June - July, 2016

SCHOLARSHIP/AWARDS CEREMONY - On Friday, April 29th Porterville College held their 47th Annual Academic Scholarship and Awards Ceremony presenting more than $162,000 in scholarships and awards. Among the scholarships were: nine $4,000 awards; ten $2,000; eight $1,500; and 50 - $1,000 scholarships; as well as five $2,000 and 10 - $1,000 Edison STEM International Scholarships. Top scholar recipients receiving several scholarships of the night were: Rebekah Wells ($6,000); Daniela Vasquez ($6,000); Nelson Flores ($6,000); Susan Sanders ($5,800); Iracema Fernandez ($5,500); and Briana Bamber ($5,250). Other students awarded a minimum of $4,000 towards their academic endeavors

transferring to a University or CalState college were: Fortino Abasolo; Karsten Arellano; Nelson Flores; Sunny Conley; Rhianna Encinas; Alexandria James; and Stephanie Torres Gonzalez. Scholarships given in 1970 that are still awarded today are: The American Association of University Women (AAUW); Gault Foundation and the Bartlett Foundation.

Bartlett Foundation Transfer Scholarship - $4,000, transferring to a four-year institution; any major; 3.0 GPA. Pictured: Richard Christenson, Foundation Board Memeber; Student recipients: Nelson Flores; Fortino Abasolo; Iracema Fernandez; Daniela Vasquez.

K e n n e t h L o e h n e r M e m o r i a l Scholarship - Sponsored by Barbara Loehner. One, in the amount of $1,000; any major; 2.5 GPA ; Arahum Prado and Barbara Loehner.

PC President 2016 PUSD “Friend of Education” Recipient - Dr. Rosa Carlson, President of Porterville College was awarded the 2016 Porterville Unified School District (PUSD) Friend of Education award at the 52nd Annual Porterville Public Schools Banquet. The event is sponsored by the Orange Belt Lodge No. 303 of Free and Accepted Masons. Dr. Carlson, a Valley native, has dedicated more than 32 years to education. Dr. John Snavely, PUSD Superintendent said when presenting her the award: “Dr. Carlson has ensured all of the right conversations take place to enable PUSD high schools and PC to work together for the benefit of our students. She is an incredible advocate of dual enrollment

which allows high school students to earn college credit while attending college classes during the high school day. Fortunately, we have had a great partner with PC that shares that same vision and she has been with us on this journey since day one.”

Andrew “Andy” Messchaert Memorial Bust Dedication - On April 29, 2016 family members, friends, fellow faculty members and administration gathered in the foyer of the Porterville College Library to unveil a bust of

beloved Philosophy Professor Andy Messchaert. Andy passed away from complications from an injury sustained in a bicycling accident on May 25, 2015.

Students raised money with a “GoFundMe” campaign for the bust which was created by Glen Hill, a PC Adjunct Professor of Art. Andy’s wife Dominique, their two young sons Garrett and Tyler, and Andy’s parents Joyce and Geoffrey Messchaert attended. Later that night at the annual Scholarship/Awards Ceremony two scholarships were presented by the Andy Messchaert Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the first time. The scholarships were sponsored by the Andy Messchaert Family and Friends. Andy’s wife and their two young sons were on hand to present the scholarships- one for $1,000 and one for $500. The criteria for the scholarships were to a student transferring to a four-year university; completed a Philosophy course at PC and have a 3.0 GPA.

RECORDER PHOTO BY CHIEKO HARA

Garrett Messchaert takes a snapshot of the revealed bust of his father Professor Andy Messchaert.

COMMENCEMENT - Porterville College held their 88th Commencement on Friday, May 13th for their largest graduating class to date of 278. Dressed in the traditional red caps and gowns the graduates entered as the familiar “Pomp and Circumstance” led them into the gymnasium. The program continued with the introduction of PC retirees and Emeriti, the recognition of Presidents Scholars and members of Phi Theta Kappa. The following seven students were presented with “Medals of

Distinction” by divisional faculty for their outstanding accomplishments: Business Majors - Liliana Abundis, Fortino Abasolo; Health Careers - Kristi Brown, Heather Woods; Math/Science - Katherine Gray Social Science - Susan Sanders; Student Learning Services - Taylor Matthews. This year’s Scholar of the Year, Heather Woods, a nursing student, was selected for demonstrating qualities of intellectual curiosity and outstanding scholastic endeavor as well as her accomplishments in a variety of disciplines.

PINNING CEREMONY - On Saturday, May 14th Porterville College held their Associate Degree Nursing (AND) Completion Ceremony in the PC Gym. Nineteen (19) students celebrated with their family and friends cheering them on. Kris Reddell, Director of Critical Care Services at Sierra View Medical Center was the keynote speaker. Class speakers for the ceremony were Heather Woods and Patricia Tapia. The AND program prepares entry-level registered nurses to be providers and managers of care across the health and illness continuum. Students are taught by faculty who are licensed Registered Nurse professionals in their field of expertise. Students must also complete all PC general education requirements for graduation.

