Edmonds Sphere

All Washington Academic Team winner: Abdoukarim Drammeh

2012-01-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Abdoukarim Drammeh and Siyu Lu, Edmonds Community College's 2012 All Washington Academic Team winners. They will be recognized for their scholarship,leadership, and community service at a ceremony in March atSouth Puget Sound Community College, Olympia.

“A scholarship helped me pursue my academic goals.”
Abdoukarim Drammeh, Associate of Arts in Business

Why Edmonds CC? It’s known for its great business program.
Why now? Education is the best resource I can achieve. The level and quality of education I attain will have a great impact on my future career goals.
Biggest challenge: being a full time student and having to work at the same time
Working at: Kemoson Financial Services
Best college experience: the college’s diversity — Edmonds Community College is a place where I have learned a lot from sharing my personal life experiences with different kinds of people, of different ages, nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Favorite class: ENGL& 102, Composition II — the instructor was very helpful in answering questions and making sure his students were always on the right track. Also, each student had to do a research project on a specific problem affecting Haitians after they were struck with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in January 2010. I did research and wrote an essay about the incapability of the Haitian government to rebuild their school system, and what the consequences will be in Haiti if their educational system is not restored. This class and research project helped me a lot to understand the importance of education, and how it created the huge difference between underdeveloped, developing and developed nations.Edmonds Community College Foundation scholarship recipient: The cost of tuition is very high and receiving a $1,000 scholarship made a huge difference in helping me finance and pursue my academic goals.
Advice for new students: You have to be an embodiment of the “can do” roll up your sleeve spirit that made this country great. Go after what you want, never get discouraged, and leave “quit” out of your vocabulary. You will definitely achieve your academic and career goals because Edmonds CC is a great learning institution.
Interests: working with computers — repairing, installing and troubleshooting software applications
What’s next: transfer to Central Washington University for a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and become a Certified Public Accountant.
Dream job: accountant general at a major public/private accounting firm

All Washington Academic Team Winner: Siyu Lu

2012-01-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

"Kind people helped me achievepersonal success." — Siyu LuAssociate of Arts, Associate ofTechnical Arts, Accounting

Why Edmonds CC? Before taking any classes, I chose Edmonds Community College because it was the most affordable option for me to pursue a higher education. Now I am glad thatI have attended Edmonds Community College because the flexible class schedules and small-sizedclasses allow me to take charge of my higher education.
Why now? To make the most of my talents inmathematics, my interest in economics and taxation, and my thoughtfulcharacteristics.
High school: Lynnwood High School
Biggest challenge: Financing my higher education—I'm a full-time student who works part-time on campus.
Best college experience: Being a part of TRiO Student Support Services. Working closely with classmates on groupprojects and learning from direct contact with faculty members.
Favorite class: Counseling Psychology and Honors Accounting.
Volunteers as: A math tutor with EdCAPHigh School Completion Program, mentor in TRIO-Student Support Services, andrepresentative on the college’s Lecture Series Committee
Clubs: Phi Theta Kappa and Triton Transfer Club
Advice for students: There are so many options andpossibilities out there, but who you are has determined your decisions. Figureout who you are and what you want, then take charge of your life.
College goals: Attending the University of Washington,working toward a double major in accounting and finance, and becoming aCertified Public Accountant.
Dream job: A financial analyst who holds ataxation specialty and establishes a non-profit organization that promotesfamily financial literacy and educates the public about personal financialmanagement skills.

2011 Distinguished Alumnus: Ben Kocaj

2012-01-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Edmonds Community College Foundation has named the college’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni — Clyde Klingenbeck, Ben Kocaj, and Duane Lewellen. They will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Awards 5-7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 27 in the Black Box Theatre, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood.

“I knew exactly what I was after and I was determined to get it done.”
Ben Kocaj, Distinguished Alumnus 2011-12
Associate of Arts

Ben Kocaj, Executive Director of Puget Sound Surgical Center, earned his Associate of Arts Degree and studied Business Management at Edmonds Community College.

“I knew exactly what I was after and I was determined to get it done,” he said.

While at the college he was president of the college’s honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, a top scholar named to the college’s All-Washington Academic Team, and a commencement speaker at the 2002 graduation ceremony.

After graduation, he attended the University of Washington-Bothell and earned his degree in Business Administration with a focus in finance. Not long after, he was hired as the Executive Director for Sunrise Medical Campus.

“It was a very nice transition (to a university),” he said. He picked a smaller university, because he’d enjoyed the environment at Edmonds Community College so much. “It was wonderful: smaller classes and a close community.”

Kocaj came to the United States from Albania in 1999 to pursue his education. Accounting classes and the English classes at Edmonds Community College taught him fundamental skills.

Kocaj is a member of American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. He has volunteered for a Crista Nursing Center and the Helping Hand House.

2011 Distinguished Alumnus: Duane Lewellen

2012-01-26T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Edmonds Community College Foundation has named the college’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni — Clyde Klingenbeck, Ben Kocaj, and Duane Lewellen. They will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Awards 5-7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 27 in the Black Box Theatre, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood.

“I’m grateful I got job as a direct result of my education and I worked 12 years at the PUD as a result.”
Duane Lewellen, Distinguished Alumnus 2011-12
Associate of Technical Arts, Energy Management

Out of high school, Duane Lewellen came to Edmonds Community College and discovered the field that sparked his career — Energy Management. Even before he finished his Associate of Technical Arts degree, he was offered a job as a home energy auditor with the Snohomish County PUD. He continued to take classes while working, completing his degree and going on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from City University. Today, he is principal owner of The Rice Group, Inc., a Lynnwood consulting engineering firm.

“Edmonds Community College pointed me to a completely new career in Energy Management. It’s the only reason I’m doing what I’m doing today. I got excited about this field. I took my first solar energy course there,” he said. “And I just finished a solar energy project in Bellingham.”

The Rice Group designs heating and cooling systems for commercial businesses such as Whole Foods, Group Health, and Boeing. “Sustainability is in vogue,” Lewellen said. “We’re doing a lot more energy efficiency projects.”

Lewellen is an advisory board member for the college’s Energy Management program. The Rice Group has hired the college’s students as interns and employees. He has taught Energy Management classes, passing on what he has learned, and his wife, Carol Lewellen, currently teaches in the program.

“It’s satisfying for my wife and I to help get students into a new career and reemployment,” he said.

The Lewellen family has stayed closely connected with the college. They participate in Foundation events and have contributed to Foundation scholarships for students.

As a homestay family for the college’s international students, they’ve hosted students from Japan, China, Bulgaria, and Denmark among other countries.

2011 Distinguished Alumnus: Clyde Klingenbeck

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Edmonds Community College Foundation has named the college’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni — Clyde Klingenbeck, Ben Kocaj, and Duane Lewellen. They will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Awards 5-7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 27 in the Black Box Theatre, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood.

“A career that you love makes life good all around.”
Clyde Klingenbeck, Distinguished Alumnus 2011
Associate of Technical Arts, Paralegal

Clyde Klingenbeck came to the college for worker retraining after an on the job injury prevented him from continuing his work as a roofer. Career counseling showed he had an aptitude for law and he was able to complete a Paralegal Degree in one year, due to his previous college studies.

“It was very comfortable coming back to school,” he said. “And I had some outstanding instructors including Anne Kastle and Mike Fitch who really shared their passion for the law.”

While he was in school, an internship at the Everett Attorney General’s Office led to a job opportunity. He was hired for the internship by another Edmonds Community College alumnus.

Today Klingenbeck works in the Consumer Protection Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.

“The work I’m doing is a complete 180 from the construction trade I started in. I love it. Working in the public service sector satisfies my career goals and my philosophy that our work can make a difference.”

Klingenbeck has maintained his connection with the college since earning his degree. He has served on the paralegal advisory board for 15 years and participated in job fairs, seminars, and career oriented trainings at the college helping other paralegal students with job finding strategies.

He offers this advice to other worker retraining students, “Try to identify a career — not just a job — something you want to do that meets your financial needs and fits your life. If you like and appreciate your work, it improves your professional and personal life. It makes life good all around.”

Office of Diversity Affairs: Religious Founders Day Feb. 15

2012-01-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College's Office of Diversity Affairs notes the following upcoming event in our community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is organizing the annual Religious Founders Day 5:30-7:30 p.m., February 15 at the University of Washington, an event focused on tolerance and mutual respect which explores the teachings of the founders of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Religious Founders Day began to be celebrated by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community over 100 years ago to promote peace and understanding between followers of different faiths. The world over, symposiums are organized where distinguished speakers from each faith talk about the lives and teachings of their respective founders proving a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn and develop respect for each other.

Seating is limited. Register for the event.

Instructor's book nominated for award

2012-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College English instructor Marcia Woodard's book Collected Kona: Brief Takes on a Basenji, has been nominated for an award from the Dog Writers Association of America in the humor books category.Collected Kona is a series of funny and touching stories about Marcia's Basenji which originally appeared in the American Kennel Club's AKC Gazette magazine. The book was published in 2010 by Teeny Tiny Press (owned by English instructor Amanda Laughtland).The awards ceremony takes place February 12 (the day before the Westminster Dog Show) in New York City. Marcia plans to attend the ceremony.

Happy holidays from Edmonds Community College!

2011-12-15T08:18:00.001-08:00

Photo album generated with Smilebox

Study abroad experience: Perseus McDaniel

2011-12-06T15:17:00.001-08:00

Edmonds Community College student Perseus McDaniel studied Italian and Italian sign language in in the college's study abroad program in Florence, Italy and became inspired to encourage other Deaf students to participate in overseas study. He was featured on the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange.

When state budget cuts made it impossible for sign interpreters to travel overseas to assist Perseus, the Associated Students of Edmonds Community College stepped in to help make his study abroad experience possible.

"I became interested in studying in Italy after learning how to read and write in Italian. Through my education in Italy I hope to work as an Italian-English sign language interpreter in the future. I also became passionate about helping others learn American Sign Language (ASL) after volunteering as an ASL teacher’s assistant and tutor for a year and half. My passion is to raise awareness that eligible Deaf students can access study abroad too." — Perseus McDaniel

Student success: Supriya Patel

2011-12-06T11:12:00.001-08:00

Supriya Patel received the Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth attended Edmonds Community College, earned her Associate of Arts in Elementary Education and is now attending CentralWashington University-Lynnwood and earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education,Elementary Education Major.

To find out more about this degree option, attend an information session 6 p.m., Tues., Dec. 7 at CWU-Lynnwood.

The Governor's Scholarship came with support services through a program of extended student services for foster care alumni at Edmonds CC.

"In addition to the scholarship, I also had opportunities to attendorientations and meet people at the college — a lot of small things that werevery helpful." — Supriya Patel

Supriya helped give the program for foster care alumni a new name, Foster the Dream.

More about Supriya's story:

Why Edmonds CC? My sister attended Edmonds CC.So I knew it was a place where I could save money, talk to my instructors, andhave a good experience.

High school: Meadowdale

Best college experience: I liked thesmall community and my instructors’ office hours. I had a lot of good teachers.

Favorite classes: Psychology withPatrick Gorman — I took a few of his classes and always enjoyed them. — andGeology with Maria Kelly — Her style of teaching and the materials she taughtwere great. I didn’t struggle at all.

