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David Hernandez NATYCAA Award Recipient

SRJC men’s swimmer David Hernandez is the recipient of the “2009 NATYCCA Male National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators” Scholar-Athlete Award. David accepted the award in June 2009 at the NATYCCA Conference in Orlando, Florida, which included a $500 scholarship and a plaque. A 4.0 student and athletic and academic All American, David was nominated for his accomplishments and leadership in academics, athletics, and citizenship. From Chico, David is a senior majoring in kinesiology, a Doyle Scholar who’s on the President’s List, and a winner for four semesters of the “Commitment to Excellence Award.” As captain of the swim team and a state champion, David ranks in SRJC’s top ten in numerous events, including breaking the school record in the 200 Medley Relay. He has garnered All-American recognition in the 100 and 200 Fly, 200 Free Relay and 200 and 400 Medley Relays. When David graduates, he plans to attend the University of the Pacific in Stockton.

David Hernandez

Left to right: Gary Broadhurst, Chair, NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete Award Selection Committee; David Hernandez; Jim Forkum, Dean II, SRJC’s Physical Education, Dance & Athletics Department.

Dan Munton Recipient of 2009 NISOD Award

Dan Munton

SRJC’s Faculty Recognition Committee announced that Mathematics Instructor Dan Munton is the recipient of the 2009 National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award. Dan and other awardees from across the nation were honored at the May 24-27, 2009, NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in Austin, Texas. Dan was selected for the award based on NISOD’s criteria of teaching excellence, outstanding curriculum development, creation and use of innovative teaching materials and techniques, sensitivity to student needs, and leadership in the college community. Dan’s qualifying achievements include: developing classroom modules from sabbatical studies on the spotted owl in California for Intermediate Algebra, Finite Mathematics, Statistics, Calculus, and Differential Equations (materials that have been used by departmental colleagues and by other colleges); serving as a departmental and college leader, including Department Chair of Mathematics (2003-2006), Academic Senate Vice President (2001-2003), Chair of the Math Department Scholarship Committee, and as a current member of the AFA Executive Council; and demonstrating sensitivity to student needs by coordinating the Alliance for Minority Participation to bring the MESA program to SRJC, supporting the program through tutoring and judging at MESA contests, and participating in Outward Bound for underserved youth.

WASC Reaffirms SRJC’s Accreditation June 2009

On June 30, 2009, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, reaffirmed accreditation of SRJC based on the recommendations of an 11-member evaluation team that visited the College on March 2 -5, 2009. According to the Evaluation Report cover letter: “The College is commended for its planning processes, astute fiscal management resulting in a high level of financial stability, the strength of its numerous programs and services at the main campus, the Petaluma Campus, the Robert Shone Farm Agricultural Center, the Public Safety Training Center, and the downtown Culinary Arts Program in addition to numerous other sites throughout Sonoma County designed to meet the varied needs of the community it serves. The College is also commended for its strong curriculum, stable administrative team, and a dedicated staff who exhibits pride in the institution, its mission and the students they serve.” Leading SRJC’s faculty, staff, and students through the complex two-year accreditation self-study process, Accreditation Liaison Officer and Assistant Superintendent/Vice President Academic Affairs Dr. Mary Kay Rudolph’s and Accreditation Self Study Chair and ESL Instructor Gary Allen’s approach to self-study is reflected in WASC’s reaffirmation cover letter: “Professional self-regulation is the most effective means of assuring institutional integrity, effectiveness and quality.” More than 100 SRJC employees, including faculty, students, classified and administrative staff, participated in writing the self study report, which can be accessed here online.

Petaluma Campus ELL Project Identified As “Best Practices”

The Petaluma Campus ELL Outreach Team Project was selected as one of the Campaign for College Opportunity’s “Best Practices” for its efforts to reach underrepresented populations and to establish partnerships with local schools and programs serving these students. In response to the growing English Language Learning (ELL) population in Sonoma County, SRJC launched this program to connect with the ELL population in elementary and secondary schools. Outreach teams share information with families in Spanish related to college admissions, bilingual health careers, financial aid programs and other college services.  Outreach teams include experts from financial aid, early outreach, and the Healthcare Workforce Development Program. With an increase in the Petaluma Campus Latino enrollment by 17.8 percent (of total enrollment), the program’s intersegmental approach presents an innovative way to reaching an underserved population and “Increasing College Access for English Language.”

