News from Sierra College

May 1, 2008

Sierra College Wrestling Team Receives California Legislature Assembly Resolution

The Sierra College Wolverines Wrestling Team led by Head Coach Ken Wharry and Assistant Coach Don Martinez III were honored by a resolution from the California Legislature Assembly on April 21st at the State Capitol in Sacramento, CA.

The Members Resolution No. 934 states:

Whereas, On December 7 and December 8, 2007, the Sierra College Wrestling Team won the 2007 California Community College State Championship, thus bringing immense happiness and pride to the local community and state, and in recognition thereof, the team members, the members of the coaching staff, and all of those individuals associated with the team are deserving of special public commendations; and

Whereas, Accumulating 146 points, the Sierra College Wolverines’ state title win is the first male sport state championship in school history  and nine of the ten wrestlers sent to the tournament came home with medals, with eight of the athletes earning All-American honors; and

Whereas, Devoting countless hours to training and developing the fullest potential of the members of the team, Coach Ken Wharry was named Head Coach of the Year and Don Martinez, III, was named Head Assistant Coach of the Year; Both have been coaching at Sierra College for the last six years, during which time the Wolverines have obtained 40 state medals, 27 All-American honors, and seven state championships; and

Whereas, the Sierra College Wrestling Team was led by Norman Richmond, who was named Wrestler of the Year, and Erik Nye, who won his second state title and finished off his career with the Wolverines undefeated in the junior college ranks; and

Whereas, also bringing home All-American honors were Chauncey Phillips, Travis Wood, Mingo Grant, Chris Santana, Mike Fucci, Zeth St. Clair, and Alex Howard; and

Whereas, The people of Rocklin can be proud of athletic competitors of the caliber of the Sierra College Wrestling Team, who so admirably represent them in sporting events, and who possess the skill and determination to succeed in their efforts; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by Assembly Members Mary Hayashi and Ted Gaines, That the members of the Sierra College Wrestling Team be congratulated on winning the 2007 California Community College State Championship, commended for the ability that they displayed during the tournament, and conveyed sincere best wished for continued success in the future.

This resolution was presented and sign by Mary Hayashi 18th Assembly District and Ted Gaines 4th Assembly District.

April 29, 2008

Nominations for the Sierra College 2009 Hall of Fame Class

The Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association (WAA) is looking for nominations for the 2009 Wolverine Athletic Hall of Fame to honor its former and current athletes, coaches, and community members.

Nominations may be sent to the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association, c/o Dawn Flannery, Sierra College Athletics, 5000 Rocklin Rd. Rocklin, CA 95677. Please, don’t submit original articles or pictures that may be cherished memorabilia. Provide us with copies and later we may ask for the originals to be displayed at an annual Hall of Fame recognition event.

The deadline to submit nominations for the Wolverine Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2009 is Friday, August 1, 2008.

“This will be the fourth year the college has honored and celebrated our proud athletic history”, states Tim Haenny, Hall of Fame Chairperson. “However we can not do this alone. This is a team effort including our community members that have long been the heart and soul of Sierra College Athletics.”

For more information, call the Sierra College Athletic Department at (916) 781-0583.

April 9, 2008

Construction Begins at the Sierra College - Nevada County Campus

Three New Buildings to be Completed by Fall 2009

At its March Board meeting, the Sierra College Board of Trustees voted to proceed with a construction contract to Sacramento-based Turner Construction Company for the Sierra College - Nevada County Campus expansion and renovation project. Construction mobilization began in March, with temporary fencing going up on the southern parking lots (5 & 6) of the campus and construction equipment beginning to arrive.

With resources previously secured through a voter-approved Measure G Bond in November 2004, construction on the Sierra College - Nevada County Campus will be expanded to include the following new buildings: Two-dimensional Art Building, Three-dimensional Art Building, and a classroom/laboratory building containing lecture rooms, computer labs and science labs. The construction of the site for a new Public Safety Training Center will follow in the fall of 2008.

Sierra College President, Dr. Leo E. Chavez said: “We are very pleased to begin construction of this next phase of campus development. With support from the citizens of western Nevada County, these new facilities will enable Sierra College to offer students a broader range of courses to reach their personal goals and to help build our foothill communities.”

Based on information provided by Turner Construction Company, the Sierra College Board of Trustees expects the first buildings to be completed in time for classes to start in the fall semester of 2009.

April 2, 2008

Sierra Community Chorus Spring Concert Series Tickets still available, but HURRY!