The 2016 graduating class consists of: Eliana Alvarado, Kristine Brown, Genevie Bunch, Rocio DeLeon, Wendy Gemmell, Lorenza Grier, Desiree Gonzales, Rachelle Horn, Kaylene Kelley, Robin Lewis, Melissa Lightner, Lynette Menchaca, Natasha Quinton, Sarah Stockton, Patricia Tapia, Genna Teodosio, Trent Thalman, Leah Williams and Heather Woods.

NEW COURSE: Arc & Gas Welding - This course covers the basic theory of oxyacetylene and a rc we ld ing e q u i p m e n t a n d processes. It also includes welding and/or cutting of mild steel in f la t , ver t ica l and overhead positions in sheet, plate and pipe. Course is transferable to

CalState Universities. No pre-requisites, 3 unit course with total lecture 36 hours, laboratory 54 hours. The course will run from August 22, 2016 to December 10, 2016 on Tuesdays & Thursday evenings 5:30pm to 8:00pm. The cost of the course will be $138.00

HONORS - May 2, 2016 - Cong ressman Kev in McCarthy presented Steve S c h u l t z , V e t e r a n s R e s o u r c e C e n t e r Coord inator /Counse lo r (who retired end of the semester) a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, for his incredible work assisting veterans with their t r ans i t i on f rom the battlefield to the classroom. Steve’s leadership at PC Veterans Resource Center has helped many of our local heroes achieve academic excellence.

2016 ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - On Saturday, May 7th, PC Athletes family and friends gathered in the PC Student Center to celebrate the 8th Annual Academics and Athletic Achievement Awards. Among all the student/athletes in the 5 sports offered at Porterville College the following students earned recognition: Scholar of the Year - Matt Zorn, Briana Bamber; Freshman of the Year - Brandon Lozano, Ally Garcia; Sophomore of the Year - Gill Ortega, Davy Baltus, Briana Bamber; Tiffanee Anderson Most Inspirational - Pedro Aguirre, Britnei Murray; Tyler Curry Sportsmanship Award - Jose Prieto, Marisol Cerda; Pirate of the Year Award - Edgar Reyes, Callie Albison; Kathie Gifford Special Recognition - Tiffany Haynes (PC staff member), Above and Beyond Award - Mitchel Hensley. President’s Honor List Recipients (must maintain a 3.5 GPA in a semester a minimum of 42 grade points and enrolled in 12 credits): Brandon Lozano, Nickolaus Haskins, Jose Prieto - Men’s Baseball; Callie Albison, Gretchen Doyel, Mackenzy Flynn, Josie Lopez, Shelby Vanasen - Women’s Volleyball; Jessica Tennent-Albarran, Lauren Beath - Women’s Basketball; Briana Bamber, Destiny Garcia, Hannah Grimes, Kim Hulse, Jayme Knauer - Women’s Softball; Davy Baltus, Bailey Baskovich - Men’s Basketball. Dean’s Honor List Recipients (must maintain a 3.0 GPA in a semester with a minimum of 36 grade points.): Kendyl Estes, Bandy Rico - Women’s Volleyball; Travis Flagg, Ramell Robinson, Matt Zorn - Men’s Basketball; Marisol Cerda, Sydney Tobias - Women’s Basketball; Christian Sanchez, Ivan Galindo, Matthew Weis, Joseph Kuster, Grant Lyons, Jose Narvaiz - Men’s Baseball; Britnei Murray, Isabel Romero - Women’s Softball. All CVC Honors Recipients - Davy Baltus, Travis Flagg - Men’s Basketball; Anna Madrigal - Women’s Basketball; Pedro Aguirre, Miguel Federico, Nicholas Festa, Brandon Lozano, Gilbert Ortega, Edgar Reyes - Men’s Baseball; Briana Bamber, Destiny Garcia, Kim Hulse, Danielle Jimenez, Jayme Knauer, Isabel Romero - Women’s Softball. 2016 Scholarship Recipients - Callie Albison, Gretchel Doyel, Mackenzy Flynn, Josie Lopez, Brandy Rico - Women’s Volleyball; Davy Baltus, Travis Flagg, Daniel Ricks, Matt Zorn - Men’s Basketball; Lauren Beath, Sydney Tobias - Women’s Basketball; Briana Bamber, Destiny Garcia - Women’s Softball.

