“Because Clovis North is in such close proximity to Willow International, we were very excited to work with them to establish some amazing opportunities for our students,” said Carol Shanahan, head counselor at Clovis North High School and coordinator for NCCAP.

“The goal of this program is to provide a college experience for students who may have difficulty seeing themselves in college…” – Carol Shanahan, head counselor at Clovis North High School

Willow International, the newest SCCCD campus, and Clovis North both opened around the same time in the fall of 2007. Shortly after, administrators at both campuses began discussing ways to work together to benefit students. NCCAP is based on a similar program at Madera Center that provides students with dual high school and college credit for courses taken at the college center.

Last year, 19 Clovis North students were selected by their counselors and given the opportunity to enroll in two college-level courses for each of the fall and spring semesters at Willow International. The courses included sociology, public speaking, nutrition, and psychology.

“The college identified courses that would meet both two- and four-year college general education or major requirements,” said Deborah Ikeda, vice president of Instruction & Student Services for the SCCCD North Centers.

Credit and encouragement

“The goal of this program,” Shanahan said, “is to provide a college experience for students who may have difficulty seeing themselves in college or who may have some personal issues that hinder their outlook on the possibility of college.”

The students are selected to participate by their guidance counselors, who are familiar with the students both academically and personally. The initial cohort was limited to 19 students, based on the students’ GPA, work ethic, motivation, personal situation, and other factors. Both the students and their parents must agree to the terms of the program.

“We feel it is very important that parents understand what the program entails and that they understand the commitment that is to be made,” Shanahan said. “NCCAP students are now college students for part of the day. They are beginning their college journey, and we want parents to be aware of the schedule difference, the type of classes, and how this program connects with Clovis North.”

The college classes are scheduled to coincide with Clovis North’s first and second class periods. After the college classes, students are able to simply walk across the street to their next high school class.

The cost to each student is minimal. All registration fees are waived, and the student is only responsible for purchasing required textbooks and supplies. Once finished, the students have earned 12 college units of credit, and fulfilled their high school graduation requirements.

“The first year of the program went very well,” Ikeda said. “The college faculty felt the high school students did an excellent job and the program ran very smoothly.”

“Everyone—teachers, parents, and students—had nothing but positive feedback,” Shanahan added. “Students understood from the beginning that both their college and high school classes were their responsibility and one did not take precedence over the other.”

All 19 of this year’s NCCAP students will attend a college or university in the fall.

“I feel the NCCAP program gave many of the students the confidence they needed for a successful future that may not have happened otherwise,” Shanahan said. “I could not be prouder of them.”

The future

Next fall’s NCCAP cohort has been selected and registered. Again, there will be 19 students and they will take the same four college courses.
“In the future, and as the budget allows, I hope that we can increase the enrollment in the program,” Ikeda said. “This is a highly successful model of transitioning high school students into college level work.”

John Perkins (left) with former Reedley College football coach and now adminstrator Michael White.

In March, the California Community Colleges Football Coaches Association inducted John Perkins into its Hall of Fame for his time as assistant football coach at Reedley College.

Perkins joined Reedley College as assistant football coach in 1970, under head coach J.R. Boone. When Boone left Reedley College to coach at Fresno State, Perkins served as head coach from 1973 to 1977. He continued to serve as assistant football coach until 1994.

Perkins played football in high school and community college before transferring to California State University, San Jose, where he played on the university’s first team to ever defeat Stanford.

Perkins joined Reedley College as assistant football coach in 1970, under head coach J.R. Boone.

In 1960, he began coaching high school football. During his first year coaching at Sanger High School, he led the team to a Valley Championship. In 1971, Perkins joined the coaching staff at Reedley College, helping lead the team to a State Championship.

Ed Kezirian a former player of Perkin’s, said, “I had the honor of playing for coach Perkins in 1970 and 1971. I also feel coach Perkins was instrumental in my scholarship to UCLA and my two years of professional football. I was prepared fundamentally to deal with the running and passing game.”

