Engineering Students Tour NASA Jet Propulsion Lab 1 Honor Society Earns 7 Regional Awards 1 Ostash and Hamilton Recipients of Excellence Award 2 College Open House. Big Success! 2 Know your Blood Pressure 2 CCCC Next Chapter for Johnson 3 Indian Education Summit at Bishop Campus 3 Peer Mentors Start Newsletter 3 Coyotes Look to Finish Strong 3 Class Visits Galleries and Mural Art 4 Four Complete KCCD Leadership Academy 4 Picture Your Future! 4 Phi Theta Kappa Inducts New Members 5 Investing in the Future 5

MAY 2016 CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Inside this Issue

Honor Society Earns 7 Regional AwardsThe Beta Kappa Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Cerro Coso Community College received seven regional awards presented at the Nevada/California Regional Convention on April 1-3 in Las Vegas Nevada. Chapter Officers (l to r) Hannah Small, Trent Francis, Megan Budlong, Gloria Middleton, and Nolan Havig display the certificates and plaques they received on behalf of the chapter’s hard work this past academic year. Beta Kappa Chi received Regional Awards for: Honors in Action, Theme 2; Reactivated Chapter; Distinguished Honors in Action Project; Regional Certificates of Achievements for: Completion of Regional Project Founders Day, Completion of Regional Project Honors in Action, Completion of Regional Project Make a Difference, and Five Star Level Chapter. Additionally, Chapter President Nolan Havig received individual awards for: 2015 Alpha Sigma Alpha Distinguished Scholar Award, and 2015 Outstanding Chapter Officer Award 3rd Place. The team shared a wonderful time at the convention, connected with Phi Theta Kappans from across the region, and enjoyed the rewards of their hard work. Congratulations – Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring!

Engineering Students Tour NASA Jet Propulsion Lab

Members of Cerro Coso’s Engineering Program toured NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena in early April. Five students from Bruce Nagy’s ENGR C230 Circuit Analysis class received a special tour focused on flight electronics for satellites that are designed to last for decades and survive the hazards of space. “It was great seeing scientists passionate about their work,” said student Jeff Reyes. Cerro Coso engineering students spend most of their free time solving problems so when they eventually get to work at places like JPL or NAWCWD, they are able to solve the “real” problems, taking next steps toward advancing state-of-the-art technology using techniques, ingenuity, and insights gained and honed in classroom and hands-on labs. “By far, one of the best presentations of any scientific background that I ever had,” said student Jacob Brannon. At JPL, engineering students got a taste of the “real” challenges those engineers face involving space flight and data collection of our solar system. “What we study is no longer imaginary, but a reality at JPL!” said Rochelle Caravalho. The tour lasted over eight hours; it was rainy, cold and thrilling! The goal at Cerro Coso for our engineering students is not just to provide a solid education but give a taste of experience that is in alignment with today’s technology challenges. JPL’s special, customized, tour provided some real examples of how education and experience need to meet. “JPL scientists are awesome… I recommend this experience to other students,” said Sophoandara Ry. During the tour, summer internship possibilities were discussed, giving CCCC students a reality that one day they could be designing the next spacecraft to Mars – and beyond. Imagine * Invent * Inspire

Left to right: Rochelle Caravalho - Engineering Student, Marc Montgomery – JPL Manager, Jeff Reyes – Engineering Student, Ramiro Carillo – Engineering Student, Jacob Brannon – Chemical and Engineering Student, Bruce Nagy – Professor of Engineering, Sophoandara Ry – Engineering Student.

College Open House.Big Success!One of the best ways to see all that Cerro Coso Community College has to offer the community is to attend an Open House. The KRV Campus in Lake Isabella hosted a very informative and successful event on Monday, April 11, 2016. More than 130 students, potential students, and community members attended the event to tour the campus and explore all the facility changes over the past year, talk to students about campus life, meet with counselors and financial aid representatives, and learn more about career possibilities. Information and assistance was provided on: Student Activities, Financial Aid, Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS), Phi Theta Kappa, Human Services, Learning Resource Center, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, registration, Counseling, academic programs, and more. There is something for everyone and high school students can take advantage of FREE tuition. Coffee, pastries, and lunch were catered by the Coffee Mill. It was a great opportunity to get a taste of what college life is like at Cerro Coso Community College. Everyone was encouraged to attend, take it all in, ask questions, get answers, and find out why Cerro Coso is the right fit for them. Keep Calm and Go To College!