20162016 Porterville CollegePorterville College Staff RecognitionStaff Recognition

AwardsAwards

Faculty of the Year Faculty of the Year ANN MARIE WAGSTAFF

Language Arts Professor

Classified of the Year Classified of the Year JOHN ORTEGA

Financial Aid Technician

Adjunct Faculty of the YearAdjunct Faculty of the Year MANNY SANTOYO

EMT Instructor

Administrator of the YearAdministrator of the Year JOHN WORD

Maintenance & Operations Manager

2nd ANNUAL VETERANS RECOGNITION DINNER - Assemblywoman and fellow Veteran Shannon Grove was the guest speaker for the 2nd Annual Veterans Recognition Dinner held on Friday, May 6th in the PC Student Center. The following received awards and/or special recognition: Scholastic Achievement - Taylor Matthews, Nelida Ortiz, Lessa Rojas, Laura Alvarez, Aron Hernandez, Jonathan Ogans, Juan Ramos; Service and Commitment - Lessa Rojas; Community Support - Greg Meister; Commanding Officer’s “Guts, Glory & Goat” Awards (“Guts” award is for the display of guts during the year; someone that can be

depended on to always ‘have your back. “Glory” award given is for doing something that brought g lo r y o r pos i t i ve recognition to the fellow PC veterans or the Vet Center. The “Goat” award - meant to be a witty mockery award - is given to someone who said or did something unknowingly to a fellow PC veteran or the Vet Center Coordinator. This years winner earned the honor because the vet said to the Vet Center Coordinator ‘you remind me of my father’. The recipient - who is in her 40’s - reminded Mr. Schultz he is not a spring chicken any longer.) - “Guts” Award - Robert Cooksey; “Glory” Award - John Anthony; “Goat” Award - Lessa Rojas. Honor Cords (are given to all Veterans participating in the PC Commencement ceremonies) - Taylor Matthews, Nelida Ortiz, Lessa Rojas, Laura Alvarez, Aron Hernandez, Jonathan Ogans, Juan Ramos.

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove and PC Veterans Counselor Steve Schultz

Greg Meister, received the Patriot - Community Support Award for his leadership through the Porterville Noon Rotary Club for the PC Veterans Memorial project. Fundraisers sponsored by Noon Rotary have been steadily working towards this project.

Richard Osborne, Veteran students Taylor Matthews and Lessa Rojas present Veterans Counselor Steve Schultz a memory shadow box that included pictures of Steve with the Vets, a pair of dog tags they made with Steve’s personal information, a “Big Red1” Army patch which was the infantry division Steve was part of when he served in the Army and pictures of Steve in uniform and with wife Deina. The other framed gift was handwritten notes from student vets thanking Steve for what he has meant to them and offering their well wishes.

PORTERVILLE COLLEGE JOB FAIR - Again this year, PC hosted a Job Fair on May 3rd. From 9am to 2pm the PC Gym was buzzing with excitement. In a town with an employment rate just shy of 12%, the Job Fair was a big welcome to those in attendance. The following statistics summed up the successful event. Employers and Agencies participating: 86; 259 PC students registered and 208 non-PC students (community members) registered. 75 veterans registered and participated. Grand total of estimated participants were 650-700.

COLLEGE SUCCESS PATHWAY SYMPOSIUM - On Friday, May 6th PC co-hosted with PUSD a College Success Pathway Symposium. The event featured a variety of speakers who discussed opportunities for students and how educators can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Porterville’s top educational administrators, Dr. John Snavely, PUSD Superintendent and Dr. Sharon Kamberg, Burton School District Superintendent and Dr. Rosa Carlson, PC President, discussed the challenges school districts and colleges face.

RECORDER PHOTO BY CHIEKO HARA

PC-LB HILL LEARNING CENTER GRADUATION - LB Hill Learning Center, Porterville Community Based Instruction Programs I and II held their annual commencement exercises on Thursday, June 2nd in the Porterville College Student Center. Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) and Porterville College have partnered for a number of years to provide a college atmosphere for pre-adult students of the Center as they transition from school to Work Programs like PSW Agency. Dr. Jim Vidak, County Superintendent of Schools and PC President Dr. Rosa Carlson handed out

certificates of completion to the following students: Jessie Garcia, Michael Long, Guillermo Martinez, and Ashley Reed. Also present for the graduation were: TCOE Board President Chris Reed; Bob May, LB Hill Administrator; John Cemo, LB Hill-PC Program Instructor; Don Sowers, PSW Executive Director; and Gordon Osmus, PSW Director of Program Services and many family members and friends.

CDC CDC

PORTERVILLE SUMMER STRINGS

GUEST ARTISTS RECITAL July 26

PORTERVILLE COLLEGE

FINAL RECITAL JULY 29 AT

PIONEER MIDDLE SCHOOL

‘16 8:45am-4:00pm JULY 24-29 PORTERVILLE COLLEGE

COST: $35 BEFORE JUNE 3 $40 JUNE 4-JUNE 13 $50 AFTER JUNE 13

Includes Breakfast & Lunch

MORE INFO: Pam Aucutt 781-1732 Marilyn Pankey 782-1724 Sandra Williams 781-4939