Perkins was later appointed Reedley College athletic director, and was named Athletic Director of the Year by the Athletic Directors Association in 1994.

During his more than 40 years at Reedley College, Perkins has coached baseball, track and field, and wrestling. Although he retired as athletic director in 1994, he continues to coach the men’s golf team.

After graduating from the University of California, Davis, Janice worked for the County of Fresno before joining the staff of FCC in 2000.

Janice has served on the Asian American Faculty & Staff Association, as well as the AsianFest Committee, helping to put on AsianFest, the annual celebration of Asian culture that drew nearly 2,000 community members to the Fresno City College campus in April.

Janice led the FCC Fall Carnival, which provides safe environment for children to trick-or-treat on Halloween. Last year’s event drew almost 1,300 visitors. She also helps organize the annual Outstanding Leadership Awards to recognize student clubs and organizations. For the past few years, she has also been the FCC site team leader for the Kids’ Day fundraiser, as well as Welcome Week coordinator. It seems there aren’t many campus events that Janice hasn’t had a hand in.

Activities build well-rounded students

“FCC is a very supportive and service-oriented organization, and has always strived to put the needs of the students first.” –Janice Wong, college center assistant

“FCC is a very supportive and service-oriented organization, and has always strived to put the needs of the students first,” Janice said.

She believes the work of Student Activities, and co-curricular activities in general, are an important part of developing well-rounded students: “Activities provide hands-on learning and leadership development opportunities,” she said. “The social interaction and campus involvement also help many community college students balance academic, family, and work commitments.”

Student interaction is what Janice enjoys most about her job.

“Many students come into the Student Activities office because they want to get involved,” she said. “I’m reminded of my college days when I did the same thing, and my experience was positive and memorable. I want to be able to provide the same type of service and guidance that I received as a student.”

Janice’s work serving and guiding students has now been recognized in the form of the Classified Professional of the Year Award.

“It means a lot to me to know that hard work, and doing the right thing, does pay off,” she said.

Dr. Hioco’s career in higher education began more than 35 years ago. She was an instructor at Boulder Valley Technical Education Center in Boulder, Colorado, where she taught courses in computer information systems and office administration. She later taught at Fresno City College, before becoming the Title III and grants coordinator for SCCCD. She next worked for West Hills Community College District as dean of instruction, vice president of educational services/assistant superintendent, and eventually college president. She was appointed president of Reedley College in 2004.

“Reedley College is a wonderful place to work,” Dr. Hioco said. “From the first moment I stepped onto campus as president seven years ago, people made me feel welcome and part of the Reedley College family. I feel privileged to have worked with such professional, caring, and talented people who exemplify the ‘students first’ concept each and every day.”

More students, more facilities, more tech

“I feel privileged to have worked with such professional, caring, and talented people who exemplify the ‘students first’ concept each and every day.” - Dr. Barbara Hioco

As president of Reedley College, Dr. Hioco oversaw an increase in student enrollment, as well as an increase in the number of students completing certificate and degree programs and transferring to four-year colleges and universities. Online programs have also increased, along with faculty and student access to technology. New facilities and renovations—including a new residence hall, a new student center, a library expansion, and more—have transformed the face of Reedley College under Dr. Hioco’s watch.

The most important and significant change, Dr. Hioco said, is the expansion of programs and services for students.

“Reedley College offers many extra services to help our students succeed,” she said. “Students are able to overcome potential barriers to their academic success with the use of our counseling services, tutorial services, scholarship and financial aid, veterans services, outreach, and other campus resources.”

For Dr. Hioco, community colleges are an important and necessary part of any community.

“I have always believed in the importance of community colleges,” she said, “and this importance is evident today more than ever. Community colleges offer access and opportunities to people in our communities that no other institution can. We are able to design programs and services that are unique to the communities we serve at an extremely affordable cost. I believe that community colleges are an economic development engine that can have a positive effect on the economic vitality of our state and of our country.”