Know Your Blood Pressure

Vocational Nursing students teamed up with RN students at the Ridgecrest Campus to increase awareness of hypertension among college students on Monday, March 28, 2016. The World Health Organization attributes hypertension, or high blood pressure, as the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. More

than 50% of the hypertensive population worldwide are unaware of their condition. March was deemed World Hypertension Month in 2005 to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications, and to provide information on prevention, detection, and treatment. Students handed out information on the importance of lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and exercise to help students get informed, get tested, and live healthy lives. Nursing is all about touching lives, and lives touching yours along the way.

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Ostash and Hamilton Recipients of Excellence AwardTwo Cerro Coso employees received national recognition for their leadership and contributions to higher education. Vice President of Student Services Heather Ostash and Counselor Karee Hamilton were presented the 2015 John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award at a conference in Chicago, IL, in March that drew community college representatives from across the nation. The award is from the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international consortium of community colleges and their districts, and 160 corporate partners. Ostash was recognized for her leadership role within the college and district focusing on innovative ways to improve services to students. She served as the key administrative lead in Achieving the Dream (ATD) that resulted in the implementation of the Student Equity Plan mandated by the state. ATD also led the change in college culture to data-driven decision making, and assisted Cerro Coso in developing strategies to close identified gaps in student success and completion. Ostash’s efforts resulted in Cerro Coso becoming a pilot college working with the Education Advisory Board to analyze and modify the onboarding processes streamlining the route students take to matriculate into college through the use of technology. Ostash also championed the smartphone application GradGuru that provides just-in-time messaging to students to keep them on track throughout the semester. With her heart and focus on supporting student access and achievement, Counselor Karee Hamilton was recognized for her direct involvement and leadership in a number of efforts in utilizing technology to better serve students including: online orientation, educational planning in DegreeWorks, developing program pathways, developing workshops to be offered online, and the highly effective use of Moodle for online instruction. Hamilton also plays a key role in many of the outreach activities facilitated through counseling, including: Career Day, I’m Going to College, and the Student Ambassador Program. “Heather and Karee deserve this recognition for their quality leadership practices and outstanding contributions to student learning,” said Cerro Coso President Jill Board. CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU Heather and Karee.

CCCC Next Chapter for Johnson

Alumna Stacy Johnson loved the education she got at Cerro Coso and jumped at the opportunity to Pay It Forward as the new Student Services Assistant in Access Programs at the Ridgecrest Campus. Johnson says she benefited greatly from both the DSPS and EOPS Programs at the college and appreciated the understanding and compassion she received. “The

struggle is real, I know I’ve been there,” she said. Born and raised in Ridgecrest, Johnson’s motto in life is “kindness goes a long way” and went on to explain that it is the little things that count in big ways. Showing gratitude to the world we live in and the people that surround us is something we can all learn to appreciate in life. Johnson loves to travel and said the craziest thing she remembers doing was singing the disco song “I Will Survive” in a bar in Italy on her 30th birthday. Johnson and her husband Christopher love traveling and hope to share their love for other places with their eight year old son Gavin. The two are active in the Ridgecrest Autism Awareness group and love to hike the beautiful landscapes of the desert. When Johnson graduated from Cerro Coso in 2014 the theme for the Access Program’s Awards Ceremony was The Next Chapter and is truly excited that the College will be her next chapter in life. WELCOME Stacy!

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Coyotes Look to Finish Strong

There are three games left in the Cerro Coso baseball team’s season. Ending it on its highest note is still an option. Backed by plate production from the fourth to the eighth innings, the Coyotes took down the Victor Valley Rams 14-7 Saturday afternoon. The victory, and series sweep, puts the Coyotes at a three-game win streak. Should they sweep Barstow in the season finale, they will finish 18-18 in overall play. “It’s nice going into the last week with a goal in mind,” said Cerro Coso head coach Justus Scott. “(Finishing) 18-18, .500, is great for our program.”

Cerro Coso second baseman Conor Donnelly slides under the tag of Victor Valley catcher Adam Santa Cruz during the Coyotes-Rams matchup on Saturday, April 23. -- Story and photo by Christopher Livingston, courtesy of The Daily Independent

