REPOR T TO THE COMMUNIT Y - Cerro Coso Community College

REPOR T
TO THE
COMMUNIT Y
THE PATH TO SUCCESS
IS ALWAYS UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
President’s Message
Welcome to Cerro Coso
Community College’s 2015 Report
to the Community. As you review
this year’s report, I am sure you will
recognize the many ways in which
the College continues to make a
positive impact on the populations we
serve through education, workforce
training, and cultural activities.
Last year was a rollercoaster year
for our students and staff, with some
significant office moves, construction
projects, water restrictions, parking
relocations, and severe weather
conditions, joined with many uplifting victories and celebrations. It
was a time for resilience and resourcefulness on everyone’s part,
working together to manage expectations while enhancing educational
programs and services for students.
We are proud of our accomplishments in 2015 and eagerly look
forward to the challenges ahead. Academic achievement is high,
facility needs are being addressed, innovations in the classrooms and
practices to ensure student success are being shared both regionally
and nationally, and extra-curricular activities have increased, building
on the passions that provide our students with leadership skills that are
meaningful.
However simple or complicated the past, or uncertain the future,
our faculty and staff are committed to creating life-changing
educational opportunities and collaborative learning environments, that
keep us at the forefront of innovation in higher education, providing
the tools our students need to make a significant impact in the world.
Since the passage of Measure G by voters in 2002, CCCC has
embarked on an ambitious effort to update and enhance existing
facilities. In September, a $16M remodel project began on the main
building and parking lot at the Ridgecrest Campus that will result in
efficient and modern learning spaces that inspire creative thinking and
foster collaboration.
Yes, exciting changes are in the works at Cerro Coso Community
College. With the support of our partners and stake holders, CCCC will
continue to stimulate minds, ignite spirits, unleash imaginations, and
uncover talents through education. We are truly grateful for all those
who dedicate their time, resources, and talents to our students and look
forward to continued collaboration in the pursuit of excellence.
Jill Board
President
Kern Community
College District
Chancel l o r
Sandra V. Serrano
Board of Trus tees
President
Dennis Beebe
Vice President
Kay Meek
Clerk
Mark Storch
Romeo Agbalog
Kyle W. Carter
John Corkins
Richard Wright
Student Member
Lily Nelson
Cerro Coso Community College
Cerro Coso
Community College
Executive
Administration
President
Jill Board
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Dr. Corey Marvin
Vice President, Student Services
Heather Ostash
Vice President, Finance and
Administrative Services
Gale Lebsock
Human Resource Manager
Resa Hess
Front Cover Picture
Students Theodore Valdez
and Kurtis Williams
GOAL 1
MAXIMIZE STUDENT SUCCESS
Graduation is not the end,
it’s the beginning!
Student Speakers for Cerro Coso Community College’s 42nd Annual
Commencement Ceremony held at the Ridgecrest Campus on Friday, May 15,
2015 (l to r) : Nicholas Elder, Beverlee Wood , and Kristiana Ogilvie.
ESCC Student Speakers Chelsea Foulke and Kenia Flores.
Carroll and Cruise
Make All-California
Academic Team
Graduates Kirsten
Carroll and Shealan Cruise
were named to the 2015
Phi Theta Kappa AllCalifornia Academic Team,
a state-wide competition
co-sponsored by the
Community College League
of California and the Phi
Theta Kappa International
Honor Society. Carroll and
Kirsten Carroll
Cruise are among the 92
California students chosen
for this year’s awards and
represent some of the best
of the two million students
enrolled in California’s
113 community colleges.
Nominated for the award
by Dr. Sarah King, Carroll
was an Anthropology
major at the Ridgecrest
Campus. She graduated
from the college in 2014
Shealan Cruise
and transferred to the
University of Santa Cruz in the fall of 2015 to continue
her studies and ultimately earn a Master’s Degree. Also a
December 2014 graduate, Cruise attended both the Bishop
and Mammoth Lakes Campuses majoring in Liberal Arts/
Social and Behavioral Sciences. Nominated for the award by
Chemistry Instructor Dr. Lauren Brown, Cruise ultimately
plans to change her major to Marine Biology and work at an
aquarium to study the unexplored realms of the ocean.
Class of 2015
Graduation is a very proud moment for us at Cerro Coso Community College. Chasing a dream requires effort and passion and
it is our pleasure to assist students in meeting their educational dreams. The Commencement ceremony is a time honored tradition
in academia, marking the completion of requirements for a degree or certificate and publicly recognizing student accomplishments
before an audience of family and friends.
The 330 graduates receiving degrees and certificates is a 28% increase over last year’s graduate numbers. 338 Associate
Degrees and 184 Certificates of Achievements were awarded. Seven students were 4.0 graduates, 18 graduated with honors, and
51 were Phi Theta Kappa honor graduates.
“There is little doubt in our minds that as CCCC
graduates you are leaving well-prepared.”
Students Showcase at Research Conference
The Honors Transfer Council of California (HTCC) Student
Research Conference is held annually at the University of
California, Irvine. Three Cerro Coso students presented their
research at this year’s conference. Honors Program student
Hannah Small’s presentation on the non-biological roots of
“races” and their elimination in forensic anthropology suggests
the use of ancestry in identifications as opposed to race that
would allow forensic anthropologists to more accurately and
scientifically identify human remains. Hannah was mentored
on the project by Anthropology Professor Dr. Sarah King.
Mentored by English Professor Cliff Davis, Beverlee Wood’s
literary presentation entitled “[Less] than Kin and [More]
than Kind: Hamlet and Iago”, proposes the protagonist of
Hamlet has essentially the same intellect and is in effect the
same character as Iago, the antagonist of Othello. Beverlee
is also an Honors Program student and graduated from the
college in May. Nicolas Elder’s literary presentation explained
and analyzed the sources and inspiration of the multiple
cosmological elements in John Milton’s Christian epic poem,
CCCC students (l to r): Nicolas Elder, Beverlee Wood, and Hannah Small.
Paradise Lost. Presenting their work at the HTCC Student
Research Conference makes these Cerro Coso students eligible not only for monetary awards but also to submit their work for
publication in the HTCC anthology Building Bridges, published through the University of California, Irvine. All three students
received a CCCC Faculty Honors Research Scholarship.
Literary Awards
Metamorphoses, in cooperation with the English
Department at Cerro Coso Community College, hosted the
2015 Met Awards for Creative Writing on Friday, April 24, in
the College Student Center. Family and friends were invited
to attend the celebration and readings in honor of this year’s
fiction and poetry award recipients.
2015 Met awardees honored included:
College Fiction
First Place............. Jennifer Jones - “We Are Gathered Here Today”
Second Place......................................Rey David Morales - “Donald”
Honorable Mention.......................Shari Allison - “Father Nickolas”
Meritzel Herrera - “Ignorance is Bliss”
Korinza Elaine Shlanta - “January 17, 2438”
Austin Ream - “Sweet Mary Jane”
High School Fiction
First Place.....................................Grace Kameyo Griego - “Control”
Second Place......................................... Sydney Marler - “Ambition”
Honorable Mention............. Emma Gilmartin - “The Real Coward”
College Poetry
First Place.............................................Jennifer Jones - “Undecided”
Second Place.............................Sophie R. Walker - “Hummingbird”
Honorable Mention.........................Michelle A. Lundberg - “Mom”
Alas Tarin - “The Last Supper”
Steffeni M. Moreno - “Repeat”
Contest recipients left to right: Kelsey Saxton Hire, Sophie Walker, Emma
Gilmartin, Alas Tarin, Korinza Elaine Shlanta, Steffeni Moreno, Alex Tellez,
Rey David Morales, Meritzel Herrera, and English Professor Melanie Jeffrey.
High School Poetry
First Place.....................................Kelsey Saxton Hire - “Seventeen”
Second Place.....................................Emma K. Heflin - “Paper Skin”
Honorable Mention.................Emma Gilmartin - “The Steppe Girl”
Creative Non-Fiction
First Place...............................Regan Wolfe - “San Jose City College”
Second Place................................ Alex Tellez - “The Greatest Story”
Published annually by Cerro Coso Community College,
Met features both established and emerging twenty-first
century voices and visions from a variety of perspectives.
View the latest short stories, poems, essays, and artwork in
the current issue at http://metamorphosesonline.blogspot.com/
Millionaire$ in the Making
MiM (l to r): Advisor Frank Timpone, Allan Baker, Xavier Lott, Israel Rivera,
Chris Thompson, William O’Connor, Theodore Valdez, Cody Leonard, and Carl
Oum.
A group of Cerro Coso students interested in creating
a culture of Achievers and Winners in the pursuit of
Entrepreneurial Mindsets started a new Business Club at
the Ridgecrest Campus. Millionaire$ in the Making (MiM)
hopes to boast a diverse cabinet comprised of students with
varying interests and experience to provide club members
the tools, skills, and opportunities necessary to challenge
themselves and others to be successful business leaders. MiM
plans to organize activities aimed at career development and
professional leadership. The group hopes to make an impact in
the community, prepare students for academic and business
success, promote professional advancement of its members,
and provide social events to foster relationship building. Cerro
Coso students creating their own opportunities!
Amber Ricker and Alex Clark
performed a marimba duet on the song
“Fandango” for Mallet Percussion and
Band during the spring CCCC Band
concert. Amber is a Cerro Coso graduate
and Alex is a current student who will
graduate spring 2016.
College Hosts Geocaching
International Film Festival
With every new
incredible geocache
container, every
clever hide, every
log that reads like
an epic journey, it
becomes more and
more apparent:
the geocaching
community is one of the most creative groups of people on
the planet. The Cerro Coso Business Club “Millionaires in the
Making” showcased that creativity for Ridgecrest during the
Geocaching International Film Festival (GIFF) 2015 Weekend.
A presentation was given by Silverbells55 and members of
the Ridgecrest Geocachers to educate visitors and students
unfamiliar with geocaching.
Passionate People,
Powerful Dreams
The Cerro Coso Honors Program celebrated its 2015
graduates. The graduates, their families, faculty, and fellow
Honors Program students attended a luncheon to recognize
the outstanding students. $500 Faculty Honors Scholarships
were awarded to Cameron La Brie and Kristiana Ogilvie, and
a $1,000 President’s Honors Scholarship went to incoming
freshman Jenna Daugherty (Burroughs High School) for her
exceptional academic performance.
2015 Honors Graduates (l to r): Pui Chan, Austin Ogilvie, Kristiana Ogilvie,
Krista Kenny, Kirsten Carroll, Christal Hoang, Cameron La Brie, Lauren Ells,
Jordon Smith, Beverlee Wood, Karina Sorenson, and Charris Gabaldon.
To be one, to be united is a great thing.
BUT to respect the right to be different
is maybe even greater.
Lentz and Ramos Set the Bar High
Students
Pricilla Lentz and
Roberto Ramos
received top
honors for their
achievements in
the Level II and
Level III Law
Enforcement
Academy. The
Top Academics
Award is
(L to r) Mike McNair, CTE Dean, presents student
(L to r) Law Enforcement Academy Director and Faculty Chair Jarrod Bowen
presented to
Pricilla Lentz with her award for Top Academics
and Fire Arms Instructor Marty Dorrell present student Roberto Ramos with
the student
in the Law Enforcement Academy
an award for Top Shot-Best on Range in the Law Enforcement Academy.
who earns the
highest academic average. Lentz received the award for her achievements in both levels. Ramos received the Top Shot-Best on
Range Award, given in recognition of outstanding marksmanship and the class’s highest ranking in firearms training through
marksmanship, safety, and tactical proficiency in both levels. The Modular Academy at the college is a rigorous program of study
and a certified California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy offered in a three-tiered format beginning with
Level III.
Mastering
Spanish
through Drama
ESCC Road Trip
to UNR
In an effort to encourage ESCC
students to transfer to 4-year
universities, Greg Kost, ESCC counselor,
planned an inaugural college visit to his
alma mater, University of Nevada, Reno,
(UNR). A partner in the Inyo County
Superintendent of School’s Inyo Promise
and Mono County Office of Education’s
Mono Promise, UNR offers transfer
students a reduced out-of-state tuition
rate under the Western Undergraduate
Exchange program. ESCC alumnus
Brian Grevenskamp, a current UNR
student, met them in Reno and shared
his experiences, and admissions officers
arranged a welcome for the 27 students
in attendance, connected them with
department representatives to tour
various department facilities, provided
lunch in the cafeteria, and offered
opportunities to visit UNR students in
their dorm rooms. ESCC preparing
students for transfer!
Phi Theta Kappa
members Megan
Budlong and Hannah
Small welcomed
students back to the
Ridgecrest Campus
the first few days of
the fall semester and
invited them to join a
campus club and find
out more about campus
events, activities, special
programs and student
services.
Student (standing) Frederick Richman, Helen
Jackson, and (sitting) Kristen Archibeque perform
their skit in Spanish.
On the last week of the semester,
Spanish Professor Lucila Gonzalez-Cirre
tasks the students in her Spanish 101
class with demonstrating their ability
to communicate at a basic level in an
everyday situation, like… a restaurant,
supermarket, airport, or school.
Participants had to memorize their role
and act it out in Spanish. The project