Support for students: I recommend the Learning Support Center — I used the Writing Center. There are also a lot of resourcesfor textbooks. You can reserve them at the library, look for books on themessage boards in Brier Hall, and borrow them in Brier Hall at the beginning ofthe quarter — if you get there early!

Advice for students: Be involved — that way youwill succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — it doesn’t hurt to ask!

College goal: Master’s Degree inEducation

Dream job: 2^nd gradeteacher — I had a chance to work at Hilltop Elementary School as part of myclasses at Edmonds CC. I got into that classroom and I was like, ‘Now, I’mhappy.’ I knew this was what I wanted to do.

World AIDS Day: Dec. 1

2011-11-29T09:50:00.001-08:00

The Snohomish Health District brings awareness to World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, 3020 Rucker Avenue, Everett.

Public health information tables will be available 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. Featured speaker, Edmonds Community College instructor Hayden M. Bixby presents at 7 p.m. Hayden is the International Program Coordinator for Cura Orphanage in Kenya. There will also be light refreshments and candlelight ceremony.

At 6:30 p.m., the Gay Men's Task Force holds a Memorial Walk in honor of those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Meet at the Health District front entrance to walk to the HIV/AIDS Memorial at 3000 Rockefeller and back to the health district.

America's Strongest Woman works at Edmonds Community College

2011-11-17T14:20:00.001-08:00

Kristyn Whisman, winning the title of America's Strongest Woman.
Photo: Ray Novak
"One of the things that I love about strongman, is that when you go to an event, all you can control is yourself and your own performance. It's not worth the stress to worry about anyone but yourself, because all you can do is do your very best. If on a given day, my best is good enough to put me in first place, then that is wonderful. If it's not good enough for first, then you take your performance, learn from those who were more successful than you, and get back to training hard." — Kristyn Whisman, American's Strongest Woman

Kristyn Whisman, Edmonds Community College's Dean of Corrections Education at the Monroe Correctional Complex, has competed for and won the title of America's Strongest Woman in the Lightweight Women's Division of the North American Strongman (NAS) Nationals for the third time. The NAS nationals America's Strongest Women event took place in November at Harrah's Casino in Mississippi.

Kristyn Whisman, at the North American Strongman
Nationals Competition
Photo: Ray Novak

Participants competed in six events over two days: log clean and press for reps, yoke walk, farmer's walk, frame deadlift for reps, keg carry for distance, and atlas stone over bar for reps.

Kristyn:
• clean and pressed a 110 pound log 10 times in one minute, to tie for first place;
• carried a 350 lb yoke 80 feet in 11.78 seconds, for second place;
• carried 120 pound farmer's handles 80 feet in 10.43 seconds, for second place;
• deadlifted a 405 pound frame 37 times in one minute, for second place;
• carried a 150 pound keg for 190 feet, for fifth place; and
• loaded the 200 pound atlas stone over a 50 inch bar four times in one minute, to tie for first place — and take the overall win by 1.5 points.

"Going in to the last event, the atlas stone, which is a quintessential strongman event, I was in second place. Before we started the stone, I knew I just had to go out and do as best as I could in the stone, and just wait to see what happened," Kristyn said. "Getting first place in the atlas stone was good enough for the overall win! I worked so hard for this, and to win the championship for a third time was extremely gratifying. It was an extremely tight contest, which made it much more exciting and fun. All the competitors worked so hard and everyone was hitting personal records throughout the entire weekend. It really was a great event."

Anthropology instructor named Conservation Teacher of the Year

2011-11-17T10:46:00.001-08:00

“Students need an opportunity for high quality, meaningful hands-on educational experiences in the outdoors." — Dr. Thomas Murphy

Dr. Thomas Murphy, 2011 Conservation Teacher
of the Year
Photo: Kerrie Murphy

Dr. Thomas W. Murphy Chair of the Anthropology Department at Edmonds Community College was selected for the Washington Association of Conservation Districts’ Conservation Teacher of the Year Award. The award recognizes a K-12, college, technical, or trade school educator in Washington State. He will now be considered for the National Association of Conservation Districts award.

Murphy founded the Learn and Serve Environmental Anthropology Field (LEAF) School in 2006 and the Center for Service-Learning in 2007 and has helped produce an annual powwow at Edmonds Community College for the last 12 years. He serves as the faculty liaison for the Center for Service-Learning, which leads the college’s nationally recognized service-learning program. In 2008, he received the Excellence in Education Award from the college’s trustees.

The LEAF School partners with tribes, governments, non-profits, businesses and educational institutions to get students involved hands-on in service-learning projects that help to make communities more sustainable. Participating students are able to earn an AmeriCorps education award while taking a series of college courses in human ecology. Over the past six years, more than 300 students have contributed over 6,000 hours of service with dozens of community partner organizations.

Murphy’s students have played key roles in a wide variety of service-learning projects, including many habitat restoration projects with both the King and Snohomish Conservation Districts. His students have designed and installed an ethnobotanical garden at the City of Lynnwood's Gold Park, made an assessment of possible sources of PBDE contamination at Bracket's Landing in Edmonds, investigated pre-spawn mortality of Coho salmon in Lund's Gulch, and monitored the return of fishers on the Olympic Peninsula.

Visual Arts instructor's work on exhibit in Lynnwood Library Gallery

2011-11-15T11:21:00.001-08:00

Minh Carrico, “Celebration," 2004, digital pigment print

From November 18, 2011-January 5, 2012, the Lynnwood Library Gallery will feature artwork by Edmonds Community College Visual Arts instructor Minh Carrico.

The Lynnwood Library Gallery, 19200 44th Avenue West, is free to the public, and presented by the Lynnwood Arts Commission. Gallery hours are: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; and 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Closed on national holidays. Call 425.670.5519.

Minh’s color photographic images represent two societies, two worlds that make up his identity: a white southern community in Little Rock, Arkansas where grew up during the 1970’s, and Vietnamese culture through his mother, and his own travels. In many ways Minh still feels an outsider of both Western society and Viet Nam. In 2002, Minh began surveying daily life of his remaining relatives in Viet Nam, and more recently he traveled back to Arkansas to captured forgotten memories and instances.

Minh teaches design and photography and is co-chair of the Visual Arts Department at Edmonds Community College. His nearly 20 years of experience in the field has led to his passion for teaching the future generations of visual communicators. Outside the classroom, Minh works on a number of fine art photography projects and mix-media installations that address personal and social identity. His visual art has been exhibited and published internationally.

Office of Diversity Affairs: Mark Your Calendar

2011-11-15T08:56:00.001-08:00

Edmonds Community College's Office of Diversity Affairs notes the following upcoming events and resources in our community:

Van Jones, Martin Luther King Jr. keynote speaker, 12:30 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2012, at Edmonds CC and 7 p.m. at Lynnwood Convention Center.
Latino Legislative Day, Friday, January 20, 2012, Olympia.
Minority Achievers Program 9^th Annual Gala Fund-Raising Event, 6 p.m., Saturday, January 21, at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center, Everett.
Lynnwood City Council approves emergency overnight sheltering for homeless individuals, beginning Tuesday, November 15. For more information, contact Julie Moore, 425.670.5023.

Health district features Edmonds CC instructor for World AIDS Day talk

2011-11-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

English instructor Hayden Bixby is the featured speaker at the Snohomish Health District's World AIDS Day event 7 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 1 at 3020 Rucker Ave. in Everett.

Hayden is the International Program Coordinator for Cura Orphanage in Kenya, home to 50 children, ranging in age from 4 to 13, who have lost their parents to AIDS.

Bixby has lead a short study program for Edmonds Community College to Kenya which included a stop at the orphanage and has taught an English composition class focused on East Africa in the Modern World at the college.

Edmonds Conference Center celebrates Halloween in downtown Edmonds

2011-11-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Conference Center in downtown Edmonds participated in Halloween festivities attended by nearly 4,000 people.

Good witch, Cheryl Jeney, and bad witch, Sande Hecle, along with Edmonds Community College international student, Sule Sekeroglu, gave treats to hundreds of children.

The Edmonds Conference Center proudly represents the college at several community events each year.

English faculty read at Hugo House Nov. 1

2011-11-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

English instructors Amanda Laughtland and Marcia Woodard, alumni of the University of Washington's Master of Fine Arts in English/Creative Writing program, will read 8 p.m., Tuesday, November 1 at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave. on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

They are part of the Castalia Reading Series sponsored by the University of Washington's graduate creative writing program. Free.

What we did last summer: Teaching teaching in China

2011-10-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College Intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) faculty Jan Peterson and Kelly Weibel led a 10-day workshop for high school English teachers in China in August. The college received the request to provide training from the Zouping School District in Shandong Province.

They presented intensive interactive sessions on ESL methods, providing six hours of instruction per day, to 60 English teachers from four local Zouping high schools.

“We’ve taught Chinese students at EdCC for many years, but it was our first time to visit China. This was a unique opportunity to learn more about the Chinese educational system, to exchange ideas with fellow English teachers, and to experience a bit of Chinese life and culture,” Jan said.

They learned that Zouping is a relatively small city, yet the high schools each have 6,000-7,000 students, all living in dormitories on a gated campus. Students have classes from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and then supervised study halls in the evening. No personal cell phones or computers are allowed on campus. Education is clearly the focus and it isn’t free; parents pay tuition.

They enjoyed more informal time with local school officials and English teachers in the evenings and were taken on a five-day tour of sites in Shandong and Beijing after the workshops.

“It was wonderful to travel with our Chinese hosts and experience Chinese cultural sites with them. We also went to several places that were off the beaten track for most American tourists—that made it quite special,” said Kelly.

Student art exhibit opens at Schack Art Center Oct. 21

2011-10-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Find more photos like this on Edmonds Community College

The Schack Art Center in Everett features an exhibit of artwork by Edmonds Community College students, "Creation of Identity," October 21- November 18 in its Emerging Young Artist Gallery, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett. The exhibit is guest curated by Edmonds Community College student Juan Valdez.

Juan, who is the college's visual arts student programmer this year, received the Edmonds CC Community Read scholarship (which pays spring tuition) in 2010. He is a retired Army combat medic who is now pursuing his passion for painting and modern art. He is earning an Associate of Arts degree with plans to transfer to the University of Washington or Cornish School of the Arts. His long-term goal is to earn a Master of Fine Arts and to teach art. He is raising four children with his wife, Catherine. His oldest son, Jacob, is earning a Computer Game Development certificate at Edmonds CC.

Meet the artists at a reception 5-8 p.m., October 27. Free to the public.

Gallery hours are weekday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

The artworks featured in the slideshow (as well as at the exhibit) are byBenjamin Aaron Vanderwerff:

“Untitled” Medium Acrylic on Canvas
“Scream” Medium Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
“200 hours of work for 7 seconds of your time.”Medium Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

Look for them on campus: women's basketball players

2011-09-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

The West Seattle Blog featured players Kirby Davis and Taylor Magera in a post West Seattle success stories: 3 student-athlete standouts. The West Seattle High School graduates earned scholarships to play for Edmonds Community College women's basketball with Coach Tarrance Tucker.

Look for them on campus and come to a game this winter. Go Tritons!

Alumna news: Music student doing well at Western Washington

2011-09-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to hear from alumni!

