On Monday, May 16, the Skyline College Jazz Band performed alongside the world’s most famous jazz trombonist Bill Watrous in a concert that thrilled a very excited Skyline College Theater audience.

Student musicians from MUS. 430 shined brightly in their end-of-semester showcase, performing tunes by Herbie Hancock, Count Basie, Jule Styne, Bob Mintzer, and many others. Conductor Zack Bruno led the ensemble with special guest Watrous in the culmination of months of rehearsals. Brass, woodwind, and rhythm section instrumentalists magnificently performed their rehearsed music, and they improvised solos at appropriate points throughout the night, combining performing and composing simultaneously.

Watrous captivated the audience with his impressive ability to play technical passages very high in the trombone register, along with his wry sense of humor on the microphone. The Skyline College student musicians gained valuable experience and knowledge by rehearsing and performing with the New York native.

On Friday, May 20, the Skyline College Music Department will welcome the professional Friction Quartet as they join the college’s Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band programs in a performance titled “Beauties and Beasts,” featuring music of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Grainger, Beach, Sousa, and themes from the Disney film.

Article submitted by Dr. Zachary E. Bruno

The 15^th Annual Student Recognition and Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 in the Theater from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. With over $305,614 in scholarships awarded this year for Skyline College, students waited with excitement and anticipation to receive their awards. Over 293 awards were presented at this year’s ceremony.

Professor Danielle Powell served as the Mistress of Ceremonies to honor individual student achievements. In addition to academics, students must also show involvement in leadership and community based activities.

Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud, President of Skyline College remarked that the generosity of kind individuals in our community who believe in future generations is highly evident. Many of the students honored ranged from, working parents, transfer students, and Veterans all with a purpose to give back to their communities and to make a difference.

The message of the awards ceremony was simple, “To pay it forward,” stated Gus Petropoulos, President of the San Mateo Community College Foundation Board.

The newest scholarship that was added this year is the Kruttschnit Aspire Scholarship Program (KASP). This scholarship awards approximately 30 students annually districtwide to the College of San Mateo, Cañada College and Skyline College with the possibility of renewal for a second year. This is the largest donation in the Foundation’s 50 year history. Nine of this year’s recipients were Skyline College students.

The prestigious $20,000 Karl S. Pister scholarship was awarded to Pricsilla Elizabeth Sanchez Peña at Skyline College, who will complete her undergraduate studies at University of California, Santa Cruz. The scholarship provides $20,000 over two years, and assistance in securing additional funding, to a transfer-eligible student who shows exceptional achievement despite adverse socio-economic status, has demonstrated commitment to assisting and improving the lives of others, and would not otherwise be able to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz due to financial need. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to only 13 students nationwide.

Many highlights of the evening included those receiving community awards. The San Bruno Community Foundation honored Leitu Tapaku with the Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarship.  Dennis Zheng, ASSC President was also awarded the President’s Leadership Award.

The ceremony was followed by a beautiful reception held in Building 6 where award recipients and their families had a chance to thank donors for their kindness and generosity.

Article by Eric Imahara

Skyline College Cosmetology Student Phoo Han Oo was awarded $50,000 for her “YES” attitude and exceptional talent in the “Junior Styles Stars Updo Bridal/Hairstyle Mannequin” Competition. Daniel Moses, a representative of the competition and business owner of “The League of Extraordinary Stylists,” from Oakland California, presented the check to Phoo and inspired the entire department by encouraging all of us to say “yes” to our goals and dreams through hard work and perseverance.

Phoo entered the competition (High Fashion Updo theme) with over 300 other students back in February of this year. In order to qualify, Phoo had to buy the required mannequin from Junior Styles’s Stars and create her bridal updo as well as the dress, makeup, and accessories that completed her bridal look.

Once the look was completed, Phoo had to do her own photo shoot of her bridal look, with an instructor present, using only her own iPhone. Throughout the entire competition, Mrs. Cam Dinh, an instructional aide here at Skyline Salon & Spa, assisted Phoo in supporting her with her questions and giving her positive encouragement to keep up the great work!

It worked! Paul, a representative of the Junior Styles Star National Hair competition from Florida, spoke with Ms. Carmen Richardson, one of Phoo’s other instructors to share the good news! Phoo won after weeks of progressing through multiple rounds of competition. The final round consisted of just 10 students.