involved memorization, which helps
students gain better confidence in their
Spanish speaking abilities and helps
them to retain more. Si adelante no vas,
altrasarás. He who does not advance
goes backwards.
31st Annual Student
Awards Ceremony
Gardens: A Living
Laboratory
The Student Government of Cerro Coso held their
annual Student Awards and Recognition Ceremony on
Thursday, May 7, 2015 in the College Student Center. The
following awards were presented:
President’s Outstanding Academic
Achievement Awards
Enrique Carrillo-Sulub
Brian M. Grevenkamp
Michele L. Haskins
Nolan S. Havig
Natalie E. Horikoshi
Daniel l. Hoskins
Candace A. Kizer
Raychel Marie Limnios Jonathan A. Stanovich
Kylie A. Maas
Matthew C. Taylor
Mitchell M. Metz
Melizza A. Tesch
Ryan L. Richard
Justin M. Weich
Marcie Ristich
Sara L. Ruiz
Britney Johnson
Chandler L. Snyder
All-California Academic Team
Kirsten M. Carroll
Shealan Cruise
Cerro Coso Community College Foundation, Inc.
Athletic/Academic Award
Christal Hoang
Department Awards
Allied Health............................................................................ Anthony Cummings
Business & Info Tech...........................................................................Nolan Havig
English.................................................................. Nicolas Elder & Beverlee Wood
Industrial Arts.......................................................................... Krystina Breitigam
Mathematics........................................................................ Enrique Carrillo-Sulub
Public Services.................................................................................. Braelyn Havig
Science & Engineering..................................................... Enrique Carrillo-Sulub
Social Sciences............................................................................Kirsten M. Carroll
Visual & Performing Arts............................................................Korinza Shlanta
Site Student of the Year
East Kern Center...................................................................Chelsea L. Robertson
Eastern Sierra College Center..........................................Jonathan A. Stanovich
Kern River Valley Outreach.......................................................... Summer Kirby
Students (l to r) Steffeni Moreno, Tanner Barnett, Jordon Smith, and Alex
Tellez (not pictured) provided special music during the 31st Annual Spring
Awards Luncheon.
(L to r) Professor Claudia Sellers, Kristiana Ogilvie, Graham Schonhoff, and
Kristen Blotcky.
Students in Professor Claudia Sellers’ General Biology
class harvested plants from a garden they created to
investigate and compare the effects that organic and inorganic
fertilizers have on plant growth and production. The students
built a basic PVC home garden drip irrigation system which
yields a 70% savings on water usage over the more commonly
used drip line systems for watering gardens. The class planted
radishes, chard, mustard greens, cucumbers, arugula, and
other vegetables, cared for them throughout the semester,
explored what helps and hinders plant growth and their
response to stimuli and environmental conditions, and learned
environmental stewardship.
Students Getting to the Root of it!
Phi Theta Kappa Welcomes
New Members
Phi Theta Kappa, the international honors society for two
year colleges, welcomed 62 new members into Cerro Coso’s
Beta Kappa Chi Chapter.
8,827 Certificates and Degrees conferred since 1973
Dr. Yohe—Every Bone
Tells a Story
Dr. Robert M. Yohe II,
Professor of Anthropology
from California State
University, Bakersfield,
shared his personal cases in
forensic anthropology and
work with police in modern
day forensic science with
Dr. Sarah King’s classes
at the Ridgecrest campus.
“Every bone tells a story,”
said Dr. Yohe. To a forensic
anthropologist, the analysis
of human bones opens the
portal of scientific truth that enables the justice system to
discover the facts and circumstances surrounding criminal
acts. The Director of the Center for Archaeological Research at
CSU Bakersfield, Dr. Yohe has extensive experience in cultural
resources management, having worked as a professional
archaeologist for both Federal and State agencies during his
career.
Education:
One thing that can’t be taken
from you.
Constitution Day
Celebration
CCCC students promote constitution day (l to r) Kurtis Williams, President;
Claire Ritchey, Vice President; Taylor Vaughn, Secretary; Maryah Marcano,
Student Senate President; Lily Nelson, KCCD Student Trustee; Gideon Ondap,
Region IX Representative; and student Evan Burkhardt.
Every year the Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC)
celebrates Constitution Day on September 17th, the day the U.S.
Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. The
SGCC utilizes this time to educate students on the history of
the American Constitution and provides free copies of the U.S.
Constitution and cookies. This year the SGCC invited students
and staff at the Ridgecrest Campus to stop by their table in the
quad and sign a card to a service person. The cards were then
sent to U.S. Naval Support Activity, Capodichino in Naples Italy
where they employ more 10,000 service men and women from
every branch of operable service.
People vs. Dominique Stephens
Was it a case of murder
or self-defense? That was
the decision facing the
jurors in the case of People
vs. Dominique Stephens
during a mock trial held
at the Kern River Branch
of the Superior Court of
California, Kern County,
in Lake Isabella. Cerro
Coso Instructor Vikki Del
Pellegrino presided over
the simulated criminal
trial, with students in her
ADMJ C115 Legal Aspects
of Evidence class assuming
Student Stan Syzmanski consults with the prosecution team and
the roles of attorneys,
classmates Betty Miller and Jesse Davidson during a mock trial.
witnesses, court recorder,
and bailiff. College staff and
community members served as jurors,
as presented. Students in the class
ultimately determining the verdict in
experience firsthand the difficulties
the case after pondering over the facts
that judges, lawyers, and juries face
in determining which facts
are relevant and what legal
arguments are effective. It
was an impressive show
of preparation, knowledge,
and skills, as the students
shrewdly played the parts
of prosecution and defense
attorneys, competently
examining and cross
examining witnesses, and
raising objections when they
believed it was necessary.
A win for the prosecution
in the case, a guilty verdict
was handed down by the jury
when they found the selfdefense claim of imminent
danger not likely considering
the man was shot in the back three
times while he slept.
2015 President’s List
The President’s list is comprised of students who achieved a grade point average
of at least 3.75 while earning a minimum of 40 grade points within the semester.
“The presence of students with high academic standards serves as an inspiration to
both faculty and students alike,” stated Jill Board, President of Cerro Coso Community
College.
Spring 2015
Ridgecrest Campus
Grant Argain
Christopher Arnell
Kerry Ashley
Jeremy Bennett
Megan Budlong
Juliana Burns
Kirsten Carroll
Enrique Carrillo-Sulub
Michael Compito
Nathan Couch
Kelly Davalos
Eric Diaz
Jose Diaz
Santiago Estrada
Emma Dauplaise
Viola Duff
Mortisha Edwards
Nicolas Elder
Lauren Ells
Adeline Ennis
Chad Foss
Trenton Francis
Charris Gabaldon
Andrew Galvan
Amber Garner
Moriah Garrison
Mariela Germann
Matthew Guerra
Jeffrey Hamaker
Megan Harris
Jenna Havig
Nolan Havig
Daniel Hillis
Jeremiah Holt
Christal Hoang
Michael (Jr.) Hyatt
Matthew Johnson
Kara Jones
James King
Marie Lefevre
Lynelle Lorden
Diana Love
Kylie Maas
Sandeep Malhi
Rebecca Mcguire
Tammy Mckinney
Mitchell Metz
Ashley Nielson
Isai Ocampo
Kristiana Ogilvie
Austin Ogilvie
Windy Olsen
Caitlin Peterson
Savannah Piepmeier
Dustin Pilkington
Gage Ramlose
Michael Reichers
Ryan Richard
Amber Ricker
Claire Ritchey
John Ryan
Kevin Schindler
Rachel Schultz
Jolene Senn
Heather Seymour
Jordon Smith
Karina Sorenson
Kim Southerland
Timothy Stepro
Korinne Sullivan
Matthew Taylor
Jesus Trinidad
Theodore Valdez
Kayla Voigt
Michael Walsten
Justin Weich
Bowen Weiting
Joel Whitcomb
Paihtyn Williams
Beau Williamson
Beverlee Wood
Lake Isabella
Campus
Jason Brazeal
Heather Bopp
Abigail Hartman
Cindy Jewett
Britney Johnson
Summer Kirby
Vanessa Lasquade
Gloria Middleton
Kelli Rowe
Lisa Wyly
Eastern Sierra
College Center—
Bishop
Melanie Coleman
Elizabeth Field
Brian Grevenkamp
Aleana Mullenhour
Sharon Nelson
Lidia Olvera
Lauren Patridge
Micheala Platt
Jared Saulque
Debbie Schumacher
Michael Walecke
Lisa Weaver
Eastern Sierra
College Center—
Mammoth Lakes
Jacqueline Boyd
Bryan Bruckman
Chelsea Foulke
Caliese Linnastruth
Jenae Mcdonald
Emma Burr Nyberg
Melissa Reeves
Lauren Seligman
Jonathan Stanovich
CC Online—
Various Locations
Alisha Bernadel
Sherri Boydstun
Anna Cruz
Cathy Duncil
Ryan Foulke
Aubrey Landon
Elena Lewis
Rachel Lewis
Haley Mccullough
Helle Murphree
Aino Musakka
Courtney Nelson
Hanna Burr Nyberg
Kaytelyne Odum
Shirley Rice
Mackenzie Sinclair
Jeannie Sell
Lanetta Spencer
Nancy Tambio
Melissa Tesch
Jerry Tran
Nancy Williard
East Kern—Edwards,
Rosamond, Cal City,
Tehachapi, Mojave,
Lancaster
Katelin Barbier
Alexandra Credico
Chance English
Bertha De La Garza
Raymond Hackleman
Fall 2015
Ridgecrest Campus
Macklin C. Arbiola
Carol R. Blair
David A. Blair
Cheyenne M. Blandon
Sherri L. Boydstun
Megan Budlong
Juliana M. Burns
Clintona T. Byrd
Leslie J. Carter
Cynthia D. Cavenaugh
Malina Chavez
Andy Chung
Brandon D. Chung
Loraine L. Coggin
Jennifer K. Colangelo
Sydney D. Craig
Jenna L. Daugherty
Heather L. Dobbs
Vitalii Dubytskyi
Adeline Ennis
Isaiah J. Fairchild
Aubrey J. Farrar
Scott J. Flinn
Trenton W. Francis
Fiona M. Fuller
Angelica D. Gabaldon
Mariela Germann
Jeffrey L. Hamaker
April R. Harris
Samantha R. Harrison
Jenna B. Havig
Nolan S. Havig
Shantaal Y. Hernandez
Ruthie I. Hill
Kelsey S. Hire
Casey A. Hudgins
Amie M. Kerlin
Michaela M. Klissus
Natalie M. Kuttor
Monique L. Lopez
Diana Love
Kylie A. Maas
Megan K. Mathenia
Maryssa L. Mather
James May
Sarah A. McDonald
Kaitlin N. McGee
Zackary D. McGuire
Monica Mckune
Mitchell M. Metz
Benjamin A. Miller
Mariah E. Molenkamp
Wendy Morquecho
Challice K. Neipp
Ashley L. Nielson
Hanna M. Burr Nyberg
William D. O’Connor
Francisco M. Perez
Sherry L. Perry
Chelsey B. Pettyjohn
Savannah B. Piepmeier
Dustin G. Pilkington
Ryan L. Richard
Kongzeng Shao
Hannah M. Small
Brenda I. Solis
Timothy G. Stepro
Korinne E. Sullivan
Douglas K. Swinford
Alejandro Tellez Cruz
Theodore B. Valdez
Sylvia E. Valiente
Alexxa I. Varela
Kayla J. Voigt
Emily A. Wendt
Stephanee V. Whiteley
Paihtyn J. Williams
Joshua Winslow
Kirstie A. Wittendorfer
Adriana K. Zerbini
Lake Isabella
Campus
Heather D. Bopp
Marti L. Jaramillo
John A. Malear
Frances A. Ramsey
John V. Shipp
Cathy A. Woody
Lisa L. Wyly
Eastern Sierra
College Center—
Bishop (12)
Devyn Durham
M.Deanna M. Gustie
Clare A. Hatter
Jennifer M. Hembree
Jenae A. Mcdonald
Robert N. Moore
Sharon J. Nelson
Michaela L. Platt
Dawndee L. Rossy
Grace E. Speakman
Colin S. Vaughan
Michael Walecke
Eastern Sierra
College Center—
Mammoth Lakes
Jolee M. Ash
Sheena M. Davidson
Ryan A. Foulke
Andrew C. Gabellieri
James C. Holman
Stephani K. Hukkanen
Wael T. Ivie
Jaime M. Knox
Nicholas M. Ponce
Jared J. Saulque
James W. Wehsener
East Kern—Edwards,
Rosamond, Cal City,
Tehachapi, Mojave,
Lancaster
Alexandra M. Credico
Talia M. Davis
Chance B. English
Joy L. Gamble
Raymond A. Hackleman
Shirley D. Rice
Albita E. Vasquez
Eric D. Warda
Ruthanne D. Welling
CC Online—
Various Locations
Jacqueline L. Boyd
Bryan Q. Bruckman
Callie A. Curry
Carmen J. Digennaro
Anita Keller
Kaytelyne J. Odum
Lanetta V. Spencer
Jaclyn Steele
Amy A. Witt
Leeanne K. Zajicek
2015 Student
Activities in
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Tournament Tuesdays
SGCC Welcome Back BBQ
ESCC Community Dinner
Easter Egg Hunt
Thirsty Thursdays
10 Ways the Library Will Boost Your Success
State of the Campus – ESCC
Club Rush and Cookie Decorating with SGCC
Professional Resume Writing Workshop
Develop Your Career Planning Guide/How to
Search for a Job
Mad Skillz – Tips for College Success
ELDIN: Recent works by Tom Betthauser
Interview Skills and Dressing for Success
How to Blend Quotes into Your Writing
Research Papers Made Easy
Concert in the Park
2015 Youth Hall of Fame Dinner/Auction
RELAX! Research Essays Made Easy
Big Hero 6 Under the Stars
Cruise-In
Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast and Hot
Dog Lunch
Club Rush Luau
Coffee Break with ESCC Director
Constitution Day Observance
Career Exploration Day
Variables & Variations: Hints for Math &
Science Courses
APA Formatting and Citations
MLA Formatting and Citations
Math Basics Workshop
Perfect Citations: Works Cited Page and InText Quotes
Coyotes Rally for a Cure – Relay for Life
Halloween Dance – KRV/IWV
Helpful Transfer Websites
Midterm Potluck
Rape Prevention Workshop
Power Writing: Skills Workshop
10 Steps to a Federal Job Workshop
Pumpkin Carving Contest
KRV Fall Fest
Monster Mash Bash
Cite it Right
Geocaching International Film Festival
Blue/Gray World Series Baseball Fundraiser
Guest Speaker Frank Meeink
Fall Band Concert
Winter Choir Concert
SGCC Fall Festival Extravaganza
Keep Calm and Eat a Donut
Coyote Slam – Study Sessions
KRV Thanksgiving Feast
Fall Extravaganza
ESCC Fall Mid-Term Pot Luck
Lily Nelson to Serve as KCCD Student Trustee
Cerro Coso announced the appointment of Lily Nelson to serve as student trustee to the Kern
Community College District Board of Trustees for the 2015-2016 academic year. As the
student representative to the Board, Ms. Nelson is responsible for bringing an enhanced student
perspective to the Board, representing students from all three colleges within the district. Ms.
Nelson is a full-time sophomore majoring in general education at the Ridgecrest Campus, and
is a student worker for ACCESS Programs. Understanding that student engagement is vital
to success, Ms. Nelson participates in student activities to build community within the college.
“Extracurricular activities in college are as important as academics,” she stated. “Getting involved
in student activities on campus are a great way to make new friends with similar interests and
build leadership skills that you can take with you anywhere,” she said. Ms. Nelson hopes to
transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) to complete her education with
future plans of becoming an elementary school teacher.


