Bishop RNs support LVN Students 1 Coyote Basketball Jump Starts Recruiting Efforts 1 Valdivia Thrives on Adventure and Traveling 2 ESCC’s Learning Resource Center Hours Increase 2 Coyotes Slide Into Statewide Ranking 2 College Night 3 Golden Egg Found in SGCC’s Egg Hunt 3 Peer Mentors Start Newsletter 3 Library Textbook Reserve Increases 3 Thirsty Thursdays 4 2015 Community Report 4 ESCC Welcomes Sarah Land to the Bishop Campus 4 Main Parking Lot Opens 4 Partnership for Community & Diversity 5 CCCC Foundation’s SCholarship Program 5

APRIR 2016 CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Inside this Issue

Coyote Basketball Jump Starts Recruiting EffortsJonny Saavedra, a senior at Tehachapi High School, is one of the first to explore what it could be like to play his way into Cerro Coso history by being a part of the newly revised Men’s Basketball Program. Saavedra toured the campus with his parents, met with faculty and coaches, and shot some hoops on the Coyote court before he makes his final decision. Basketball is a popular sport locally and Cerro Coso is excited to bring the sport back. Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Heck and Women’s Softball Coach Kimberlee Kelly are working hard to recruit squads of athletes that are as talented and dedicated to their studies as they are to their sports. Bringing Men’s Basketball back to the line-up of college sports at Cerro Coso was made possible by the hard work and commitment of the Cerro Coso Coyote Club and Women’s Softball is being added thanks to a very generous donation by Mather Brothers Inc. All those interested in playing intercollege Men’s Basketball and Women’s Softball for Cerro Coso are encouraged to contact the coaches or Athletic Director Kristopher Dickson.

Bishop RNs support LVN Students

When members of the AFSCME RN bargaining unit at Northern Inyo Healthcare District heard that Bishop LVN students were being hit with a financial charge in order to begin their clinical training at Bishop Care Center and Northern Inyo Hospital, they spontaneously started a collection to help out. In order to begin the clinical portion of their training, the twelve Cerro Coso LVN students at the Bishop Campus are required to have a drug screen, the cost of which presented a hardship for some of the students. LVN instructor and NIH Union Bargaining Team member Welvaart explained, “Some of the students are parents, trying to work and go to school at the same time, and money is tight.” The students pay around $600 for textbooks, plus the expense of tuition, uniforms, vaccinations, physicals, and other supplies. Vickie LaBraque, a Registered Operating Room Nurse who graduated from the LVN program, recalls the hardship she endured during her own training. “I moved to Bishop and lived in an old 14 foot trailer behind JC Penney’s. I lived on powdered milk and grilled cheese sandwiches for most of my program. I worked nights as a caregiver for $20 dollars a night, 5 nights a week. An unexpected expense like this would have been devastating.” The Registered Nurses were enthusiastic about helping the students because, as Chris Hanley said, “we need to support the nurses coming along behind us. Many of the LVN students will work as LVNs to help pay for their education to become RNs. This is a commitment and sacrifice on their part to better their future, and in the long run, it will better our community’s future to have good nurses.” Cerro Coso extends a very special Thank You to the RN’s for their support of the LVN students.

Back l to r: LVN students Sawnee Kennedy, Holly Rossi, Elizabeth Kliks, Carla Mendoza, Wendi Stell, Tammy Raymond. Front l to r: LVN students Janet Curiel, Maria Ayala Galvan, Vanessa Moore, Heather Morgan and Diana Ibarra. Not present: LVN Student Jennifer Davis.

ESCC’s Learning Resource Center Hours IncreaseThanks to the new addition of adjunct faculty member Dr. Jason Abplanalp the ESCC’s Learning Resource Center will increase its hours of operation to better meet the needs of students at both the Bishop and Mammoth Lakes Campuses. Jason brings a diverse academic background to the students of Cerro Coso, ranging from earth science instruction at the university level to developing inquiry-based science investigations for fifth grade students. More recently, he pursued employment in the mining industry as an economic geologist, working for the U.S. government and private industry throughout western North America. After he completed his dissertation, Jason decided he had spent enough time working below the Earth’s surface and made the decision to return to the rewarding field of education. When asked about his new position, Jason stated “I feel very fortunate to be part of the Cerro Coso team and to have this opportunity to contribute to ongoing student success and individual development in such a nurturing, professional environment. As an added bonus, the campus is conveniently located in the heart of eastern California’s mountainous playground.” Being an avid skier, mountain biker, and lover of all things outdoors, Jason feels incredibly lucky to have an academic position based in such a remarkable location. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Juniata College in Pennsylvanian, a Master of Science degree in the geological sciences from the University of Idaho, and a Ph.D. from the University of Idaho’s Department of Geological Sciences. When the student is ready the teacher will appear. – Zen Proverb

Coyotes Slide Into Statewide Ranking

The Cerro Coso Coyotes baseball team earned its way into the California Community Colleges Baseball Coaches Association (CCCBCA) poll, ranked No. 20 in the Southern California poll. The Coyotes earned 31 votes for the ranking and are only the second Foothill Conference team in the list (the Chaffey Panthers, with 92 votes, sits at No. 17). Santa Ana, of the Orange Empire Conference, sits at first overall with 362 votes.