Phoo was awarded her check and an all-expense paid trip to Florida where she will take part in sharing her journey of saying “Yes” and many other prizes that acknowledged her skills and talent.

Phoo’s instructors and peers are excited to share this GOOD NEWS with our campus family, Skyline College.

Article by Tammy Calderon

You’re cordially invited to the Classified Service Awards on Monday, May 23, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Building 6, Room 6-202. Desserts will be provided.

For guaranteed seating, please respond by Wednesday, May 18^th to the Office of the President at extension 4111 or tentes@smccd.edu.

Join us to honor the following classified staff members for their service:

• Linda Herda – 20 years
• Ricardo Flores – 10 years
• Lygia Isaacs – 10 years
• Nancy Lam – 10 years
• Annie Trinh – 10 years

On Monday May 16, the Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) celebrated the end of the year the completion of a successful academic year with faculty, administration and Guardian Scholars students. While GSP is proud of all they have accomplished the past two semesters, they are proud of 4 Guardian Scholars who will not only be graduating with their AAs, but also transferring to 4-year universities! The students will be transferring to San Francisco State (Angelina Yokely-Miles & Antonio Gomez), CSU East Bay (Dominique Bill) and UC Davis (Nu Nu N-Dawg)!

The program has a great deal to be proud of including creating a dedicated and personalized space for the students to relax, study, and create a community. GSP participated and facilitated many events including a RTSB workshop, the Brothers & Sisters conference, Fostering Student Success Conference, college tours, outreach to various departments and high schools and much more. We cannot be more proud of our graduates and wish them the best of luck!

Article by Tia Holiday | Photo by Jocelyn Vila

Congratulations to the Early Childhood Education/Education (ECE/EDU) graduates and certificate recipients of 2016!!!

Thanks to the generous and continuous support of the Associated Students of Skyline College, the ECE/EDU Department held its annual celebration last Thursday.  Twenty out of the 62 graduating and certificate recipients attended the event along with their friends and families to receive degrees and certificates in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Early Intervention, and Elementary Education.

We were honored to have Board of Trustees Karen Schwarz, and Maurice Goodman in attendance, along with Division Dean of Business Christine Roumbanis.

Entertainment included music by Skyline College’s own, Zachary Bruno and his Jazz Quintet, and an impressive presentation by ECE/EDU adjunct faculty Karen Wiggins Dowler, entitled, “Child Harmony: A Concierto in H Major.”  This presentation focused on four key aspects of teaching – head, hands, heart, and health. The presentation also included stories from current students, Mariya Semeit and Midori Endo and a music presentation from a children’s center parent.

Article by Kristina Brower

At this semester’s Journalism Association of Community Colleges State Convention, Skyline College brought home several awards. The convention, held in Burbank, brings more than 450 student journalists together from all over California to take workshops from professionals in the field, network with other journalists and compete in contests.

First, staffer Dave Newlands and former editor in chief Michelle Kelly took second place for mail-in magazine cover for the very first issue of Viewpoint, the program’s new magazine. (And keep an eye out for the second issue of Viewpoint which just hit the stands this week!) Veteran staffer and production editor Jordan Sweidan earned third place in on-the-spot feature photography. And rookie staff photographer Kevin Perez picked up an honorable mention for his on-the-spot sports photo. Current editor in chief Michelle Brignoli took home a JACC scholarship. Fifteen students from The Skyline View staff and journalism department courses attended the three-day long annual event.

Article by Nancy Kaplan-Biegel

On Monday, May 16, 2016 the Hermanos and Hermanas program held its annual End of the Year Celebration.  During the event, forty-nine Hermano/a students from South San Francisco High School and Westmoor High School were recognized for their academic accomplishments and completion of the program. Two Hermana alumni were recognized in graduating and/or transferring during the 2015-16 academic year.

Dr. Luis Escobar, Dean of Counseling and Advising kicked off the celebration with a motivational welcome, reminding students and their families the value of education and the importance of staying motivated. Three Hermano/as students followed Dr. Escobar’s welcome; Alejandro Llamas, Jessica Montaño-Vasquez, and Oscar Calvo addressed the audience with confidence and shared their stories of resilience and how the Hermanos/as program has positively impacted their educational journey as they all look forward to attending college in the fall.

