Tomorrow's scientists in action: The 2009 Washington State Science Olympiad

Forty teams comprised of students from high schools, middle schools and home schools around Washington met together at Clark College to participate in the 2009 Washington State Science Olympiad on Saturday, April 18.

From competitions in social and earth sciences to chemistry and engineering, students showed off their know-how and how-to. Racing cars, propulsion devices and wind machines dominated the north side of the college's main campus. To the south, the college's lawns hosted events where students launched water bottle rockets and eggs.

More than 60 volunteers from Clark's engineering, physics, chemistry and biology classes participated by supervising events, grading tests, and even delivering lunches. Given the excellent weather and team spirit, this year's Science Olympiad was a success.

Clark College President Robert K. Knight said, "Science education is vital to the future of our region and our country. These young scientists are making the case that the U.S. is ready to once again claim a leadership role in science."

According to organizers, the Washington State Science Olympiad is "an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, creating a passion for learning science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international tournaments."

Student work takes center stage during unveiling events

As Clark College continues its 75th anniversary celebration, it was the work of current Clark students that took center stage during two of three special events held Tuesday, May 12.

The series of events began with the unveiling of the 2009 Phoenix, the student literary and art publication of Clark College.Phoenix is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It was originally hatched as "The Egg" in 1959; following a hiatus in the late seventies, it rose under its current - and more fitting, according to literary editor Emily Antoine - moniker in the early 1980s.

The members of the student leadership team for the 2009 Phoenix are: Daniel Acosta, business manager/assistant editor; Whitney Anderson, co-layout editor; Emily Antoine, literary editor; Sarah Campeau, photo editor and designer; Nathan Childs, fine art editor; Robert Cramer, distribution manager/illustrator; Jason Curl, photographer/illustrator; Chris Flanders, co-layout editor; Kristin Haagen, graphic designer; Stacey Hargis, graphic designer; Angel Hayes, graphic designer; Leah Kooiman, graphic designer; Jennifer Lewis, graphic designer; and Kristen Weigand, Web editor.

Professors Rita Carey and Kathrena Halsinger serve as the literary and art advisors, respectively, to Phoenix. "This team exceeded their own abilities to create something exceptional," noted Halsinger at the unveiling. "This was the largest staff ever - and they undertook the most ambitious issue yet."

"I am so proud of our students," said President Knight as he addressed those gathered. "This unveiling of Phoenix is another example of student success."

In 2008, Phoenix was honored by the America Scholastic Press Association as the best college literary art magazine in the country.

As in years past, the opening of the 2009 Art Student Annual followed the Phoenix unveiling. The Art Student Annual is the college's traditional end-of-year exhibition of student work created in Clark College Art Department classes.

Winners of this year's Art Student Annual recognition awards are:
Shelby Roake, Knight's Photography Best Photo Award
Jordan Jones, Blue Moon Camera Film Processing Award
Rachel Coleman, Georgie's Ceramic Company Best Clay Piece Award
Kayla Mayer, Frame Central Best Two-Dimensional Award
Isaiah Wyckoff, Best of Show Award

The Art Student Annual also marked the final show to be curated by Archer Gallery Director Marjorie Hirsch, who is leaving the college at the end of this academic year. "Marjorie has brought dynamic art to the college that has enriched the lives not only of our students, faculty and staff, but of people throughout our region," said President Bob Knight. "Under Marjorie's direction, the Archer Gallery has been recognized for showcasing the work of regionally and nationally acclaimed artists. Her passion and dedication have enhanced our college and our community."

The Art Student Annual is on display in the Archer Gallery through June 9.

"Scend"ing messages through time

A 1937 Clark Junior College diploma signed by Dean Lewis Cannell. A complete newspaper section about Clark Junior College from the Clark County Sun, dated August 16, 1940, and including an article by Dr. Paul Gaiser. A copy of the first college yearbook. A program from the college's first graduation dinner. Mementos from the college's 25th and 50th anniversaries.

Those items were among the historic treasures discovered when the college's 50th anniversary time capsule was opened on May 12, 2009, as part of the college's yearlong 75th anniversary celebration.
 
Faculty, staff and students - some of whom were part of the college community during the college's 50th anniversary - gathered in Gaiser Hall to watch Clark College President Robert Knight and past Interim President Ellis Dunn open the time capsule, which was created in 1984 by Clark welding professor Ryan Collins.
Collins spoke about work done by various units at the college to create the time capsule. It was shaped like the nose of a rocket, reflecting interest in the space travel at that time. (The first space shuttle was launched in 1981.) Instructions were painted onto the time capsule, noting that it was to be opened "in May 2009."

Former Clark public relations director Bob Moser had been responsible for collecting items for the time capsule. Moser was unable to attend the ceremony but sent remarks in which he noted that the 50th anniversary celebration "was a major event in Clark's history. Connecting with the past was a major component." He added that the 50th anniversary planning committee worked hard to locate and invite alumni from the period before the college closed for a time during World War II. He said, "It was more successful that we could have hoped. And very inspirational."

The opening of the 50th anniversary time capsule was followed by the dedication of a sculpture, created by Clark metal arts instructor Beth Heron, to house a new time capsule which will be opened during the college's 100th anniversary in 2034. With support from Plant Services, the sculpture had been installed at the college one day earlier by welding technology professor Patrick Gonzales and welding students Marvin Pape, Christopher Plamp and Sam Williamson.

The sculpture, which is located in the plaza north of Gaiser Hall, is called "Scend," which refers to the lift of a wave. Heron noted that scend could also refer to "the idea of a bottle with a message being cast out on the ocean." She added, "It's the actual push of the wave that is the scend. It also means send. I thought it was appropriate and fit the idea of Clark sending a message to the future."

The new time capsule will include items reflecting the college and community today, Clark's 75th anniversary celebration and some of the items from the 50th anniversary time capsule. It will also include messages from Clark President Bob Knight, Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard and Washington Governor Chris Gregoire.

Prior to being placed in the new time capsule, a number of items from the 50th anniversary time capsule will be on display in 75th anniversary display case in the Cannell Library from June 1 through June 19.

In summarizing the spirit of college's diamond anniversary, President Knight said, "Our college was founded during the Great Depression. It's ironic that our 75th anniversary has found us once again facing tough economic times."

He added, "It also reminds us that our founders believed in a bright future for our college. Today's college is the legacy of their belief. Tomorrow's college will be the legacy of our belief in a bright future -- for the next 75 years and beyond."

Funding for the sculpture, which will house the 75th anniversary time capsule, was provided by an anonymous donor; Arnerich, Massena and Associates; Dr. Charles Clemans; and Nancy Hungerford. The college's 75th anniversary celebration was made possible through the generosity of community supporters. Platinum Sponsor - Arnerich, Massena and Associates; Gold Sponsor - The Columbian; Diamond Sponsors - iQ Credit Union, Legacy Health System and Bank of America; Other Contributions - Moss Adams, Julia Bakery, Burgerville, Corwin Beverage Company, Carol Curtis and George Welsh.