The Suburban Times » Pierce College

Pierce College military program ranks high

Ben Sclair — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:55:11 +0000

Pierce College has been recognized by Military Times Edge magazine as one of the 50 Most Popular Colleges in its June/July issue. Pierce is ranked 14th out of the top 50, which is based on where active-duty military use their tuition assistance benefits. The data used in the ranking was provided by the Air Force, Army, Army National Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

===> Posted on July 8, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce business students honored

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:56:33 +0000

Twelve students in Pierce College’s Business Management program were recently chosen for the Leadership Excellence Institute Award, an honor recognizing the program’s best students, as chosen by professors Dr. Paul Gerhardt and Doug Edison.

The awards were based on academic achievement (a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher), student involvement in the program, and contributions to the community outside the classroom.

===> Posted on July 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Tacoma Narrows Rotary raises funds for U.P. Library

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:04:23 +0000

During the Fund-a-Need portion of the annual spring for Kids auction May 8, Tacoma Narrows Rotary raised $34,500 for the teen area at the new University Place Pierce County Library. The library will name the new teen space for Tacoma Narrows Rotary in honor of the Rotary’s strong support of the library and youth in University Place.

===> Posted on July 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College cyclists help feed the hungry

Ben Sclair — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:45:14 +0000

A team of dedicated Pierce College bike riders was undeterred by foul weather June 6 for the Fifth Annual Wheels to Meals fundraising bike ride for the St. Leo Food Connection, a local leader in the fight against hunger since 1982.

===> Posted on July 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Continuing Education and Shakespeare Festival

Ben Sclair — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:57:14 +0000

“Methinks this summer doth stink too much” need not be your mantra for yet another boring summer. Pierce College is offering fun and excitement with a Shakespearean flair in July.

Earn 10 English or drama credits and see six plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ore., with the Pierce College Continuing Education program this summer. (Note: K-12 teachers can choose to earn clock hours through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction instead of college credits for completing this course.)

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival series at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom includes four evening classes before the festival (July 12-15) to help you understand the language and culture and five classes after the play series (July 26-Aug. 2). You’ll put those new skills to work with a trip to Ashland, Ore., July 21-23, for the festival. You’ll see six plays, including “Hamlet,” “Twelfth Night,” “Henry IV,” “American Night,” “Throne of Blood,” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

Cost is $999 and includes Pierce College tuition, tickets to all six plays, a backstage tour and discussion with an actor or director, and four nights in a hotel (double occupancy). Students must provide only their own meals and transportation to and from the festival.

You must register and pay by July 1 to reserve a space. For more information, visit www.pierce.ctc.edu/conted or call Kathleen Beaumont at (253) 840-8450.

===> Posted on June 28, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce class geared toward youth sports coaches

Ben Sclair — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:46:25 +0000

While youth athletes spend their summer honing their skills, their coaches now have the chance to hone theirs. Pierce College’s Continuing Education program is for the first time offering a class specifically for youth sports coaches. Introduction to Principles of Coaching is a 20-hour course that provides a comprehensive overview of the latest theories and techniques of sports psychology, team and risk management, training and injury prevention, coaching philosophy, and skills training.
Read more...

===> Posted on June 3, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Pierce College unveils free online job database

Ben Sclair — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:48:33 +0000

Pierce College is now making available an online job database, Interfase, designed to make the search for jobs and internships easier and more efficient for students, area job seekers, and employers. The Interfase system links registered users to a database of approved job and internship opportunities in the region. It is a tool used by the Puget Sound Careers Consortium, a partnership project of Pierce College, Highline and Green River community colleges, and Renton Technical College. The system is free to both job seekers and employers.
Read more...

===> Posted on May 25, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College Theatre presents world premier of local playwright’s work

Ben Sclair — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:25:25 +0000

By Lynn Geyer

Enter the Old South, a land of strong ties to relatives and fables — unbelievable old wives’ tales of living dead and flora revenge which couldn’t possibility happen — or could they? Ask this of Louise Penberthy, the Seattle playwright who penned “Miss Hannah Comes Back,” which made its world premier at Pierce College’s Studio 320 May 14.

