DEcember 2019

Employees WOW 1Chile Cook-Off Draws Spirited Crowd 1Flag Raising Ceremony Pays Tribute to Veterans 2Wall of Courage 2Nuno Receives EOPS Scholarship 2Alumni Men of Worth Concert 3Watkins - Trust Your Gut 3Hispanic and Latin Heritage 3Campus Open Houses 4

Woodberry Passionate About Helping Others 4Cerro Coso Fall Band Concert 4Tehachapi Apple Festival 4President’s Circle Luncheon 5Raphael New CDC Teacher 5Students Make Time for Podcasting 5Coyote Chat 5Foundation Feature: Amazon Smiles 6

Inside this Issue

Employees WOWThe College launched a new “WOW” employee recognition program in October for students and their peers to acknowledge the outstanding service of the classified staff. “Our classified staff make a substantial contribution to this college through their work, and we value and appreciate their efforts. To show our appreciation each employee who receives a “WOW” note from a student, fellow staff member, faculty, administrator, or community members will be recognized for the positive difference they have made in that individuals life.” All WOW recipients receive a personal Jib Jab e-mail card from the president, balloon, and certificate of appreciation. Those receiving the first awards included: Candy Caine, IWV Receptionist; Kristin Foster, IWV DA II Counseling (3); Michael Erskine, System Support Specialist; Rachel Barksdale, Access Programs Assistant; and Kim Blackwell, ESCC Ed Advisor. October recipients include: Sarah Land, ESCC DA II; Dolores Bowers, KRV Access Programs Assistant; Ayanna Spivey, KRV Ed Advisor; Heather Bopp, KRV Learning Center Technician (2); Ursula Napala, KRV Custodian (2); Inge Olsen, KRV Department Assistant III (3). “WOW” and “Thank You” for making others feel special. Connected. Valued.

Chili Cook-Off Draws Spirited CrowdA spirited crowd of students, faculty, classified staff, and administrators enjoyed bowls of chili on a beautiful but crisp fall afternoon in the quad of the Ridgecrest Campus on October 31. The International Club’s Annual Chili Cook-Off is always a hit. Student Clubs brought in a wide variety of homemade chilis, each with a distinctive flavor, and participants voted for their favorite. The Latinos Unidos club graciously passed on the “golden ladle” to the International Club at this year’s event. Second place went to the Veterans Club, third went to the Latinos Unidos club, and the Game-On club placed fourth. A big thank you to all clubs for their participation in the event. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

President Jill Board and her assistant Jennifer Curtis prepare to deliver the first WOW Recognition Awards to Cerro Coso employees for their outstanding service to students and the college.

Student Gabriella Campbell serves up a bowl of chili made by the Game On Club.

Nuno Receives EOPS ScholarshipStudent Zulema Nuno is the recipient of a $750 Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) Scholarship. A first-generation college student, Nuno came back to school after becoming a single parent to two children, Luna Isabel and Joseph Daniel. Not only is she a full-time student and working for the Counseling Department at Cerro Coso Community College, she is currently part of EOPS, CARE, and CALWORKS programs. Once accepted into EOPS in 2018, Zulema saw the opportunities offered by the program, such as financial and counseling support. Grants and scholarships from the program made it possible for her to be financially independent and provide for her family. She received immense support from the EOPS staff for educational and personal counseling. This is where Zulema found her second family within the school community. She believes that EOPS has made her the successful student she is today. After receiving her Business certificate of achievement in 2019, she will receive an Associate’s degree in Business Administration in spring of 2020. Zulema’s academic goals include transferring to a University in fall of 2020 for a Bachelor’s degree, and eventually she plans to go on and earn a Master’s Degree. Directed. Focused. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Wall of CourageMilitary and Veteran Services at Cerro Coso invited ALL military/veteran students and staff to participate in the 2019 Wall of Courage, a display of photos and basic service information of Cerro Coso Community College’s military/veteran students, alums, volunteers, faculty and staff members. Coffee and cake were served in honor of those who worked in our Armed Forces. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

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L to r: Penny Talley, EOPS & CARE Director and Professor, student Zulema Nuno, and Access Programs Director Pam Campbell.