Tickets are still available for the popular Sierra Community Chorus spring concert series, but hurry, they’re going fast! Directed by Lorin Miller and accompanied by Diana Murray Tudsbury, the Sierra Community Chorus is poised to do it again with “That’s Entertainment II,” a collection of memorable music from Broadway and Hollywood presented with the energy, spirit and flair so characteristic of this Chorus. Hear fresh arrangements of familiar songs including “Cabaret,” “Tuxedo Junction,” medleys from “Camelot,” Porgy and Bess,” “Beauty and the Beast” plus much more!  Please access www.sierrachorus.org for more information and to order online or call 916.781.2900. 

Dates, times, and prices are listed below:

• Friday, May 16 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 PM- nearly sold out
• Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 PM– sold out
• Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 PM

Premium seating $24; student/senior $20
General seating $20; student/senior $16
All seats reserved.

Dietrich Theatre, Sierra College campus
5000 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA

There is a $1 parking fee on the Sierra College campus. Parking permits can be purchased at machines located throughout the parking lot.

April 1, 2008

Park Ave. students’ experience building catapults may launch careers

Sierra College CACT Tech-Explorer project inspires students to consider tech careers

Students at the Park Avenue Alternative Education Site asked their principal for more hands-on projects. On Thursday, April 3, they will learn to use mills, lathes, drills and other tools to make catapults. The school site located at 140 Park Ave. in Grass Valley.

According to school principal Mike Tambini, the students are hungry for applied learning projects like the Tech-Explorer catapult program developed by Sierra College CACT (http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php). “As the new principal, I wanted to find out what the students were really interested in so I conducted several focus groups,” said Tambini. “The students said that they wanted hands-on programs so we’ve brought community partners on to the site to introduce technology, health and art.”

The Tech-Explorer project introduces skills that students might use in technical or manufacturing careers. “We don’t have a vocational education program on campus so the Sierra College CACT project could motivate students to consider careers in robotics, engineering, design, electronics, manufacturing and product development,” said Tambini.

Exposing K12 students to technical education is crucial according to Neal Albee, Dean Sierra College Nevada County Campus. “At youngest possible age, we need to expose them to technical educational and career opportunities,” said Albee. Gil Matthew, President and CEO of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council, agrees. “Tech-Explorer is an entry point for high school students to explore technology,” said Matthew. Theresa Wescott, human resources manager for Thomson - Grass Valley, Inc. in Nevada City said that there is a need for technically qualified employees. “There are excellent opportunities for young people who pursue technical education,” said Wescott.  

This short-term, turn-key applied academic project meets State of California secondary education standards. Sierra College CACT provides trainers, shop tools, materials and safety gear. The Sierra College CACT secured a grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Division (www.cccco.edu) for this demonstration project. For more information, contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College Workforce Development and Continuing Education at (916) 781-6244 or go to http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php.

Once the pilot is completed, the Tech-Explorer projects will be available to schools through California’s twelve Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT.org). The mission of the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is to support companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or call 916-781-6244.

March 11, 2008

Catapults launch students’ interest in highly-paid local technical careers

Sierra College CACT Tech-Explorer & mobile shop inspire Bear River Students

Bear River High School students in Grass Valley, CA will learn basic manufacturing skills on Thursday, March 13 at 10 AM and will be introduced to some the highest paid careers in Nevada County. Students will use mills, lathes, drills and other tools to cut, form and assemble metals parts to make catapults.

The goal is to excite students about the tremendous career opportunities in developing and manufacturing products as well as designing, maintaining and repairing automated equipment. The Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) developed the hands-on project to inspire students to seek highly paid technical careers in robotics, engineering, design, electronics, manufacturing and product development.

Manufacturing jobs pay the best

Manufacturing jobs have the highest average wage in Nevada County according to the Nevada County Economic Resource Council (ncerc.org). In 2005, manufacturing represented 6.6% of jobs in the county and the highest average wages -- $48,152. (Nevada County Economic and Social Indicator Review 2007, page 15 - 2005 Employment Development Department, ES202 Data)

There is a growing need for technically adept people according to Gil Matthew, President and CEO of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council. “Sierra College has been a front runner in building the workforce of the future,” said Matthew. “This Tech-Explorer program is an entry point for high school students to explore technology.”

Demand for the technically skilled is rising

Theresa Wescott, human resources manager for Thomson - Grass Valley, Inc. in Nevada City agrees that there is a rising demand for technically qualified employees. “There are excellent opportunities for young people who pursue technical education,” said Wescott.