SRJC Grant Recipient For Sustainability

photovoltaic installation

On January 14, 2009, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office awarded SRJC a grant for $134,718, with an additional $53,400 to the Sonoma County Office of Education. The 18-month grant, which will be administered by Napa Valley College, allows SRJC and several partner high schools to align the construction technology curriculum with a sustainable focus that responds to changes in industry.  The grant includes an exploration of a number of green construction technologies, such as photovoltaic installation (solar), energy audits and sustainable practices, and also funds curriculum development, coordination, professional development, and allows Sonoma County middle schools to expand their career exploration programs. The North Bay CTE Community Collaborative Green Technologies Grant partnership includes the Napa Valley College, SRJC, and the College of Marin. CTE’s Grant Manager for SRJC’s portion of the grant Debra Sands-Miller says, “SRJC will collaborate with industry and community partners to develop instructional programs in Solar Technologies, Green Construction, and Home Energy Audit and Energy Performance.”

The Oak Leaf Wins High Honors

For the second consecutive year, SRJC’s student-produced newspaper, The Oak Leaf, won “General Excellence Awards” from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges for print and online publications. The record 19 awards were presented at the NorCal Conference in spring 2009. Nine Oak Leaf student staff members competed at San Jose State in on-the-spot challenges and attended workshops at NorCal with hundreds of other students from 22 Northern California community colleges. Awards presented to The Oak Leaf include:
Overall
General Excellence – print
General Excellence - online
First Place
Enterprise story/series – Michelle Gachet and Kevin Skahan
Inside Page Layout – William Cooley
News Features – Tejus Govindjie
Opinion Story – Lisa Olivera
Second Place
Front Page Layout – William Cooley & Staff
Editorial Writing – Oak Leaf staff
News Story – Melody Karpinski
On the Spot Opinion Writing – T. Max Redalia
Third Places
Informational Graphic – William Cooley
Photo Story/Essay – Keith Edward O’Neill, Richard Migliore,
Christina Klavenburch & Milan Raggio
Fourth Place
Line Illustration – Max Scoville
Inside Page Layout – William Cooley
Honorable Mention
Student-designed Ad – Shaun Wagner
Photo Illustration – William Cooley
News Features – Hope Bohanec
Profile Feature – Steven Hurtado

Ag Ambassadors Win Statewide Competition

Ag Ambassadors

On March 6, 2009, SRJC’s Ag Ambassadors competed against 109 California community colleges at the 2009 Collegiate Agriculture Leaders Statewide Student Competitions in Visalia, where Agriculture, Natural Resources, Horticulture, and Forestry students demonstrated their knowledge and skills in seven competitive events. SRJC students won numerous awards, including: Stephen Ramirez in the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet; Formal Sales Presentation, Tucker Chorjel and Kristy Mickelson placed first in the team competition with their club lamb endeavor; a second place finish for Jacki Strand in the Job Interview – Ag Sales Competition; a fifth place finish for Ed Paniagua in the Job Interview – Ag Technician competition; Tony Brazil placed fifth in the extemporaneous public speaking; Ashleigha Foxworthy won multiple contests, including a second place in prepared public speaking and fifth in the portfolio competition; and in the Ag Bowl competition, SRJC’s team won second place, including Jamie Mickelson, Ed Paniagua, Sam Spier, Lauren Ramos, and Jacki Strand.

Women’s Swim Team Wins State Championships 2009

Men's swimming and diving team

The Bear Cubs Women’s Swimming and Diving Team defended their 2008 title and won their sixth California Community College State Title, the fourth in six years. The team won five relays, and set two new state records in the 400 and 200 medley relays. Relay members Allie Stuhre, Kate Mounday, Heather Cramer, and Allie King were recognized with the Women’s Performance of the Meet Award and crushed the state record in the 400 Medley. The team finished the season undefeated. Coach Jill McCormick was also honored as Co-Coach of the Year.

Men’s Swimming & Diving Team Places 2nd In State 2009

Men's swimming and diving team

The Bear Cubs Men’s Swimming and Diving Teams won second place in the State Championship Meet, matching the former best in 2004. The team competed in every event, displaying strong relay performances, including Walter Gault’s title swim in the 100 Breaststroke. The leadership of captains Tyler Harris, David Hernandez, and Kieffer Holmes focused the team through a powerful competition with Orange Coast, the only team to beat the Bear Cubs.

