January-February 2017

Library iPads Enhance Teaching and Learning 1

ESCC Expands EOPS Services 1

Holiday Blessings 2

Musical Holidays in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop! 2

ESCC Attends Bishop Paiute Tribe’s College & Career Day 2

Making Spirits Bright 3

Student Share Cerro Coso Spirit 3

Paymanian Retires 3

HBCU Homecoming Tour 4

Softball Gets New Press Box 4

Snow Day at Mammoth 4

Nursing Students Cap Off Hard Work in Ceremony 5

Students Explore Local Geology 5

New Student Orientation Video Coming Soon! 6

Signing Day for Hernandez 6

Inside this Issue

ESCC Expands EOPS ServicesThe Cerro Coso campuses in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes have expanded EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) this academic year. This fall there were approximately 40 students enrolled at both campuses, and adjunct faculty Courtney Diffner, a licensed clinical social worker, is continuing to enroll students at both campuses to expand the program. Recognizing that students from low socioeconomic backgrounds face extraordinary obstacles to academic achievement, EOPS addresses these issues with counseling and support in career assessment, tutoring, transportation, textbook vouchers, printing, and cultural activities. In October, Courtney and ESCC EOPS students participated in a field trip to Manzanar, an example of the EOPS activities which are designed to promote peer relationships, cultural awareness, and a sense of community. Courtney is uniquely qualified to lead and assist students in EOPS as she has worked as a social worker in New York and Los Angeles. At both locations she worked with children, adolescents, and adults and supervised graduate students. Her background in

facilitation and leadership with these groups of individuals makes her a great fit for students at Cerro Coso in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. In addition to providing counseling to EOPS students, she supports Eastern Sierra ACCESS students by advising them in the DSPS program. Both roles allow her to reduce barriers so all students have both access and opportunity in education. Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

Library iPads Enhance Teaching and Learning Did you know the library has 5 iPads available for students and faculty to use? Students may use the iPads in the library to explore the amazing learning tools and applications available to them such as video documentation, diction and note-taking tools, databases and eBook apps, music creation apps, as well as math, art, and science apps. Faculty can check out the iPads for use in the classroom and recommend new apps to enhance teaching and learning. Guck Ooi’s Biology class checked out the iPads to use BioDigital: Human Visualization Platform, which allowed them to view 3D models and animations of human body systems and take interactive quizzes. According to Guck, “Students find the iPads beneficial as they are actively involved in their learning”.

Biology students view 3D models, animations of human body systems, and take interactive quizzes via new iPads.

Courtney Diffner and student Daniela Alvarado Hernandez.

ESCC Attends Bishop Paiute Tribe’s College & Career Day

On Thursday, November 10th, Eastern Sierra College Center Campus Manager Caroline Sanderson participated in the Bishop Paiute Tribe’s College & Career Day at the Indian Education Center, where she presented an informational session on financial aid and scholarships to Native American Bishop High School

students. The financial aid and scholarship session was co-hosted by Stefanie Jackson, Career Counselor at the Owens Valley Career Development Center, who provided information on local and national Native American scholarship programs. Caroline also represented Cerro Coso at a booth during the event’s College Fair. Other institutions participating included Humboldt State, UC Santa Barbara, Bellevue, and Dartmouth, so Cerro Coso was in good company! Cerro Coso’s advantage is the Bishop campus is local, affordable (compared to 4-year institutions), and offers smaller class sizes with more personal attention from instructors. The college also provides transfer opportunities for students who wish to go on to earn their bachelor’s degrees. Score one for Cerro Coso!

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Musical Holidays in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop!The Eastern Sierra College Center’s orchestra class (aka the Eastern Sierra Chamber Orchestra) presented two free holiday concerts on Friday and Saturday, December 9th and 10th, at the Bishop and Mammoth Lakes campuses. The festive program featured a lively “Sinfonia” for Flutes, French Horns and Strings by C.P.E. Bach, a movement from Ludwig van Beethoven’s immortal Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, the charming “Capriol Suite” by Peter Warlock and heaps of holiday music, from “Chanukkah” to “Sleigh Ride.” The soloist in the Concerto was the talented fifteen year-old Ari Schuldt, a sophomore at Mammoth High School, successful concurrent student at Cerro Coso, and son of ESCC adjunct music instructor and Director of the Eastern Sierra Chamber Orchestra, Brian Schuldt. The concerts were a delightful gift to the community for the holidays, and by far the most enjoyable part of the students’ final exam week at Cerro Coso! Music is the voice of the soul!