Edmonds Community College music alumna Emily McKagen transfered to Western Washington University to continue her music studies — she's taking classes in voice, theory, and keyboard and aural skills — and sent music instructor John Sanders a note to let him know how she did on her tests and transfer into Western's music department.

Thank you so much for preparing me for all of this!!!

She said she was particularly well-prepared in music theory. Her only complaint was that she just missed out on the new music Associate of Arts in Music transfer degree that the college began offering this fall.

By the way, I see you're offering a Music AA now. I'm super jealous :)

She also sent us this picture of her singing at her wedding. Congratulations and best wishes at Western, Emily! Keep in touch!

Alumni, drop us a line! Tell us how you are doing at www.edcc.edu/alumstory or email news@edcc.edu.

College employee volunteers for Swedish Edmonds

2011-09-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Patricia Albert works in the Officer of Diversity Affairs at Edmonds Community College as a program coordinator for scholarship programs. She also volunteers for Swedish/Edmonds Therapy Pup program with her Delta Society trained Goldendoodle, Mr. Darcy.

Read more about Pat and her volunteer work on the Swedish Medical Center blog post "Medicine comes in many forms." There's a cute picture of the volunteer team, too.

Mr. Darcy is adorable!

Look for them on campus: Edmonds School District Alumni

2011-09-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Edmonds School District reported that it awarded $50,000 to 35 students for its 2011 Edmonds School District Alumni Association scholarships including $25,000 from the Hazel Miller Foundation.

A number of these students will be on the Edmonds Community College campus this fall including:

• Thao Nguyen, of Lynnwood High School, who received the $5,000 Hazel and Morris Miller Memorial Scholarship, and plans to transfer to Central Washington University to complete a network administration degree after Edmonds CC;

• Kevin Trang, of Lynnwood High School, was awarded the Donald Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship, and plans to study biology before transferring to a university to study medicine;

• Molly Mullins, of Scriber Lake High School, who received the $2,000 Hazel Miller Memorial Scholarship, and plans to study medical assisting;

• Chelsea Cooper, of Mountlake Terrace High School, a Edmonds School District Alumni Association General Scholarship recipient, who is starting her studies in library information systems at Edmonds CC; and

• Corey Rois, of Edmonds-Woodway High School, who received the Manchester/Lowell Family Scholarship, and plans to pursue degree in Education after completing his Associate of Arts degree.

Welcome Thao, Kevin, Molly, Chelsea, and Corey!

View works by college faculty and friends: Edmonds Art Studio Tour

2011-09-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

Works by friend of the college d'Elaine Johnson, art faculty Sarah Maki and Travis Hough, and ArtsNow instructors including Bonnie Hodges, Tonnie Wolfe, and Barbara Wyatt will be on exhibit during the Edmonds Art Studio Tour, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 17-18. Read more about their works and the studio tour in "Art as large as life," in The Weekly Herald.

Included as part of the self-guided tour is d'Elaine's Pisces Studio. Some of d'Elaine's works are on display in Mill Creek Hall on the college campus. Her Mount Olympus Estate in Edmonds has been donated in trust to the Edmonds Community College Foundation to support scholarships and student art and horticulture projects.

Sarah and Travis are both teaching painting classes at the college this fall. Travis is also teaching drawing and Sarah teaches a course on Two-Dimension Design and a course on History of Western Art.

Their works are also on display through December in an exhibit of works by Edmonds Community College Visual Arts Faculty at the Lynnwood Convention Center. A reception for the exhibit will be 6-8 p.m., Oct. 19. The exhibiting artists also include: Audineh Asaf, Melissa Newell, Minh Carrico, Robert Stahl, Kristi Gibbs, Daniel Neish, and Michael Wewer.

At ArtsNow, the college's non-credit classes teaching art from creation to commerce: Bonnie will teach Oil Painting for Beginners at ArtsNow, 6-9 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 6-Dec. 1; Tonnie will teach Exploring Photoshop Brushes, noon-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 23; and Barbara will teach Ceramics Workshop, 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Nov. 29 this fall.

Look for him on campus: Soccer player Kirby Hutto

2011-09-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College soccer player Kirby Hutto was featured in the article "Meet Kirby Hutto: A talented soccer student athlete at Edmonds Community College" in the examiner.com. Kirby was Alaska's 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year. Support the Tritons this fall!

Visual arts instructor's exhibit offers 9/11 reflection

2011-09-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College Visual Arts instructor, artist Minh Carrico's video installation “States of Demise" will be shown at IDEA Odyssey Gallery, 666 S. Jackson St., Seattle. The opening reception for the exhibit will be 3-8 p.m., Sat., Sept. 10. His work was inspired by recurring topics in the daily news over the course of a year that addressed the present state of our society and the events of 9/11.

Minh explains, “States of Demise reveals the unspoken and varied messages that can be found within a single photograph.” Inspired by the daily news, up-to-the minute blogs, and personal conversations, he noted 50 reoccurring topics during the course of a year that addressed the present state of our society and led to the events on 9/11. “The collective observations represent our nation’s changes in values and principles for the better or the worse of the country,” he says.Minh’s installation will be the second exhibit of the newly formed IDEA Odyssey Collective and Gallery. The visual arts collective was formed to promote cultural diversity, community and economic development in the International District. Minh is a co-founding member.

Upcoming gallery events include:
• Sat., Sept. 24, 2-4 p.m.: Open house to learn about the gallery and membership
• Thurs., Oct. 6, 5-8 p.m.: Opening reception for a members’ exhibition featuring Star Rush and Valentina Vitols along with Minh Carrico.

Edmonds CC Horticulture students earn scholarships

2011-08-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

As featured in the My Edmonds News article Edmonds Floretum Garden Club awards horticultural scholarships to students, Edmonds Community College horticulture students Courtney Olander and Allison Wilhelm will receive $1,000 scholarships from the garden club.

They are both earning Horticulture - Landscape Design Specialization Associate of Technical Arts Degrees.

Food Revolution Snohomish County

2011-08-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution featured Edmonds Community College and the Food Revolution Snohomish County on its site as its Food Revolution group of the week. Chris Hudyma, Edmonds Community College's Director of Organizational Development & Employee Training, wrote the story "The Food Revolution Ignites at Edmonds Community College."

With support from the Food Revolution Team, Chris started a Food Revolution Snohomish County chapter. "Our mission is to connect individuals, groups and businesses that are doing wonderful work within our county to grow, distribute, prepare, cook, and sell local wholesome food," she writes. Chris is working with the community to organize a celebration of food festival to be held in Spring 2012.

Student work: Photography 101/Video Production 215

2011-08-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

Photo 101 Promo from Cindy Rae on Vimeo.

Edmonds Community College student Cindy Stoehr created this promo video for the college's Photography 101 class in her Video Production class. Great work, Cindy!

Music instructor a semi-finalist on Karaoke Battle USA

2011-08-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sammy Vijarro teaches voice lessons in the music department at Edmonds Community College and is a semi-finalist in the West Region on Karaoke Battle USA Fridays on ABC. Watch his performance on the show:

Office of Diversity Affairs: Mark Your Calendar

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Good news shared by Edmonds Community College's Office of Diversity Affairs:

The Edmonds School Board approved $12,000 to start a Minority Achievers Program (MAP) program at College Place Middle School in late September. A YMCA of Snohomish County program, MAP motivates and supports students of color and immigrant students ages 11-19 to achieve higher educational and career goals.

Contact JJ Frank at JFrank@ymca-snoco.org for more information.

Office of Diversity Affairs: Mark Your Calendar

2011-08-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College's Office of Diversity Affairs notes the following upcoming events and resources in our community:

Mortgage assistance is available for Snohomish County home owners through HUD Housing 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat., Aug. 20, at Cascade High School, Everett.
877.894.4663 | homeownership.wa.gov
Latino Business Fair, this family event includes cultural dancing, prizes, activities for kids and small children like a bouncing house, bowling, air hockey, toy cars to ride and more, noon to 6 p.m., Sat., Aug. 27 at Edmonds Community College.
Peoples Town Hall Meeting, 11 a.m.– 1 p.m., Sat., Sept. 10, Snoqualmie Hall, Edmonds Community College. Come to discuss the City of Lynnwood’s budget and its impact on education and our community. For accommodations, call 425.670.5023 or 425.640.1246.
Muslims for Life Blood Drive to commemorate September 11.
Aisha Sial | 206.760.6268 | AishaSial@amiseattle.org
Multicultural Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., Sept. 17, Saint Thomas More Parish.
425.743.2929 | www.stmp.org
Demonstrating Peace Conference, Sat., Sept. 24, Ahmadiyyat Muslim Center. Women and children are invited. 206.218.6607 | AishaSial@amiseattle.org
YWCA, eliminating racism, empowering women, holds a YWCA School Days drive for donations to purchase backpacks to fill with school supplies for children. A donation of $35 for each filled backpack can be made to YWCA. Email lkunz@ywcaworks.org or call Shirley Sutton at 425.640.1246 for a donation form.
Washington State Association for Multicultural Education 17^th Annual WSAME Fall Conference, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., Oct. 22, North Seattle Community College. marciaz@comcast.net | 206.232.7576

Commencement 2011: Emergency Management graduate Steve Sprague

2011-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00


Right, facing camera with beard: Steve Sprague earned his Emergency Management Certificate at Commencement 2011. Photo courtesy: Jonathan Sprague Photography

Steve Sprague was one of the college's first Emergency Management graduates. He earned his Certificate in Emergency Management at Commencement 2011. He has started his own consulting business: hwww.emc4consulting.com and is teaching the EMERG 135: Mapping and Data Analysis course this spring.

Great photo! Thanks to Steve and Jonathan for sharing it with the college!

Edmonds CC Alumna: Nursing student Rose Gatobu

2011-08-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Rose Gatobu came to Edmonds Community College as a single parent to earn her Associate in Pre-nursing Degree to brighten her future. She talks about her experience and the resources she found to help her to pay for school and be successful including Foundation scholarships, the Career Action Center, on campus childcare at the Center for Families, and free tutoring at the Learning Support Center. She plans to attend Nursing School and earn her bachelor of science degree in nursing.

Look for her on campus: music student Hannah Lake

2011-08-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Mountlake Terrace High School graduate Hannah Lake will play the lead role in Hairspray this summer and then study music at Edmonds Community College. She was featured in The Weekly Herald article "MLT teen has starring role in 'Hairsspray'". See you on campus, Hannah!

Ten tips on how to be an "A" student by Jan Lind-Sherman

2011-07-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Jan Lind-Sherman wrote on teacherslogon.blogspot.com about her experience returning to school after 50 years to take Spanish and piano classes at Edmonds Community College. In her first post, "School Days, School Daze," she compared her recent experience with her memories of 50 years ago at the University of Washington. She gave EdmondsSphere permission to repost her "Ten Tips on How to be an "A" Student." Here they are:

"College is like a fountain of knowledge — and the students are there to drink” — anonymous

Back in college after fifty years - what an eye opener! Two months ago, on April 10 to be exact, I shared with you my first impressions about returning to college where I was taking ten credits of Spanish and piano. Why go? I did this because I'd procrastinated in renewing my teaching credential and needed fifteen credits by early next year. I decided to bite the bullet and get them out of the way as quickly as possible - thus I became an Edmonds Community College daytime student.