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Valdivia Thrives on Adventure and TravelingMarianna Valdivia has joined the all-star Maintenance and Operations team at Cerro Coso. As a Custodian, Marianna’s focus is on keeping our buildings clean and welcoming to all who enter. She is a great addition to the staff who work hard to keep up with our busy activities schedule, and labor tirelessly to ensure our facilities support the mission of the college. Born in Bakersfield, Marianna was raised in Ridgecrest before moving to the Bay area when she was 14. “You know how everyone cannot wait to get out of here,” she said. “I couldn’t wait to come back.” It didn’t take her long to figure out Ridgecrest was a great place, and returned at 20 to raise her daughter Marijane (9). There is never a dull moment for this free spirit with sparkling eyes. “I crashed a motorcycle into a wall

the first time I rode one,” she exclaimed. “I thought I could just get on it and ride like a pro, but that wall taught me a lesson. It looks easier than it is.” That didn’t stop her, she simply acquired a smaller bike and still enjoys riding in her spare time. With enthusiasm and passion, Marianna loves to travel and hopes to one day explore southern Europe and swing around the Mediterranean coast from Spain to the French Riviera to beautiful Italy. Always up for an adventure, Marianna enjoys traveling to other states and countries and experiencing new cultures, people, and customs. She loves working at the college and says “everyone is warm and friendly, and they really care about family.” Cerro Coso welcomes Marianna to the team!

Cerro Coso catcher Jeremiah Johnson slides into third base during the Coyotes’ match against the Victor Valley Rams -- Story and photo by Christopher Livingston,

courtesy of The Daily Independent

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Golden Eggs Found in SGCC’s Egg Hunt

To get into the holiday spirit, the Student Government of Cerro Coso held an egg hunt to add some fun competition during mid-terms. Students were invited to hop on over and have some fun…while looking for eggs, each and every one. Eggs were hidden in random places all over the Ridgecrest Campus and winners were in store for some sweet prizes. Student Enrique Carillo-Sulub found one of the five Golden Eggs claiming first place in the hunt, and proving Easter Egg Hunts are fun for all ages. The SGCC, partying with their peeps.

SGCC President Kurtis Williams congratulates student Enrique Carillo-Sulub on finding one of the five Golden Eggs and presented him with a chocolate bunny.

College NightCollege Night at Cerro Coso welcomed a crowd of community members, students, and parents to the Ridgecrest Campus on March 9th in the Learning Resource Center. The event provided an opportunity to learn about programs of study, admissions and registration processes, and student life at the college. Activities included live music, an open art gallery, culinary delights, Administration of Justice Department demonstration, and parent orientations in both English and Spanish. Everyone was invited to bring an original poem or short story, excerpt from their favorite author, or short scene to read with a friend during a Readers Theater. Faculty, staff, and students were on hand to provide assistance with applications, financial aid, and to share information about: academic programs, athletics, career technical education programs, disabled student programs and services, student government, clubs, veteran programs and benefits, and more. “Cerro Coso has motivated me to go out and do something with my life that is

bigger than myself,” said student Matthew. “I feel like I belong here,” said student Alexis. “I came to college right out of high school and I told myself that I was not going to college at all. Cerro Coso helped me grow up and made me realize that college is very important in life. Without it, I wouldn’t want to be anything. Cerro Coso has given me employment benefits and the essential skills to be successful.” Wake up every day with pride because you are a part of something bigger than you would have ever dreamed—go to college.

Peer Mentors Start NewsletterThis spring Peer Mentors for ACCESS Programs started a newsletter to convey important information, dates, resources, and strategies that can help students in ACCESS Programs be successful throughout their college experience. Peer Mentors are students who serve as a resource and helping hands. They provide support, encouragement, and information to students who are beginning their college career. One of the great things about Peer Mentors is that they have had experience being a new student and a student in ACCESS Programs. Students like Stephanie Crase love using the resources, like free printing, and loves how ACCESS Programs reaches out to her and notifies her of upcoming events and opportunities. ACCESS Programs are dedicated to helping and assisting community college students who are faced with challenges. Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love. – Mother Teresa.