President’s Day Holiday - February 17 & 20 (College Closed)

Holiday Blessings

The hustle and bustle of the Holiday season can be overwhelming for college students preparing for finals. Every year Access Programs hosts an Angel Tree event for program students to help them de-stress, relax, and re-energize with their families to counter the countless hours of studying and homework sessions and distractions of the Season. Santa Claus and his elf were the guests of honor for this year’s event held on Thursday, December 1. Over 65 students and their children attended the affair, filled with crafts, music, and refreshments. With a heart of compassion and selfless acts of kindness Cerro Coso staff and friends donated gifts for every child in attendance, recognizing the sacrifices they make while their parents are at school. It is a wonderful way for students to usher in a festive season and celebrate with their children. The holidays are a perfect time to count our blessings and be thankful for the things we hold most dear!

There is nothing like the smile of a child during the holidays and Logan Brogdon, son of student Natasha Sanchez, lit up the room when he received a gift from Santa during the Student Services United Clubs Angel Tree party.

Photo: Fall 2016 Eastern Sierra Chamber Orchestra

Paymanian Retires

Cerro Coso holds a special place in its heart for those who not only care for children but play a significant role in helping them to learn, develop, and grow. Like so many of our college staff and faculty, Parvin Paymanian started at the college in 1996 as a student worker in the Child Development Center. After serving 2 years as a student worker, Parvin’s enthusiasm for children landed her a position as an Associate Teacher and later a promotion to Teacher. There is a significant difference between a day

care provider and a Child Development Teacher. The latter possesses specific education and experience that allows them to better understand what motivates and makes children respond to specific situations. “It’s a science with proven theories and practices which provide the building blocks on which to base lesson plans to help children achieve,” said college president Jill Board. Parvin worked hard to motivate the young people in her care, while helping them to find joy and success in each and every day. She shared a story of a little boy who would only let her put him down for a nap, “children are very tender,” she said, “one day it was nap time and as I encouraged this little boy to rest he told me he was going to marry me. I said okay but after his nap.” What Parvin later learned was that his mother was getting married that very weekend and what the child was experiencing at home was transferring into his relationships at school. Not only did Parvin serve as a guide that leads little people down new paths, she walked alongside her coworkers and student on their journey through the Child Development field. Working

and guiding children takes creativity, flexibility, and a great sense of humor. Children need freedom and respect, training to take risks, and opportunities to find their own strength. All of which Parvin has provided with incredible expertise and commitment. Her ability to communicate with the children in ways that are age appropriate, culturally sensitive, inclusive and positive, have helped a large number of children in her care build self-esteem and confidence. Parvin was really comfortable relating to the needs of the children, enjoyed spending time with them, and motivated them to do great things. Children are known for running around with tons of excess energy, and keeping up with them is physically challenging. Something Parvin has masterfully managed for 20 years. With quiet confidence, she has served as a mentor and a role model for so many students, staff, and children. “We thank you for your dedicated service to the college and to the children, many of which have grown up and returned to take classes form us,” concluded Board. Happy and secure children are ready to take on the next new stage of life.

Making Spirits Bright

The magic of the Holidays never ends. And the greatest of gifts is coworkers, family, and friends. Cerro Coso staff celebrated the season with their annual Holiday Buffet hosted by Administrators. It was a great time to mix and mingle, celebrate milestones, followed by Shared Governance training. It was a great way to end the semester and usher in the holidays.

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Students Share Cerro Coso SpiritFive students became a part of Ridgecrest tradition by representing Cerro Coso in the Annual Christmas Parade. It was a great way for students to connect with hundreds looking on with eyes ready for the wonder and joy of the holiday season. Participating in the parade is a great way to showcase Cerro Coso’s holiday spirit and leaves a fun and lasting memory with all who attend. No rain on this parade.

Students representing Cerro Coso in the Annual Christmas Parade l to r: Jenna Daugherty, Gillian Brannon, Christian Pettyjohn, Brandon Puckett, and Emily Wood.

Staff members Terri Hack and Rachel Barksdale visit during the annual Holiday Buffet hosted by Administrators.