Staying involved

After she retires as Reedley College president, Dr. Hioco will continue to teach in the educational doctoral program at California State University, Fresno, and she’ll remain involved in a variety of fundraising activities. She’ll also continue to support higher education in the Valley as executive director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC), an association of 27 colleges and universities throughout the Center Valley.

“By working as the executive director of the Consortium,” she said, “I will be able to continue my advocacy for higher education and stay connected to and contributing to the profession that I love.”

She’ll also be spending plenty of time with her husband August, their four grandchildren—Emily, Alex, Andrew, and Nicholas—and their two dogs, Maggie and Mitch.

“In looking back at my career in higher education, I can truthfully say that I would choose the same career all over again,” Dr. Hioco said. “I cannot think of any other profession that is more rewarding or that can have a more profound effect on peoples’ lives.”

Sammy and his sax.

Ten years ago, Sammy “Pro” LoProto never would have expected he’d be re-entering college in his late fifties. But, as a real estate broker in the Bay Area, the burst of the nation’s housing bubble took its toll on his business. Working at a Fresno real estate firm, Sammy noticed the prevalence of college-educated salespeople and knew he had to stay competitive.

“I decided it was time to finish the college education that I started nearly 40 years earlier,” Sammy said.

In January 2010, Sammy began attending Oakhurst Center with the intent of continuing his education and improving his musical performance skills as a saxophone player. He immediately knew it was the right decision.

“I was overwhelmed by the camaraderie I had with educators and fellow musicians,” Sammy said. But his aspirations soon outgrew the Oakhurst Center campus and he decided to take courses at FCC too.

“I was overwhelmed by the camaraderie I had with educators and fellow musicians.” –Sammy “Pro” LoProto

“Jumping in at Fresno City College, I was pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the campus and the enthusiasm of the students and the teachers,” he said. “In particular, the Music Department chair, Larry Honda, was a beacon of light. He kept me focused on the sax and love of music, and propelled me into the fulfillment of education.”

As Sammy continued his musical education during summer school (even using his saxophone as an audiovisual aid in his speech class), he also kept an eye out for new opportunities.

“In the Fall semester, I had a chance meeting with my next hero, Dr. Dympna Ugwu-Oju, Journalism Department chair at FCC,” he said. “I took her up on an offer to join the newspaper production and news writing classes. I found it to be addicting and fruitful.”

It was only once the fall semester had ended that Sammy realized he had completed 39.5 units since starting in January. But that wasn’t all.

“I never took notice of my GPA,” Sammy said. That is, until the president of the academic senate called and told him to pick up my dean’s list certificate. He had completed those 39.5 units with perfect 4.0 GPA.

This spring, Sammy continued writing articles for the Rampage, the FCC newspaper. In all, he has published nearly 30 articles in both the print and online editions.

“Over my two short semesters with the Rampage,” he said, “I have interviewed a wide spectrum of celebrities, educators, and administrators. I had to pinch myself when I did a face-to-face interview with a childhood hero, Chubby Checker, who was a featured performer at the Big Fresno Fair in October 2010. I had to explain to the rest of my twenty-something-year-old classmates who he was.”

What’s next

While the state budget cutbacks and enrollment reductions call into question his transfer to Fresno State, Sammy is determined to continue his education.

“Obviously my education will never stop,” he said. “And even though I will be 59 in July, a B.A. in journalism and a master’s in communication are well within my grasp. My future plans are definitely related to the future of education in California. I would love to teach middle school music and write for relevant musical publications, such as Jazz Times or even Downbeat or any mainstream music magazine. If the new retirement age is 70-plus, there’s even a chance I could teach journalism right here at FCC.”

Whatever Sammy decides, he’s just getting started.

Sammy lives in Oakhurst with his wife, who is also an accomplished musician.

Lion Dancers performed at midday.

Each year, on the last Saturday of April, Fresno City College hosts AsianFest, a celebration of Asian cultures. It’s the culmination of the college’s Asian American Month, and is intended to showcase and share Asian food, music, and arts with the community.