 Student Profile

Part-time vs
Full-time
Students
Enrollment
2963
3000
2500
2000
1893
Full
Time (12+
Units):
19%
1500
1000
500
199 201 198 229
Ke
rn
h
ot
m
UC Davis

2015 Degrees
Conferred
550
5 15
500
450
400
252
350
300
69
200
Fall 2015
Top Majors
AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T
150
177
100
50
31
0
Liberal Arts/Sciences
Business Admin./Management
UC Irvine
UC Los Angeles

250
ES
Top Six
Transfer Colleges
UC

st
Ea
am
Less than
Full Time:
81%
CC
M
CC
Bi
sh
op
le
y
s
Ke
rn
ES
Ri
ve
r
Va
l
pu
m
Ca
n
ai
M
CC
O
nl
in
e
0..........................................................

Computer Studies (all)
 Associate in Arts for Transfer
 Associate in Science for Transfer
 Associate in Arts
 Associate in Science
 Certificate of Achievement
 Job Skills Certificate
Certificates
Student Transfers
CSU Bakersfield
Child Development Teacher (all)
COLLEGE
CSU Northridge
Nursing LVN
UC
12
CSU San Diego
Welding (all)
CSU
49
CSU
GOAL 2
ADVANCE STUDENT EQUITY MEASURES
National Hispanic
Heritage Month
Standing (l to r): Jim Scott, Kenneth Vallance,
Advisor René Mora, Advisor Lucila GonzálezCirre, Anthony Walsh, and Laura Avina. Sitting
(l to r): Arrielle Rey, Jenna Daugherty, Devanne
Fredette, Meritzel Herrera. Standing front: Jorge
Castro.
The International Club and the Latinos
United Club observed National Hispanic
Heritage Month by celebrating the
histories, cultures, and contributions
of renowned Hispanic figures in fine
arts, literature, science, and more with
posters around campus and a casual
informational event in front of the
gymnasium.
Students Promote Liberty
in North Korea
Starvation. Torture. Malnutrition. These are some of the many hard realities
the North Korean people face on a daily basis. Cerro Coso students spoke out
in support of a collective message and hosted a Liberty in North Korea (LiNK)
presentation. Liberty in North Korea exists to empower the North Korean people as
they drive progress inside their country. The international narrative on North Korea
has created an environment of fear and isolation. This disempowers ordinary North
Koreans, who have nothing to do with the political circus. LiNK’s goal is to show
North Koreans that the world is united in support for them. Students rally for a
good cause!
Special Screening of Cesar Chavez
The Latinos Unidos (United) Club held a
special screening of the movie “Cesar Chavez”
to expose Cerro Coso students to the union
leader, labor organizer, and civil rights activist
who dedicated his life to improving treatment,
pay, and working conditions for farm workers in
nonviolent ways. Founded in 2014, Latinos Unidos
aims to educate students about Latino culture,
historical events, and provide an on campus
family support system for all its members.
ESCC Lunch &
Learn: Tribal
Nations
Ethnicity
African American
American Indian
Asian
Hispanic
White
Two or More Races
Not Reported
..........................................................
Topah Spoonhunter, Assistant
Tribal Administrator, Bishop Pauite
Tribe, presented at ESCC’s Lunch &
Learn in October. Mr. Spoonhunter,
an enrolled member of the Northern
Arapahoe Tribe, provided ESCC
faculty, staff, and students a better
understanding of the unique political
status of Native American people. Mr.
Spoonhunter, who has a background in
mathematics, science, and liberal arts,
and who earned a Bachelor’s degree in
business administration, has extensive
experience working with Indian Tribes
and tribal organizations throughout the
western United States.
5.0%
1.6%
4.1%
38.7%
46.1%
4.3%
0.3%
ESCC Hosts WELCOME for Native
American Students
The Owens Valley Career Development
Center and Cerro Coso welcomed new and
returning Native American students at a
Welcome Night at the ESCC Bishop Campus.
A light dinner was served followed by
panel discussions by tribal leaders on the
importance of education, business leaders on
career opportunities and educational training,
educational leaders on shared success strategies,
students with advice and helpful hints. The
evening concluded with networking. This
new endeavor was designed to assist Native
American students’ with the transition into
the campus culture, and build self-esteem and
positive relationships that help translate into
improving classroom academic performance.
Latino Family College Night
The Inyo County Superintendent
of Schools (ICSOS) and Eastern Sierra
College Center (ESCC) hosted an
informational dinner, Latino Family
College Night, on Wednesday, April 8th,
in the newly renovated Bishop Campus
Community Room. The idea for the
dinner emerged out of a discussion of
the low matriculation rates of Latino
students graduating from Inyo county
high schools as compared to Mono
County high schools. The presentation
25-29
30-39
40-49
50 or Older
..........................................................
20-24

Native American Student
Welcome Night
 Chinese New Year
Celebration–ESCC

Mardi Gras Celebration

Liberty in North Korea

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Movies for Mental Health

CCCC Foundation
Scholarship Luncheon
 Solving the Equation: The
Variables for Women’s
Success in Engineering and
Computing
covered the economic benefits of a
college education compared to the costs,
the difference between community
college and four-year colleges and
universities, the programs available at
Cerro Coso Community College and
how to pay for and enroll in community
college classes. The entire program was
presented in Spanish with Spanish/
English translation performed by
Margarita Cuellar, a Mammoth Unified
School District educator.