Much has changed since 1959, especially regarding technology, but one thing remains constant: Student behavior and study habits. As it was then, it is now. Grade books will tells us that a small percentage of students will get A, more will get B, most will get C, and going down the curve, fewer will get D or F.

I think I am heading for an "A " in Spanish. My classmate, Cathleen, is doing likewise. We had some thoughts as to why:

The Big One: If the teacher tells you to do something a certain way, DO IT!!! It matters not if you think you have a better or easier way. If he or she gives you a sample or model to follow, do so.
Take complete notes. BE SURE YOU CAN READ YOUR OWN HANDWRITING. If necessary, bring a tape recorder and tape the lecture. This is particularly helpful if you can't write as fast as the instructor speaks.
Participate in the classroom by raising your hand and contributing. It shows you are listening.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. This also shows you are listening.
Attend on a regular basis. If you must be absent, inform the teacher ahead of time verbally or by e-mail and find someone in the class to take notes for you.
Study as you go. Forget cramming. It is neither useful nor helpful in the long term. We had so much thrown at us in Spanish that, by necessity I had to cram. I have to go back and re-learn a lot if I want Spanish to be useful to me.
If the instructor offers you optional extra credit opportunities to add to your grade, do not "blow them off" but take advantage of this gift. In our case we would get 15 points for engaging in three cultural opportunities followed by brief written reports: (a) Eating in a bona fide Mexican, Central American, Caribbean or Spanish restaurant, (b) watching a Spanish speaking movie (with English subtitles), and (c) attending one multicultural event. (Our family dined at the Buenos Aires restaurant in downtown Seattle. I attended the Cinco De Mayo celebration on campus. I saw the Spanish movie Volver with Penelope Cruz, also on campus, in the Black Box Theater.) Not only did I get 15 points towards my grade, I learned a lot and had a great time doing it. I would have done none of those things without the strong suggestion of the teacher. I might add here, though, that his strong suggestion made "optional" feel like "mandatory" .
Do NOT cheat. If the teacher doesn't notice it, you can be sure your classmates will. Someone is sure to "narc" on you to your extreme detriment.
DO NOT FALL ASLEEP IN CLASS. If a father of three, who has worked a graveyard shift can come to class, participate, take notes, and look alive, then certainly a younger student whose only excuse is too much partying, TV or gaming can do the same.
Study a little every day, do all work, hand it in on time, and be accountable. You will get your A.

To put it all in perspective, remember why you are in school. If your parents are paying for your education you can show respect by doing your best while you try to figure what you want to do with your life. If you are paying for your education, it stands to reason that you will want to do well. We often value more that which we pay for, whether a toy, car, house or our education.

Remember also that how you do in each class has a cumulative effect on your transcript, and how easy or difficult it will be to transfer to a school with stringent entry requirements. A couple of students in my class want to go to the UW nursing school. Grades matter and you won't get in without good ones.

Don't just take up space because you can't think of anything else to do. It's not really fair to those who want entry, but can't get in because classes are full. That happened in our class. Several were on the waiting list, but the deadline passed and by then it was too late. In the meantime, several students dropped out because it got too hard. Too bad they weren't motivated to keep going, and didn't have the study habits to make it happen.

Cathleen and I spent a few minutes thinking about our mutual work ethic and why getting an "A" in class was important to us. It undoubtedly has to do with the way we were raised and the experiences we had that drive our desire to do well. But we both agreed on this: Anyone can do well in class if they follow a few simple guidelines. Try it. You might like the results.

Ten tips on how to be an "A" student

2011-07-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Jan Lind-Sherman writes on her blog Teachers Log On To Mrs. Lind-Sherman about her experience returning to school after 50 years to take Spanish and Piano classes at Edmonds Community College. She took the classes to renew her teaching credential. In her first post "School Days, School Daze," she starts out circling the parking lots and then begins her Spanish 100 class and compares today's classroom with her memories of 50 years ago at the University of Washington.

She later offers her "Ten Tips on How to Be an "A" Student." Her tips include: Take complete notes; participate in the classroom by raising your hand and contributing; and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Good advice? What are your tips for A students? If you are returning to school, what's changed since you were last in college?

Look for him on campus: Wrestling champ St. Marie to join Soundsation

2011-07-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

According to The Herald, you might expect to find incoming student Josh St. Marie in Seaview Gym — he's the state's 3A state wrestling champion — but you can also find him in Mill Creek Hall. He plans to join the college's select vocal jazz choir, Soundsation. Josh, a graduate of Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, was mentioned in The Herald's AquaSox notebook after he sang the national anthem at a game in July.

2010-11 Highlights Wordle

2011-06-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

A Wordle made out of the 2010-11 College Highlights as published in the Commencement program. See the highlights.

2011 Commencement Wordle: Omar Willis

2011-06-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Omar Willis' Wordle

A Wordle of the most frequently used words in 2011 Commencement Speaker Omar Willis' Commencement speech. Read the whole speech.

2011 Commencement Wordle: Marti Smithsund

2011-06-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Smithsund's Wordle
A Wordle of the most frequently used words in 2011 Commencement Speaker Marti Smithsund's Commencement speech. Read the whole speech.

EdmondsSphere in the news: alumni stories and future students

2011-06-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College is behind some outstanding stories in the news:
• "Super Kid: Kelsey Dunmire, a woman of firsts" was featured by The Herald. She is an Edmonds Community College Running Start alumna headed for Washington State University's pre-vet program.
• Central Washington University graduate Anggietta Tiara Kamalsah was featured in the story "CWU graduation: Indonesian Chinese student first in family to get degree" in the Daily Record. She earned her bachelor's degree in public relations at CWU and her Associate's Degree at Edmonds Community College.

And it's at the beginning of this one:
"Program gears up at-risk students for college," in The Herald. A graduate of the program, and Everett High School, Destiny Alinder, wants to attend Edmonds Community College and become a drug and alcohol counselor.

Commencement 2011: speaker Omar Willis

2011-06-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College holds its 44th annual commencement ceremony 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 17 at Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

This year, the college will award 2,022 degrees and certificates including 650 transfer degrees, 845 career degrees and certificates, 405 GEDs and 122 adult high school diplomas. It is the college’s largest graduating class in more than 10 years. This year, the college commencement ceremony has been moved to Comcast Arena to accommodate the large number of graduates and their friends and families who wish to celebrate with them.

The student speakers are Marti Smithsund of Seattle who will graduate with her Project Management certificate and Omar Willis of Mill Creek who has earned his Associate of Arts degree.

Willis always wanted to go to college, but did not think he could afford it. After graduating from Lynnwood High School, he began work as a hairstylist for Gene Juarez Salons and Spas. He enjoys the work, however, after his father passed away, Willis learned he qualified for a college tuition waiver because of his father’s service as a Vietnam Veteran. Now Willis, 24, is trying to get as far as he can toward his goal of earning a master’s degree, before the benefit runs out when he turns 26. Motivated, he finished his Associate of Arts in just one year, while working, and earned a 3.9 GPA.

“I feel like I was denied in the past. Now I have the chance.” — Omar Willis

In his own words, more about Omar:

Secret to success Spreadsheets — I have a to-do list for every day and a spreadsheet for each week and every quarter

Advice to students Know why you are trying to achieve a goal — it has to be a reason that’s real for you.

College activities performing in the college’s production of The Member of the Wedding and in Molière’s The Miser with the Theatre Arts Students Organization; service-learning projects with AmeriCorps Students in Service, and president of the philosophy club

College goal master’s degree

Dream job entertainment journalism

Commencement 2011: speaker Marti Smithsund

2011-06-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College holds its 44th annual commencement ceremony 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 17 at Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

This year, the college will award 2,022 degrees and certificates including 650 transfer degrees, 845 career degrees and certificates, 405 GEDs and 122 adult high school diplomas. It is the college’s largest graduating class in more than 10 years. This year, the college commencement ceremony has been moved to Comcast Arena to accommodate the large number of graduates and their friends and families who wish to celebrate with them.

The student speakers are Marti Smithsund of Seattle who will graduate with her Project Management certificate and Omar Willis of Mill Creek who has earned his Associate of Arts degree.

Smithsund, who holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, came to Edmonds CC to update her skills after working as a corporate trainer. She enrolled after attending a Project Management program open house. Her husband also retrained mid-career at the college, earning an Advanced Paralegal Certificate.

“I’m preparing myself for new opportunities in a changing economy. I feel a sense of urgency – to use (and not waste) the talents I’ve been given, cultivated over years with training and experience.” — student Marti Smithsund

In her own words, more about Marti:

Why Edmonds CC? I attended the Project Management open house won the raffle, and when I picked up my prize months later, I met with and afterwards I talked to the instructor, Claudia Levi, and decided to enroll.

Biggest challenge It has been more than 20 years since my first college graduation and returning to school was an act of faith.

Best college experience This adventure has been a rocket booster: an infusion of new ideas, a freshening of skills and, what I had not anticipated — a renewal.

Advice for students Even if you’re not sure what your academic goals are, you can be confident that action and momentum will lead to something worthwhile. This has been far truer than I ever imagined. And so very much fun!

What’s next? Find a job in project management, keep learning, and continue the adventure.

Alumna "Smartest Girl in Washington"

2011-06-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College alumna Kayla Heard was featured in the article "Hood Canal Students Interview the Smartest Girl in Washington," in the Kitsap Sun.

At age 16, Kayla is Washington State University's youngest graduate ever. She earned her social sciences degree via WSU Online. She was just 14 when she earned her Associate of Arts online at Edmonds Community College.

Alumna "Aging with Gusto"

2011-06-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College alumna and Edmonds artist Joyeanna Chaudiere was featured in the Edmonds Beacon article "Aging With Gusto — Joyeanna Chaudiere".

“I really believe in life long learning. I’m always taking classes. I think I’ve taken every art class that Edmonds Community College has to offer.”— Joyeanna Chaudiere in the Edmonds Beacon

Joyeanna has been taking classes at the college since it opened in 1967. In addition, to taking business and art classes, she has participated in study abroad programs. She studied French literature and art in Paris and explored London. She also was one of the college’s oldest study abroad students, at age 72, when she traveled to Florence, Italy to study.

Visual arts students receive Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation scholarships

2011-05-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Edmonds Community College Visual Arts students who have received scholarships from the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation (EAFF) are: Juan Valdez, Kelley Hefflinger, Jakob Faram and Benjamin Vanderwerff, Julie Zappone and Guillermo Zapata.

The EAFF annually provides university level visual arts scholarships to students living within the boundaries of the Edmonds School District as well as students in the Visual Arts program of Edmonds Community College. This year a total of $19,500 was awarded to 21 students.

Honey bees join the EdmondsSphere

2011-05-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Bees and Comb, by photographer Ray Pfortner (an ArtsNow instructor at Edmonds Community College)

Edmonds Community College welcomed two colonies of honey bees to campus as part of its Earth Month celebration. The two hives are located near the college’s vegetable garden.

The honey bees will be available to assist with research projects for the college’s biology department, provide service-learning opportunities, and will provide hands on experience for a new Beekeeping 101 class this summer.

Chemistry instructor Mary Whitfield, a hobbyist beekeeper at her home in Seattle where two hives are allowed per home within the city limits, helped bring the honey bees to campus.

