November 2016

$22,000 Grant to Lower Textbook Costs 1

Helping Students Prepare for Next Step 1

Pizza and Politics 2

Students Shine on Clean-up Day 2

Popcorn Sharing 2

Brown Receives Coca-Cola Leaderof Promise Scholarship 2

Spring 2016 President’s List 3

October Meet and Greet 3

ESCC Midterm Potluck 3

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree LocallyJust Got Easier 3

Staying Safe When the Earth Shakes 4

Sabor Latino 4

Parker Promoted to Library Tech II 4

Celebrate What’s Great at the DEF 4

Potten on the Right Path 5

Kathy Buckley Empowering Change 5

Giants Sweep Coyotes in Fast Match 5

Lebsock Retires After 37 Years 6

Foundation Feature: 2017 ScholarshipApplication is LIVE 6

Inside this Issue

Helping Students Prepare for Next StepThe transfer process can be intimidating to many college students. The CCCC Counseling Department seeks to make the process as simple as possible by hosting a number of workshops and activities during Transfer Awareness Week. A first for Eastern Sierra campuses in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, transfer week activities kicked off with staff members dressed in their alma mater logo wear to serve as inspiration. Transfer services, activities, and resources

assist students to navigate through the transfer admission and major preparation requirements, application timelines, transfer admission agreements, and college selection. It’s a great time for students to meet with university representatives and ask questions in preparation for transfer. “Reach high, for the stars lie hidden in your

soul. Dream deep, for each dream precedes the goal.” – Mother Teresa

$22,000 Grant to Lower Textbook CostsCerro Coso students are getting some help with the pricey cost of textbooks. The college has received a $22,000 grant from the California College Textbook Affordability Act of 2015 (AB 798) to save students money by empowering professors to adopt high quality, free, and open educational resources (OER) for course materials. The high cost of textbooks has become a serious obstacle to the affordability of a college education. The average community college student pays $1,300 annually for textbooks. That represents about 40% of the total cost to attend a California community college. Looking for ways to help ease the sting of high textbook expenses, Cerro Coso Librarian Sharlene Paxton and English Professor Melanie Jeffrey led the charge to apply for the grant. With the support of students, faculty, and administrators they created and submitted a plan that describes the faculty’s commitment and readiness to effectively use grant funds to support the adoption of OERs. The grant will allow faculty to adopt OERs for 22 courses across disciplines at the college to alleviate some of the economic burden textbooks present students. “When we make college more affordable, we make the American dream more achievable.” – Bill Clinton

Staff sporting their alma mater logowear to inspire students (l to r): ESCC Counselor Greg Kost, Ed Advisor Kim Blackwell, and Courtney Diffner, Access Adjunct Counselor; IWV Counselors Karee Hamilton and Missy Gross and new Ed Advisor Terri Hack.

Pizza and Politics The Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) hosted Pizza and Politics in the quad at the Ridgecrest/IWV campus on Tuesday, October 18th, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The goal of the event was to engage students in free-flowing discussion on the importance of voting and share information about the issues that matter most to students. Pizza was served while students gathered to hear presentations by local candidates. Ridgecrest Mayor

Peggy Breeden encouraged students to research the topics and vote from their own hearts. Whether it’s their love for politics, free pizza, or maybe a desire to see a good debate…whatever the reason, the event was well attended. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

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Brown ReceivesCoca-Cola Leader of Promise Scholarship

CCCC student Britney Brown has been awarded the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship through Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Brown (16) is a high school student concurrently enrolled in classes at Cerro Coso’s Ridgecrest/IWV campus. She will graduate from high school this December and is currently undecided on a major. An accomplished musician, Brown enjoys acting in the theater, and recently performed a leading role in the Ridgecrest Musical Enrichment Society’s production of Little Women: The Broadway Musical. Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the scholarship is designed to provide new members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society with financial resources to help defray educational expenses while enrolled at a two-year college. Up to 200 scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded nationally every year based on applications submitted by members. Congratulations Britney!

Popcorn SharingPopcorn is a fun, social snack, and a perfect conversation starter. The Student Services United Club served up fresh popcorn in the quad on October 13th. The club used the occasion to raise funds and share with their classmates. The Student Services United Club provides Access Program students the chance to develop leadership skills through the presentation of various campus and community activities and cooperation with other organizations. The club seeks to educate the college and community about ethnic-cultural diversity and about the needs and contributions of disabled and economically challenge people. Who doesn’t like an occasional bag of delicious buttery popcorn? It’s healthier than a candy bar. “Love is sharing your popcorn”. – Charles Schultz.