This is a very wordy two-act play, each act is composed of several scenes which layout the story of Paula and her partner Cathy who return to Paula’s Mississippi hometown and take up residence in a lovely old home which once belonged to Miss Hannah.

===> Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Tree-House Time Machine

Ben Sclair — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:25:37 +0000

Pierce College’s decorated wagon from Lakewood’s Promise Paint Your Wagon Program.

===> Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College dedicates new building

Dave Sclair — Thu, 13 May 2010 03:57:48 +0000

Dedication: The new Rainier Science & Math Building is the background for a dedication crowd at Pierce College Wednesday afternoon.

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom dedicated its new Rainier Science and Math Building Wednesday afternoon on a sunny afternoon with a crowd of students, faculty, college administrators, staff and board members, local politicians and general public on hand. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting by several groups of college folks, the building was open for guided tours or personal exploring of the 80,000 plus square foot building. Of prime significance is the environmentally friendly construction, materials and operation of the building which is registered with the US Green Building Council and is expected to receive gold certification.

===> Posted on May 12, 2010 by Dave Sclair. No comments.

Guest artists bring exciting new play to Pierce College stage

Ben Sclair — Thu, 13 May 2010 03:44:21 +0000

Theater enthusiasts won’t want to miss a new comedic play coming to the Pierce College stage by Seattle guest playwright Louise Penberthy and featuring guest director Richard Buckley and guest designer Stefanie Brewer.

“Miss Hannah Comes Back,” a play where comedy meets Southern gothic, runs May 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. in the Pierce College Theatre, Studio 320, at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Drive S.W., Lakewood. “Miss Hannah Comes Back” follows Cathy and Paula’s move back to Paula’s small Mississippi hometown, where they find a world of quirky characters and surprising prejudice – and strange, mysterious plant life.
Read more...

===> Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce athletes to be inducted in NWAACC Hall of Fame

Ben Sclair — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:05:05 +0000

Pierce College athletics standouts Tami Kampbell and Aretha Williams, and the entire 1982 Raider softball team will be inducted in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame on June 3. The banquet and induction ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Bellevue Red Lion.

“This is a huge honor for our athletes and the entire Raider athletic program,” said Athletic Director Duncan Stevenson. “The NWAACC Hall of Fame is a prestigious group of the best in community college athletics, and these athletes represent Pierce College very well.”
Read more...

===> Posted on May 10, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: Saddened by Pierce’s music program move

Ben Sclair — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:09:58 +0000

This news really saddens me since Pierce College Steilacoom Campus has traditionally been such a strong music school. The news is that they will be moving to their sister campus in Puyallup as soon as next year. Jerry Knutsen who is the head of the department has been a real advocate of the performing arts in the Lakewood Community. He has conducted the concert band and afternoon jazz ensemble and has overseen the evening jazz ensemble directed by the like of Norm Whalen, Tracy Knoop (who played with the Buddy Rich Big Band and now teaches at Ted Brown Music), and more recently Kareen Kandy = all very respected musicians who have successfully drawn talented musicians to the area to inspire the community as well as the young lions. They made us proud.

In years past they have invited some truly notable clinicians to perform with their instrumental groups including Jamey Aebersold – the nation’s leading jazz educator. The Steilacoom campus has also lost their baseball team and now music is on its way out. Lakewood does have two community groups = The Lakewood Community band conducted by Syd Potter and the Lakewood Community Orchestra conducted by Paul Dorwin. Sad news indeed when a city looses a cultural base.

Chris McAvoy
Lakewood

===> Posted on May 10, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

CPTC to help expand Plus 50 initiative

Ben Sclair — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:42:57 +0000

LAKEWOOD, WA – Community colleges around the nation are turning to the Plus 50 Initiative at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) for help in designing programs for baby boomers, who are increasingly returning to campus for job training and to makeover careers waylaid by the economic recession. One of the colleges involved in the initiative’s expansion efforts is Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood. The College will serve as a Learning Partner for the other community colleges in Pierce County. Clover Park will work with Bates Technical College, Tacoma Community College, Pierce College District 11 which includes Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom and Pierce College-Puyallup.