“Declining bee populations and the potential impact on agriculture has been in the news, and more people are becoming interested in beekeeping,” she said. “Given that our college has recently adopted sustainability as part of its philosophy, I thought it was the right time to try this project on campus. So far the response has been very positive. The biology and horticulture departments are getting involved, and I hope to get a bee club started next year. We haven’t made plans for the honey yet, but I'm hoping that the Culinary Arts students will come up with some delicious new creations."

To learn more about the honey bees on campus, join the college for a screening of Tales From the Hive, 11:30 a.m., May 18, in Brier Hall 185. The NOVA film chronicles a year in the life of a honey bee colony.

Beekeeping 101, an Apprentice Washington State Beekeepers Association course, with hive-side, hands on experience will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 12-Aug. 16 (except July 26) in Woodway Hall 105 at Edmonds Community College. $125. Beekeepers Jeff Thompson and Pete Wolcott teach the class. The labs will include hive side inspections and participants will have a chance to collect honey from the hive and help with extracting.

Learn more about honey bees: See The Buzz About Bees on NOVA’s Tales From the Hive site or see Honey Bee Facts from the American Beekeeping Federation.

Project Management students plan Wallingford Walks

2011-05-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College Project Management students take on real life projects as they earn their certificates and refresh their skills.

Planning Wallingford Walks, neighborhood walks in the Wallingford area of Seattle aimed at promoting community, has been their latest project. The students are working with the Wallingford Community Senior Center and Sustainable Wallingford to organize the walks this year and provide tools to help volunteers keep the neighborhood tradition going.

The walks have been featured on Wallyhood.org and MyWallingford.com.

“The best part about this project is that it's real. This will have an impact on people in the Wallingford neighborhood for years to come and we will be able to say, ‘we played a part in keeping it alive,’” said project management student Daniel Pewtress.

The free walks, open to the public, take place the second Saturday of each month through September (with the exception of the July walk which takes place July 16) in Wallingford. They start 10 a.m. at Tully’s Coffee at N. 45th & Meridian Avenue N. For more information, call the Wallingford Community Senior Center at 206.461.7825.

Most students in project management classes at Edmonds CC are working professionals who have returned to the classroom to add project management to their skill sets. Past projects completed by project management students have included designing and selling bicycle jerseys, creating a student textbook exchange, running a bike to work station, and organizing the annual project management open house.

Start Edmonds Community College’s Project Management certificate this summer or fall in day, evening, or online classes. Summer classes run July 5-Aug. 26. Fall classes run Sept. 20-Dec. 9. Registration starts May 24.

Edmonds CC student is featured in Northwest Landscape Professional

2011-05-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Northwest Landscape Professional, the official publication of the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, (WALP) featured Edmonds Community College student Keri DeTore in its student member profile. The article "Second Career Sparks Passion for Keri DeTore," tells how Keri, who earned her bachelor's degree in fine art at Central Washington University and had worked for a Seattle architectural firm has been able to retool her interests and skills by pursuing a horticulture degree at Edmonds CC.

DeTore was a recipient of a WALP Educational Foundation scholarship last year. She has done internships with Rock Solid Landscapes and People for Puget Sound.

Edmonds CC Spring Plant Sale makes for An Edmonds Kind of Day

2011-04-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College's spring plant sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m, May 6-7 at the green house featuring vegetables and perennials made Day 231 of 365 Things to Do In Edmonds, WA. Realtor Wayne Purser interviewed the horticulture department's Linda Toccolli for his Snohomish County Real Estate Guide blog.

Commencement Challenge: Go Bridgeport High School!

2011-04-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Help Washington State’s Bridgeport High School win President Obama’s “Commencement Challenge.” Bridgeport High in Douglas County is one of six schools across the country vying for President Obama as its graduation speaker. They need your vote by this Friday (9:00 p.m. our time) to get into the final three.
Vote now: http://www.whitehouse.gov/Commencement.

Bridgeport High School's bid to bring President Obama at campus as commencement speaker has been featured on MyNorthwest.com A High Five for Bridgeport High School and in The Seattle Times President Obama should give Bridgeport High graduates a presidential send-off.

Here’s how to vote:
• The webpage below will bring up the six finalists’ short videos and essays in random order.
• At the bottom of the page, you will see blue boxes numbered 1-5. Click on 5 for the highest ranking or click on 1 for the lowest ranking, then click “next” to go to the next school, rank it, until all six schools have been ranked.
• You can vote until 8:59 p.m. PDT on Friday, April 29, 2011.
• At the end of the rating period, the three schools with the highest average ratings will be submitted to President Obama for final selection. The top 3 schools will be announced on Monday, May 2, 2011 with the winner being announced later that week.

Vote now: http://www.whitehouse.gov/Commencement.

Commencement Watch 2011: Alumna youngest ever grad of WSU

2011-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Kayla! Our 2009 alumna Kayla Heard earned her Associate of Arts — online — at age 14 and is now the youngest ever graduate of WSU and was featured on KING5.com. She completed her bachelor's degree via WSU online degrees.

Kayla was Edmonds Community College's youngest graduate at age 14 in 2009 and was mentioned in the president's commencement address.

Commencement Watch 2011: Graduate Lori Radcliffe

2011-04-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Commencement 2011 at Edmonds Community College is just around the corner — June 17 at Comcast Arena at Everett. There will be many fantastic graduation stories. Here's the first one: Social and Human Services student Lori Radcliffe stopped making excuses and came to college when the time was right. Read her story and then look for her at the commencement ceremony. Congratulations, Lori!

“I am so very happy that I didn't let excuses get in the way of the greatest adventure of my life!”

Lori Radcliffe
Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counseling,
Associate of Technical Arts

Why Edmonds CC? Location was the initial draw, but once I attended a Social and Human Services Open House, it was the programs and the instructors that were the final hook.

Before Edmonds CC Any job that didn't require a college education.

Why now? About four years ago I took a few classes, but I just wasn't ready to continue. I thought it was because I didn't have what it took to be a student, this despite the fact I received almost perfect grades. In the spring of 2009, I was driving by the campus and decided I had some unfinished business. It was the right time because I was no longer going to let my excuses get in the way of my life!

Working as Currently I am working on my Chemical Dependency Professional Training Practicum at Evergreen Manor.

Biggest challenge Getting past the point where I made numerous excuses why I shouldn't or couldn't go to college because I was too old!

Best experience There are so many special experiences, from the moment I held my breath walking into my first on campus class, I have had one positive experience after another. If I had to pick one, it would have to be the wonderful friendships I have developed with fellow students. If I hadn't embarked on this journey I would have missed out on meeting and becoming bonded with some of the most caring, amazing people that I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with! This was an unexpected bonus that I will forever be grateful for!

Favorite class Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counseling Law and Ethics, ACD 113 — This class was early in my college adventure, and the instructor, Mike Wagner, was able to motivate people out of their comfort zone. I transformed in that quarter from an observer to an involved student, and never looked back!

Advice for students Visit your adviser often, challenge yourself, toss your excuses out the window, make friends, and have FUN!!

College goal I would love to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Social work.

Dream job My passion is prevention! It would be a dream come true to become a Prevention/Intervention Specialist at the high school level.

Container gardening at the Center for Urban Horticulture

2011-04-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

There are some great photos of beautiful container gardens created by Edmonds Community College students with the guidance garden designer Wendy Welch for Soest Garden at the Center for Urban Horticulture.

Edmonds Community College Horticulture instructor Riz Reyes posted an update including news about the container gardens on University of Washington's Botanic Gardens site.

College students grow fresh veggies for food bank

2011-04-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Vegetables grown in the Edmonds Community College vegetable garden as part of a Horticulture class will be donated to the Lynnwood Food Bank. Read the article "New era for food bank," in The Enterprise to learn more about the food bank.

Tour the college vegetable garden and other green projects around campus during the Earth Fair April 21. Meet at 1 p.m. in Triton Student Center in Brier Hall for tours of the college’s green buildings, windmill, vegetable garden, rain catchment system, and new honeybee colony.

Learn vegetable gardening and help the Lynnwood Food Bank this summer. Take Summer Vegetable Gardening, Horticulture 255, work in the college’s garden and learn vegetable garden culture, management, harvest, and food processing. The vegetables you help grow and harvest will be donated. Registration for summer quarter classes starts May 25. Classes run July 5-Aug. 26.

The vegetable gardening class at the college is taught by Gayle Larson, a Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association Certified Professional Horticulturist and the owner of Dancing Raven Design, a business specializing in edible garden consultation and design. Gayle is a featured garden mentor in the Spring 2011 Edition of WestSound Home & Garden magazine.

Photos: Courtesy of instructor Gayle Larson

Student honored by Snohomish County NAACP

2011-03-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College Running Start student Ryan Sims was honored by the Snohomish County branch of the NAACP and was featured as the EdmondsPatch Whiz Kid of the Week. Ryan received the Shirley Walthall Youth Achievement Award at the NAACP's Freedom Fund Gala. The NAACP awards program described Ryan as, "...a great mentor for other underrepresented students and shows them that you can really do it all."

Horticulture instructor Gayle Larson a featured garden mentor

2011-03-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College horticulture instructor Gayle Larson was featured with Ted Hoppin in "Garden Mentors and Coaches" in the Spring 2011 edition of WestSound Home & Garden magazine. Gayle teaches Spring Vegetable Garden, HORT 255, 8-11:50 a.m., Mondays this spring. She earned her two year degree in Landscape Design in 2006 from Edmonds Community College and now teaches at the college part-time. She is a Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association Certified Professional Horticulturist and the owner of Dancing Raven Design, a business specializing in edible garden consultation and design. Check out the photos of her veggies and gardens on her site. Beautiful bounty!

Studying Landscape Restoration with People for Puget Sound

2011-03-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College student Keri DeTore wrote about her experience studying Landscape Restoration on the People for Puget Sound blog.

"My involvement with People For Puget Sound came as a direct result of an Edmonds Community College class and I’ve had the great fortune of talking with the people working so hard to keep our environment safe and healthy," Keri wrote.

The ctizens' group established in 1991 to protect and restore the health of our land and waters through education and action is one of the many community organizations Edmonds Community College students have an opportunity to work with through service-learning projects in classes as they complete their degrees.

In her post, Keri recommends upcoming spring Horticulture classes at the college in Restoration Ecology, Pacific Northwest Land & Water Issues, and Community Development for those interested in the kinds of work being done to preserve Puget Sound.

Edmonds CC alumnus: College Athlete of the Week

2011-03-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College baseball and materials science alumnus Brandon Kizer was featured as The Herald's College Athlete of the Week. Brandon and his sister Sara both earned TRIAD Advanced Manufacturing Grants to study materials science at Edmonds Community College and were part of a group of students that built a windmill on campus. Brandon is now a junior at Seattle University studying engineering. The Herald noted Brandon's pitching skills for the Redhawks — he threw eight shutout innings, allowing just five hits, in a 1-0 win over Notre Dame.

Cameroonian painter works with Sherwood Elementary in Edmonds

2011-02-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

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Edmonds Community College brings painter Max Lyonga to Lynnwood from Cameroon to display his works in an exhibit “Therapy of Hope” in the college art gallery April 11-June 10, and to work with area school children. Prior to his visit children at Sherwood Elementary in Edmonds exchanged art with children in Cameroon.

Lyonga, of Buea, Cameroon is an accomplished painter with international exposure whose work depicts themes of contemporary life in southwest Cameroon. His exhibit “Therapy of Hope” brings a positive message that transcends cultures.