Flag Raising Ceremony Pays Tribute to VeteransThe student Veterans Club of Cerro Coso held a Flag Raising Ceremony in honor of veterans on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at the flagpole at the Ridgecrest Campus. Bill Bloom, Director of Veterans Affairs delivered welcome remarks, noting the importance of paying tribute to the flag and to the nation, and also honoring those who raised their hands to defend their country. For student veteran Omar Grajeda, watching the raising of the American flag to commemorate Veterans Day and kick off Veterans Week, the event stirred memories of his time in service to his country in the Marine Corps. Grajeda, who was among the speakers at the ceremony, shared the benefits of his service. “I served 5 years in the Marine Corps, “ he said. “It not only provided me the opportunity to find a good job here on base, but it gave me the chance to go back and further my education. I want to thank those who support our veterans and active duty military and their families,” he continued. The flag raising ceremony, led by U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, was attended by students, staff, faculty members, and administrators. Music provided by Music Professor Tom Foggia. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Alumni Men of Worth ConcertMen of Worth featuring Donnie MacDonald and James Keigher once again delighted an Indian Wells Valley audience when they appeared in concert at Cerro Coso Community College on Friday, November 22nd, courtesy of the Cerro Coso Alumni Association. The concert featured the very best in Celtic music–songs that come from past generations as well as stories from present day observations. Donnie MacDonald, a Scotsman, and Jimmy Keigher, an Irishman, combine music with humor in a very special union that leaves an audience

laughing and cheering for more. On stage, they perform with octave mandolin, accordion, bodhrans, guitar, banjo, and mandolin, while singing their songs in both English and Gaelic. Their vocals are rich with

harmony and strong in unison. Together Men of Worth have a simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, remain true to the music and story. They have been recording and performing since 1986 and have gained popularity from audiences all over America, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Hispanic and Latin HeritageBishop Campus celebrated Hispanic and Latin Heritage with flags on display in the commons area to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic and Latin Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Nurtured. Connected. Valued.

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Watkins – Trust Your Gut

Krystal Watkins will serve as the new Program Coordinator for the Incarcerated Student Education Program (ISEP) in Tehachapi. Watkins’ background is in accounting and finance for both private and government nonprofit sectors. While staying at home and raising her two fiery, red-headed daughters, ages 5 and 7, she helped start a nonprofit organization and served as treasurer. Excited to be at Cerro Coso, Watkins is looking forward to helping develop and expand the reentry side of the ISEP. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and is currently working on her Masters of Accounting with a CPA track from DeVry University Keller Graduate School of Management. The motto she lives by is “trust your gut”. Welcome to Cerro Coso, Krystal. Directed. Focused.

Happy Holidays!

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Woodberry Passionate About Helping Others

Erica Woodberry, the new Student Service’s Assistant in Access Programs, is passionate about helping others succeed. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Woodberry is a Navy veteran, having served 5 years. Her family recently relocated to Ridgecrest from Lemoore when her husband Adriis’ duty station changed to NAWS China Lake. She attended West Hills Community College in Lemoore before transferring to California State University, Fresno, where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Woodberry and her husband have three children, Eniciyah (11), Einya (10), and Adriis Jr. (5) and she believes in the moto “If you first don’t succeed, try, try again”. Welcome Erica and thank you for your service. Directed. Focused. Nurtured.

Cerro Coso Fall Band ConcertThe Cerro Coso Band presented their fall concert on Thursday evening, November 21. An array of musical pieces were performed that paid tribute to Vietnam, Woodstock, and other eras. Music has always had the power to evoke emotion and the College band concert featured “Black Granite” by James L. Hosay which is a tribute to the valor, courage, and honor displayed by the men and women of the U. S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam conflict. Also dating from that era was music from Woodstock that featured the selection “Summer of ‘69” arranged by Ted Ricketts, that guaranteed to bring back memories! For the younger audience, the band stirred up memories through the “Harry Potter Symphonic Suite” by John Williams and Robert W. Smith. To bring a smile to the audience, the band also played “March of the Cute Little Wood Sprites” by PDQ Bach, “Instant Concert” by Harold L. Walters and “What’s Up at The Symphony?” by Jerry Brubaker. Rounding out the concert and setting the stage for the holidays was “And the Mountains Echoed: Gloria!” by Robert Longfield. The Fall Band Concert was a delightful celebration of the fall season. The Cerro Coso band is composed of gifted junior and high school students, college students, and adults (some professional) directed by Debra Veit. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Tehachapi Apple FestivalThe CCCC Foundation hosted the Cerro Coso booth at the Tehachapi Apple Festival, two days of “Apple Goodness” that featured tons of new apple related items and food. More than ten thousand attended this year’s event and Cerro Coso was there. Connected.