Indian Education Summit at Bishop Campus

The Bishop Paiute Tribe, Owens Valley Career Development Center, and Cerro Coso’s Bishop Campus hosted their First Annual Education Summit on April 1st and 2nd. The theme of the inaugural event was “Honoring our Traditions: Empowering our First Teachers.” The two-day affair, attended

by over 150 parents, students, educators, and tribal leaders, offered twenty workshops on various topics, including: “Tribal Nations: The Unique Status of Indian Tribes and Native American People,” “Positive Communication is a Team Effort,” “Family Genealogy,” “Our Songs: The Way We Were Taught,” “How Dyslexia is Affecting the Native American Community,” “Increasing Student Success through Mentorship,” “School Loop: The Ins and Outs of Parent-School Communication,” and “Bringing Literacy to Life.” Guest speaker Pearl Yellowman, EdD, presented her research on where the achievement gap begins for Native American students, exploring the relationship between environmental (i.e. poverty) and developmental (i.e. health) conditions. William Carrillo Sr., Tule River Tribal Council Member, honored the 40th Anniversary of California’s first Indian Education Center located in Bishop, shared the history and recognized the accomplishments of local Bishop Paiute Tribal members in their efforts to establish and develop the groundbreaking center. Marty G. Meeden, Council Member of the California Teachers Association, also presented a keynote on the importance of education for Native Americans. The Bishop Campus is honored to have amazing educational partners and is looking forward to next year’s event! It does not require many words to speak the truth – Chief Joseph Nez Perce.

43rd

AnnualCommencement

Friday, May 13, 2016

6:00pm

Dr. Raymond A. McCueAthletic Complex

Four Complete KCCD Leadership AcademyFour Cerro Coso employees have completed the 2015-2016 Kern Community College District (KCCD) Leadership Academy, a professional development program that prepares employees for leadership roles throughout the district. Each year, KCCD presidents submit the names of employees to participate in the program. Rebecca Pang, Director of Distance Education, Lisa Stephens, Director of East Kern, Steven Rogers, Faculty Member, and Paul Kuttig, PC Technician, were selected for the 2015-2016 cohort after a competitive application process. “The 2015-16 Leadership Academy participants showed themselves to be innovators with big visions for serving students and employees across our district. In particular, Rebecca, Lisa, Steve, and Paul dug into the work of leadership innovation with gusto. I expect nothing but great things from each of them in the years ahead,” said Michelle Bresso, KCCD Associate Vice Chancellor. The KCCD Leadership Academy is a year-long program of monthly meetings on topics specific to community colleges. Academy participants from around the district attended day-long sessions covering topics on leadership, decision making, communication, budgeting, student success, accreditation, and more. They also worked outside the sessions on team-based projects to effect positive change across the district. If it doesn’t challenge you it won’t change you!

Class Visits Galleries and Mural ArtBishop, CA has a unique way of preserving its rich heritage through mural art, creating a spectacular outdoor art gallery surrounded by natural beauty. Instructor Deborah Lurie’s Drawing I and II classes took an exciting field trip to visit Bishop’s classic mural art, the Inyo Art Council, and other inspiring art galleries. Known as a mural destination, fifteen colorful mural sites showcase the fascinating history of the Owens Valley on buildings throughout the city. The artistic collection of murals honors the community that has not only been the creative engine behind so many of the murals, but on a daily basis is part of the heart and soul of the city. Exposing students to original works of fine art in museums and in the community tangibly deepens their understanding of, and commitment to, the visual arts. The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. – Aristotle.

Picture Your Future!ACCESS Programs held their 35th Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 22, 2015, at the Springhill Suites, and the theme was “Picture Your Future” inspired by nostalgic moments and the promises of a bright future. Alumni Speaker Debbie Nelson said “when I was in the Master Worker Program at the college they had us close our eyes and picture our future. That was a pivotal moment for me and my career. I set a plan in motion that very minute. It is okay if your plans and goals change. You have to start somewhere”. Graduate speaker Heather Bopp shared her moving story that ultimately resulted in her working full-time at the college. Twenty-six program students will be graduating

with Associate Degrees, and 17 with certificates of achievement. Special recognition went to: Sophoandara Ry, ACCESS Programs Ridgecrest Student of the Year; and Britney Johnson, ACCESS Programs Lake Isabella Student of the Year. Renè Mora was named Outstanding Faculty of the Year for the Ridgecrest Campus, and Debra Rundell received the Outstanding Faculty of the Year award for the Lake Isabella Campus. “It’s nice to know others see what you are doing,” said Rundell. “I just love helping students.” Penny Talley was honored for her 20 years of services

to the program. Congratulations on your achievements. You have made us all proud!

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Students Laura Avina, Kenneth Vallance Jr., and Logan Line, picture their future with photo props during the ACCESS Programs Awards Ceremony.

L to r: Rebecca Pang, Director of Distance Education; Lisa Stephens, Director of East Kern; Steven Rogers, Faculty Member; and Paul Kuttig, PC Technician.