Movie Night Cesar Chavez

Roundtable Discussion:
Biological Sex vs. Gender
Identity (Honors in Action)

Hispanic Heritage
Informational Event

Movie Screening - Lincoln
Gender
Unknown
0.1%
Age
19 or Younger
2015 Student
Activities in
Review
15.0%
26.4%
17.8%
21.2%
11.6%
8.0%
Male
37.5%
Female
62.4%
Ramirez Minvielle Featured Artist Opening
The College Art Department held
a gallery opening and lecture entitled
Irreducible Metaphor: Harmonious
Visions, Lyrical Abstractions by
adjunct instructor and professional
photographer of both black and
white and color imagery, Sergio
Ramirez Minvielle. Born and raised
in Mexico City, Sergio spent his
childhood vacations traveling around
Mexico, in particular the southern
states. The rural mountains and
scenery influenced his sensitivity
towards the wonders of nature.
Ramirez Minvielle holds a BA Degree
in Business Administration from the
Universidad Iberoamericana and a
BA Degree in Photography from UC
Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree
from CSU Los Angeles.
PTKHA: Biological Sex vs. Gender Identity Roundtable
Phi Theta Kappa Honors in Action (PTKHA) at Cerro Coso
extended a special invitation to the community to participate in
a roundtable discussion on Biological Sex vs. Gender Identity
on Wednesday, September 30th. Phi Theta Kappa officers
researched the subject to gain a greater perspective about
issues regarding sex and gender, both locally and globally,
presented part of their findings, and were joined by guest
speakers, Dr. Sarah King, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
and Sociology, and Dr. Claudia Sellers, Professor of Biology.
The Phi Theta Kappa Honors in Action program is designed to
engage honor students in actions that foster student success.
The goal is to create awareness of the importance of seeking
out multiple perspectives to augment understanding of a
real-world, complex, interdisciplinary topic and to improve
decision making,
demonstrate
analytical and
critical thinking
skills to draw
research
conclusions, and
initiate real-world
problem-solving
by developing an
in-depth, action-oriented solution to make a difference for a
challenge related to an honors study topic. An estimated 170
community members, students, and staff attended. PTKHA…
leading the way.
Women and STEM Careers
(L to r) Robert Montes, Ana Gonzalez,
Ashley Speck, Patricia Gomez, Brenda
Nubia Sepulveda-Perez, Jorge Campos, Myli
Vanegas, Lauren Vanegas, Rene Mora, Lucila
GonzalezCirre.
The Latinos Unidos and
International Clubs teamed up
to honor the shared heritage
of Mexico and the U.S. with
a Cinco de Mayo lunch
celebration on Monday, May
4th. The cultural celebration
invited students to relax before
finals, eat tacos, listen to music,
and celebrate diversity.
From the research
team who brought us
Why So Few? Women
in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and
Mathematics comes
a deeper dive into
the engineering and
computing fields that
offer 80 percent of
science, technology,
engineering, and
mathematics (STEM)
jobs but still boast dismal numbers of women students and workers. The American
Association of University Women (AAUW) live-streamed Solving the Equation: The
Variables for Women’s Success in Engineering and Computing at Cerro Coso on March 26.
The event covered why women aren’t in these fields, and what employers, educators,
and parents can do to attract more women to the workforce opportunities that exist.
Getting more women into STEM fields isn’t only the right thing to do; it’s the
smart thing to do!
STEM–Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math–
Changing the world one problem at a time.
GOAL 3
ENSURE STUDENT ACCESS
Hors d’oeuvres
and Movies for
Mental Health
Mammoth Lakes Foundation
Makes College a Reality
“Hors d’oeuvres and Movies for
Mental Health” was held at the college
on March 25 to increase awareness of
issues related to mental health, increase
the desire to use mental health services,
reduce the stigma related to mental
illness, and increase awareness of the
resources available on campus and
through the county’s Mental Health
Services Department. The presentation
was produced and facilitated by Art
With Impact, a nonprofit organization
based in San Francisco, CA.
Education
is the
foundation
upon which
we build
our future.
Nearly 40 percent of Mammoth
High School’s graduating class was
expected to attend the Cerro Coso
Community College Mammoth Lakes
campus in the fall of 2015. As such,
the graduates were eligible for a full
scholarship—tuition and $300 per
semester toward textbooks—from the
Mammoth Lakes Foundation.
The Mammoth Lakes Foundation
was established to fulfill Dave McCoy’s
dream of bringing higher education
to the Eastern Sierra. To date, the Mammoth Lakes Foundation has fully funded
over 600 scholarships for local students attending the Cerro Coso Mammoth Lakes
campus. This year the value of the Mammoth Lakes Foundation scholarships for
Mammoth High School graduates attending Cerro Coso amounted to nearly $50,000.
The scholarships were presented during the Mammoth High School Senior Awards
Breakfast on Friday, June 12.
Angels Walk
Among Us
Brooklynn Rosania daughter of Cerro Coso
student Brittiany Brown shares an adorable smile
with Santa during ACCESS Programs Angle Tree
activities.
Every year CARE hosts an Angel
Tree event for students in the program,
providing an afternoon away from
the stress of finals to enjoy some fun
and activities with their families. With
hearts of compassion and selfless
acts of kindness Cerro Coso staff and
friends donated gifts for every child in
attendance, recognizing the sacrifices
they make while their parents pursue an
education. May the joyful times never
end!
Army Vet and Cerro Coso
student Rita Trumbull
was the proud winner of
4 Dodgers game tickets,
a VIP parking pass, and
a $100 cash prize to help
offset the cost of gas,
all donated by Student
Insurance USA. Trumbull
lives in Boron and attends
Cerro Coso’s online
program.
Mojave High School
Visits CCCC
Student Activities
in Review
There is just something about visiting a college’s campus in
person that lets teens understand its real personality in a way
that fills the “what happens next” question with possibilities.
A group of teenagers from Mojave High School visited the
Ridgecrest campus in June. The visit provided these teens with
an opportunity to find out firsthand what college life is like at
Cerro Coso Community College.