===> Posted on May 5, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Spring Event at Bair Bistro

Jaynie Jones — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:23:42 +0000

Forty-three members and guests of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a “Spring Evening at The Bair” on Thursday, April 22. Representing the Port of Tacoma, Connie Bacon was the featured guest speaker during the dinner. She stated that the Port is currently conducting a “nationwide search for a new CEO who is trustworthy, who will tell us the right story in business for the Port of Tacoma, who understands strategic thinking, and is a go-getter.” According to Bacon, the Port of Tacoma is “beginning to see a tiny rise in activity, but anticipates steady growth over the next five years.” She added that the Port has spent $170M to clean-up Puget Sound and Commencement Bay. There are ongoing negotiations with the Puyallup Tribe about possibly operating a terminal, as well. Bus tours of the Port of Tacoma are available to the public and scheduled every couple of months.

===> Posted on April 25, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

Ready, willing, and able to help

Ben Sclair — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 04:15:28 +0000

From left: Connie Rogers, Linda Gulbransen, Lee Ann Slupianek, and Fran Matz

By Amanda Haines

Whether it’s filling sandbags, triaging the injured, or helping in the aftermath of an earthquake, four Pierce College employees are now trained and ready to help when disaster strikes. The four women recently completed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in Lakewood and they are urging others in the community to follow suit. CERT is a national program that trains private citizens to offer assistance in times of hardship and disaster. The training is fun and intense, and includes basic skills everyone should know, said Linda Gulbransen, the organizer of the Pierce College group.

===> Posted on April 21, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Steilacoom barber battles cancer; join his fight

Jaynie Jones — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:20:20 +0000

Pat Moon’s quaint barber shop in the heart of the Steilacoom’s Historic District has been a fixture there for many, many years. Customers could always count on a lively discussion of politics and other hot topics while getting a haircut. Now the town’s renowned barber needs your support in a different way. According to the Steilacoom Chamber’s newsletter, Moon has been diagnosed with cancer. Chamber members, friends, community residents, and customers are rallying to support him by holding a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday evening, April 30. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go to Pat Moon to help with his cancer battle. Gather a group of friends and family together for the Pat Moon benefit Spaghetti Dinner at the Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington Street, Steilacoom. Phone 253.581.1076 for more information. http://steilacoom.org/event.htm

===> Posted on April 21, 2010 by Jaynie Jones. No comments.

Want a smarter baby? Learn the signs

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:47:29 +0000

Diaper change? Check. Bottle? Check. Blanket? Check. So, why is the baby still crying? There is a better way! Starting Saturday, April 10, Pierce College’s Continuing Education program is debuting a new sign language course for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers. The Sign With Baby course will teach the basic signs babies need to express their wants and needs. The 90-minute class will be held at 9:30 a.m. for six Saturdays, April 10-May 22 (no class April 17), at Pierce College Puyallup. Cost is $99.

===> Posted on April 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College adds to Distinguished Alumni roster

Ben Sclair — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:43:05 +0000

Pierce College will celebrate the accomplishments of four former students at the annual Distinguished Alumni Banquet at 6 p.m. April 14 at Pierce College Puyallup.

Honorees this year are:

===> Posted on April 6, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Schmitt chosen Pierce College Puyallup president

Ben Sclair — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:50:50 +0000

Pierce College District Chancellor Michele Johnson today announced that Patrick Schmitt has been chosen to be the next president of Pierce College Puyallup.

Schmitt, who currently serves as the campus executive officer and dean at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha, holds a doctorate with specializations in American 20th century theatre and drama and dramatic theory and criticism, and a bachelor’s degree in communications and theatre. He will assume the presidency at Pierce College Puyallup on July 1.
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===> Posted on March 18, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Oak Prairie Restoration Project

Ben Sclair — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:04:02 +0000

By Sharon Coward

Not all lessons take place in the four corners of a classroom. Environmental science students at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom have the unique opportunity to contribute to the Garry Oak Prairie Restoration project currently underway near Fort Steilacoom Park.

A joint venture between the college and the University of Washington, the two-year-old project traces its roots to a community interest in resurrecting the presence of the rapidly disappearing Garry Oak tree. A northwest native, Garry Oaks are believed to have a historic presence near the current site of the college and its surrounding area.