Students Shine on Clean-Up DayThe Beta Kappa Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa teamed up with the RidgeProject and Rusty Warren’s Automotive to host a College Heights Clean-Up Day on Saturday,

October 15, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The winds showed no mercy but their spirits remained united and determined to accomplish their goal to keep their neighborhood clean. Students, staff, and community members worked hard to remove trash and debris along College Heights Boulevard and the surrounding desert. The event was a fantastic opportunity to make the college neighborhood shine and to develop a sense of pride in the community and responsibility for making it environmentally healthy and safe for all. If we as a community don’t step up to help each other, then who will?

SGCC President Gideon Ondap shares the importance of getting out to vote with a student during the SGCC event Pizza and Politics.

Student Services United serving up popcorn in the quad (l to r): Loraine Coggin, Logan Line, Shawna Soard, and Anthony Cummings.

DaylightSaving

Time EndsNovember 6

October Meet and Greet IT Director Michael Campbell introduced the college Information Technology Team at the October Meet and Greet held on Wednesday, October 19th, in the Gymnasium. Hosted by the Staff Engagement Committee the purpose of this event is to welcome new staff members and recognize staff member promotions and those receiving permanent status. Recognizing the most important thing an employee needs to learn in a

new position is the people, these events are designed to enhance staff relationships and to make new staff members aware of the circle of support available to them at the college. “Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” – Stephen Covey

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree LocallyJust Got Easier

Cerro Coso and Bellevue University have created a partnership to help students earn a bachelor’s degree locally. Now students don’t have to leave the area to continue their education. Bellevue’s online accelerated degree programs can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students who have graduated from Cerro Coso will get credit for what they have completed, starting with more credits and allowing them to finish their bachelor’s degree sooner. Bellevue University offers over 50 career-related bachelor’s degrees in an online format that line up well with Cerro Coso’s offerings, and students can utilize the library and computer labs at the college as part of the partnership. Interested students can meet with outreach and recruitment specialist Veronica Chavez in her office located on the Ridgecrest Campus in Modular 7. Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution located in Bellevue, Nebraska. Cerro Coso’s partnership with the university starts with recruiting students to complete their two year degrees with the college and then transitioning them to Bellevue for their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Bellevue offers many financial perks to Cerro Coso students and employees. A determined mind and a strong will bear endless possibilities!

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Spring 2016 President’s ListCerro Coso Community College is proud to announce that 180 students have made the President’s List for the Spring 2016 semester. The list is comprised of all students who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.75 while earning a minimum of 40 grade points in a given semester. “It is a goal of Cerro Coso Community College to recognize students who have significantly excelled in their academic studies. The presence of students with high academic standards serves as an inspiration to both faculty and students alike,” stated Jill Board, President of Cerro Coso Community College. The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become.” - Harold Taylor.

ESCC Midterm PotluckESCC Learning Assistance Center adjunct faculty members Jason Abplanalp and Leigh Duggan collaborated with students in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes to host ESCC’s Midterm Potluck at both sites on October 11th. Some of the delicious dishes donated by faculty and students were tostadas de tinga, pasta alfredo, pineapple upside down cake, hot donuts, chocolate chip cookies, and rice krispy treats. Why have a pot luck for mid-term exams? Why not! Jason and Leigh believe that food brings us all together and that sharing nourishing food during stressful times helps students to relax and feed their minds. The Midterm Potluck was a huge success allowing students to take a break from their studies, unwind, and recharge! Food for the mind creates light for understanding and awareness!

(L to R): Natalia Smith, Mallory Barlow, EOPS Counselor Courtney Diffner, Stefanie Jackson, and Melissa Orozco.

(L to R): Paul Kuttig, William Velasquez, Kenny Taylor, and Mike Campbell

Nov. 11 - Veteran’s Day

Nov. 24-25 -Thanksgiving Holiday

College Closed

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Celebrate What’s Great at the DEFIt is fall and that means the days are shorter, the mornings are cooler, and the evening sunsets are breath-taking. It’s also the season for lemonade, laughter, and the Desert Empire Fair (DEF). In many ways, the DEF is a lot like Christmas. It comes only once a year and requires extensive advance preparation followed by lively bursts of fun and exhilaration. An iconic piece of Americana with a rich history stretching back over centuries, people embrace local fairs as an opportunity to set the rest of life aside and enjoy the sights, sounds, and feelings that combine to create an experience that is unquestionably unique, while at the same time timeless and familiar. Three days, 42 employees and students, and more than 108 volunteer hours is what it took to staff the college’s booth at this year’s fair, October 21-23. The DEF is an annual showcase of people’s creativity and artistry and provides the college with a unique opportunity to interact with the community in a dynamic and exciting environment and share the many valuable resources the college has to offer. Who knew LIFE could be this good…the Desert Empire Fair?

