On April 22, 2017, and May 6, 2017, the Outreach Office hosted Priority Enrollment Program (PEP) Days.  Combined, the PEP Days assisted over 149 students with the completion of their steps to successful matriculation.

Participants, affectionately referred to as PEPsters, were greeted with breakfast and an official Skyline College t-shirt to promote school spirit.  After a warm welcome from Will Minnich, Dean of Enrollment Services, and Luis Escobar, Dean of Counseling, students broke off into their PEP Groups lead by Counseling and Outreach Ambassadors.  After a few community building exercises, students attended Orientation and took advantage of self-guided placement by reviewing their transcript with counselors.

PEPsters enjoyed pizza for lunch and had the opportunity to engage with current students, faculty, and staff during the Resource Fair.   A few lucky PEPsters even won more Skyline College swag, graciously provided by the Skyline College Bookstore, during our lunchtime raffle.  After lunch, students participated in a number of different activities with their PEP Groups.  These activities ranged from: counseling appointments, transfer center workshops, FYE workshops, campus tour, student panel, scheduling workshop, and Summer Scholars Institute.

Many thanks to everyone who assisted with both days!

Resource Fair Participants:

Workshop Presenters: Jerrod Feiner, Michele Haggar, Ray Gutierrez, Lucy Jovel, Tia Holiday, Marisa Thigpen, Michael Stokes, Joseph Jaballa

Counseling Faculty: Suzanne Poma, Lucy Jovel, Jacquie Escobar, Richard Torres, Andrea Anyanwu, Kwame Thomas, Janelle DeUnamuno, Rocio Aguilar-Pedroza, Nate Nevado, Ivan Silva, Pam Malowe, Bo Aleonar, Kishaun Yung, Anna Nguyen, Adella Kimball, Alberto Santellan, Will Sapigao, Bo Aleonar

Staff: Will Minnich, Luis Escobar, Grace Beltran, Lauren Ford, Eric Imahara, Marta Cuellar, Kevin Chak, Vinny Samujh, Robin Alim, Joseph Jaballa, Kristy Nguyen, Michael Gagui, Mary Ann Mallari, Adriana Yusuf, Nikkaela DeGuzman, Sarina O’Gilvie, Jose Cartenga, Joemarie LeCap, Mary Caldeo

Article and Photos by Lauren Ford

All are invited to submit nominations for The President’s Excellence in Leadership Award.  The President’s Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes administrators and managers who lead with integrity, effectiveness, deliberate focus and collaboration and who contribute to the attainment of the college goals and student success. The award also recognizes demonstrated exceptional service to the Skyline College community and the effective use of the culture and traditions of Skyline College in enhancing social justice and human achievement.

The deadline for submission is Monday, May 15, 2017 at 9:00.  Nominations are to be sent to Christine Roumbanis at roumbanis@smccd.edu.  The criteria and nomination form are available online.

The award will be given on an annual basis at the end of the academic year. The award will be announced at the End of the Year Celebration along with the Meyer’s Faculty Award and the Classified Staff Special Recognition Award.

Article by Regina Stanback Stroud

The Academic Senate and Classified Senate would like to invite all faculty, staff, and administrators to the annual End-of-Year Celebration, which will be Thursday, May 18 from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. in Bldg. 6, Rm 6-203.

This will be a fun event! The theme this year is “Welcome to the Beach!” so come relax in your flippy flops ready for a mini vaca at the beach. This event includes a giveaway of donated gift baskets to raise funds for the student scholarships donated on behalf of a division’s and/or program’s faculty and staff! Together as a division or as a program, we welcome your baskets.

Last year we had an amazing turnout of gift baskets and were able to raise just a little over $700 dollars. This year, let’s challenge ourselves to raise even more! We would love to raise over $1,000 for our students, so we will need to make sure those baskets are extra enticing this year, to help sell more tickets for the drawing. Both senates are in the process of identifying members who will serve as drawing ticket sellers, so once we have identified them, we will notify you so that you can aid in making those announcements to the faculty and staff within your areas.

With that, the theme for this year’s baskets is a “vacation-ready survival pack,” or your department/ program can identify another theme that would be enticing! May 17 would be an ideal deadline  for the submission of a basket. Please bring your completed basket to the event on May 18 in Bldg. 6, room 6-203.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. And thank you for helping to make this event great each year. We look forward to seeing everyone for our joint vacation!

Article by Michele Haggar and Amber Steele

The Annual Student Art Exhibition has been a vital part of the Skyline College Creative Arts program, and an important aspect of an art student’s educational experience.  It provides students the opportunity to prepare and present their artwork in a professional setting, which serves as a platform for public exposure – itself a learning experience different from that gained in the classroom – and facilitates community-building by bringing together students, their families, faculty and staff, and the local community.