Health Careers Institute Graduates 22 Students

On July 21, 2009, the 5th Annual Summer Health Careers Institute graduation was held for 22 high school juniors and seniors who spent the summer learning all about health career opportunities in Sonoma County. With over 150 friends, family members, and health professionals in attendance, the keynote speakers included Efren Carrillo, 5th District Supervisor, and Luz Navarette, SRJC Counselor. Vice President Academic Affairs Dr. Mary Kay Rudolph welcomed the enthusiastic audience and congratulated the students for their accomplishments on behalf of SRJC.

Health Careers Institute Graduation

SRJC HWDP. Summer Health Careers Institute Class of 2009 at Kaiser Permanente.

Roberta Delgado Receives Ann Cade-Wilson Award

At the Transfer Center Directors Association Conference held on December 5, 2008, in Ontario, the 2008 Ann Cade-Wilson Perpetual Award was presented to Roberta Delgado, SRJC’s Transfer Director. Roberta was selected as an award recipient for her demonstrated commitment to increasing the successful progress and transfer of CCC students, particularly among underrepresented students. As the Governmental Liaison to the TCDA, Roberta has spent much time advocating on behalf of transfer issues to legislators and policymakers, and she was also recognized as the Regional Advisor for the “Transfer Counselor Web Site Project.” Spotlighted with a Technology Focus Award in 2008 for broadly benefiting students, staff, and/or faculty, this project was formally recognized by the Board of Governors on January 12, 2009 (www.cccco.edu).

Nursing Students Highly Ranked

SRJC Nursing students again scored at the top on state board exams compared to other ADN programs in California and nursing programs in the nation, with a 96 percent pass rate. While SRJC’s nursing program excels in all areas, the report compared SRJC ‘s current scores to the high 2008 scores, which show improvement in the areas of nursing process, psychosocial integrity, and all stages of maturation. To compare SRJC student scores with other colleges, access www.rn.ca.gov and look for NCLEX reports under schools.

Health Sciences Dean Jen Strategizes Bachelor’s Degree Program

In response to a pressing community need, a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services was initiated in February 2009 in a partnership between SRJC and the University of San Francisco. Called the “brainchild” of SRJC’s Dean II of Health Sciences Ezbon Jen, his intention in creating this partnership was to ensure that SRJC health sciences students are “able to seek educational and professional advancement closer to home.” The 27-month, 43-unit program is presented at USF in downtown Santa Rosa, and is geared to working adults as a “perfect solution for associate-prepared students.” Click here for the Press Democrat article online.

Shone Farm Wine Studies & Culinary Arts Highlighted

SRJC’s Shone Farm Winery was highlighted in the “Food and Wine” section of the Sunday San Francisco Chronicle, on March 1, 2009. On radio station KGO’s “Dining Around With Gene Burns” show on February 28, 2009, Instructors Bob Fraser and Michael Salinger were interviewed for the first hour about SRJC’s Wine Studies and Culinary Arts programs. Taped live from the San Francisco Chronicle’s Wine Competition Public Tasting at the Fort Mason Center, the KGO show reaches the largest talk show audience in Northern California and extends its listenership north to Portland and south to Thousand Oaks in Southern California.

Concert Choir Attends CCC Annual Conference

Concert Choir Students

Forty-three SRJC Concert Choir students attended the Music Association of California Community Colleges annual conference in San Diego November 19-21, 2008. For details visit MACC at www.emaccc.org. Vocal & Choral Music Instructor Jody Benecke announced that the following student participated: Brittney Adams, Evan Attwood, Melissa Becali, Pamela Borne, Jessica Celmer, Emily Chesley, Mikela Collins, Benjamin Comfort, Eli Contreras, Jo Daniels, Benjamin DeShazo-Couchot, Elizabeth Fishman, Ben Garcia, Jacqueline Garcia, Ian Hansen, Justin Holgersen, Allie Jessing, Kristen Johnson, Michelle Jones, Naomi Lane, Melissa Lira, Julianne Lorenzen, Paul Martinez, Kaitlin McBride, Beth McLeester, Mara McLeester, Joanna Meline, Tim Moret, Brandyn Mowat, Aimee Ouellette, Melissa Perry, Mark Press, Jude Rowe, Elyse Singleton, Mark Sundahl, Matthew Sundahl, Annamaria Tedeschi, Alex Titus, Lauren Upton, Rob Upton, Brittani Watson, Cory Weber, and Lawrence Williams.