ACCESS Programs Welcome
Back

What You Need to Know as a
Transfer Student

ACCESS Program Spring Fling

ESCC Fall Welcome Feasts

CSU Application Workshop

A Degree with a Guarantee
Information






Transfer Awareness Month
UC Application Workshop
West Village Pre-Registration
and Resources Fall Celebration
ACCESS Programs Fall Fest
Veterans Dinner and Priority
Registration Event
Angel Tree Event–KRV/IWV
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
Bubble Mayhem
Back row: (l to r) Ana Gonzalez (staff), Wendy Delaney, Marty Putnam,
Tammera Lopez, Sandi Smikth (staff), Jeff Stambook (staff), Kerry Ashley,
Pam Godfrey (staff), Penny Talley (staff). Front row: (l to r) Mayleigha Lucas,
Kyrystina Lucas, Debra Anderson, Michelle Alexander, Dolores Bowers (staff),
Rachel Barksdale (staff).
They ran, they played, and shouted with joy, as bubble
mayhem broke out in the college sculpture garden in
celebration of the Week of the Young Child (WOYC). The week
kicked off with Color me Monday – celebrating diversity,
followed by Taco Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Bubble
Blow Out Thursday, and a parade and picnic on Friday. The
college CDC provides an all-inclusive, safe, and caring
environment for children to learn and grow.
ACCESS Programs held their 34th Annual Awards
Ceremony. The theme for this year was Dr. Seuss’ Oh The
Places You’ll Go! Two Cerro Coso employees and former
program students, Savannah Huthmacher and Kathy Salisbury,
returned to congratulate and encourage students with their
stories of triumph over their own personal struggles. Fourteen
program students graduated with Associate Degrees, and 24
with certificates of achievements.
Special recognition went to Luis Enrique Carrillo, ACCESS
Programs Ridgecrest/IWV Student of the Year; and Marlo
Sheckells, ACCESS Programs KRV Student of the Year. Dr.
Guck Ooi was named Outstanding Faculty of the Year for the
KRV Campus, and Matt Crow received the Outstanding Faculty
of the Year for the Ridgecrest/ IWV Campus.
Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
EOPS Trip to the Getty Center
(L to r) Donna Smith, Jeff Stambook, Reese
Weltman, Tamara Lopez, Barbara Nichols, and
Jesse Davidson.
Educational Advisor Reese Weltman and ACCESS Programs Counselor Jeff
Stambook escorted a group of EOPS students from the Lake Isabella campus to The
Getty Center in Los Angeles. Together the group explored the five two-story pavilions
set around an open courtyard that house the J. Paul Getty Museum’s ever-expanding
permanent collection, changing exhibitions, dramatic architecture, and tranquil
gardens with breathtaking views. Art Instructor Geoffrey Voigt provided students
with insight and information of the various exhibits. Every experience, good or
bad, is a priceless collector’s item.
GOAL 4
ENHANCE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
McCoy Receives Honorary Degree
from CCCC
Dave McCoy
(99), founder of the
Mammoth Mountain
Ski Resort, the
largest ski resort in
Eastern California,
received an honorary
Associate of Arts
Degree from Cerro
Coso Community
College on Saturday,
June 27, during
the Mammoth
Lakes Food & Wine
(L to r) KCCD Chancellor Sandra Serrano, Dave McCoy, and CCCC
Festival. In recognition President Jill Board.
of his significant
contribution to the cultural and educational landscape of the Eastern Sierra, Kern
Community College District Chancellor Sandra Serrano and Cerro Coso President
Jill Board personally presented the framed degree to McCoy at his home in Bishop
on Sunday, June 28. “It has been through his vision and leadership that the Cerro
Coso Community College Eastern Sierra College Center was established and
continues to thrive today,” said President Board. Founded by McCoy and friends in
1989, the Mammoth Lakes Foundation was established to bring higher education
and the arts to the Eastern Sierra. The Foundation offers Mono County high school
graduates and residents scholarships to assist with tuition and books to attend the
campus in Mammoth Lakes. Since 2003 the Foundation has awarded more than
625 scholarships to Cerro Coso students to help offset their educational costs. “I
am so honored to get this degree,” said McCoy in a video clip that was played at
the Mammoth Lakes Festival. “Sounds to me like you’re telling me that I did a good
job, but I have to turn it around the other way and say what a great thing you have
all done in supporting and helping the college grow.” CONGRATULATIONS Dave
McCoy and thank you for your vision and contributions to education!
(L to r) Director of Nursing Annette Hodgins, CCCC Foundation Director Anthony
Damiano, Physical Education Professor Tom Heck, History/Political Science
Professor Matthew Jones, and English Professor Matthew Crow.
ESCC Recipient of
Toiyabe
Health Grant
Cerro Coso’s Eastern Sierra
College Center in Bishop and Mammoth
Lakes is one of 10 organizations to
receive grant funds to complete one to
three year projects that benefit tribal
communities by focusing on increasing
access to healthy food, active living, and
commercial tobacco-free environments.
Funded by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention’s (CDC)
Partnerships to Improve Community
Health (PICH) initiative. A consortium
of 7 federally recognized tribes and 2
Native American communities from
Coleville to Death Valley, Toiyabe’s
objective is to create healthier
communities by making healthy living
easier and more affordable where people
work, live, learn, and play.
Picture Yourself at the Fair was the
theme for this year’s Desert Empire
Fair, and Cerro Coso was there to get
swept away in the atmosphere of
fun and exhilaration. Four days, 48
employees and students, and more
than 111 volunteer hours is what it
took to staff the college’s booth at
this year’s fair in October.
Schooling 5th
Graders on
College
Art Professor Dick Benson shows a group of
students how to make a ceramic pot during I’m
Going to College Day.
Nearly 479 fifth-graders from
area schools used puzzle pieces to
solve statistical problems, wrote
humorous Mad Libs, watched clay pot
and chemistry demonstrations–all
while learning about college during
the annual two-day “I’m Going to
College” mentoring event as part
of the college’s ongoing program to
educate younger students on the
opportunities available to them at their
local community college. Educate,
engage, and empower!
Vocational Nursing
students brought
pastries and coffee to
the Ridgecrest Police
Department to show
their appreciation for
the men and women who dedicate their lives to the
safety of others. Pictured (l to r) Ofc. Timothy Plunkett,
Bernadette Dewey, Melanie Anderson, Jennifer Johnson,
Ofc. Matt Rowland, Ofc. Corey Huardk, Ofc. Michael
Compito, and Marie Johnson.
Parade of 1000 Flags Inspires
Students, staff,
administrators, and
their families were
proud to represent
Cerro Coso
Community College
in this year’s
Parade of 1000
Flags, honoring the
memory of those killed in the September
11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Cerro Coso
Employee Initiative at ESCC
AmeriGas
offers a unique
program
designed to
benefit schools
throughout the
United States.
The AmeriGas
School Days
Program
gives schools
$.02 per
gallon based
on receipts a school collects from any AmeriGas customer.
Without help from anyone else, staff member Yvonne Martin
managed to solicit enough receipts from Mono County
businesses and residents to raise $1544.71 for students! WAY
TO GO YVONNE!
Community College
was a proud
participant of
this year’s event,
which served as
an impressive
reminder of the
tremendous amount
of gratitude and
patriotism that exists for our nation’s
first responders and veterans.
Denim Day
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Cerro
Coso did its part to raise awareness and honor survivors
by participating in the Denim Day 2015 Sexual Violence
Prevention and Education Campaign hosted by the Women’s
Center of the High Desert.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
GOAL 5
STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATION EFFECTIVENESS
CCCC Launches New Brand and Logos
Cerro Coso unveiled a new look for its logos and brand messaging to align with
their strategic goals and commitment to student completion and success. “A branding
survey was conducted during the spring semester to evaluate the effectiveness of
the colleges’ current logos and branding,” stated Marketing Manager Natalie Dorrell.
“What we discovered is that many of those who completed the survey did not believe
the logo accurately represented who we are as a college and our branding was
scattered,” The results of the survey led the charge to create new logos that build
on the value proposition and core offerings of the college. The shield: a symbol of
stability, longevity, tradition, boldness, and confidence, at Cerro Coso represents the
College’s strong commitment to student completion. Whether it be one class, updating
job skills, completing a certificate or degree, or transferring to a four year university,
the College is dedicated to helping students realize their educational goals. Long
a symbol of victory in Roman culture, the laurel leaves in the new logo exemplify
student achievement and success. The College has been working hard to identify
student achievement gaps and revising programs and services to help students reach
their full potential. “Our new brand and logos are a celebration of, and preparation
for, Cerro Coso’s continued growth as a college of first choice, while also honoring the institutional convictions and hard work that
brought us here,” said President Jill Board. The school’s Coyote mascot and athletic logos also received a fresh redesign. The project
was funded by the CCCC Alumni Association.
Board Named Woman of the Year
The Ridgecrest Chapter of
Beta Sigma Phi named Cerro Coso
President Jill Board their 2015 Woman
of the Year for her great contributions
to education and the community. The
award is given to a sorority sister
based on demonstrated alignment
with personal and sorority values, the
quality of leadership demonstrated
in the chapter, contribution to the
community, and commitment to
excellence. Board is the 8th President
of Cerro Coso Community College,
and the 3rd woman in a row to hold
the position. A strong proponent of
leadership development, she recently
completed a prestigious Leadership Program at Harvard University. Board has led
the college through financially challenging times in an atmosphere of inclusiveness,
mutual respect, and open transparent communication. And through it all she
kept the college focused on the mission and purpose of serving students first. “I
appreciate the recognition and support of my Beta Sigma Phi sisters,” said Board.
“In my 26 years at Cerro Coso, I have personally seen hundreds of students whose
lives were, in fact, changed because of their experiences at the college. We couldn’t
do what we do without the support of our partners and communities who serve as
our strongest advocates.” Beta Sigma Phi is an International Women’s friendship
network. They are the largest organization of its kind in the world. Great leaders
don’t set out to be a leader…they set out to make a difference. It’s never about
the role—always about the goal.
Congrats to Kim
Blackwell
Cerro Coso Educational Advisor
Kim Blackwell successfully completed
a Master’s Degree in Career Counseling
from Walden University. As a first
generation college student, Blackwell
knows personally the struggles new
students face and how important
engagement is in helping guide them
down the education pathway. Blackwell
has been working in the College
Counseling Department since July 2007.
A 1992 graduate of the college with an
Associate’s Degree in General Education,
Blackwell also holds a Bachelor’s of
Science in Social Work from Bemidji
State University in Minnesota.
2015 Staff Retirements Recognized
Art Professor
Psychology Professor
Richard Benson, 1990-2015
Mary Peoples, 2001-2015
Instruction Office Specialist
Administrative Assistant
Magi Mauldin, 1997-2015
Kathy Salisbury, 1996-2015
Service Awards
“We recognize the support,
dedication, excellent work, and special
efforts our employees have contributed
to the success of our students,” said
President Jill Board. “Your loyalty and
distinguished service to Cerro Coso
Community College is appreciated.”
Scott Cameron
5 Years
Karee Hamilton
Julie Cornett
Yihfen Chen
Matt Crow
Kimberlee Kelly
Jessica Krall
10 Years
Valerie Lane
Michael Metcalf
Donald Seymour
Teresa White
15 Years
Anna Sue Eldridge
Gary Enns
Thomas Foggia
Elisabeth Fuller
25 Years
Jill Board
John Stenger-Smith
35 Years
Gale Lebsock
Adjunct Faculty - 10 Semesters
Joseph Martin, Lake Isabella
Sergio Ramirez, Ridgecrest
Helen Wang, Ridgecrest
Instructor of the Year
Adjunct Faculty
Full-time Faculty
Andrea Corbridge
Yihfen Chen
Classified Staff of the Year
Academic Senate
Margaret Mauldin
Two Cerro Coso
employees Mike
Campbell, IT Director,
and Jennifer Curtis,
Assistant to the President
have completed the 20142015 Kern Community
College District (KCCD)
Leadership Academy, a
professional development
program that prepares
employees for leadership
roles throughout the
district.
Classified Senate
April Naill
The impact classified staff have
on the lives of Cerro Coso students
extends well beyond the time spent
in the classroom. The expertise
and care with which they perform
their jobs makes a significant
contribution to the work and