This memorable event included a special keynote speech by Richard Santana also known as Señor Chocolate. A once tough talking gang member, Santana went on to graduate from Fresno State, got a master’s degree from Harvard University, and is now a motivational speaker. Santana delivered a motivational speech about his life experiences. He reminded the audience that in order to create change they needed to be the change, they needed to ask questions, participate in programs that would help them be successful students and agents of change for their communities.

Hermanos and Hermanas completing the high school program received Certificate of Completion along with an Hermanos/as graduation stole. Hermanos/as Graduates and Transfers received a Certificate of Achievement along with a Skyline College pen/pencil set and t-shirt. During the event students and their guests also enjoyed a graduation-themed photo booth. The celebration concluded with a round of applause to the students for their hard work and determination as many of them will graduate from their high school in the coming weeks—Felicidades Hermanos y Hermanas!

Article by Lucy Perez | Photo by William Nacouzi

On Wednesday May 18, the International Student Program hosted their annual End of Year Party in the Multi-cultural center. The event was attended by over thirty International students, faculty members and Skyline College students. The event was hosted by Wissem Bennani, who welcomed the attendees and introduced the graduating students of the International Student Program.

Dr. Tammy Robinson, Dean of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division, presented the students with certificates of appreciation and Skyline College mementoes. Some of the students who received an award are transferring to prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, San Francisco State University, University of British Columbia and others.  The students shared their experiences studying at Skyline College, and two students, Roma Feng and Donway Dioceldo Sy, provided comprehensive information about their success in transferring from Skyline College.

Roma Feng believed that her engagement in the International office, as well as the International Student Club provided valuable experience for her. Roma also shared how the services at Skyline College such as the Learning center, Counselling Department and Transfer Center helped her transfer successfully. Donway divulged how he secured numerous scholarships through his involvement in student organizations. Donway completed an internship at the GLPS office as well as being the president of Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society, and he was an honors transfer student. He explained how the personal statement that is submitted along with college applications is what makes students stand out from others and that skills learned through these organizations are invaluable. The event was a huge success and all of the attendees enjoyed lunch together after the event.

We look forward to celebrating more events with you! Please contact the ISP office at skyinternational@smccd.edu or call (650) 738-7021 for more information.

Article by Sujaya Chandran | Photo by Holly Zhou

On Wednesday, May 11, Skyline College Career Services Center hosted a Career Fair. The purpose of this event was to assist students of SMCCCD and job seekers in surrounding communities obtain employment by connecting with employers offering available positions.

Although the economy is slowly recovering, many individuals and families in surrounding communities continue to struggle financially. The Career Fair provided participants, particularly Skyline students, access to organizations looking to hire applicants. Career Fair participants received free popcorn, a number of give-a-ways and an opportunity to participate in a raffle to win an 8GB Galaxy Tablet, compliments of the Skyline College Book Store.

The energy and excitement at the event was amazing. Approximately one hundred individuals attended the event, located in Building 6 of the Skyline College campus, which started at 10:00 a.m. and ended at 2:00 p.m.  Forty-one enthusiastic employers tabled the event, which included companies like US Bank, Comcast, Nordstrom, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, KinderCare Education, American Medical Response, and the South San Francisco Fire Department, to name a few.

Additionally, Career Services Center featured a resume review table to support the needs of job seekers looking to develop, or update their resumes. Prior to the Career Fair, the Career Services Center in collaboration with the Employment Development Department (EDD) hosted a series of Dress for Success Workshops aimed at assisting job seekers in their preparation for this event.

On February 18, the Career Services Center launched a Resume Drop-In Session, where individuals in the surrounding communities, as well as Skyline students, could walk-in and receive resume development support from an EDD expert. The Resume Drop-In Session is held on Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Career Services Center located in building 1, Room 1-219B of the Skyline College Campus.  The sessions, will continue in the afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays, until May 25, 2016. The Career Fair was free and open to all job seekers in and around the San Mateo County area.

Article by Eilene Williams | Photos by Nicholas Zuniga and Claudia Paz