Lara Larque Recipient Of “Excellence in Education” Award

Lara LarqueHistory Instructor Lara Larque is the recipient of the 2009 Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Award, and was honored for exemplary teaching with other Sonoma County educators on August 14, 2009, at the 24th Annual Education & Business Partnership Breakfast. An Instructor at SRJC for more than 20 years, Lara’s innovative approach to teaching history integrates multiple subjects, ranging from music to literature, bringing historical events to life. Born in Mexico, Lara’s teaching in SRJC’s History and Social Sciences Department is highly supportive of all students in their varied learning paths. She spends time in and out of the classroom supporting student-focused activities, including serving an advisor to MEChA, on the EOPS advisory board, as a Puente mentor, on the Academic Senate, and as a cofounder of Casa Calpulli, a cultural Latino group in Sonoma County.

Kennedy Center Taps Theatre Arts Students

SRJC Theatre Arts

In January 2009, SRJC Theatre Arts students were nominated for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival competitions, including:
Freya Macelius:
Costume design for Our Lady of 121st Street
Megan Lush:
Scene Design for Our Lady of 121st Street
Jimmy Gagarin:
Acting, Our Lady of 121st Street
Mercedes Murphy:
Acting, Our Lady of 121st Street
Gary Roberts, Sound Design,
The Sound of Music
Kether: Makeup Design, The Sound of Music
AJ Aspell: Acting, The Sound of Music
Lani Basich: Acting, The Sound of Music

Theatre Arts Chair Leslie McCauley noted that six of the nominees attended the Region Festival XLI at Cal State Fullerton in February with 10 other Theatre Arts students.

NEWS ARCHIVES JANUARY - JULY 2009

NEWS ARCHIVES JANUARY - SEPTEMBER 2008

NEWS ARCHIVES JANUARY - SEPTEMBER 2007

NEWS ARCHIVES AUGUST - DECEMBER 2006

NEWS ARCHIVES APRIL - JULY 2006

NEWS ARCHIVES FEBRUARY - MARCH 2006

NEWS ARCHIVES JANUARY 2006

NEWS ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2005

Early Magnet Scholar Schalich Honored

Sixteen-year-old Kasey Schalich, an Early College Magnet student and a scholar athlete who maintains a 4.0 cumulative GPA at SRJC and a 4.46 cumulative GPA at Piner High School, was named to the “ECMP Coordinator’s List” for her outstanding academic achievement. “Kasey is an amazing young lady who has represented herself, her family, Piner High School, and the Early College Magnet Program admirably,” said Joseph Del Santo, Early College Magnet Coordinator. She is also a featured writer for the "Student Voices” section of the May edition of Early College News that includes her article titled “Test scores go up, but learning plunges.”

Jeff Basham Cast In Seussical

Jeff Basham

Help Desk Technician Jeff Basham was cast in the ensemble of Seussical that is produced by the Raven Players at the Raven Performing Arts Theatre in Healdsburg. The musical brings to the stage all of the beloved characters from Dr. Seuss, and centers on Horton the Elephant and his adventures with the people on "the tiniest planet in the sky," the inhabitants of Who. The preview performance was June 18 with performances extended through July 19, 2009.

SRJC Forensic Team Tournament Winner

On January 31 and February 1, 2009, Instructors Marina Whitchurch and Hal Sanford traveled with SRJC’s Forensics Team to Santa Clara University to prepare for the state and national tournaments, where the Bear Cubs earned fourth place tournament sweepstakes honors. In the Novice Division, students Rachael McGill and Sean Hayes placed second among 15 teams. Sean earned the third highest speaker point totals in his division. Rachael McGill and Jude Rowe were among the top eight speakers. In the Open Division, Adam Buxbaum and Kris Spellman advanced to the quarter final round, placing fifth among 28 teams. Ross Hayes also won a finalist award for his impromptu speaking.

Emiria Salzmann 2008 Soccer Coach Of Year

Women’s Soccer Coach and PE Instructor Emiria Salzmann was named the 2008 Women’s Community College National Coach of the Year by the American Soccer Coaches Association. She was also named the West Region Coach of the Year by the ASCA. Of the four regional finalists, Emiria was voted the overall national winner. She accepted the award in St. Louis, Missouri at the annual National Soccer Coaches Conference, and then led the Bear Cubs to a second place finish in the CCCAA state tournament, losing in overtime to Cerritos College of Norwalk.