mission of the college. Our classified
staff work hard each and every day
to ensure our campuses are safe,
secure, and productive.
Trio Represent Cerro Coso
at Bay Area Conference
Cerro Coso
Librarian Julie
Cornett, English
Instructor
Melanie Jeffrey,
and Director
of Distance
Education
Rebecca
Pang gave an
encompassing
presentation
(L to r) CCCC Librarian Julie Cornett, English
entitled “We’re All Instructor Melanie Jeffrey, and Director of Distance
in This Together: Education Rebecca Pang.
A Holistic
Approach to Building Highly Supportive and Engaging Online
Developmental Education Courses” at the 2015 Strengthening
Student Success conference in October. Over 25 participants
attended the lively session and meaningful discussion ensued.
Innovation in education.
Small Wants to See
People Succeed
Christine Small, the new
Director of Counseling and
SSSP, has a genuine desire to
see people succeed with their
educational and life goals.
Originally, from the East Coast,
Small grew up on Long Island
and spent the last 12 years in
Jacksonville, Florida. She has an
extensive program development
and management background in both the nonprofit sector
and higher education, most recently serving as a Grants
Manager at Florida State College of Jacksonville. Having lived
in places such as Chicago, Washington DC, and Long Island,
Christine credits her love of travel to her mother and her
mother’s profession (pediatrics with a specialty in Infectious
Diseases). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from
the University of South Florida, and a Master’s Degree in Public
Administration from the University of North Florida.
New Staff Members
Welcomed
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Mikayla Bayless
ACCESS Programs
Department Assistant II
Paralegal
Dawn Ward
Math
Wendy Coward
Jaclyn Kessler
Welding Teaching Aid
Maintenance Worker, ESCC
Shane Wilson
James Markham
Custodian
Custodian, Lake Isabella
Christy Jansson
System Support Specialist
Ursula Sawyer
Psychology
Kenny Taylor
Nakysha Cummings
Financial Aid Department
Assistant II
Public Information Office
Department Assistant II
Jessica Humble
Jamie Wycoff
Automotive Technician
Educational Advisor
Sam Knopf
Blaine Simmons
Career Technical Education
Executive Secretary
Learning Center Technician,
KRV
Katie Coffman
Heather Bopp
Child Development Center
Department Assistant
ACCESS Programs
Department Assistant II, KRV
Tomieanna Campros
Lisa Sharpe
BestOnlineColleges.com, a leading
resource for online education,
declared Cerro Coso Community
College has one of the Best Online
Paralegal Programs of 2015
Learning Assistance Center
Coordinator
Department Assistant II,
Tehachapi
Tyson Huffman
Kristie Chavez
Instruction Office Specialist
Educational Advisor, East Kern
Michelle McCullough
Kristal Ibrahim
Student Opinions Matter
Missy Gross
Counselor
Director of Counseling
and SSSP
Physical Education &
Head Baseball Coach
Job Development Specialist
The
connection
between
student
engagement
and student
success
is well
documented.
Every
two years
KRV students (l to r) Stacy Elliott, Karley Johnson, Claude
Cerro Coso
Romanchuk, and Lisa Wyly won four out of six prizes for
conducts a
participating in the Student Experience Survey .
large scale
student experience survey to gather student opinions and
assess student services. The Cerro Coso Community College
Foundation generously supported these efforts by offering
students the opportunity to win an iRulu Android tablet or
stereo headset, resulting in an all-time high student response
rate. The feedback provided by students taking the survey
gives the college a more complete picture of what matters most
to student success now and in the future and will be used for
training, resource development, and modifications to improve
services.
Christine Small
Justus Scott
Ashlin Mattos
Child Development Center
Associate Teacher
NEW POSITIONS
Vanessa Palacios
Child Development Center
Associate Teacher
Ingrid Carroll
Librarian
Director of ACCESS Programs
Paula Suorez
Director of
Student Life & Outreach
Pam Campbell
Sharlene Paxton
2015 Employees
TYPE
HEADCOUNT
Full-Time Faculty
58
Adjunct Faculty
88
Classfied Staff
92
Administrators
18
TOTAL
256
Five from CCCC Recipients of National Award
Five Cerro Coso Community College employees received
national recognition for their leadership and contributions to
higher education. Laura Vasquez (Director of Basic Skills),
Herman Foster (Welding Faculty), Paula Suorez (Director
of Students and Counseling), Annette Hodgins (Director
of Nursing), and Valerie Karnes (C6 Project Director) were
presented the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Awards
at a conference in Boston, Mass., in March. This group of
dedicated faculty and administrators spent the past four years
focused on increasing access to programs, student success,
completion, and transition into the workforce by working
collaboratively across the Central Valley aligning curriculum
in the disciplines of Allied Health, Welding, and Basic Skills
between all participating colleges in the C6 Consortium. The
project was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of
Labor. “The innovation and collaboration with other colleagues
throughout the Central Valley as well as partnering with local
business and industry has benefited our students greatly,” said
President Jill Board.
Campbell—Student Life
& Outreach
Cerro
Coso offers a
supporting and
caring campus
environment
for students to
develop socially,
physically,
intellectually,
and spiritually,
and that’s what
drew Pam
Campbell to her
new position
of Director of
Outreach and
Student Life. “I love a challenge, trying new things, and being
a part of the hub of activities that promote leadership, social
activities, and community involvement among our students,”
she said. “Student engagement is vital to recruitment,
retention, and success, and an integral part of the
educational environment,” she continued. Campbell started
working at the college as an adjunct Counselor in 2005 for
Special Services (now known as ACCESS Programs) and
served as an Interim Director of the Lake Isabella campus for
a year and a half. Campbell earned a B.S. in Social Work from
the University of Mary in North Dakota, an M.A. in Clinical
Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, is a Licensed
Marriage and Family Therapist, and a 2013 graduate of the
Kern Community College District Leadership Academy.
Congratulations Pam – the journey is the reward!
Back l to r: Laura Vasquez (Director of Basic Skills), Herman Foster (Welding
Faculty), & Paula Suorez (Director of Students and Counseling). Seated l to r:
Annette Hodgins (Director of Nursing), and Valerie Karnes (C6 Project Director).
General Unrestricted
2014-2015
Expenditures/Revenue
Expenditures
Supplies &
Materials: Capital
Outlay: 1.4%
2.4%
Services/Utilities/
Operating: 11.7%
Academic
Salaries:
49.7%
Employee
Benefits: 17.9%
Classified
Salaries: 16.9%
Revenue
Local Income: 2.0%
Allocation: 98.0%
Jeffrey Panelist
at Film Screening
Cerro Coso
instructor, poet,
mother, and artist
Melanie Jeffrey
recently served as a
panelist for a 60th
Anniversary film
screening of Zane
Grey’s The Vanishing
American by Lit
Crawl L.A. at the
Laemmle Playhouse
7 in Pasadena. The
panelists were asked
to link the images of Native Americans in cinema and plot of
the film to current events. Jeffrey’s tribal affiliation with the
Diegueño Indians and recent interview with Red Hen Press’s
Los Angeles Review (Fall 2015) made her a perfect fit for
the discussion. A graduate from the University of California,
Riverside’s MFA program, her poetry is a hybrid of modernism
and experimentalism. L.A. Review, a literary journal in L.A.,
interviewed Jeffrey on her new chapbook, Rules to Want,
published by dancing girl press.
Leadership Academy
KCCD Leadership Academy Members met with President Jill Board and
Senator Fuller (l to r): Anita Karr, Michael Campbell, President Jill Board,
Senator Jean Fuller, Vicki Coffee, Angela Williams, Jim Coggins, Kimberly
Parker (McCallum Group), Jennifer Johnson, Jennifer Curtis.
The 2014/15 Kern Community College District Leadership
Academy got the opportunity to meet with State Senator
Jean Fuller prior to the Senate Session during the Community
College League of California Annual Legislative Conference in
Sacramento in January.
Paula—The Heart of an Artist
The Visual and Performing Arts
Department announced the opening of a new
show in the LRC Gallery at the Ridgecrest
Campus titled “Paula–The Heart of an
Artist.” The installation commemorates the
art-filled life of Paula Caudill, our friend and
colleague, who sadly passed away in July.
Paula worked at the college for 19 years in a
number of capacities, most recently serving
as an Assessment Assistant. She was loving
and generous, made time for everyone, and
could lift your spirits with just her smile. An
incredibly creative soul, Paula filled her world
with the art she created and that of others.
She had planned to retire from the college in December of this year and fully devote herself to pursuing her
passion for art. Sadly, heart disease took her too soon. The show in honor of Paula presents a confluence of
her art work, personal space, and memorabilia. Artists almost never look at their work in the context of “the
white cube.” Their work is born out of the chaos of the studio environment and the often random nature of
their thoughts and studio processes. This is where their art work is most alive. An artist like Paula lived in her
studio; that’s where she made her art, and was happy. She adored and collected dragonflies, was a precious
friend, and will be deeply missed by her family and co-workers. Dedicated to Paula, the show was a tribute to
her work, creative talent, and the passion for which she was known. Paula–The Heart of an Artist.
BUIILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Pardon the dust…but move we must!
A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds
balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of a move, like
the one that took place at Cerro Coso’s Ridgecrest Campus.
Packed and ready to go for more than a month, the time had
finally come to clear the main building for construction. Moving
is stressful, but the staff at Cerro Coso took it in stride as they
relocated to the various modular units they will call home for
the next few years. Some even considered it an adventure, like
the counseling staff that were quick to get everything in place
so they could resume services to students. Staying positive and
keeping a sense of humor during the move required a flat-out
refusal to let the stress of the situation get them down. No
ordinary duct tape day, many were forced to resist the urge to
pop bubble wrap before packing fragile items. Departments
and offices have been moved and the staff are settled into their
new surroundings. Exciting changes are in the works at the
Ridgecrest Campus.
Counseling staff: Nikki Gardepe, Amy Kennedy, and Terri White can skip the
gym this week as these superwomen broke the record for a quick recovery in
their department’s move across campus.
Measure C Bond
In November of 2000 voters approved a Mammoth Lakes Construction bond that would allow KCCD to expand, improve, and
renovate college facilities in Mammoth Lakes for students.
Bond Amount Authorized.............................................................$5,000,000
Bond Amount Issued - 12/2000....................................................$7,474,413
Bond Amount Issued - 12/2002...................................................$3,999,979
Bond Amount To Be Issued.......................................................... $3,525,606
Budgeted
Planned Projects
Budget
Projects in Construction
Sum of Measure C Funds Spent to Date......................................$6,410,065
Remaining Bond Funds Available............................................... $8,589,934
Expended
Art Expansion/ Monument Sign.........................$465,773$460,773
Occupancy/Exiting Signage.................................... $18,399$15,292
Exterior Lighting Retrofit.......................................$80,000$79,395
Science Classroom and Lab Expansion..............$461,700$1,920
Completed Projects
Cost
Dave & Roma McCoy Learning Center....................................... $2,305,061
Mammoth Lakes Library............................................................... $3,500,947
Various Scheduled Maintenance Projects...................................... $364,619
Parking Lot and Road Repairs.........................................................$906,386
Other.......................................................................................................$239,437
Reseal Exterior of Building................................................................. $80,000
HVAC Evaluation......................................................................................$5,000
Art and Science Storage Building....................................................$100,000
Window Tinting.....................................................................................$25,000
PM, Inspector, consultant fees........................................................... $75,000
Travel........................................................................................................$25,000
ESTIMATED Sum of Planned Projects..........................................$311,000
ESTIMATED Remaining Bond Funds Available.................... $5,164,554