Lyonga is noted for using his art to uplift people in his impoverished nation and has joined The World Bank’s Fight Against Poverty. His charitable projects include bringing art to street children and donating the proceeds from his art sales to help children suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Lyonga will visit the Lynnwood area April 2-16 to work with art students at the college as well as students at ten area K-12 schools. The students have been participating in an art and letter exchange with students in Cameroon and will work on a mural begun by students in Cameroon.

A reception with the artist will be 4-6:30 p.m., Fri., April 15 in the college art gallery, third floor Lynnwood Hall, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood. It will feature new music by Gypsy Reeds, Strings & Skins, an acoustic world jazz quartet, which includes Edmonds Community College music faculty John Sanders on accordion, Alexey Nikolaev on saxophone and Jon Hamar on acoustic bass as well as Brad Boal-percussion, and food prepared by Edmonds Community College Culinary Arts.

Semifinalist! Edmonds CC student could earn national service award

2011-02-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

Washington Campus Compact and Inspireum announced that Edmonds Community College student Kristine Deleon is among 50 semifinalists for a national Students in Service Award. The winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship as well as a grant for their school ($2,500 for Edmonds Community College's Center for Service-Learning and $2,500 for the college's Learn and Serve Environmental Anthropology Field (LEAF) School).

Help Kristine win by voting for her nomination for the award.

Watch the video Kristine created to find out more about service-learning at Edmonds Community College and see what she's been doing:

Alumnus sings with The Four Freshmen

2011-02-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College alumnus Bob Ferreira made headlines again with the Four Freshmen, a jazz vocal ensemble, when they came to Tulsa, Oklahoma to perform with a symphony orchestra. He was featured in the article, "The Four Freshmen sing 'American classics'" in the Tulsa World.

In the article, Bob credits Edmonds Community College music instructor Kirk Marcy (a Four Freshmen alumnus), with encouraging him to join the group and thereby launching his professional music career. Bob performed for two years with Edmonds Community College's select vocal jazz choir Soundsation and then transferred to Central Washington University majoring in music education. About a year later, in 1992, he began performing with the Four Freshman. He's been with the group for 19 years and has performed for audiences in 50 states and eight countries.

Top scholars to be recognized in Olympia March 24

2011-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College students Amadou Barrow, 26, of Lynnwood, and Alexei Sterhov, 20, an international student from The Republic of Moldova, will be recognized for their scholarship, leadership, and community service at a ceremony noon, Thursday, March 24 at South Puget Sound Community College, Olympia.

Amadou and Alexei, representing Edmonds CC, are among 63 of the state’s top scholars, who will receive recognition as members of the All-Washington Academic Team. Each two-year college in the state may nominate two students for the honor. All of the state’s public four-year colleges and universities and most of the state’s independent colleges offer additional scholarships for academic team members who transfer to their schools.

Here's more about our top scholars:

“You have to start in order to make your goals.”
Amadou Barrow, Computer Information Systems

Why Edmonds CC? close to home, and the reputation of its Computer Information Systems department
Why now? Without higher education, I will not be able to advocate for my siblings to go to school and set a good example for them to follow. In this challenging world, without higher education, I will not be able support myself and family and be my son's role model.
Before Edmonds CC attended high school in Gambia before moving to the United States; I'm the fourth child of a family of 16, and the first person who had the opportunity to complete a high school education.
Biggest challenge beginning classes while my wife was pregnant with our first child. I didn’t want to wait.
Working three jobs helping developmentally disabled individuals with the tasks of daily living
Best advice for new students You have to start in order to make your goals. You can’t just sit on the couch. Start, and then make plans.
What’s next? transfer to Central Washington University for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information and Administrative Management — IT Specialization
College goal Ph.D. in management information systems
Dream job establish a charitable Information Technology/System Firm in developing countries to assist in combating global information system threats such as identity theft, hackers and social networking problems

“I want to look back on this as the happiest time in my life.”
Alexei Sterhov, Associate of Arts

Why Edmonds CC? It offered high school completion for international students.

Before Edmonds CC going to school in The Republic of Moldova
Clubs French and Hip Hop
Working as a tutor assisting students with math, economics, and accounting classes
Best college experience talking and sharing experiences with students of different ages and nationalities, for example, I have a classmate who is 55 from Africa and another classmate who is 16 from France. I think the combination of getting your education at a community college and a university is the best way to get the most out of your school life.
Best advice for new students It’s our time, our school life, we should do as much as we can and gain as much experience as we can.
Find him performing with Kontagious Performing Company, a professional dance team
What’s next? transfer to the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School
Dream job in marketing for the fashion and beauty industry

Edmonds student in the running for national Students in Service award

2011-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College student Azan Jacobs is in the running for a national Students in Service Award. The winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship as well as a grant for their agency ($2,500 for Edmonds Community College's Center for Service-Learning and $2,500 for Kontagious Performing Company).

Help Azan win by voting for his nomination for the award.

Watch a video of the Kontagious Performing Company at Prelude Northwest 2010:

Edmonds student in the running for national Students in Service Award

2011-02-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College student Kristine Deleon is in the running for a national Students in Service Award. The winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship as well as a grant for their school ($2,500 for Edmonds Community College's Center for Service-Learning and $2,500 for the college's Learn and Serve Environmental Anthropology Field (LEAF) School).

Help Kristine win by voting for her nomination for the award.

Watch the video Kristine created to find out more about service-learning at Edmonds Community College and see what she's been doing:

Edmonds CC student receives scholarship to study in Italy

2011-02-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Edmonds Community College student Joshua Tripp who received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for undergraduate study abroad students who receive Federal Pell Grant funding for 2-year or 4-year colleges. Joshua spent spring quarter 2010 (ten weeks) in Florence, Italy.

He created a blog at http://studybeyondtheborders.tumblr.com/ to share his experience:

My favorite class was World Literature, which catered to the works of Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarch, to name a few. These innovative thinkers gave so much to the city during the Renaissance period and continue to give insight and intellect for the minds of today. To read of famous works, such as the Perseus, and immediately take a walk down to the actual sculpture was inspirational. To walk the streets of Rome, Venice, Siena and countless other cities in Italy gave a new meaning to my life. — Joshua Tripp

And a website studybeyondtheborders.com to provide resources to encourage others to try study abroad:

After spending ten weeks abroad, I came to the understanding of how imperative it is for a growing adolescent to experience the world at large and away from one’s comfort zones and familiarities. Not only did this alter my perceptions of the world but helped me grow academically, socially, psychologically, religiously, and inspired me to expose the opportunity to others as completely attainable and realistic. — Joshua Tripp

The application for Gilman International Scholarships for Summer and Fall 2011 study abroad programs is now available online. Apply now! Deadline: March 1. Edmonds Community College offers study abroad programs to Spain (3 weeks), Cost Rica (4 weeks), and Southeast Asia (2-4 weeks) summer 2011 and to South Africa and Japan fall quarter 2011.

Music instructors release CD with acoustic world jazz quartet

2011-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

Gypsy Reeds, Strings & Skins, an acoustic world jazz quartet featuring clarinet, accordion, acoustic bass and Egyptian tabla, which released its first CD in 2009, features Edmonds Community College faculty John Sanders on accordion, Alexey Nikolaev on saxophone and Jon Hamar on acoustic bass as well as Brad Boal playing percussion for the group.

For Sanders, it all started with the college's 2007 production of the musical Cabaret.

"The score is written for accordion throughout, but there is one tune at the end of the first act that really demands it. We had no accordionist, so I picked up a cheap used one online and learned the tune. I’ve been playing the accordion ever since," he said.

The quartet will perform at the reception for artist Max Lyonga Sako 4-6:30 p.m., Fri., April 15 in the college art gallery, third floor Lynnwood Hall, 20000 68^th Ave. W, Lynnwood. Cameroonian painter Lyonga Sako exhibits his work “Therapy of Hope” April 11-June 10 in the college gallery.

Sanders teaches music classes including: Applied Music, MUSC 150, Jazz Band, MUSC 135, and Jazz Pop and Harmony, MUSC 170 at Edmonds Community College this spring.

Sharing democracy with Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Near East

2011-02-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College administers the Northwest Community College Initiative, a U.S. State Department funded program that brings scholars from from South Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Near East to Edmonds, Pierce, and Whatcom community colleges for professional training and cultural exchange.

Currently students from Brazil, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan are attending Edmonds CC as part of the Northwest Community College Initiative and studying Business Management, Desktop Support, Project Management, Health Unit Coordinator, and Hospitality and Tourism.

Recently, they took a trip to the state capitol in Olympia to experience U.S. democracy:

They also participated in cultural exchange during International Education Week, Nov. 15-19.

Baseball alumnus up for the Stopper of the Year award

2011-02-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

Oregon.live.com reports that Edmonds Community College alumnus Chris Dennis is among 45 pitchers on the watch list for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's Stopper of the Year award, given annually to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball. Chris was a finalist for the award last year as well. His record, since transferring from Edmonds Community College, is 5-1 with a 1.88 ERA. He set a single-season and career school record with 14 saves for the Pilots of the West Coast Conference, according to Jim Beseda of The Oregonian.

Go Tritons!

Fire officer degree student makes lieutenant

2011-01-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

MyEdmondsNews reports that firefighter Kevin Gustafson has been promoted to lieutenant in the volunteer program at Snohomish County Fire District 1. He's been a volunteer firefighter since 1999.

Kevin is a student in the Fire Officer Degree program at Edmonds Community College. He's a 1995 graduate of Edmonds Woodway High School and now works at Frontier Communications.

Congratulations, Kevin!

Students publish exemplary essays in Yes! Magazine

2011-01-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

YES! Magazine noted Edmonds Community College student Royce Baker and alumnus Nathan Christensen for their exemplary essays written in response to Edward Tick's article “Heal the Warrior, Heal the Country." Tick, author of War and the Soul is the director and senior psychotherapist of Soldier’s Heart: Veteran’s Safe Return Initiatives. He has worked with veterans for 30 years. He personally responded to the students' work.

Royce wrote "Our Patriotic Duties as Citizens During Wartime" responding to the question, "Soldiers have a responsibility to defend their country. What do you think our responsibilities are as civilians, especially as we go about our lives at home?"

Nathan wrote "I've Changed" thinking about the question, "Do you agree that all Americans share responsibility for the war in Iraq? Even if you were against the war from the start, do you think you are responsible for helping returned soldiers heal? If not, who should take responsibility?"

Nathan now attends the University of Washington with plans to become a history teacher.

Royce is studying chemistry at Edmonds Community College.

They read War and the Soul and were encouraged to submit essays to Yes! Magazine as part of English instructor Sarah Zale's English Composition course.

2010 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient: Becky Mackenstadt

2011-01-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

2010 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient: Becky Mackenstadt

A counselor at her high school in Twisp suggested Becky Mackenstadt consider a career in accounting. It was a good suggestion.

“Accountants, we love our jobs — I find it fascinating and rewarding when things balance,” Mackenstadt said. “What I appreciate most is that I feel like I am in charge of my future. My schedule is not dictated. I can work the flexible schedule I need to, to raise a family. I value my work.”