Cyndi Reese Nationally Ranked Adobe Instructor

SRJC’s Computer Studies Department industry partnership with Adobe for graphics, Web, and media classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash and Dreamweaver requires that Adobe courses adhere to a higher standard of excellence in the classroom. SRJC instructors must pass the rigorous ACE (Adobe Certified Expert) industry exam to be approved by Adobe as Adobe Certified Instructors. At the end of trainings, students are required to submit a comprehensive industry survey to Adobe through “Metrics That Matter” to evaluate trainers, training facilities, curriculum, and return on investment. This ranks SRJC Adobe training programs and instructors against other training facilities across the globe. Adobe InDesign Instructor Cyndi Reese is ranked again as one of the top three Adobe instructors worldwide. SRJC’s partnership with Adobe has also been identified several times as one of the world’s top training programs.

Women’s Volleyball Undefeated

Women’s Volleyball Team

On December 5 and 6, 2008, SRJC’s Women’s Volleyball Team earned a unique place in the college’s sports history as the only volleyball team to be undefeated at the state tournament and to win a place to compete for the State Title. While the team fell in the final rigorous three-day tournament to defending state champion El Camino College, SRJC honored Head Coach Kelly Wood, her assistants, and all team players for a remarkable season.

Instructor Wellman Publishes Child-Care Book

Adjunct Child Development Instructor Glo Wellman self-published a book for parents, grandparents, teachers, and others who care for children. As a parent educator in Sonoma County for over 30 years and Instructor at SRJC since 1984, Glo has worked with many parents and teachers. Guiding Their Way – Day By Day offers daily readings about compassionately responding to the challenges children present, including “ideas and inspiration to lift your spirits, clarify your thoughts, and strengthen your commitment… that help you meet each day prepared to give children your best.”

Guiding Their Way

Click here for more information.

Anthony Martinez Releases 90s CD

Bookstore Assistant Manager Anthony Martinez was a member of a 90s rock band that received moderate attention overseas. This spring, a Scottish record label contacted him about releasing old recordings in Europe and Japan, so 15 years after his band broke up, a first full-length CD has been released in Europe. Presenting melodic hard rock with the flavor of Journey and Night Ranger, “Touch and Go” is on the Scottish aor-fm label (www.aorfm.com) and other world outlets. The band is planning live concerts in 2009-2010.

For more information, visit www.alliednationband.com or contact Anthony Martinez at amartinez@santarosa.edu.

Women’s Water Polo Team Wins Title

The 2008 SRJC Varsity Women's Water Polo Team made school history by winning the Northern California Championship Title and then advancing to the State Championship Tournament with the best six teams in California Community College Water Polo, the top teams from across the state.

Ag Ambassadors

Instructor Sweeny Publishes Dentistry Article

Dental Assisting Instructor Caroline Sweeny, who teaches Dental Practice Management, published an article on “Laser Safety in Dentistry” in the peer reviewed Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, November/December 2008 – Volume 456 Number 7.

Click here to read full article online.

Small School Event Draws 200 HS Seniors

Over 200 high school seniors visited the Santa Rosa Campus on February 5, 2009, with Vice President Student Services Ricardo Navarrette welcoming students from 18 Sonoma County alternative high schools. Counselors Steve Morris and Geoff Navarro introduced the students to an engaging informational program about SRJC’s offerings, including a video, one-on-one interviews between SRJC students and visiting high school seniors, a fencing demonstration and dance event, presentations by a host of college programs that ranged from EOPS and Financial Aid to Puente and career certificate program options, plus pizza rounded out the event.

Staff member Camille Madfes from Marin Oaks High School wrote, “It was an incredible day! Students were thrilled to be on a college campus for the first time, and were excited to learn that SRJC has something to offer each of them. Students left SRJC believing they could go to college.”

Petaluma’s Mahoney Library Featured In American Libraries

The beautiful Mahoney Library on the Petaluma Campus was featured on the April 2009 cover of American Libraries and was highlighted in the “Spotlighting on Design & Construction feature.”

American Library Cover

Click here to access the April issue of American Libraries.


 

For free English/Spanish copies of the Career Technical Education Handbook, call (707) 522-2732.

CalWORKs Student Planner 2007-2008