“The purpose of AsianFest is to give back to the community,” said Maile Glover, event coordinator and president of the FCC Asian American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA).

“AsianFest gives Asian Americans a connection to their soul.” –Maile Glover, event coordinator

AsianFest was started in 2004 by FCC instructor and AAFSA founder John Cho as a way for the larger community to participate in the events of Asian American Month. The event continues to grow each year.

A member of the Polynesian Club of Fresno dances with fire.

Beginning at noon, attendees watched cultural performances hosted by local television personality Margot Kim. Performances included dances from the Philippines, Cambodia, China, India, and Polynesia. There was also a special presentation to Chai Vang, son of General Vang Pao, the Hmong leader who passed away earlier this year.

“AsianFest gives Asian Americans a connection to their soul,” Glover said. “It impacts everyone who experiences the sights, sounds, and beauty of AsianFest.”

The rhythms of the Fresno Gumyo Taiko Drummers were heard throughout campus.

“AsianFest is the premier Asian cultural festival in the Central Valley, and it grows each year,” Glover said. “This year in particular, the high school Mandarin speech contest was well attended by students from Buchanan, Clovis West, Madera, Hoover, McLane, and Fresno High.”

She continued: “It is exciting to be part of an association that is passionate about sharing culture, helping students, and improving our community. My gratitude goes out to the over 175 cultural performers and volunteers who made AsianFest so successful.”

Margaret was raised in rural Fresno County and graduated from Caruthers High School.

She began her career in law enforcement in 1980 when she was hired as the first female police officer in the City of Kerman. At the time, the landscape for women in law enforcement was very different. Margaret wore men’s shoes and uniforms because they weren’t available for women. There were few women role models to look up to, so Margaret depended on the guidance of supportive male mentors.

“I never wanted or expected to be promoted or given an assignment just because I was a woman.” —Margaret Mims

“I never wanted or expected to be promoted or given an assignment just because I was a woman,” she said.

In 1983, Margaret became a deputy sheriff for Fresno County. She became the first female sergeant to supervise field patrol units, and went on to become the first woman to achieve the ranks of lieutenant, captain, and assistant sheriff.

During her time as deputy sheriff, Margaret also earned a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University and a master’s in public administration from National University.

She was elected Fresno County Sheriff in 2006.

As sheriff, Margaret is responsible for managing more than 1,000 sworn and non-sworn personnel, managing Fresno County jail and detention facilities, and providing security for the countywide court system.

Her decades in law enforcement have earned Margaret numerous awards, but she and her husband Gary see their two children, Jacklyn and Randy, as their greatest achievement.

“That’s probably the most important contribution I made to society,” she explained: “the great kids I raised and leave behind to grow up and contribute to our communities.”

Margaret is this year’s Reedley College Distinguished Alumnus.

This year, the challenge was open to other area colleges, in addition to those at Fresno State. The first, second, and third place winners earn cash prizes to help develop their businesses. There is also a $1,000 People’s Choice prize for the student whose YouTube video receives the most “likes.”

Of 175 submissions, 20 were selected as semi-finalists. Among those were Fresno City College students John Olson and Rick Castaneda.

John’s business, J’s Trippel Vent Cleaning, would serve local homes for chimney, air conditioning duct, and dryer vent cleaning.

Rick’s idea, The Selling Sign, is an eye-catching, magnetic “For Sale” sign for automobiles, RVs, and boats.

Although neither John or Rick’s idea made it through to the finals, they are both still eligible for the People’s Choice award. All the semi-finalists’ videos can be seen at the Lyles Center YouTube page. Viewers can cast their vote by clicking “like” on their favorite video. Voting closes on Friday, April 29 at noon.

An Oxford-style debate is different than the debates on television during presidential elections. It plays out like this:

1. Before hearing arguments, the audience votes on their position.
2. Next, each side presents its argument.
3. The audience can then make comments, ask questions, or introduce new points.
4. Once the audience participation time is over, the debaters respond to every single comment made.
5. At the end, the audience votes again on their position.