MLF - Sprung Structure Proposal
Sprung Structure Construction Estimate.................................$3,000,000
50% DSA Gross-Up.......................................................................... $1,500,000
ESTIMATED MLF Proposal........................................................$4,500,000
ESTIMATED Remaining Bond Funds Available.......................$664,554
The Kern Community College Safety, Repair and Improvement District (SRID) was formed following a public hearing on
August 1, 2002, pursuant to California Education Code and proceedings taken by the District.
Measure G Bond
Measure G was placed on the ballot for November 5,
2002, and the electors of the Improvement District approved
$180 million in bonds on behalf of the District to finance
improvement, renovation, construction, equipping, and
acquisition of the buildings and classrooms for Bakersfield,
Cerro Coso, and Porterville Colleges. More than fifty-five
percent of the electors voting on the proposition voted in favor
of such issuance.
The Improvement District, which includes approximately
12,800 square miles, encompasses Kern County, Tulare County
and San Bernardino County portions of the District.
SRID Funds Allocated................................................................. $40,704,853
Capital Outland Expenditures to Date..................................... $24,762,438
Scheduled Maintenance Expenditures to Date.......................$ 4,090,259
Total Expenditures to Date........................................................$28,852,698
Future Expenditures.....................................................................$16,794,472
Projects in Construction
Budgeted Expended
Main Building Modernization.............................$15,354,099$4,105,507
Occ Lab Reroof/HVAC/Welding Expansion.... $1,029,633$1,087,807
Cerro Coso Capital Projects Completed
Library ...............................................................................................$1,065,083
Photovoltaic Field.............................................................................$10,191,230
ITV Sites Accord Video Bridge........................................................ $513,242
Science Modernization.................................................................... $4,761,966
Childcare Facility Expansion............................................................... $17,634
Well and Water Distribution..................................................................$9,870
Fine Arts Modernization................................................................... $3,110,211
Main Building Modernization Preliminary Concepts................ $559,944
Performing Arts/Theater Upgrade................................................ $514,040
Student Center Modernization.....................................................$2,464,908
Site Acquisition at California City..................................................$842,032
Cerro Coso Scheduled Maintenance
Projects Completed
Maintenance & Operations New Vehicles (New Autos)..............$50,000
Irrigation System...................................................................................$54,009
Kern River Valley Site..........................................................................$48,560
Gym Reroof.............................................................................................$62,341
Security System.................................................................................. $198,565
Gym Parking Repairs......................................................................... $145,404
IWV Child Care Miscellaneous Repairs............................................$17,537
Parking (CDC/LRC)..............................................................................$82,473
Gym Boilers........................................................................................... $126,321
Cal City Storm Drain Lateral..............................................................$20,000
Master Planning/ADA Study............................................................ $181,546
3rd Floor Modernization.....................................................................$29,836
Concrete Work for LRC & Observatory............................................ $16,194
Machine Tool Swing Space................................................................. $76,869
Main Building HVAC Repairs.............................................................. $89,916
HVAC Valves & Control Upgrades.....................................................$24,091
Repair Damaged Feeder Circuit PV................................................. $25,835
East Wing Chiller Replacement.........................................................$24,378
Single Source Metering.......................................................................$76,284
Pedestrian Bridge Retrofit............................................................... $483,426
Main Building ADA Door Hardware................................................$164,975
Welding Lab Re-Roof......................................................................... $221,029
Freight Elevator Repair.......................................................................... $9,898
Survey Campus Topography...............................................................$13,339
Main Building Stairwell Enclosure North.........................................$59,153
LRC VCT Flooring and Mat Replacement........................................ $71,696
Gym HVAC Replacement.................................................................. $949,251
Campus Wide Fire Alarm Integration............................................. $188,621
ATHLETICS
2015 Women’s Volleyball
Head Coach
No.Name
Kim Young
1/12
2
3
4
5
7
8
14
16
25
Assistant Coach
Stephanie Phillips
Manager
Sarah Turner
Assistants
Kelly Teuscher
Morgan Fuller
Cielo Martinez
Monica Gutierrez
Metzli Heck
Megan Smith
Kristel Teuscher
Brittney Pepper
Jasmine Thomas
Miranda Brater
Erin Lind
Carissa Thangathurai
Signing Day for Coyote
Ashley Sherrick
(L to r) CCCC President Jill Board, Ashley Sherrick, and Volleyball Head Coach
Kim Young.
Surrounded by her parents, family, coaches, friends, and
staff, Coyote Volleyball player Ashley Sherrick signed a letter
of intent with Cumberland University in Tennessee to play
volleyball on a full-ride scholarship. “I’m excited I get to play
volleyball at the next level,” said Sherrick. A top performer for
the Coyotes, Sherrick, an outside hitter, made Foothill Athletic
Conference All-Conference First Team twice and received a
nod from the conference’s coaches by ranking in the top 16 in
kills per set for the State of California in 2014.
2015 Men’s Baseball
Head Coach
No.Name
Justus Scott
11
12
14
15
16
21
22
23
24
26
27
33
34
Assistant Coach
Darrell Price
No.Name
2
5
6
7
8
9
10
Ryan Sanford
Joseph Martinez
Eric Dalpiaz
Jeremy Morski
Scott Koenen
Rashaad Jones
Darrell Allen
Alexander Reid
Dylan Martin
Angel Godinez
Tim South
Keifer McLendon
Scott Flinn
Chad Butler
Dwight Taylor
Omar DeHaro
Antonio Gutierrez
Ezekiel Johnson
Drew Peterson
John Wheatley
Signing Day for Morski
Cerro Coso baseball
player Jeremy Morski has
signed a letter of intent
to play for the University
of Dubuque Spartans in
Dubuque, Iowa. Originally
from Las Vegas, Nevada,
Morski played baseball for
the Coyotes his sophomore
year and graduated in May
with an Associate of Arts
Degree in Liberal Arts/Arts
& Humanities. His future
career goal is to teach and
coach at the university
Jeremy (seated) and his father Doug
level. Looking forward to
Morski (standing) pose for a picture
the next chapter in life,
after signing his letter of intent to play
Morski says he is, “grateful
for the University of Dubuque.
for the opportunity to finish
my degree and still play the game I love.” A top performer for
the Coyotes, the first baseman made the 2015 California 2nd
All-Conference team.
CERRO COSO COYOTE CLUB
Coyote Club
Hall of Fame
Coyote Club Donors
Former Coyote baseball player Brandon Ward
(’96) was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame
during the Coyote Club’s 2nd Annual Hall of
Fame Dinner held on Saturday, March 28, at the
Raymond McCue Athletic Complex.
2015 Inductees
Cerro Coso Alum Brandon Ward (’96)
Drafted by the Chicago Cubs
from the college in 1996
Burroughs High School (BHS)
Championship
Freshman Football Team
IWV Championship
Runner Up Football Team
BHS Championship
JV Baseball Team
Elementary 5th Grade
Boys and Girls Championship
Basketball League
Best Record
Murray 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team
Our congratulations to all the award
recipients!
Score. Defend. Conquer.
1-Stop Market
A&L Tire Co., Inc.
Adelman Broadcasting
AltaOne Federal Credit Union
John J. Aumer
Auto Zone
Bachman Family Dentistry
Barnes & Noble
Baxendale’s
Terry & Ruth Bays
Elix & Betty Beale
Blanche Bennett
Benson Pottery
Darrin Boston
Marshall & Denean Boyer
John & Kathie Brater
Cyndy & John Bradley
Bulldog Domestic Supply
Campbell’s Heating
& Air Conditioning
Cardinal Plumbing
Casa Corona
Casey’s Steaks and Barbecue
Zaulo G. Chavez
Ray Cheetnay
China Express
Cindy & Co.
Coldwell Banker, Best Realty
Corky & Cindi Richardson
Deems & Karen Morrione
Denny’s
Desert Area Resources &
Training
Desert Valleys
Federal Credit Union
Domino’s
Robert L. Duncan
Edward Jones–
Brook Andreoli, Financial
Advisor
Linda L. Egua
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
Evan Etoch Memorial
Foundation
Express Tires
Melissa & Kris Farlow
Farmer’s Insurance Group,
John Flinn
John G. Gubler
Ana Gutierrez
David Haugen
Bob & Janet Haas
Francisca Hernandez
Heather & John Weaver
High Desert Haven
High Desert Home Center
His & Her’s House of Hair
Inyokern Market
IWV Veterinary Hospital
IWV Water District
J&D Beef Jerky
Jackuline Hansen
Jess Mini Mart
Jewelry to Go
Jim Charlon Ford
Shala Johnson
Joyce Kendall
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Shirley Kidner
Mark Kuz
Stan & Esther Kuz
Thomas Lewis
Carl W. Lind
Little Caesars
Mammoth Hospital
Marilyn & Richard Piatchek
Mary Kay—Kristi Cook
Mather Brother’s Inc.
Maturango Museum
Lucy Mayher
Jeff McCusker
McDonald’s of Ridgecrest
Mediacom
Merry Maids
Mimi’s Fun Party Supplies
Paul & Bertha Mouriski
Jan & Kelli Mowry
Paul & Sons
Pediatrics Plus
Peoples Images—Bob Peoples
Laura & Mike Piachek
Pizza Factory
Pizza Hut
Pony Espresso
RC Dental Office
Red Rock Books
Ridgecrest Charter School
Ridgecrest Floor Covering
Ridgecrest Physical Therapy
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
Ridgecrest Taxi
Rusty Warren’s Automotive
Karen Ryan
Saint Ann School
Searles Valley Minerals
Mary Scherbring
Nancy Lee & Richard Schnell
Eleanor Sarrett
Sears
Rich Shadden
Sierra Lanes
Sierra Wave Media
Michael & Diana Silva
Southern Sierra Medical
Clinic
Speedy Lube
& Automotive Repair
Spray Angel
Anita R. Spoonhunter
Terry Springstead
Square Print
Stafford’s Pest Control
State Farm—Gary Charlon,
Mike Stephens, Agent
Patricia & David Strong
Swap Sheet
T & T Alignment, Inc.
T.J. Frisbee
Technical & Office
Support Services
Tender Cut Meats
Teresa’s Ridgecrest
Auto Body, Inc.
Mike & Karen Teuscher
The Beauty Center
Tommy T’s
Toyota of Ridgecrest
U.S. Naval Museum of
Armament & Technology
Valley Cabinet & Trim
Valley Orthopedic Institute
Visible Changes—
Victoria Vorwerk
Von Schlemmer Ranch
Waste Management
John & Judy Weaver
The Coyote Club is the fund raising organization focused on supporting Cerro Coso Community College
(CCCC) athletic programs. Their mission is to provide students with an outstanding athletic and
academic experience and to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the College athletic programs.
The Coyote Club is an auxiliary organization of the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation.
CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Generation XYZ & Me
Board of
Directors
President
Marshall Holloway
President Elect
Justin O’Neil
Treasurer
Jan Bennett
Directors
Jill Board
Peggy Breeden
Dotsy Cronin
Anthony Damiano
Natalie Dorrell
Debbie Hess
Tracey Moran
The CCCC Foundation
made it possible for 15
college students to attend
the 2015 Indian Wells
Valley Economic Outlook
Conference. The theme
was Generation XYZ & Me
and focused on generational
diversity in the workplace
and its effects on the
economic outlook. College
President Jill Board was
among the line-up of guest
speakers. Bridging the
generation gap!
Students (seated, l to r) Connie Leyna, Alex Tellez, Tanner Barnett,
Kristiana Ogilvie, (standing, l to r) Trisha Lason, Cameron LaBrie,
and Kurtis Williams attended the Ridgecrest Chamber’s 2015
Economic Outlook Conference on Generational Differences.
Denim & Diamonds a Huge Success
Special thanks to Bill and Beth Sumners for their
assistance with the auction and evening program.
The CCCC Foundation hosts the
Denim and Diamonds fundraising
dinner and auction every year to help
deliver the dream of a college education.
This year’s event raised more than
$23,000 and the Foundation awarded
more than $69,000 in scholarships
to Cerro Coso students, supported
campus events and activities for
students and veterans, made applying
for scholarships easier and more
convenient, and supported the college in
meeting its goals and objectives. Special
thanks go out to this year’s sponsors:
The Swap Sheet, H & R Block, Gary
Charlon State Farm Insurance, Annette
Hodgins, Firequick, and Lemieux &
O’Neill. Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much!