Thomson - Grass Valley, Inc. director of operations and technology, Stephan Povio agrees. “Despite the news about the economy, drops in the stock market and the housing market crisis in general, I continue to read articles in the electronics industry trade magazines that show there are still lot of engineering & technical jobs available in the electronics industry,” said Povio. “This is particularly true of the telecommunications, aerospace and defense sectors. Well trained engineers are always in demand.”

Sierra College leads in technical education

Sierra College recognizes the leadership it can provide in promoting the value of technical education, according to Neal Albee, Dean Nevada County Campus. “We know that it is critical to reach K-12 students at the youngest possible age to expose them to educational and career opportunities,” said Albee.

Principal Jim Nieto of Bear River High School said that the students who are participating are part of the Business Partnership program and will benefit from the applied academics in this project. “The CACT Tech-Explorer project gives students the opportunity to apply the skills that they are learning in their partnership classes in a real world setting,” said Nieto.  “Geometry makes sense when you use a protractor to measure the angle of the catapult arm. This project lets students learn by doing and reinforces what they’ve been learning with practical application.”

CACT Tech-Explorer Project provides leadership

This short-term, turn-key project makes it easy for teachers to engage students, introduce technology and suggest careers while meeting State of California secondary education standards. CACT Tech-Explorer can be offered in English, history, math and science classes. Sierra College CACT provides trainers, shop tools, materials, safety gear and curriculum standards, making it attractive to teachers without technical backgrounds. The manual catapult can also be modified with electrical, solar and electronic modules. Find the video and information at (http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php).

The Sierra College CACT secured a grant of $121,000 per year for two years from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Division (www.cccco.edu) to establish this demonstration project. The demand is so high for the new program that Sierra College CACT is seeking additional sponsors so it can be offered in more schools locally. For more information, contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College Workforce Development and Continuing Education at (916) 781-6244.

CACT Tech-Explorer Projects Will Be More Available

Once the pilot is completed, the Tech-Explorer projects will be available to schools through California’s twelve Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT.org). The mission of the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is to support companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or call 916-781-6244.

February 22, 2008

In down economy, catapult lifts students’ interest in technical careers

Alder Grove Academy students get their hands on CACT Tech-Explorer

On Wednesday, February 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., students enrolled in the Alder Grove Academy, a paramilitary community school in Auburn, will be introduced to technical careers unlikely to be affected by recession. Students will fabricate parts and build catapults through the hands-on Tech-Explorer project developed by the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) (sierracollegetraining.com). According to Steve Hunter, CACT Tech-Explorer project manager, the program introduces skills that local employers are seeking and encourages students to consider careers designing, fabricating and repairing technical systems.

“Manufacturers, utilities, ski lift operators, managers of building control systems, and companies that operate ATMs and other similar systems are recruiting employees,” said Hunter. “Young people, who can work with tools, use problem solving skills and apply a combination of experience in mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic and computer control systems, are likely to find highly paid local employment even during a recession. Our society depends on these technical systems.” The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics indicates that jobs requiring science, engineering or technical training will increase by more than 24 percent to 6.3 million by 2014.

Alder Grove Academy students are turning their lives around after being referred to the school by the Probation Department, expelled from their school district or referred by the School Attendance Review Board (SARB), explained Joan Berry, Director of Alternative Education for Placer County Office of Education. “These are bright students, many of whom excel when they can learn by doing and see how the academic theory is applied,” said Berry. “The CACT Tech-Explorer catapult project is perfect for our students because they’ll learn how to operate mills, lathes and other tools, interact with Sierra College CACT trainers and be introduced to careers that they may not have considered.”

The goal of the Tech-Explorer project is to provide relevant learning experiences according to Sandra Scott, Director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education for Sierra College.

“CACT Tech-Explorer makes abstract academic theory interesting by teaching students how to use fabrication tools and apply what they are learning to build a catapult,” said Scott. “With baby-boomers retiring, business are recruiting skilled workers and offering highly paid careers. Students inspired by Tech-Explorer can apply for industry apprenticeships, and earn technical certificates and degrees at Sierra College. They can go on to earn four year degrees in design, engineering and manufacturing.”

According to Joan Berry, the Alder Grove Academy also works in partnership with the U.S. Army. “The U.S. Army provides military structure to the school with drills, ceremonies, student counseling, and reinforcing the code of conduct,” said Berry. “The students also dress in military uniforms. Many of the positions in the military develop and require technical skills introduced by CACT Tech-Explorer.”