On April 19, the reception and first-ever award ceremony for the 18^th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition was held at the Skyline College art gallery against a lively backdrop of music, oven-fresh pizza, desserts, and beverages.  With over 200 in attendance, Dean Donna Bestock along with art professors Arthur Takayama, Tiffany Schmierer, Bridget Fischer, and Paul Bridenbaugh presented the awards to this year’s winners. Featuring a selection of over 100 artworks in all media, it was a great place for students, their families, and faculty members to mingle and learn more about each other.

The Skyline College art department and art gallery extends their congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s exhibition!

This year’s Juror’s Awards went to:

Leilani Hanaike – Photography Award

Steven Clinton – Photography Award

Hannah Colom – Painting Award

Jan Couvillon -Painting Award

Tahnee Riddick – Ceramics Award

Florence Monzasch – Ceramics Award

Clowette Williams – Sculpture Award

Katie Burke – Digital Award

Danielle Zabala – Work on Paper Award

Valerie Fernandez – Work on Paper Award

Daniel del Castillo – Mixed Media Award

Bradford Carpio – Best 2D Award

Kelsey Sailors – Best 3D Award

Melissa Nazzal – ‘Hundo P’ (Hundred Percent) Award

Jay Ku – ‘G.O.A.T.’ (Greatest of All Time) Award

 

The Student Art Exhibition was on view in the Art Gallery from April 17 to May 12.

Skyline College’s Art Gallery is an educational and community oriented exhibition space, with programming that reflects our College Mission and Values. We exhibit a mixture of student shows, faculty exhibits, and curated exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists.

Skyline College ceramics students participated for the ninth consecutive year in the annual California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art in Davis, CA from April 28 to April 30.  The three-day conference draws ceramics students from all over the region to put on a display of their colleges’ artwork, and to attend over thirty exhibitions by other colleges and universities from California.  There were also many engaging lectures by professional ceramics artists that included slide presentations and clay demonstrations.  Each school is provided a space in downtown Davis to transform into a pop-up gallery for the weekend.

The Skyline College show was located on the second-floor room of the historic Dresbach-Hunt-Boyer Mansion, built in 1875 in central downtown Davis. Also located in the mansion were the exhibitions of Foothill College and Humboldt State University. The installation took a full day on Thursday, and included preparing pedestals and wall displays, hanging lights, and arranging the artwork. Students learned firsthand how to set up a professional-quality exhibition. Ceramics Instructor Tiffany Schmierer selected functional ceramic pieces as well as ceramic sculptures for the show, from all four levels of Skyline College ceramics classes. The show contained a wide array of themes and styles, reflecting the diverse artistic expression of our students. Participating students welcomed conference guests to our show, sharing their inspirations, ideas and techniques. The large variety of school exhibitions presented a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with potential transfer schools, their instructors, and current students.

Article by Tiffany Schmierer | Photo by Mia Coo

The Bay Honors Consortium held its tenth annual Research Symposium at Stanford University on May 6, 2017.  Skyline College had five participants accepted to present from various disciplines.  Honors coordinator John Ulloa gave the opening keynote address discussing his recent research on the globalization of lowriding culture.  Skyline College student Janah May Oclaman, mentored by Christine Case won the Heslet Award (certificate + monetary award) bestowed upon the best overall research submission and presentation out of the 400 proposals throughout California.  Janah’s presentation entitled “A Natural Food Preservative from Black Walnut” is research that examines black walnut extract prohibiting bacterial growth as a natural food preservative.

Our other awesome Skyline College participants:

Yongru Chen

• Mentor:  John Ulloa
• “One Child Policy in China:  Is it Beneficial or Detrimental to Economy?”

Adrian Barrera-Vazquez

• Mentor:  Nick Kapp
• “Red Alert:  Making Bacteria Glow Red in the Presence of Carbon Monoxide

Nikole Gorin

• Mentor:  Joanne Babin
• “Media and the Art of Persuasion:  A Storytelling Approach”

Alec Roa

• Mentor:  Lori Slicton
• “Oklahoma:  A Climate Continues to Change While a Political Climate Remains the Same”

Kudos to our students and faculty mentors for their brilliant contributions to the tenth Annual BHC Symposium.

Article written by John Ulloa

On May 9, Skyline College hosted its first re-entry reception for recently returned study abroad students from all three colleges in the district.  The majority of reception attendees spent the fall 2016 semester in London, England. We also had students who had just returned the spring 2017 semester from Florence, Italy.  Also in attendance were prospective study abroad students who came to hear first-hand experiences from their peers who made the decision to study overseas.

The reception included a presentation on how to recognize and manage reverse culture shock, and an overview of international opportunities and careers students could pursue going forward.  Lavinia Zanassi, Faculty Coordinator/Counselor for Career Services, spoke to students about how to market international experiences in a résumé, cover letter, and job interview.