Campus Open HousesThe Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes campuses all rolled out the red carpet and held Open Houses for spring 2020 classes. An Open House allows prospective students, parents, and the community to get a real feel for the campus. They all provided tours of the facilities and the opportunity to speak with professors, staff, and current students. Information was shared on campus resources, student activities, and specific academic programs. Counselors and financial aid representatives were on hand to assist with applications, registration, and education plans. Directed. Focused. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

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President’s Circle Luncheon

The CCCC Foundation’s President’s Circle offers a unique opportunity to join a select group of like-minded people united to make dreams come true for others. On Thursday, October 24, 2019, a small group of people with a common goal joined in a commitment to support the college and its students. Members recognized at the luncheon included: Diamond Level – Mather Bros. Inc.; Platinum Level – Ridgecrest Regional Hospital; Gold Level - Desert Valley’s Federal Credit Union, and Silver Level – Jan Bennett. “We are truly grateful for your partnership. As part of the President’s Circle, you share a special place of distinction in shaping the Cerro Coso community through your boundless generosity,” said College President Board. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Phi Theta Kappa student officers about their fundraising efforts for the Relay for Life, developing a legacy to share with future generations, giving students a voice through a new podcast called “Tumbleweed Talks,” and their upcoming Honors in Action project. Nurtured. Connected. Valued.

Raphael New CDC Teacher

Meet Nicole Raphael, a new Child Development Center Teacher in California City. Born in Germany, Raphael lived throughout the United States and Europe until she was 19, while her father served in the Air Force. She has lived in: England, Chicago, Colorado, Arizona, Turkey, Germany, Indiana, and California, and took many trips to other countries and states throughout the years. She is the mother of three girls, Amy, Karen, and Jennifer, and has four grandchildren. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Technology from Victor Valley College; three Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts, Child and Family Education, and American Sign Language from Antelope Valley College; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Northridge. Focused. Nurtured. Connected. Valued.

Students Make Time for Podcasting

According to Edison Research, 24% of Americans have listened to a podcast in the last month and that number continues to rise. Podcasts have become a place where listeners go to gain knowledge and grow. To give students a voice, the students of Cerro Coso have created a new podcast, Tumbleweed Talks, a place for students to share and hear about their fellow students perspectives on college. Listen to the latest episodes on Anchor, Spotify, or find them on Apple Podcasts. New podcasts are released on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Tumbleweed Talks provides valuable, in-depth information from students to students. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Coyote ChatThe last Coyote Chat of the semester was held in the college lecture center on Tuesday, November 26th, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. with guest speakers Sarah King, Tom Foggia, and Tyson Huffman. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Photo Caption: Student Brynn Turpin, Cerro Coso President Jill Board, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital CEO Jim Suver, CCCC Foundation member Jan Bennett, and students Cameron Reese, and Abigail Voigt .

Coyote Chat

The Coyote Howler is a publication of Cerro Coso Community College. For more information about the stories in this publication, or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Relations

Director, at 760-384-6260 or email ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

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About this Publication

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Amazon SmilesThe CCCC Foundation Inc., is a participating member of AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the CCCC Foundation every time you shop. Simply go to smileamazon.com from your web browser on your computer or mobile device and choose the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation for your charitable organization. It is your same Amazon account. Your shopping cart, wish list, registry, and other account settings are all the same. On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to select the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. AmazonSmile will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make through AmazonSmile will result in a donation to the CCCC Foundation. Share, share, share—what an easy way for family and friends to support the work of Cerro Coso every time they shop! Directed. Focused. Nurtured. Valued.

FOUNDATION FEATURE

December 3, 2019