However, enrolling in the accounting program at Edmonds Community College was a big step for Mackenstadt, the first in her family to go to college, and it wasn’t easy taking classes while working full-time. It took her more than two years to complete her accounting degree at Edmonds Community College and there were many nights of turning down friends’ invitations to go out.

“I got tired of saying I had to stay in and study,” she said. “But I am stubborn and I wasn’t going to give up. My parents were proud when I finished my degree and I was glad I was able to stick with it and get it done.”

Her instructors encouraged her to keep going in the profession.

“Their love of the field, their knowledge, and their passion made it sound like a great path,” she said.

She went on for a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration with a concentration in finance at Central Washington University-Lynnwood and graduated magna cum laude. Then she earned her Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant licenses.

Today Mackenstadt works in public accounting at Vine Dahlen PLLC in Lynnwood as a senior audit and accounting manager. She’s been with the firm for 13 years and expects to make partner soon. She does audits and accounting for nonprofit organizations, including the Edmonds Community College Foundation.

Her firm values and recruits CWU-Lynnwood graduates and Mackenstadt maintains her involvement in the professional associations she joined during her education.

“It was hard to be involved in college life because I was working, but I’m still connected to the people I met at Edmonds CC and CWU.”

She’s a member of the Institute of Management Accountants and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, where she has served on the student relations committee. Mackenstadt volunteers as treasurer on the board of the United Way of Snohomish County and as treasurer for the board of Shoreline Covenant Church.

“Accounting is a great degree, a great profession. You couldn’t do what I am doing without the degree,” she said.

2010 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient: John Littel

2011-01-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Distinguished Alumni of Edmonds Community College, carpenter John Littel and accountant Becky Mackenstadt, both identified their career paths in high school, obtained education to advance in their chosen field, made connections in their professions, found rewarding lifelong work, and — best of all — they love their jobs. The Distinguished Alumni will be honored by the Edmonds Community College Foundation 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 3 in the Black Box Theatre, Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood. To attend the ceremony, call 425.640.1274 or email foundation@edcc.edu.

2010 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient John Littel

When John Littel drives around Seattle with his daughter they don’t get far before she asks, “Dad, is there anything in this town that you haven’t built?”

Projects he has worked on include Qwest Field, the Sea-Tac Airport expansion, Sound Transit Light Rail and a number of buildings downtown.

Out of high school, Littel knew he wanted to follow in the family tradition and become a carpenter. He began work at age 17 and now, at age 55, has plans to continue building into retirement.

“I love the work,” he said.

Littel began taking classes at Edmonds Community College in the mid-80s. He owned a small construction business at the time and was originally interested in a couple of energy management classes. Then he found the construction management program. While running his business, he took classes twice a week at night and completed all of the core construction management classes.

“The majority of small businesses fail not because people don’t know how to do the work, but because they don’t know how to run a business,” Littel said. “At Edmonds Community College, I learned bidding, estimating, scheduling — how to organize my work. It took me to another level. The mentoring I received led me to start bidding work in commercial projects and public works. I used the education to grow my business and evolve it.”

Later, he returned to the college to complete the two-year Associate of Technical Arts in Construction Management.

Today, Littel works as the political and legislative director for the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters representing 25,000 carpenters in five states. He was recognized by Governor Gregoire for his eight years of service on the Correctional Industries Board, which oversees inmate labor and work training programs in Washington state prisons. He served as the board chair from 2007-2010.

He currently serves as the board chair of the Seattle Housing Authority, which provides affordable housing assistance to more than 16,000 families in Seattle, and he is helping to lead plans for a $300 million, 10-year redevelopment of Yesler Terrace, a low-income housing project.

At Edmonds Community College, Littel serves on the advisory committee for the college’s Construction Management program and he helped the college start its pre-apprenticeship Construction Industry Training program.

“We’re recruiting the next generation. This is a great industry that gives you the potential to have a successful career as a craftsperson, a project engineer, a building inspector, or the owner of a construction company,” he said.

Now what about retirement? Littel has plans to keep building. He’ll turn his attention to furniture and guitars.

“Guitar-making — that’s my encore career,” he said. “I have a cabinet shop next to my house, and a nice retirement to look forward to. The college has been a touchstone for me.”

His advice to new students: “Work hard, stay focused, and get the degree. It will open a lot of doors.”

Our EdmondsSphere reaches to the White House

2011-01-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

Paralegal instructor Theresa M. Pouley, and Chief Judge of the Tulalip Tribal Court, has been appointed by President Obama to the Indian Law and Order Commission. Pouley teaches Indian Law at Edmonds Community College.

Read the release from the White House, "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts".

We're honored to have Judge Pouley teaching at our college!

County's cakes made by Edmonds CC Baking students

2011-01-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

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Edmonds Community College Baking students made the cakes for Snohomish County's 150th birthday celebration. Read the article, "Let the celebration begin" and "Snohomish County prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial," in The Herald.

The Baking program provided one stacked showpiece cake made of classic white cake with caramel orange buttercream and enrobed in fondant which displayed a hand-crafted rendering of the event logo in royal icing.

In addition, they prepared three constellation cakes: two chocolate cakes with mascarpone mousse and finished in chocolate buttercream and a sunshine cake, yellow cake with blueberry Bavarian cream filling finished in vanilla buttercream.

"We intend to serve cake to the county!" said chef instructor in baking and pastry arts Betsy Buford as the students worked to bake the cakes for the event.

The students also crafted pastillage pieces, made of sugar-based dough, for decoration. These include hand-painted sugar salmon.

The college's one-year baking certificate started in 2008 as an addition to its long-standing Culinary Arts program. The baking certificate prepares students for entry-level work as bakers for hotels and restaurants as well as catering companies, independent bakeries, and the bake shops in major grocery stores. Students learn the art of baking and presenting breads, cookies, cakes, pies, and pastries. There are about 20 students in the baking program this winter and there are plans in the works to begin a two-year baking degree at Edmonds Community College this fall.

Jazz band jams at Tula's nightclub in Seattle

2011-01-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

You can often hear the Edmonds Community College Jazz Band performing at Tula's Restaurant and Nightclub in Seattle. This is Ashley Webster on piano, Paul Stoot, and Kristen Mitre on bass — improv before the Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra. John Sanders directs.

Gigsplace records and posts a number of the college jazz band's performances. Thank you!

Information security instuctors sharing their expertise in Dubai

2010-12-30T10:19:00.000-08:00

Experts in their fields, Edmonds Community College's information security instructors Steve Hailey and Mike Andrew have recently been asked to travel to the United Arab Emirates to help the country establish an education program in computer forensics.

Steve Hailey is the founder of CyberSecurity Institute and Mike Andrew is the company's Vice President of Training.

Poet and English instructor's indie publishing efforts in the spotlight

2010-12-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

The Enterprise article, "Publisher finds zen in zine; Independent Edmonds poet finds big freedom in tiny design," features English instructor and poet Amanda Laughtland and her business Teeny Tiny, a small book publisher.

Teeny Tiny recently published Collected Kona: Brief Takes on a Basenji, a collection of essays written for the for the American Kennel Club Gazette by English instructor Marcia Woodard.

Amanda teaches students about zines and independent publishing in her Humanities 235, Publications class this winter.

The instructors will read from their works together 2 p.m., Sun., Jan. 23 at the Mukilteo Library, 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd.

Student studies "War and the Soul," writes, publishes essay

2010-12-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

Royce Baker, a chemistry student at Edmonds Community College, read War and the Soul in an English classes this fall, heard the author Dr. Ed Tick speak on campus, and then wrote about the experience in Yes! Magazine.

"I found Dr. Tick’s lecture inspiring, as well as informative, and his stage presence both gentle and embracing. Towards the beginning of the lecture, Dr. Tick said, “We need a healing community for all of us, not just the veterans, although if we do it correctly together, it will help the veterans.” I couldn’t agree more that a healing and kind community is crucial for the mental well-being of all of its members."

Royce's essay, "Our Patriotic Duties as Citizens During Wartime," in which he responds to Tick's article "Heal the Warrior, Heal the Country," was published in December.

Congrats, Royce, on the publication credit. What inspired you to send in your essay?

Alumnus in California preparing to be a pastor, teach theology

2010-12-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Darling Library at Hope International University blogged about its new serials assistants. One of the assistants, Trevor Williams, is an Edmonds Community College transfer student. According to Darling Library, he's a student at Pacific Christian College in Southern California majoring in Biblical Studies. It's always fun to hear what Edmonds Community College alumni are up to and run across them in the blogosphere. Congrats, Trevor! Best wishes!

Watch Edmonds CC alumna on NBC's The Sing-Off

2010-12-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Collins, an Edmonds Community College graphic design student who sang with Soundsation, the college's select vocal jazz choir, for two years, is performing with Groove for Thought on NBC's The Sing-Off. There's lots of local, community college, and Central Washington University alumni talent to root for in Groove for Thought. Congratulations, Stephanie on your television debut! Cheer on Stephanie live when Groove for Thought performs Fri., Jan. 14 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.

New video: Between the Lines, the college's art and literary journal

2010-11-29T10:44:00.000-08:00

Watch our new video about Edmonds Community College's literary/arts journal, Between the Lines. It features faculty adviser Amanda Laughtland and the art editor for the 2010 edition Peggy Coburn, design editor for the 2010 edition Ton Sridi, and editorial staff member Valerie Topacio. Between the Lines publishes quality short fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and visual artwork from writers and artists at the college and in the local community. Those interested in participating in the experience of designing, editing, and publishing a literary journal may join the editorial staff of Between the Lines by enrolling the college's Publications class, Humanities 235.

Music man Frank DeMiero earns Voice of the Community Award

2010-11-19T16:08:00.000-08:00

Music educator Frank DeMiero, namesake of the Friends of Frank DeMeiro Jazz Festival, artistic director of the Sno-King Community Chorale, and an instrumental originator of Edmonds Community College's music program, was honored by KSER (90.7 FM) with the independent public radio station's Voice of the Community Award. Read more in The Herald article, "KSER honors three community voices."

English instructor's anthology honored by American Medical Writers

2010-11-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Edmonds Community College English instructor Holly Hughes' anthology Beyond Forgetting: Poetry and Prose about Alzheimer's Disease received an honorable mention at the American Medical Writers Association 2010 Book Awards.

Read an interview with Holly about the book in Crosscut, "A collection of moving poems, bravely coping with Alzheimer's disease."

Holly will teach a writing workshop for caregivers at the Art, Creativity, and Living with Dementia conference Nov. 16 at the Frye Art Museum. At the workshop, "Tapping into the Healing Power of Words: A Writing Workshop for Care Partners," participants will read and discuss poems written by family members or care partners of those with dementia, talk about the benefits of creative writing for the care partner, do a short writing exercise from a choice of suggestions, share their work with each other, and talk about resources for writers who wish to continue writing.

Holly teaches Writing Poetry, English 151 and 152, this winter at Edmonds Community College. Register now. Classes start Jan. 3.

Visual Communications instructor exhibits photography

2010-11-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

See Edmonds Community College Visual Communications instructor Minh Carrico's photography at exhibits throughout the Northwest. Congratulations, Minh!

Minh's works are part of the "Postcards from the EDGE" exhibit on display through Jan. 4 at Seattle City Hall. Included in the exhibit are three images from Minh's "Lost, Found and Free" series, part of his ongoing documentary project that studies the disposable consumption of living in America.