Sabor LatinoThe Latinos Unidos Club celebrated the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans with authentic and delicious dishes during Hispanic Heritage Day on October 13th in the quad at the Ridgecrest/IWV campus. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the cultures and traditions of those who can trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The annual celebration is observed from September 15 to October 15. The Latinos Unidos Club aims to engage members in outreach activities to let underrepresented populations in the community see that education is a viable option and to offer an opportunity for Latino students to develop leadership skills through participation in campus and community wide activities. De gustibus non est disputandum - Of tastes there is no disputing.

Staying Safe When the Earth ShakesDisasters may happen, but how they affect us depends on how well we prepare to survive and recover. On October 20th at 10:20 AM all campuses of Cerro Coso Community College practiced Drop, Cover, and Hold On, and safe evacuation during the Great California ShakeOut. Cerro Coso is committed to educating students, employees, and the community about the importance of earthquake preparedness. Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in California, so be prepared. The college used this opportunity to practice how to prepare for, survive, and recover from a damaging earthquake. During this year’s drill the college reviewed and updated the Emergency Action Plan, tested the college phone and emergency notification systems, and practiced safe evacuation. “Regular and frequent emergency response training ensures we are prepared to address any emergency,” stated Safety Coordinator Paul Wheeler. “Practice makes preparedness and the Great ShakeOut allows us to practice to reduce chaos and confusion during an emergency.” More than 28.4 million people participated in this year’s Great ShakeOut worldwide. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like afterwards.

Parker Promoted to LibraryTech II

Congratulations to Rebecca Parker on her promotion to a full-time Library Technician II. Parker joined the library staff in 2012 as a part-time Library Technician I. A 2006 graduate of Cerro Coso, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University. A passion for books runs in her family, as her mother, Sue, worked in the college library for many years before retiring in 2010. Parker replaces Kathryn Lulofs, who left in August. Way to go Rebecca!

Latinos Unidos Club members (l to r): Yasmine Ramos, Jorge Castro, Susana Ramirez, Laura Avina, Brenda Sepulveda-Pérez, and Henry Palacios.

Student Jenna Daugherty encourages fair goers to spin the wheel and test their knowledge of Cerro Coso Community College.

Kathy Buckley Empowering ChangeActress, writer, producer, author, humanitarian, and one of the country’s leading motivational speakers, Kathy Buckley shared her unique life experiences at Cerro Coso on Wednesday, October 5th, in the Gymnasium. Kathy’s stories inspire laughter, break down barriers, and empower change in a way that leaves everyone knowing that they can overcome anything. A five-time American Comedy Awards Nominee as Best Stand-Up Female Comedienne and the winner of countless other awards for her work,

Kathy bears her message that anything can be achieved when the heart and the mind work together. Her extraordinary story is truly amazing to all who experience it. Kathy encourages her audiences to remove the labels that society has placed on them, as well as those they have placed on themselves; empowering them to make changes, awakening the unlimited potential inside. The event was paid for by the Student Development Fund and was opened to the public. “The key to change is to let go of fear.” – Rosanne Cash

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Potten on the Right PathHow do you know which passion, interest, or idea to pursue? And what do you do if there’s not just one thing that excites you? The good news is…you have options. Like so many others before her, new Learning Center Technician Kelly Potten explored many different career paths before joining Cerro Coso: travel agent, skin care/esthetician, and nursing, but she always felt education was where she really wanted to be. A 2010 alum of Cerro Coso’s Nursing Program, Potten was born and raised in Ridgecrest and is planning to pursue her bachelor’s degree in education. She moved to Seattle in 1997 and lived there for almost a decade, before returning in 2006 to be near family. She says she misses the rain and green scenery of Seattle, but loves the mild desert winters of Ridgecrest. A newlywed, Potten married her husband Chris in March of this year and the two are raising his two children, Alyssa (10) and Colin (13). Potten’s hobbies include traveling, hiking the Sierras, painting, and gardening. Potten is enjoying her work with Cerro Coso students, staff, and faculty and feels she has found the path in life that fits her strengths and passions. Cerro Coso WELCOMES Kelly!

