteer of the Year on Chris Johnson for three years of dedicated volunteering at various activities, including the Mammoth Food & Wine Experience, where last year he took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Originally from Big Bear, Chris has had many accomplishments while attending college in Mammoth

Lakes—obtaining his EMT Certificate may be his most proud moment here. Chris plans to attend Paramedic School in the near future. Juliana Olinka, Director of Development at MLF, presented the 2014 Founder of the Year award to Roxanne Tallman. Together with her husband, and ever since 2001 when she first got

involved with Mammoth Lakes Foundation, she has been a Diamond Partner as well as a Friend of the Foundation. She has attended and participated in numerous meetings, served on MLF Committees, sponsored and participated in their events, and willingly opens her home for activities. Dion Agee then introduced filmmaker Tim Ford, who shared with the crowd of nearly 100 attendees his efforts to bring a movie about Dave McCoy to the big screen. The evening concluded with a video message from Dave recorded just 30 hours earlier. McCoy, looking great and with his usual twinkle in full view, delightfully

regaled the audience, welcoming those in attendance, acknowledging their efforts toward MLF’s accomplishments to date, and looking forward to Mammoth Lakes Foundation serving the community for another 25 years! IT’S A DAVE MCCOY THING!

L to R: Roxanne Tallman, 2014 MLF Founder of the Year, and Chris Johnson, 2014 MLF Volunteer of the Year

Cerro Coso will be closed Dec. 24 - Jan. 4