The ultimate goal of the Tech-Explorer project is to inspire students to consider technical careers and fill California businesses’ need for skilled workers. The Sierra College CACT secured a grant of $121,000 per year for two years from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Division (www.cccco.edu) to establish this demonstration project.

This short-term, turn-key project makes it easy for teachers to engage students, introduce technology and suggest careers while meeting State of California secondary education standards. Tech-Explorer can be offered in English, history, math and science classes. Sierra College CACT provides trainers, shop tools, materials, safety gear and curriculum standards, making it attractive to teachers without technical backgrounds. The manual catapult can also be modified with electrical, solar and electronic modules.

Once the pilot is completed, Tech-Explorer will be available to schools through California’s twelve Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT.org). The pilot program has already been offered at Colfax, Iowa Hill, Oakmont and Mammoth high schools. Demand is so high for the new program that Sierra College CACT is seeking additional industry sponsors so it can be offered in more schools locally. For more information, contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College Workforce Development and Continuing Education at (916) 781-6245.

The mission of the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is to support companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or call 916-781-6245.

Photos available
DVD available
Class visit can be arranged for this or future events.

Sierra College Training & Development
5000 Rocklin Rd., Rocklin CA 95677 (916) 781-6245
Email: training@sierracollege.edu
www.sierracollegetraining.com

February 19, 2008

Sierra College Offers a Unique Study Abroad Opportunity

Oaxaca & San Cristobal De Las Casas, Mexico

May 31 – June 28th, 2008

Instructors Vicki Skeels and Kathleen Taylor have designed a program that will provide students with the rare opportunity of immersing themselves in Oaxacan culture and traditions while becoming actively involved in the community. Oaxacan has peaks almost 10,000 feet (more than 3,000 metres) high, caverns among the deepest in the world, virgin beaches, hidden jungles, and luminous valleys that house populations where, as a crucible, cultures of all people who once lived in its midst come together. Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and the fourteen other ethnic groups still present in its culture and customs; even the Spaniards. Oaxaca is the most diverse state in Mexico.

For the first 3 weeks students will have the privilege to study and explore Oaxacan culture with excursions to local artisan villages, museums, and archeological sites. In addition students may enroll in a personal development class that includes active involvement in the community as a volunteer.

On June 21, the group will travel to San Cristobal de las Casas where students will reside in the Na Balom guesthouse for the remainder of the program while exploring the central highlands and villages of Chiapas.

Program fee $3395 includes round-trip airfare, 21 nights home-stay accommodation in Oaxaca and 7 nights in San Cristobal guesthouse, daily breakfasts, 14 lunches, excursions, transfers and all in-country transportation, Spanish instruction, services of on-cite staff, and much more.

An Information Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2008 in the Library’s Rare Book Room (room 201) on the Rocklin Campus located at 5000 Rocklin Road in Rocklin, CA from 1-2 PM. There is a $1 parking fee on campus. Parking permits can be purchased at machines located within the campus parking lot. All interested parties are welcome.

For more information contact Christine Vona, Study Abroad Coordinator at (916) 781-7198 or cvona@sierracollege.edu

February 19, 2008

Study Abroad Program Heads to Argentina

Sierra College is accepting applications for the Fall Semester 2008 study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This 12-week semester program is scheduled from September 12, 2008 through December 10, 2008.

Studying abroad provides students with a rewarding educational experience, and Sierra College has created an affordable program that offers students the opportunity to advance their studies, learn a new language and live for twelve weeks in one of the most beautiful cities in South America.

The program fee is $5695 and includes roundtrip airfare, 12-weeks accommodations, excursions, medical and travel insurance, services of on-site support staff, and the services of Sierra College program coordinator. The academic curriculum in Buenos Aires includes Geography, English, Communication Studies and Spanish, all CSU/UC transferable units. Accompanying Sierra College instructors are Dr. Alex Amigo, Professor of Earth Science/Geology, and Julie Bruno, Professor of Communication Studies / Speech.

Financial aid may be applied to fees. Seniors are welcome.

For more information contact Christine Vona, Study Abroad Coordinator at (916) 781-7198 or cvona@sierracollege.edu

January 25, 2008

Sierra College to Launch Three Electronic Journals in Spring 2008

Sierra College will launch three electronic journals in Spring 2008 as part of its Sierra College Press project.

Founded in 2002 for the publication of its award-winning Standing Guard: Telling Our Stories, a book chronicling the internment of Placer County Japanese Americans during World War II, the Sierra College Press will be expanding its offerings with the debut of three electronic journals in the weeks ahead.