Employee Giving Campaign
Dean Bernsten
Jill Board
Wendy Coward
Jennifer Curtis
Natalie Dorrell
Deborah Gregory
Hester Grove
Jessica Humble
Kim Kelly
Corey Marvin
April Naill
Heather Ostash
Claudia Sellers
Sylvia Sotomayor
John Stenger-Smith
Paula Suorez
Christine Swiridoff
Penny Talley
Making a difference!
Education is an investment that never loses its value! We invite you to invest
in Cerro Coso’s most precious asset–our students. All gifts, large or small, make a
difference in the lives of our students.
KRVECF and
SCE Award
Scholarships
(L to r) Tina Kooivu, Kristhomas Snyder, and
a high school student, receive SCE STEM
scholarships by KRVECF President Tim McGlew.
The Kern River Valley Education
and Cultural Foundation (KRVECF)
awarded two Cerro Coso students
majoring in Science, Engineering,
Technology, and Math (STEM) individual
International/ Southern California
Edison Scholarships of $1,875 each.
Both students, Tina Kooivu and
Kristhomas Snyder, are Math majors
at the college with goals of becoming
Math teachers. Lighting the fires of
education!
Investing in our students
is an investment
in the future of our
entire community!
Thanks 2015 Donors
Your generosity makes a REAL DIFFERENCE to our students.
Organizations
1st Church Christ Scientist
Alabama Hills Café
Aquarius Casino Resort
AVI Resort & Casino
Baxendale’s
Beansters
Big Lots
Bishop Country Club
Botany’s Desire
Breen Automation Systems Inc.
C. Martin Company Inc.
Campbell Heating &
Air Conditioning
Casa Corona
Casey’s Steaks & BBQ
Central Sanitary Supply
China Express
Contrast Technology Services
Cordell Construction
Coso Operating Company, Inc.
Cruise Planners of the
Indian Wells Valley
Curves for Women
Desert Valley’s FCU
Diamond Foods
Dow Villa Motel
Firequick
Floral Accents
FogCatcher Inn
Frey’s Gun Shop
GKK Works
Gold Coast Electric, Inc.
Guns 4 Us
H&R Block
High Desert Medical Supply
IWV Insurance Agency
Jacobs Technology
Jewelry to Go
Dr. Dan Angel
Barbara Auld
Helen Baker
Jan Bennett
Dick Benson
Mary & Steve Boster
Margaret Breeden
Jennifer & Kelly Curtis
Cynthia & Anthony Damiano
Natalie & Martin Dorrell
Christine Duong
Louise Farmer
Cherrill Gragg
Bethiah Hall
Debbie Hess
Annette Hodgins
Jewelry with Attitude
Kristy’s Family Restaurant
L & G Salon
Lancaster Jethawks
Lemieux & O’Neill
Lindsay Furniture
Lugo’s Grill
Madison Avenue Salon & Day Spa
Mammoth Lakes Foundation
Maturango Museum
McBride’s Metal Works
McDonald’s
Minerals Unlimited
Mission Bank
Mom’s Furniture
Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill
Olivera’s Restaurant
Pizza Factory
Ridgecrest Cinemas
Ridgecrest Floor Covering
Ridgecrest Lions Club
Romancing the West
Rusty Warren’s Automotive
Saigon Flavor
Sears
Showboat Branson Belle
Soaring Adventures of America
SpringHill Suites Ridgecrest
Stafford’s Pest Control
Subway
Swap Sheet
Tel-Tec Security Systems Inc.
Tender Cut Meats
The Grape Leaf
Tokyo House
Xin Bowl
Individuals
Chip Holloway
Thayer Hubbard
Kate & Rob Kosters
Kay & Forrest Lloyd
Edward Lulofs
Mike Metcalf
Bob Peoples
Janet Riley
Galen Rowell Estate
Eileen Shibley
Marilyn Simmons
Beth & Bill Sumners
Cyndi Townsend
Robert Warren
Ruth Wasserman
Foundation Scholarship Luncheon
The CCCC Foundation Scholarship
Luncheon was a heartwarming affair
for scholarship recipients, staff, and
board members who attended the event
on Wednesday, November 4, 2015. The
annual scholarship luncheon offers
recipients the opportunity to meet and
thank the board that works hard to
expand access and encourages college
completion through scholarships. The
CCCC Foundation awarded $69,025
in scholarships to Cerro Coso students
during the 2014-2015 academic school
year to help students get the most of
their education at the college and build
better lives for themselves and their
families. Special thanks go out to all of
the donors and community members
who invest in the future of Cerro Coso’s
hard-working students.
Student Claude Romanchuk from the Kern River
Valley Campus, the proud recipient of the Gilbert
Plain Family Scholarship, poses for a picture with
President Jill Board.
CCCC Foundation Recognition
The CCCC Foundation recognizes the outstanding work and contributions of the following organizations in support
CCCC students.
Donald M. Slager—Sunset Foundation
Kern River Valley Education & Cultural Foundation
Eastern Sierra Foundation—Bishop
Mammoth Lakes Foundation
Evan Etoch Memorial Foundation
Owens Valley Career Development Center
Inyo County Superintendent of Schools
“At this time I would like to show my sincere appreciation for your encouragement
to further my education. As a young adult with no parents I am pleased to have the
opportunity to continue my education with funding from great companies like yours.
Thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue my educational
goals.”
–Jbea
2015 Scholarship Recipients
The CCCC Foundation awarded $69,025 in scholarships to students in 2015–
a 12% increase in the amount awarded to students in 2014.
Spring 2015
Cox-Veatch Family Memorial
Scholarship
Bertha Wilson-Cronin Nursing
Scholarship
Taylor Schwichtenberg
Jennifer Johnson
Connie Farrell Memorial
Nursing Scholarship
The Bernard Osher Foundation
Scholarship
Jennifer Johnson
Shari Allison
Heather Bopp
Kayla Forsythe
Lori Healey
Jose Hernandez
Ruby & Hartzell Scholarship
Jennifer Johnson
Daniel Hoskins
Jennifer Johnson
Troy Kent
Natalie Kuttor
Kenneth Leffler III
Paula Middleton
Amy Minzlaff
Kristhomas Snyder
Danilee Taylor
Andrea Weidenkopf
Southern California Edison
STEM Scholarship
Grant Argain
Enrique Carrillo-Sulub
Charris Gabaldon
Christen Huckstep
Ashley Nielson
Austin Ogilvie
Kristhomas Snyder
Blake Stewart
Fall 2015
Theresa Allen Vocational
Nursing Scholarship
Myrlan “Speed” Handeland
Family Scholarship
The Bernard Osher Foundation
Scholarship
Richard J. Stenger Memorial
Chemistry Scholarship
Jennifer Johnson
Loraine Coggin
Sharon Nelson
Heather Bopp
Jennifer Johnson
Troy Kent
Danilee Taylor
Kristiana Ogilvie
Tania Lynn Atkisson Memorial
Scholarship
Kirstie Wittendorfer
Vivian Boultinghouse Memorial
Scholarship
Blake Stewart
Pam Coward Memorial
Scholarship
Grant Argain
Cerro Coso Community College
Foundation Scholarship
Nicole Mosley
Lonny A. Daniel Memorial
Scholarship
Michelle Lundberg
Frank Dickey Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Diana Love
East Kern Youth Projects
Jbea McReynolds
Nicole Mosley
Kielman Family Scholarship
Frances Ramsey
Don Kumferman Memorial
Scholarship
The Bernard Osher College
Foundation Scholarship
Shelby Dolim
Anthony McFarland
Ma’aka Sat
Shari Allison
Lori Healey
Daniel Hoskins
Natalie Kuttor
H.P. Leet Memorial Scholarship
Fund
Anton & Ruth Ozanich Family
Scholarship
Mitchell Metz
Dick Malone Family
Scholarship
Blake Stewart
Ray Marsh Memorial
Scholarship
Shelby Dolim
Walter J. Sulek Memorial Music
Scholarship
Alejandro Tellez-Cruz
Textbook Scholarship
Heather Born
Jillian Schroeder
Natalie Kuttor
Debby Webb
June Wasserman Scholarship
Gilbert Plain Family
Scholarship
Helen Weals Family Scholarship
Claude Romanchuk
Alejandro Tellez-Cruz
Heather Born
Cerro Coso Community College
President’s Scholarship
Raymond A. McCue Memorial
Scholarship
Jennifer Johnson
Diana Love
Amy Minzlaff
Senator Walter Stiern Memorial
Scholarship
Order of Golden Slipper M.H.C.
Scholarship
Tiana Holmes
Jennifer Johnson
Sharon Nelson
Bill Whitworth Memorial
Scholarship
Blake Stewart
Ronald Curtis Wilson Memorial
Scholarship
Grant Argain
ALUMNI
2015 Distinguished Alumna—Shauna Merriman
“I’m an artist,” proclaimed Shauna Merriman, the 2015 Distinguished Alumni
Speaker, in her address during the college’s 42nd Commencement Ceremony.
Merriman grew up in Ridgecrest and studied at the college following graduation
from Burroughs High School in ’92 not knowing what she wanted to study – only
that she valued a high quality education in academia and needed time to find where
her heart lie in her own way. “I needed the freedom and space to hang around for a
while and figure it out, and could relatively easily make the time and money to take
advantage of the extremely high quality education at Cerro Coso,” she said. “Here,
there isn’t the financial pressure of a 4-year institution, and need to declare a major
so quickly out of high school.”
In 1997, she transferred to the New York State School for Ceramics at Alfred
University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, followed by her Master’s in
Fine Arts from the Ohio State University. “I found that it was a big advantage to be
an older transfer student with diverse experiences. Not only had I discovered a lot
about myself, I was open, eager, and really well-prepared as a student and evolving
thinker,” she said.
Merriman has worked as an artist since, teaching in academia and exhibiting in both group and solo shows across the
country as well as in Germany. “Imagination and play aren’t just for the arts—they’re in all disciplines and relationships, and I
think paramount in finding one’s passion for meaningful work,” she told the crowd.
She recently returned from living in Dresden, Germany, for 3 years, where she taught at the Academy of Fine Arts Dresden,
exhibited at places including: City Art Museum of Dresden and E-Werk, Feiburg, and had a solo exhibition at Mastul Galerie in
Berlin.
She maintained her studio practice as part of an artist-run initiative and exhibition space (g-8 Project Space and Studios), a
non-profit, Dresden cultural institution that curates exhibitions and hosts international Artists in Residence, where she was also
an organizing member. During this time, Merriman also completed a German Master studies in Art. “I am really thankful for the
educational foundation that I have been given by this institution to build upon,” she said of Cerro Coso.
A recipient of an Individual Fellowship Award of Excellence from the Ohio Arts Council, through which she was also
awarded an Artist in Residency in Dresden, prior to her move there, Merriman currently teaches ceramics and sculpture at the
University of Connecticut and Connecticut College.
“However big you dream, whatever your vision, know that you have the best possible start, coming from Cerro Coso. You
are in a really good position with many options,” she concluded.
Cerro Coso celebrates your success!
Alumni
Connection
Your relationship with Cerro Coso
Community College continues after
graduation, and we’re here to help you
stay connected with your alma mater.
We offer many ways for you to be
involved: attend or volunteer for events,
join one of our alumni groups, connect
through our website where you can see
what’s happening on Twitter or “like” us
on Facebook, serve on the Alumni Board
and be an advocate for the Cerro Coso
Community College Alumni Association.
You are important part of the Cerro
Coso Community College family.
Alumni Launch Online Store
Great news! Cerro Coso’s brand new online school store has officially launched!
Treat yourself or your friends with a purchase from the new school store for this
school year! Through the VIP Branding Program, the college has a new online school
store filled with fresh, new Coyote gear. Shop for yourself or a student and the Cerro
Coso Community College Alumni Association will receive funds from every purchase
to support students and programs. This drives much needed funding to the school
and unifies all of us as our students, families, alumni, faculty, and others start to see
more and more Cerro Coso Community College gear in the community! Every item
sold in our Varsity Shop is custommade. Visit the official new school store by clicking
the image on the college homepage or by entering varsityshop.com/ca_cerro_coso_cc
Strengthen your Coyote connection and help support activities
for current students by becoming a member of the Cerro Coso
Community College Alumni Association. Call today! 760-384-6262
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Ridgecrest, CA
Permit No. 29
3000 College Heights Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571
Mission
Value Statement
The mission of Cerro Coso Community College is to provide tailored
programs and equitable services to the students in the communities
and rural areas we serve. We demonstrate a conscious effort to
produce and support student success and achievement through
traditional and distance deliver.
The Values at Cerro Coso
Community College provide
the foundation for all student,
academic, and community
activities.
To accomplish this mission we will provide:
Educate
Degree and certificates in transfer and career technical education;
We are committed to student’s learning
and achievement;
Remedial instruction;
Comprehensive support services;
Learning opportunities that develop ethical and effective citizenry;
and
Continuing education that is compatible with
the institution’s primary mission.
Innovate
We encourage individual and collective
creativity in a rapidly changing world;
We implement best practices that
facilitate and encourage innovation
and success;
Inspire
We model a culture of life-long learning;
Serve
Accreditation
Cerro Coso Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community
and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial, Ste.
204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the US Department of Education.
We celebrate the diversity of each
individual: student, staff, and faculty;
We strive to deliver equitable services to
all students at all sites;
We foster community partnerships and
the relationships we build with them.