Today, instead of this rare oak, scotch broom crowds much of the land near the college. This invasive shrub is considered a noxious weed in Washington State, and, combined with the loss of the oak prairie, has altered the area’s ecosystem. Pierce College and the UW-Restoration Ecology Network program (REN) hope to return the ecosystem to its original state.

“The restoration can help bring back biodiversity and the ability for the ecosystem to establish a balance on its own,” Krista Morris, UW-Tacoma student and REN team leader, said. The endeavor began in 2007, when representatives from the college and university joined the city of Lakewood in examining the logistics of restoring an oak prairie to Fort Steilacoom Park and the land surrounding Pierce College.

“The desire for oak prairie restoration has been out there for quite some time,” Ron May, division chair of science at Pierce College, said. “It is only recently that we have brought these various pieces of the puzzle together to make this project come to fruition.” Though Lakewood is conducting its own venture separate of Pierce College, the two entities are working together to achieve their ultimate goal of reviving oak prairie to their respective areas. “The community is very supportive of this,” May said.

Pierce College applied to the UW-REN program in 2008 in an effort to involve the REN program in the endeavor. In 2008, a team led by UW-REN students marked the inaugural year of the project. It is considered a capstone class for the students, who participate in the project from September through June. Fall quarter is spent surveying the land, choosing a site to begin clearing, and writing a proposal that details their plan. The heavy work takes place during winter quarter. The UW-REN team holds work parties on weekends, when they clear the scotch broom and plant Garry Oaks. They also plant native species such as Oregon Grape, Snowberry, and Camas, which will form the undergrowth of the prairie when it is fully grown.

“I think the project is not only great for protecting and re-establishing the oak prairie ecosystem, but it has also helped bring people together from all parts of the Puget Sound community, including those from the University of Washington, Fort Steilacoom Park, the city of Lakewood, and Pierce College students and professors,” Morris, an environmental science major and Pierce College alum, said.

It is still too early to determine whether the endeavor will be successful, but May is pleased with the progress the project is making. “It looks to be pretty successful,” he said. “I’m happy with it.”

The project is estimated to reach completion in 2018, but May acknowledges that this is a tentative date. Elements of the plan are in continual development, and adjustments are made as experience illustrates where changes are needed. One aspect of particular interest is the need for maintenance. Removing the scotch broom does not eliminate the possibility of resurgence, and there must be an established approach for containing the weed.

Additionally, the young oak saplings need care to ensure survival. May hopes that the project will eventually require less maintenance in the future. “We want to have an ecosystem that is low maintenance (and) that is a native ecosystem,” May said. May and Pierce College science instructor Michelle Lafontaine are spearheading the endeavor from the Pierce College side. They serve as facilitators for the UW-REN team, approving proposals and overseeing efforts.
They also encourage their own students to take part in the project, and Lafontaine’s environmental science class participates as part of their curriculum. The students work with the UW team. May hopes to expand the project to include more Pierce-centered components.

“My vision…is to get classes involved and growing native plants in classrooms,” May, who has been teaching at Pierce College for 17 years, said. “That really gives them ownership for community and for place.” May also wants to involve the Pierce College Early Childhood Education program, in addition to local elementary schools and high schools. The goal is to strengthen community connections over a common goal, in addition to providing community members and students the opportunity to volunteer to a necessary cause. “My goal is to make this a sustainable project that can be done year after year.”

May and Morris encourage both Pierce College students and members of the community to consider volunteering with the project. “I think there’s a thirst to do these kinds of things,” May said. “People just don’t know how to go about doing it.”

To request more information, contact Ron May at RMay@pierce.ctc.edu or Krista Morris at Klynnm@uw.edu.

===> Posted on March 15, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College prepares to open new math/science building

Nancy Covert — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:36:19 +0000

Pierce College's new Rainier Math/Science Building. The new facility is scheduled to officially open on May 12, 2010. Photo by Nancy Covert.

A spiral sculpture crafted with dichromatic glass, a rock garden, a planetarium-style classroom, solar panels, “green” roofs — these are just a few of the many amenities featured in Pierce College’s new Rainier Building on the Fort Steilacoom campus. The approximately 70,000 sq. ft. structure, ready for occupancy at the end of March, is scheduled to be formally dedicated on May 12.