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Softball Gets New Press BoxThe Lady Coyote’s softball team got a new press box for their field thanks to the instructors and students in the Industrial Arts Program. Professor James O’Conoor and instructor Mike Dorrell took the lead on the project, to build a 10’ x 10’ press box as part of a class project in the fall that included framing the building, installing doors, a large roll up window, roofing, and electrical. Maintenance and Operations staff completed the press

box by sheeting the inside, installing a roll up door, locks, paint, and electrical installation before it was moved into place on the softball field at the Ridgecrest Campus. Special thanks goes to Kevin Leffler, Craig Hernandez, and Mark Lathrop for all the hard work that completed the facility prior to the first softball home game and a big shout out to James O’Connor, Mike Dorrell, and students for taking on the project. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Snow day took on a whole different meaning for staff and students at the Mammoth Lakes Campus on January 11, 2017. It was a “Mammoth” snowfall, setting a new record of 138 inches of snow in less than seven days.

HBCU Homecoming TourThe Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Homecoming Tour was an experience that will last a lifetime. The event gave a unique opportunity for Cerro Coso students to visit multiple college campuses that provided a multi-layered, cross generational experience. Adjunct Counselor Devin Mosley, English Professor Melanie Jeffrey, and Student Equity Director Blaine Simmons escorted six Cerro Coso students on the 2016 HBCU college tours visiting the campuses of Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Tuskegee University, Florida A&M University, and Bethune Cookman University, in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. “I learned so much about each school and the rich histories, and to walk those campuses and see it for yourself was something I can carry on and tell my friends and family about. I learned that there are other outlets of getting a great and enriching education and that not all the cool schools are in California and to look elsewhere and you will find great opportunity,” said student Celsea McGrew. Students traveling on the tours got a taste of college life beyond Cerro Coso, while receiving curriculum information, entrance requirements, and financial aid and scholarship resources. In addition to the tours, activities gave students a chance to speak directly with college admission officials, current college students, and alumni. “This tour is specifically for those who want to Step in the Right Direction and the tour does just that for those who simply just love learning on the go,” said student Devanne Fredette. Student Monique Lopez encourages other students to participate, “Going on the HBCU tour, students not only gain knowledge of HBCUs and what

they have to offer, but knowledge about themselves, diversity, and different cultures as well.” HBCU’s mission is to encourage all student to enthusiastically pursue their life’s goal through education by giving them the opportunity to experience the widest possible variety of higher education choices. Strength lies in differences not in similarities. – Stephen Covey.

Students l to r: Celsea McGew, Monique Lopez, Jackie Wise, Shantaal Hernandez, Tanner White, and Devanne Fredette joined Student Equity Director Blaine Simmons (Back), English Professor Melanie Jeffries, and Adjunct Counselor Devin Mosley explore HBCU.

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Nursing Students Cap Off Hard Work in CeremonyAs a nursing shortage continues to plague our country, 36 (11 Bishop/11 Lake Isabella/14 Ridgecrest) nursing students from three campuses are one step closer to getting out into the workforce. Cerro Coso held two separate pinning and capping ceremonies in December, recognizing those who will make a living caring for others. For some it meant the halfway point, but for others, it means leaving school and entering the workforce (pending passage of their state boards). The Nursing Pinning and Capping Ceremonies signify the end of a rigorous and physically demanding program of study. Students, family, friends, faculty, and staff enjoyed the solemn, joyful, and at times humorous ceremonies as instructors and graduates shared their thoughts and memories of the 12 month journey now completed. These students will have an opportunity to make an enormous, positive difference in the lives of people under their care. It was a perfect way to complete a semester of hard work and dedication.

“Spread joy. Chase your wildest dreams.”