Phi Theta Kappa Inducts New Members

The Beta Kappa Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at Cerro Coso Community College (CCCC) held an induction ceremony to welcome 93 new members on Friday, April 22, at the Ridgecrest Campus. PTK serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership, and service program. To be invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, students must have completed at least 12 hours of course work and have earned a GPA of at least 3.50. Cerro Coso students inducted into the Beta Kappa Chi Chapter include:

Shannon AmerineDebra AndersonMelanie AndersonHailee Andrew-VuonoMatthew BabbAllie BehmScott BenedettiniMarilyn BoadtShaun BottAimee BowersSherri BoydstunBritney BrownEnrique Carrillo-SulubAlysha CarringtonMauricio CastroMalina ChavezLoralynn ChrostowskiLoraine CogginCollette Coolidge

Griffin CovertSydney CraigJenna DaughertyBertha De La GarzaJosh DibbleStephen DorrellMagie DuranChance EnglishScott FlinnBrett FordRyan FoulkeFiona FullerAngelica GabaldonDaniel GaldamezMariela GermannChristine GilbertAlexis GillHermanna GroveTheresa Gutierrez

Diane HaleCristina HardwickJessica HiattNatalie HollowellMarti JaramilloBrandon JensenCindy JewettMelissa JohnsonKevalin JoshiAnita KellerJanis KunzVanessa LasquadeDiana LoveVictoria McIntyreMariah MolenkampLouellen MonteWendy MorquechoHelle MurphreeDeidre Nehr

Challice NeippAshley NielsonXylia OcampoJonathan OgilvieJennifer ParkCaitlin PetersonDustin PilkingtonMichaela PlattTamara PlattNicholas PonceFrances RamseyAdelina RicoClaire RitcheyLeta RobinsonKasey SalfrankLindsey SavageRagen SchallockElaine SchuchmanNancybeth Schultz

Joseph SevillaDonna SmithShane SmithTiara SmithKorinne SullivanJoshua SuttonWade TanksleyTheodore ValdezKayla VoigtEric WardaPaihtyn WilliamsJoshua WinslowKirstie WittendorferLisa WylyKatherine ZajicekLee Anne ZajicekElizabeth Zimmerman

IMAGINE with all your mind. BELIEVE with all your heart. ACHIEVE with all your might.

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 Coyotes 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 custom-made. VISIT THE OFFICIAL NEW SCHOOL STORE BY CLICKING THE IMAGE ON THE COLLEGE HOMEPAGE OR BY ENTERING varsityshop.com/ca_cerro_coso_cc IN YOUR INTERNET BROWSER WINDOW.

Go Coyotes!

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The Coyote Howler is a publication ofCerro Coso Community College.

For more information about the stories in this publication, or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie Dorrell,

Public Information Manager,at 760-384-6260 or

email ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

About this Publication

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGECERRO COSO COLLEGEPORTERVILLE COLLEGE

Investing in the Future – The Cerro Coso Community College Foundation, along with its many community, corporate, staff, faculty, and alumni supporters is a vital contributor to student success at Cerro Coso Community College (CCCC). Whether a gift is established in honor of a special individual or in remembrance of one’s experience at CCCC, the results are the same…helping students pursue their academic goals and continuing to provide life changing experiences at the college. A gift to education is an investment in the future of our students and our communities. The CCCC Foundation is an investment you can make through cash contributions, payroll deduction, planned giving, named scholarships, and endowments. We welcome your partnership in helping change lives every day. Get involved with CCCC, we guarantee it will enrich your life and those around you. The CCCC Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation. You can make a difference!

FOUNDATION FEATURE

Murdock New Face in AccessNew Student Services Assistant in Access Programs Sarah Murdock loves working with students. She grew up in West Virginia and attended West Virginia University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Latin American Studies and a Master’s Degree in Political Science. An ardent hiker, Murdock says the desert is very different than the tree-covered Appalachians Mountains she grew up in, but she is really enjoying exploring the rugged terrain surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges with her fur baby Cofi. While studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Latin American Studies, Murdock took the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Chile to improve her Spanish speaking skills. She went on a number of outings including

one of those mystical horse rides along the beach that didn’t end too well. The horse bucked her off and broke her back, “funny thing is I didn’t even know my back was broken until I returned to the states and went to the doctor because my back hurt,” she laughed. Fully recovered from her injury, Murdock moved to Ridgecrest in December with her husband Aaron, a sailor in the U.S. Navy. She served as an Academic Advisor for Columbia Southern University and likes helping student meet their academic, career, and personal goals. As a Student Services Assistant she will provide academic and career advisement to program students. Cerro Coso WELCOMES Sarah!