In a recent survey by StudentUniverse, a student and youth travel booking service, the majority of US students who study abroad believe the experience improved their chances of getting a job. The survey, which took in more than 4,700 responses from predominantly US domestic students, found 74.1% of respondents who had studied abroad believed their experience helped their résumé. Almost half (46.6%) said it had been brought up during a job interview.

With approximately 15 students in attendance, all attendees were able to share their highlights and fondest memories of being abroad, while helping the prospective students get a sense of the life-changing experience ahead of them.  The sentiment that studying abroad was a meaningful and impactful experience was echoed by all returnees at the reception, and many expressed interest in interning or working abroad as a result of their positive study abroad experience.

Feel free to find out more information regarding studying abroad by contacting ghoriz@smccd.edu or calling 650-738-7098 in the Global Learning Programs and Services Division at Skyline College. Study Abroad is part of the San Mateo County Community College District and is housed at Skyline College.

Article by Jill Utsumi | Photo by Elizabeth Ramirez

The week of April 24-27, Changing the Face of Entrepreneurship: Business Expo Week launched with thanks to the President’s Innovation Fund.

The week started with an entrepreneurial kickoff event, which provided students with information about the entrepreneurship certificates at Skyline College, education on entrepreneurship and happenings for the rest of the week.  On Tuesday, students were invited to attend a talk by the founder of Whipt Baked Goods, Krizy Osada, as she spoke about her experience finding success through passion.  A showing of the film “Chef,” a movie about one man’s journey to becoming his own boss, followed.

Wednesday included a “Ted Talk” style forum called “Rap Chats”, where four successful entrepreneurs, Celia Canfield, Brandon Murio, Damon Lawrence and Stephen Satterfield, spoke on their different struggles, motivations, and success in the business world. These professionals also provided advice and guidance with a Q &A for the attendees. Also, a special thanks to MK Bryant, a Skyline College student who owns a small business called Lucy T’s, for providing breakfast for the event. To end the Business Expo Week, small businesses were invited to vend at the Skyline College Vendor Fair. Vendors ranged from clothing companies to artwork, and consulting services to food sales, many of which are Skyline College’s own student owned and operated businesses.

This week would not be possible without the support of the President’s Innovation Fund, the President’s Council, Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud, administration and students.

Article by Soledad McCarthy and Angelica Gorostiza

On April 22 and April 24, Skyline College welcomed high school students and families to campus to learn more about the concurrent enrollment process during Concurrent Enrollment Night.  Counseling faculty and enrollment services staff presented valuable information to over 160 total attendees in order to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.  Martin Marquez, Admissions Assistant III, highlighted the process of how to sign up for concurrent enrollment classes.  Jacquie Escobar and Suzanne Poma provided information regarding placement tests, course sequencing, and transferability of courses.  Matt Ledesma provided insights from a high school counselor’s perspective, tips on the conversation to have with a high school counselor regarding concurrent enrollment, and promoted Middle College.  The Outreach Office communicated with high schools to promote the event, managed reservation list, and provided logistical support to ensure a successful event.

The following schools were represented over the two info sessions: Abraham Lincoln High School, Aragon High School, Burlingame High School, Capuchino High School, Carlmont High School, Crocker Middle School, design tech High School, El Camino High School, George Washington High School, Hillsdale High School, Lowell High School, Mercy High School Burlingame, Mills High School, Oceana High School, Ruth Asawa SOTA, San Mateo High School, South San Francisco High School, St Ignatius High School, Summit Shasta High School, Terra Nova High School, and Westmoor High School.

Attendees left the event more informed of the concurrent enrollment process, knowledge of important dates, information on special programs for high school students, as well as more information about the programs and services offered at Skyline College.  Thank you to everyone who assisted in putting on this great event!

Article and Photo by Lauren Ford

Dr. Tony Jackson’s article titled “Slaying the Three-Headed Dragon; Spirit Healing from Memetic Infection,” has been published and appears in the South African journal Alternation. The title of series is: Alternation Special Edition 18 (2016) African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS) in Mental Health, African Literature, and Education. This special edition can be accessed online.

Dr. Jackson’s offering appears with notable authors and researchers like Dr. Wade Nobles, Dr. Lesiba Baloyi, Dr. Nhlanhla Mkhize, Dr. Julia Mutambara, and Dr. Zininzi Anele Bomoyi among others.  His article reflects some of his work in the area of innovative approaches to culturally relevant violence prevention/intervention.

The Alternation Journal: Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, is based in the University of Kwazulu-Natal.  Alternation is published every semester and each published work must go through an extensive peer review process including works refereed by at least two independent peer reviewers.

Article by T. Jackson