His photos are also included in the:
• "Snap to Grid," exhibit through Dec. 4 at the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art;
• "2010 Northwest Fine Arts Competition," exhibit through Nov. 29 at the Phinney Center Gallery, Seattle; and
• "Artist Trading Card," exhibit Nov. 26-Jan. 22 at the Richmond Art Gallery in
Richmond, British Columbia. A reception for the exhibit will be 2-4 p.m., Jan. 22.

This winter, Minh teaches Digital Imaging, Visual Communications 120 at Edmonds Community College. Register now. Classes start Jan. 3.

Profiles in Service exhibit featuring student-veterans opens Nov. 10

2010-10-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

An exhibit of photos of student-veterans, and employees who are veterans, at Edmonds Community College will be displayed in Snohomish Hall. The exhibit features photos taken by student photographers and personal essays written by the veterans. A dedication for the exhibit will be 2 p.m., Wed., Nov. 10 on the second floor of Snohomish Hall.

Edmonds Community College has an active student club for veterans — Club Vet. The club has been working to bring attention to the needs of a growing number of student-veterans at the college and create a welcoming environment for veterans on campus. Last year they dedicated a veterans monument on campus "From Boots to Books."

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Culinary Arts alumna featured in Sunset Magazine

2010-10-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to write about Culinary Arts alumna Autumn Martin (because her news is so delicious!) and fortunately her career moves provide many opportunities for an update. She's a news maker in the culinary world:

In her sweet job, chocolatier concocts strange but wonderful confections, The Seattle Times;
Theo Chocolatier's Divine Molten Chocolate Cakes, Seattle Magazine; and
Get 'em while they're hot: Theo chocolatier Autumn Martin takes the (molten-chocolate) cake, NW Source.

After Edmonds CC, Autumn worked as the lead pastry chef at Canlis, and then went on to become the head chocolatier at Theo Chocolate. Now she's started her own business as a food stylist and selling Hot Cakes Confections, take and bake molten chocolate cakes at farmer's markets. She was featured in the West at its Best section of Sunset Magazine's October issue "Seattle's Little Hot Cake."

Autumn earned a 2008 Distinguished Alumnni Award from the Edmonds Community College Foundation, and she continues to distinguish herself! Now, if you'd like to read more about Caramel Ganache Spread, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles, and Chocolate Toffee Cookies, visit autumnmartin.com.

Computer science alumna earning scholarships, success at UW

2010-10-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sanjana Prasain attended Edmonds Community College as an international student from Kathmandu, Nepal earning her Associate of Science degree in Computer Science. While at the college, she earned a scholarship from the Edmonds Community College Foundation as part of the Edmonds CC Community Read. Now, she's studying Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington, where she has made the Dean's List, earned scholarships, and worked as an undergraduate research assistant. She's also a software development intern at RealNetworks. Congratulations Sanjana, and thank you for keeping Edmonds Community College on your CV!

Gonzaga's first Jack Kent Cooke scholar an Edmonds CC alumna

2010-10-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College alumna and 2010 Commencement speaker Valerie Topacio is at Gonzaga University this fall studying political science and English. Valerie earned a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship while at Edmonds CC and was featured in an article "First Jack Kent Cooke scholar,"in the university's online bulletin and in university news. Valerie, you are a rockstar student and we're rooting for you!

This summer Valerie, a reporter and editor for The Triton Review while at Edmonds Community College, wrote a story "Budgets squeeze childcare at community colleges" for Crosscut.com which brought KING5 TV to campus this fall to further cover the impacts of budget cuts at community colleges.

Tritons now powering university teams: alumni-athletes in the news

2010-09-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

The news is already coming in from our most recent Edmonds Community College student-athlete alumni, 2009-10, who are going on to play for universities and, possibly, Major League Baseball (Ryan Bean was drafted by the Giants).

Point guard Whitney Anderson who captained the Women's Basketball team and was named female Student-Athlete of the Year is now playing for the Alaska Nanooks at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Whitney was also the Associated Students Executive Officer for Budget and Finance while at Edmonds CC. She graduated from Bothell High School. “I’m really excited about Whitney because she brings a lot of leadership to the table,” said her new head coach, Cody Burgess. “As a point guard, she has the ability to really make my job easier. She played for a very competitive junior college coach, which will help her transition to the GNAC.”

From Triton Volleyball: Alumna Lauren Wilder plays for The Fighting Saints at Carroll College in Montana and Jaimalyn McEwen is at Walla Walla University.

From the Men's Soccer team: Scott Lane is playing for Northwest University and Thomas Sheets has joined the Yellowjackets at Montana State University Billings.

In baseball: Triton pitcher Ryan Bean was drafted by the Giants and also accepted to play at the University of Oklahoma. He was featured in an article in The Olympian (he went to Tumwater High School) "Bean goes to Giants in 17th round . "I couldn’t believe they actually said it,” Bean told The Olympian about getting the call from the Giants. “It’s a dream come true. It’s all you dream about when you’re a little kid. It’s a pretty good feeling.”

Andy Lyon, who also played for the Everett Merchants, is headed to New Mexico State University.
Jacob Kemmerer and Kyle Sutherland, both graduates of Issaquah High School, were featured in the Issaquah Reporter article, "Issaquah graduates to continue college baseball careers in Virginia." Jacob will play for Liberty University and Kyle is going to Virginia Commonwealth University.
We've also got alum at Central Washington University, Western Oregon University, Gonzaga University, Maritime College, and Jamestown College.

Best wishes to all of our alumni and congrats! Keeping reading EdmondsSphere for more alumni news and send your tips to news@edcc.edu.

Poetry, grief, Alzheimer's, and English class

2010-09-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College English instructor, poet Holly Hughes was featured in the article "Indianola author uses poetry to honor her mother," in the North Kitsap Herald. Holly discusses how she explored the grieving process of losing her mother to Alzheimer's disease in poems such as “The Bath,” one of 100 poems in “Beyond Forgetting: Poetry and Prose about Alzheimer’s Disease,” a collection of edited by Holly and released in April 2009. Holly teaches English Composition this fall at the college.

Student-to-student: Advice for new students

2010-09-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Check out the featured members on Edmonds Community College's network (where students can post events, discussions, and artwork), they have some great advice for new students!

"Don't wait until the last minute." — Scott Hill

"Never give up your dreams!!! no matter what it takes." — Anna Hopkins

"Have Fun, it makes learning easier." — Erica

"Stay focused, study hard, enjoy your classmates, enjoy your time at EdCC." — Robert Cazares

"Focus. Multi-tasking is a myth." — Vincent

"Do your homework, even if you don't have to turn it in!" — Soloman D. Bate

"Breathe ;)" — Carol Freeman

What works for you or where do you go for good advice?

English instructors start-off fall lecture series

2010-09-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College English instructors Sarah Zale, Amanda Laughtland, and Marcia Woodard will get the fall lecture series started this October.

• Sarah will talk about her experience with the Compassionate Listening Project and her travels to the Middle East in her lecture Compassionate Listening in Israel and Palestine, 12:30 p.m., Wed., Oct 6 in the Black Box Theatre, Mukilteo Hall. She'll also read from her poems inspired by her work with the Compassionate Listening project collected in The Art of Folding.

• Amanda and Marcia give a joint presentation Postcard Poems and Puppy Prose, 12:30 p.m., Oct. 20 in the Black Box Theatre, Mukilteo Hall. Amanda will read from her poetry collection, Postcards to Box 464, and Marcia will read from her book, Collected Kona, a series of funny and touching stories of her dog Kona which originally appeared in the American Kennel Club's AKC Gazette magazine.

This fall, the lecture series also features an Edmonds Community College alumnus, Tom Hansen author of American Junkie.

Running Start student serves as a page in U.S. House of Representatives

2010-09-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College Running Start student Jordan Pennington was featured in the Edmonds Beacon article "Teen serves as page in Capitol." The article tells how Jordan, 17, worked as a page during the last congressional session for the U.S. House of Representatives under Rep. Adam Smith. Wonder if she's taking lots of classes in the social sciences?

Art instructor's works featured in college art gallery

2010-08-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Artist Dan Neish has been teaching teaching classes in ceramics, painting, and drawing at Edmonds Community College for the past 12 years. His paintings will be featured in the college's art gallery Sept. 20-Oct. 29. Meet Dan at a reception for the exhibit 5-7:30 p.m., Oct. 22.

“On my canvases, I explore the patterns and the beauty found in domestic life, as well as images from nature. At their core, my paintings are an abstract narrative, a documentation of life, a personal crusade to find balance.” — Dan Neish

Neish was born in England and grew up in Colorado. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Fine Art at Colorado State University and Masters in Fine Art, with an emphasis in ceramics, at the University of Washington.

The EdmondsSphere stretches to East Africa

2010-08-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

This fall, the EdmondsSphere stretches to Burundi, East Africa. Gael, a student from Burundi, is looking forward to joining us this fall (classes start Sept. 20!) and he posted a number of photos of the Burundian Hills and Lake Tanganyika on the college's network. Stop by edmondscc.ning.com and say hi to Gael!

Find more photos like this on Edmonds Community College

Our EdmondsSphere has grown thanks to $2 million U.S. Department of State grant to provide professional training to, and foster cultural understanding with, students from South Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Near East.

Meet our literacy volunteer: Dr. Rob Scarr

2010-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Rob Scarr, an Edmonds resident and physician at The Everett Clinic, has been a volunteer tutor in our Volunteer Literacy Program for two and a half years, teaching math, science, and social studies. EdmondsSphere recently talked with him about what it's like to be volunteer tutor working with students in GED classes at Edmonds Community College.

“I enjoy making a difference in people’s lives and I’ve always enjoyed teaching and mentoring.” — volunteer tutor, Rob Scarr

Why volunteer? My family has a long tradition of volunteering. It’s expected within our family.
Why literacy? Most of the students really want to learn, or at least pass the test, and they do appreciate the help. It’s fun when their eyes light up when they understand something. These students have combined challenges — a very basic understanding of some of the subjects and for many English isn’t their first language. They need the one-on-one interaction so they can get their questions answered and understand the process.
Best volunteer experience: When a student I’d been working with told me her friends had tried to get her to skip class because it was such a beautiful day, but she said she had to come to class because she knew I was going to be there — that’s how I can tell I’m making a difference.
Advice for people thinking about becoming volunteer tutors: Do it. It’s an interesting challenge to learn how to do it well and it makes a big difference in people’s lives. These students won’t get it from lecture alone. They need more personal contact. You don’t have to be great in math to help — and you can also teach reading and social studies. There are lots of ways to help.

The Volunteer Literacy Program is looking for more volunteer tutors for the 2010-11 academic year, and there's a particular need for reading tutors. A free training for reading tutors will be held on Sept. 17 (but you don't have to attend the training to volunteer). For more information, call Nancy Strom at 425.640.1032.

Alumnus named Student-Athlete of the Year at University of Portland

2010-08-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Edmonds Community College alumnus and baseball pitcher Chris Dennis earned the University of Portland's 2009-10 Fr. Chester Prusynski Student-Athletes of the Year award. The Bothell-Reporter picked up the story, "Bothell's Dennis pitches his way to University of Portland honor," and notes that Chris has a 3.76 cumulative grade-point average and is majoring in finance. Great alum news! Congrats, Chris!