Library Textbook Reserve Increases

The CCCC Library is working hard to assist students with the rising cost of textbooks. With college support and Student Equity funds, the library has identified and purchased over 110 textbooks needed for all four campuses. Students benefit tremendously from the textbook reserve in the first weeks of the semester. When a student’s financial aid check has not come in, but the student still has homework that is due, they can come into the library and use the textbook to help with their studies. The textbooks are also used for students who are receiving free tutoring in the LAC. If you have a textbook purchase suggestion

for your class or have a textbook to donate please contact Julie Cornett or Sharlene Paxton in the Library. A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life—Henry Ward Beecher.

Thirsty ThursdaysEvery Thursday, the Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) provides FREE water and sodas in front of the Learning Resource Center to students on the Ridgecrest Campus to give them that last little push to get them through the rest of the week. “It’s our way of showing student we care about giving back,” said student Samuel Kelley. At Cerro Coso the term Thirsty Thursdays holds a totally different meaning than that on other college campuses. This activity allows students to interact with each other, encourage, and rehydrate, and simply lets other students know…hey you’re not alone and you can do it. The SGCC knows that the single biggest influence on students is other students so they set out to strategically engage students and assist them with both the social aspects of fitting in on campus as well as stepping up academic efforts, and Thirsty Thursdays is just one of many opportunities they provide to help students be successful. SGCC—Your time is the most thoughtful gift of all.

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Students l to r: Shantaal Hernandez, Samuel Kelley, Jon Ogilvie, and Victor Jennings.

2015 Community Report

The 2015 Report to the Community is now available online at www.cerrocoso.edu/about . Hard copies available in the Public Information Office, Modular 6, West Village. ENJOY!

ESCC Welcomes Sarah Land to the Bishop Campus!If you’ve noticed that the Bishop Campus has been super squeaky clean lately, it’s all due to the hard work of the new custodian, Sarah Land. Sarah came to Bishop from Yosemite National Park, where she worked in a variety of capacities—everything from hairdresser to wildlife volunteer in the bear monitoring program! In 2011 Sarah decided it was time to pursue her education, and found that Cerro Coso Community College had a campus in Bishop, California. Since Bishop is also a mecca for rock climbing—one of Sarah’s passions—she packed up her things and enrolled in classes. Sarah eventually ended up in Cerro Coso’s welding program, and, coincidentally, worked on the steel structure for the new monument sign at the Mammoth Lakes Campus. The Eastern Sierra College Center is fortunate to have such a multi-talented addition to the Bishop staff. Welcome, Sarah!

Main Parking Lot OpensCerro Coso staff and students can now enjoy parking in the newly paved and expanded main parking lot at the Ridgecrest Campus. This marks the completion of the first phase of the main building remodel project that began in the fall of 2015. The

modernized parking lot sports a new entrance, day use kiosk, additional parking spaces, and better lighting, making the lot a safer place at night. Special thanks to the students and staff who endured the beautiful walk across campus even in inclement weather. A little progress every day adds up to BIG results.

April . . .National PoetryMonth

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

CCCC Foundation’s Scholarship Program

Without question, a quality college education is an investment— one that pays dividends throughout our lifetime. The Cerro Coso Community College Foundation maintains a strong commitment to student success by helping students jump start their college educations with scholarships. The culmination of academic merit and financial need, Foundation scholarships are made possible due to the extraordinary generosity of donors. The Foundation works with dozens of community donors to offer scholarships and awards to students at all campuses. A special thank you to all the wonderful community partners and donors who help Cerro Coso students reach their educational dreams. Last year the CCCC Foundation awarded more than $69,000 in scholarships to CCCC students. With one easy application and more than 70 opportunities for cash awards applying for Foundation scholarships is easy. Find out more about CCCC Foundation Scholarships on the college website at www.cerrocoso.edu. “Financial stress is something every college student must deal with on a daily basis; it can affect their personal lives as well as their grades. I am very thankful that you understand this and help students better themselves. Your scholarship will help me further my education and ultimately better my life so again. Thank you very much,” – Mark Tull, KRV student. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity – apply today!

FOUNDATION FEATURE

Student Kirstie Wittendorfer recipient of the Tania Lynn Atkisson Memorial Scholarship with College President Jill Board at the Foundation Scholarship Luncheon.

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Partnership for Community & Diversity

Bob Peoples and Michael Herrera, representatives from the local International Community Diversity group that explores and promotes diversity within the community met with students in Cerro Coso’s International Club on March 10th to share their mission and invite the students to participate in upcoming diversity events. The group seeks to create a welcoming climate for all community members with a calendar of diversity events designed to educate on the significance of cultural sensitivity and celebrate how the area’s racial, ethnic, and religious diversity makes it a better place. Helping to Build a Better, More Inclusive Community.

Back row l to r: students Jenna Daugherty, Jessica Hiatt, Lucila Gonzalez-Cirre (Advisor), Gideon Ordap, Michael Nguyen, Kenneth Vallance, Arielle Rey, and guest speakers Michael Herrera and Bob Peoples. Front students Loraine Coggin, and Anthony Cummings.