An early March visit to the site–east of the current campus–revealed an impressive, contemporary structure, consisting of three separate sections joined by vertical glass structures. Perched on a hillside above Ft. Steilacoom Park–an area that once was part of Western State Hospital’s Hill Ward–construction work on three pod buildings has been underway since 2008.
Read more...

===> Posted on March 9, 2010 by Nancy Covert. No comments.

Pierce College music concert series

Ben Sclair — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:59:14 +0000

Pierce College’s musical groups will be celebrating winter’s end and the start of spring with three concerts in the coming weeks. The low-cost or free concerts are open to everyone and promise a good time for lovers of live music and performance. The shows are as follows:Read more...

===> Posted on March 8, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Korean art featured at Pierce College

Ben Sclair — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:48:30 +0000

The diverse art of local Korean artists will be featured in the spring gallery show at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. The show will run through April 25. A reception for the artists will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 3. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend.

Featured artists include:Read more...

===> Posted on March 8, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College Theatre climbs to the heights with ‘K2′

Ben Sclair — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:11:55 +0000

By Lynn Geyer

Pierce College Theatre’s current production is “K2″ by Patrick Meyers. This is a two-man drama which takes place on a ledge at 27,000 feet on K2, the world’s second highest mountain. Taylor and Harold are stranded at the foot of a 600-foot ice wall. They have made it through the night even though Taylor has fallen and broken his leg and Harold got spiked in the arm by one of Taylor’s crampons.

The two friends are joyful that they survived the night and know they have very little time to make it to the base station before the frigid winds accost them when night falls. Read more...

===> Posted on February 18, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College offering study tour of Japan this summer

Ben Sclair — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:20:14 +0000

Take the trip of a lifetime! Join a 2 1/2-week study tour to Japan, led by Pierce College’s Japanese language instructor Kazuko Howard. The study tour, which will run from June 20 to July 8, will focus on Japanese language, culture, and contemporary life. The program will consist of classroom instruction and visits to various sites in Tokyo. Instruction and lodging (in student guest houses) will be on the beautiful campus of Tokyo’s Tamagawa University. Participants will earn five Pierce College credits for studies in Japanese vocabulary and conversation.

Study tour activities will include:Read more...

===> Posted on February 18, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Annual Spaghetti Dinner to benefit students

Ben Sclair — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:24:06 +0000

The Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, February 19, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at the Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington Street. Proceeds from the event go to scholarships for Steilacoom High School graduates who enroll at Pierce College. The price is $6.95 for adults and $3.95 for children under age 12 and includes spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, salad, dessert and beverage. Advance tickets are available at the Steilacoom Marine & Spirits. Call 584-4177 for details.

===> Posted on February 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College Theatre present K2

Ben Sclair — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:11:22 +0000

Witness the struggle of two men stranded on the world’s tallest peak in the Pierce College Theatre production of “K2,” a thrilling show that will have audiences captivated.

“K2″ runs at 7 p.m. Feb. 17-20 at the BlackBox Theater at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood. Tickets are $5 general admission or $2 for Pierce students, military personnel, and seniors. For tickets, call the Ticket Line at (253) 964-6710.
Read more...

===> Posted on February 8, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

Students named to academic team

Ben Sclair — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:33:25 +0000

Two Pierce College Fort Steilacoom students will be honored as members of the 2010 All-Washington Academic Team at noon March 25 at South Puget Sound Community College. The ceremony recognizes top scholars from community and technical colleges from all over the state with scholarship prizes.

This year, the team members representing Pierce College Fort Steilacoom are Shepherd Engle and Bethany Foster.
Read more...

===> Posted on February 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Fine Arts Gallery celebrates work of college faculty

Ben Sclair — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:29:42 +0000

LAKEWOOD — The Fine Arts Gallery at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom will celebrate the work of Pierce College’s faculty artists in the Faculty Art Show now through Feb. 18. A reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend.

The Faculty Art Show is held every two years and highlights the work of exceptional faculty artists. This year’s show features sculpture from Danella Sydow, paintings from David Roholt, and photography from David D. Johnson.

The Fine Arts Gallery is located at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. For more information, call Gallery Director Jennifer Olson-Rudenko at (253) 964-6535.

===> Posted on January 26, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.