The side that gains the most votes (compared to the vote at the beginning) is declared the winner.

“Once you have attended this kind of debate, any other kind will seem too meek and superficial.” –Cynthia Elliot, English instructor

“This debate is supposed to be loud and participatory,” said English instructor and event organizer Cynthia Elliot. “Audience members are encouraged to clap, stomp their feet, hiss, boo, and cheer as they listen to the arguments.”

Imported from England

The event is the longest-running annual event held at Willow International. It began in 2003, when Elliot taught the District’s study abroad program in Kingston, England.

“Once a week, my Critical Thinking students and I would troop together to the basement of a Methodist church where local lawyers, professors, and members of the Oxford Debate Society used this method to debate whether or not the UK should go to war in Iraq, whether or not it was more difficult to live in the 1900s or the 1800s, and other topics,” Elliot explained. “We were hooked on the adrenaline of fine logic and sharp wit. We were determined to bring this debate style back to Clovis/Fresno.”

The first Oxford-style debate was held at Willow International later that year. Each year, Elliot organizes the event, determines the topic, chooses the participants, and opens the debate before handing it over to a student moderator. Past debate topics included the repeal of Title IX, allowing naturalized citizens to run for president, and the legal right to privacy.

The debate is an educational experience for both the debaters and the audience. It serves as a practical example of rhetoric in critical thinking, and illustrates the importance of audience engagement when trying to persuade.

“We need this kind of stimulation in politics,” Elliot said. “More reflection and evidence in public presentations. Once you have attended this kind of debate, any other kind will seem too meek and superficial.”

The seventh annual Willow International Oxford-style debate will be held Today, April 14 at 7 p.m. at Willow International Center in AC1-150. The public is invited and welcome to participate (latecomers will be seated during breaks). For more information, contact Cynthia Elliot at (559) 325-5270.

SCCCD Chancellor Dr. Deborah G. Blue at the Renaissance Feast for Scholars

Each year, the State Center Community College Foundation holds the Renaissance Feast for Scholars to raise funds for scholarships and the general benefit of the colleges and campuses of the District. The event—which includes dinner, live entertainment, and a live auction—is held at the historic Fresno City College library.

“The event was started seven years ago because the Foundation needed to raise scholarship money,” said Foundation Executive Director Gurdeep Sihota He’Bert. “The idea was to make this fundraiser unique and entertaining, so attendees would enjoy coming back to it. The feast idea came from the Renaissance Festival that used to be held at Fresno City College.”

This year’s theme, The Queen Goes to India, celebrated Indian art, music, and culture.

Last year, the general theme of the English Renaissance was taken “on the road.” Now, each year, the queen travels to a different part of the world (all without leaving the FCC library).

“This way each year is a different experience,” Sihota He’Bert said. “Plus, it reflects who we are as a District: diverse!”

In 2010, the queen traveled to Spain, where guests were treated to traditional Spanish entertainment. This year’s theme, The Queen Goes to India, celebrated Indian art, music, and culture.

On March 12, guests gathered in the historic Fresno City College library for the seventh annual Renaissance Feast. The night began with a social hour. Guests mingled while being entertained with traditional Indian music by renowned sitar player Aloke Dasgupta, accompanied by his wife Sanjukta on the tambura. The social hour was followed by dinner, the live auction, and a student speaker. Two Indian dance groups provided additional entertainment.

Sihota He’Bert believes this type of unique fundraiser is beneficial to both the District and those who attend.

“It provides attendees with a unique opportunity to travel to another country and experience some of the food, decor and entertainment,” she said. “This year we had a large number of people that dressed up in Indian attire, which really added to a very colorful evening.”

This year’s Renaissance Feast raised over $100,000 in scholarships. The Foundation is already preparing for next year, Sihota He’Bert said: “We will be taking our patrons to the Orient, which I know will be another amazing experience!”

For more information about the Renaissance Feast for Scholars and other fundraising efforts, visit the State Center Community College Foundation website.