Beginning the week of January 28, the first of these journals will appear online. It is entitled Snowy Range Reflections: The Journal of Sierra Nevada History and Biography. Published three times annually, the journal will consider the fascinating events and individuals of the region. Dan DeFoe, Sierra College history professor and Executive Editor of the journal, foresees enormous potential for the project. “As envisioned,” DeFoe states, “Snowy Range Reflections will be a fresh and exciting mosaic of history, people, places and events that are the legacy of the Sierra Nevada. Three times a year we shall apply a wide-angle view to capture the region’s rich and evolving heritage. I am proud to be a part of such an important literary endeavor.” The journal can be accessed from the Sierra College website at www.sierracollege.edu/ejournals/jsnhb or by entering www.jsnhb.org

In early February, the Sierra College Press will debut The Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum. Published three times a year, the journal will present information on the Museum and its activities, as well as consideration of natural history topics, with a focus on our geographic area. The Museum is the premier venue for science education in the region. Keely Carroll, Sierra College biology professor, who, along with her colleague, long-time Sierra College biology professor Charles Dailey, is an Executive Editor of the journal, states: “Each of the three yearly editions of the Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum will focus on a particular subject related to science that is accessible to the average reader. Editions that are currently being planned include issues that focus on the Sierra College Natural History Museum, Sustainability, and the Ecology of the Highway 80 corridor. It is my hope that readers will find each edition entertaining and educational.”

Additionally, the Sierra College Press will be providing an online version of the Sierra Journal, the Sierra College literary magazine that has been published by the college since 1959. This journal has featured poetry, prose, and artwork by many prominent artists including Gary Snyder, Pulitzer-Prize winning poet. The journal will launch in Spring 2008.

In 2008, the Sierra College Press is scheduled to significantly enlarge its publication and information outreach. As well as the journals, the Press has the scheduled publication of a Sierra Nevada anthology entitled The Illuminated Landscape and the offering of an information clearinghouse on sustainability and green technology issues.

Information about these journals and the Sierra College Press can be found on the Sierra College website at www.sierracollege.edu. Click on the “About Us” tab and open “Publications” on the menu listing. Then click on “Sierra College Press.”

For more information, call Sierra College at 916-781-7184.

October 26, 2007

United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) Donates $100,000 For Technology Improvements For Sierra College Rocklin Campus Library

The Sierra College Foundation, a non-profit, tax exempt organization that raises money from private donors to support students and programs at Sierra College, announced that the United Auburn Indian Community has donated $100,000 to support technology improvements on campus.

New computers in LRC labs

The donation was used to replace computers and monitors for the student-learning center and foreign language lab in the main campus library. The new equipment was installed in time for students attending classes this fall. In honor of this gift, the student learning center was renamed the UAIC Student Learning Center.

“Education is a major focus of our giving,” said Jessica Tavares, tribal chairwoman of the United Auburn Indian Community. “Sierra College is a vital part of our community and its impact goes well beyond the 40,000 students who take classes each year. We are pleased to help Sierra and strengthen student resources through improved technology.”

Sierra leads in transfers

Sierra College is ranked No. 1 in Northern California (Sacramento North) among community colleges in transfers to University of California and California State University Systems. The College offers more than 78 certificate programs and has seen its student population increase by 48 percent in the last seven years.

The college has gained a reputation based on their excellence in areas such as computer science, math, electronics, nursing, early child hood education, and various other programs.

UAIC supports education

“The United Auburn Indian Community has consistently supported Sierra College and its students,” says Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “We are very thankful that they have chosen to partner with us in our efforts to improve technology on campus. The United Auburn Indian Community shares our commitment to the success of students and enhancing educational opportunities for the people of Placer County.”

UAIC "Outstanding Partner"

In 2006 in recognition of their continued support, the Foundation at its annual major donor reception honored the United Auburn Indian Community as its “Outstanding Partner” of the year. Previously, the UAIC donated money to purchase technology equipment and furniture to establish a Student Learning Center at the college’s Roseville Gateway campus, and they have provided scholarships to qualifying students annually.

The Sierra College Foundation was established in 1972 to give members of the community an opportunity to assist and invest in the development of quality educational opportunities. Those who would like to make a contribution or learn more about the Sierra College Foundation contact the at 789-2920, 5000 Rocklin Road Rocklin, 95677 or visit www.sierracollege.edu/foundation