Giants Sweep Coyotes in Fast MatchPhoto and story by Christopher Livingston compliments of the Daily Independent

The Cerro Coso volleyball team’s final home match of October ended in a one hour sweep by the College of the Sequoias’ Giants 25-16, 25-17, 25-17 Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the McCue Center. With the Lady Coyotes feeling the pressure, Godinez went on the offensive. Down 24-10, she spiked the ball, which landed close to the net on Sequoias’ side, to keep Cerro Coso alive. The Giants committed an error to extend the match, which gave way to an ace from Courtney Bennett and then another Godinez kill to make it 24-16. “I think (Godinez) dug deep right there,” Young said. “She was frustrated and used that to her advantage.” But the Cerro Coso rally eventually ended with a Giants kill to give them the 1-0 match lead. The final set featured no ties, as the Giants jumped out to an early lead and kept the pace. Teuscher had three kills that each ended Giants rallies, but they quickly recovered to win 25-17, earning the sweep. Their next home match will be Sophomore Night on Nov. 4 against Fresno.

Niki Martinez (14) reaches out to dig up an attack from College of the Sequoias during the Central Valley Conference match at McCue Center.

The Coyote Howler is a publication ofCerro Coso Community College.

For more information about the stories in this publication, or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie Dorrell,

Public Information Manager, at 760-384-6260 oremail ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

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About this Publication

2017-18 Scholarship Application is LIVEThere’s money waiting to help students pay for college. The 2017-2018 scholarship application is now live at https://kccd.academicworks.com/ Please take advantage of all the resources available to you at https://www.cerrocoso.edu/studentservices/financial-aid/scholarship-opportunities Students who complete an application, including two recommendations by the due date will be considered. You will be notified if you have been selected to receive a scholarship in April 2017. More than $100,000 in scholarships available, $30,000 available to students majoring STEM programs of study. The online automated scholarship system is the fast and easy way to apply for the many scholarships offered by the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation. Don’t wait, apply TODAY. You’ve got big dreams…the CCCC Foundation will help you reach them!

FOUNDATION FEATURE

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Lebsock Retires After 37 YearsGale Lebsock, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, retired at the end of September. Lebsock’s understanding of the district’s accounting and budgeting processes have proven invaluable to Cerro Coso over the year. Known to have one of the best memories on campus, she has served in many positions during her distinguished career at the college including: Clerk Typist, Payroll Clerk, Accounting Technician, Business/Personnel Assistant, Accounting Supervisor, Assistant Director of Business Services, Director of Business Services, Director of Administrative Services, Director of Finance and Administrative Services, before being promoted to Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services. In addition to budgeting and financial analysis, food service, mail room, maintenance and operations, and college facilities united under her leadership. She joined Cerro Coso in 1979 and saw many changes in her 37 year career working under seven college presidents. While the core of her work remained the same, other things have changed. Lebsock remembers a time when there were no computers on the desks, entries were made manually with calculators, paper ledgers, and pencils, and calculation errors meant long hours of tedious work. Today’s new technologies have lowered the margin for errors, mistakes are often easier to find and correct, and the job gets done much faster. The campus, too, has changed immensely in that time, from a single building on the hill to what now serves as a comprehensive campus

including Occupational Labs, East Classroom Wing, Child Development Center, Gymnasium, Athletic Fields, Learning Resource Center, and the facilities in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. Lebsock worked through the infamous asbestos closure of the main building in January of 1988 to its current closure for remodel. She watched the college expand its services into Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Kern River Valley, and Tehachapi. Named Classified Senate Staff Member of the Year in 2002, Lebsock is also a 1982 alum of college. “I want to thank President Board and every member of the CCCC community for the support and friendship I have received during my time with the college,” Lebsock expressed. “It has been so rewarding to help grow this institution to the powerhouse it is today. I also want to thank the devoted staff from the Business and Administrative Services. They are the silent heroes that make this institution run so seamlessly.” To mark her retirement, Lebsock spent her last day hosting the College Star Party alongside fellow administrators, faculty, and staff for more than 300 community members. Retirement will bring many changes for Lebsock, moving from office to home, from keeping hours to keeping busy having fun. No more Mondays, weekdays are the new weekends, and she is now free to spend as much time as she wants with her family, three grandchildren, and husband Hank. Cerro Coso thanks Gale for her many years of dedicated service. We will miss her and wish her all the best in retirement.