—Patch Adams

Students Explore Local Geology Students in Laurie Munger’s Pysical Geology class in Mammoth Lakes explored the Precambrian-Cambrian rocks of the White Mountains east of Big Pine and the desert features of Deep Springs Valley. The day began with a short side-trip up the Death Valley Road to visit the Waucoba Lake sediments, which outcrop in the natural low point between the Inyo and White Mountains. These 2.3 million year old lake beds dip gently to the west as the White-Inyo crustal block begins to rise. The next stop brought the group to an impressive angular unconformity, placing Precambrian rock adjacent to Quaternary gravels—about a 600 million year juxtaposition—and then to the folded rocks of “Devils Gate,” which acts as a local base level for Waucoba Creek when it runs. From Devils Gate, Laurie and her students backtracked to Westgard Pass, stopping to look at the well-developed folds in the Poleta and Campito Formations. Then, heading down into the Deep Springs Valley through Payson Canyon, with its steeply dipping beds of Campito quartzite and argillite, they stopped at the famous Poleta folds. While viewing these wild folds the class was able to compare a variety of alluvial fans reaching out into the valley, and see Deep Springs playa lake off in the distance. Since Laurie Munger lives at Deep Springs College, she ended the day with lunch at her house and a brief tour of the campus. As student Skylar Simpkins observed, “The journey over Westgard Pass proved an educational

bonding experience. Stopping at several places in and around the pass, we learned in depth how the beautiful geology around us had come to be. We laughed, learned, and discovered secrets about the ancient landscape.” The more exploration we make, the more knowledge we gain!

Ridgecrest Campus nursing cohort (bottom l to r) Janice Carolyn Ribultan, Jessie Lynne Carson, Minerva Ceja, and Kim Webb. (Second row l to r) Amber Carroll, Katherine Craig, Lori Healey, Angela Vasquez, and Mandy Patin. (Top l to r) Saira Palacios, Jesus Salas, Christine Hannah, Cynthia Cavenaugh, and Shila Arian.

Lake Isabella Campus nursing cohort (l to r) Amber Brassell, Kristina Torres, Nicole Thompson, Cristina Ramirez, Amanda Ehrhardt, Heather Born, Mark Gordon Chief Nursing Officer of KVHD), Christopher Priesol, Patricia Jones, Julia Haccou, Tayler Jaeger, Jennifer Sarabia, and Trang Le.

Bishop Campus nursing cohort (Top l to r) Vanessa Moore, Janet Curiel, Maria Ayala-Galvan, Diana Ibarra, Wendi Stell, Heather Morgan, and Holly Rossi. (Bottom l tor r) Carla Mendoza, Jennifer Davis, Tamara Raymond, and Elizabeth Kliks.

Students sketching anticlinal folds near Cedar Flats.

The Coyote Howler is a publication ofCerro Coso Community College.

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

Public Information Manager, at 760-384-6260 oremail ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

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About this Publication

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New Student Orientation Video Coming Soon!Advantage Design Group has been contracted to assist Cerro Coso in revamping its online orientation by creating new student orientation videos that will bring a fresh new perspective that is modern and meets students where they are technologically. The new orientation videos will open doors to a whole new world for students anywhere they have access to the web. Unlimited access to a comprehensive, user-friendly interactive orientation will create an engaging online orientation experience for students. A vital component to the college’s matriculation and retention efforts, the new orientation videos will be informative, easy to use, and appealing to students, and create a smoother transition and allow administration to track student progress. A kick-off for the new videos is scheduled for the fall 2017 semester. Making measurable progress in reasonable time.

Signing Day for HernandezJanuary 11th was a great day for Coyote’s Outfielder Dominique “Biggie” Hernandez. Surrounded by his parents, family, coaches, teammates, and staff, he signed a letter of intent with Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis to play baseball on a scholarship. A native of Ridgecrest, Hernandez played city baseball and gives his father a lot of credit for pushing him to better his game. “I pushed him hard,” confessed his father Sergio. “He is such a nice, hard-working kid. Very polite, humble, and loves the game unconditionally.” Coach Scott agreed, “I could see there was something truly different about Biggie. He really is a nice guy, and I have high expectations for him, and for all them this upcoming season,” he said pointing at his team. “The type of teammate he is, the work ethic, he leads by example. As a whole, I couldn’t ask for a better kid to help me out,” said Scott. Biggie has set the bar high for himself with a goal of someday playing right field for the Anaheim Angels. He has a plan, for now he will concentrate on his studies at Cerro Coso and give his team his all this season, before he packs up and heads off to Missouri in the fall where he will play for the Spartans and major in Business. The Coyotes are looking

strong this season and Coach Scott believes there are more signings in the near future for six to seven sophomores. Congratulations and best wishes to Hernandez for a safe and successful college life on the field and in the classroom.

Counselor Missy Gross is prepared for her role during filming of the new online student orientation video coming soon!

Biggie Hernandez (center) poses for a picture with Mom Natalie and Father Sergio during his signing on January 11th.