10-01-2025
From the Office of Dr. James R. Ortez, Interim Vice President of Instruction:
October 1:
1946: The verdict was handed down on 22 of the original 24 defendants in the Nürnberg trials, a series of trials held after World War II in which the International Military Tribunal indicted and tried former Nazi leaders as war criminals.
1960: The Flintstones premiered on television.
1975: In what is regarded by many as the greatest prizefight of all time (the “Thrilla in Manila”), Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier after the latter's corner called a halt to the bout after 14 brutal rounds.
2024: Claudia Sheinbaum is sworn-in as president of Mexico; she is the first woman and the first Jewish person to be elected to the post.
Plus, It’s National Pumpkin Spice Day AND National Homemade Cookies Day AND National Raccoon Day!
It is also the occasion for the monthly/September instructional update! This month I’m doing something a little different - please let me know if this works for y’all; feedback is always appreciated (except for grammar commentary from the English faculty, I ain’t got time for that). I attended many meetings this month, most in support of you, the faculty of Clovis Community College, to continue the magic that you all do for our students.
This month I highlight the accomplishments and cool things happening across the divisions, led by our four superstar deans of instruction. Kristen, Laura, Ruben, and Whitney may not be able to accept cash (or Venmo) tips, but a smile goes a long way.
Humanities & Athletics
H&A division welcomes Matthew Harikian, as the new piano accompanist. Matthew is a native of the valley and is excited to be back in the valley working with CCC students.
Clovis Community College's forensics team competed in its first official Tournament of the season as an institutionalized (not a club) team. They had a strong showing, as five of the nine team members advanced to the final rounds and received Awards. The Golden Gate Opener was hosted by San Francisco State University and attended by 31 colleges, including both 2-year and 4-year institutions from multiple States. As a new team, it is challenging to compete in the overall sweepstakes awards, given that most teams have a significant number of resources invested, having competed for a long time. Out of 31 colleges and universities, we took 10th place overall. I’m listing the students who participated (and where they placed); if you see them in your class, be sure to congratulate them on their fine performance: David Redding (Team Captain) placed 2nd overall in Impromptu and took Bronze in IPDA (International Public Debate). Ellie Ghanbari took 1st place overall in Extemporaneous speaking and went undefeated to take gold in IPDA Debate. Jacob Chaffin-Wall took 5th place in Impromptu and 5th in Limited Prep Oral Interpretation. Ritika Johal took Bronze in IPDA debate, and Omer Syed took Silver in IPDA Debate. Shout out to Samantha Young, Sierra Hart, Nic Cameron, and Mareena Mohab for being true ambassadors of our college, as many of the coaches and judges reported how kind and respectful Clovis competitors were during the tournament. If you have any questions about the team, feel free to contact the head coach, Nathan Wensko, at nathan.wensko@cloviscollege.edu.
Natural and Health Sciences
OTA graduates from Cohort 4 are excelling on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a key step in becoming certified to practice. Of the 13 graduates, 11 have already taken and passed the exam on their first attempt, an outstanding accomplishment!
The PCSDE Division and Biology Department will host a Student Meet and Greet on Friday, October 3rd, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the MESA Center (AC1-118). Each discipline will present a few slides highlighting their faculty members and career opportunities within the field. Following the presentations, students will have the opportunity to mingle and connect informally with faculty. The goal is to help students feel a greater sense of belonging on campus while building connections with peers and both current and future instructors outside the classroom setting.
On Friday, September 19th, the CCC Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program had the opportunity to visit California Health Sciences University (CHSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) where MESA students connected with current medical students, gained hands on experience using mobile ultrasounds and Simulation Lab/HoloLens learning, and were presented with incredible information on the path to medical school. So many of our pre-med students walked away not only motivated but inspired to practice in the valley and at CHSU! Check out CHSU's recap of our visit: CHSU x MESA Visit
And on September 22nd, our MESA students were so warmly welcomed to California State University, Fresno by the Center for Access to Science for All (CASA) where students received an in-depth tour that provided them with information on CASA, showed them through the incredible Science building, and gave them special access to see research labs and connect with current Fresno State students conducting research on-campus. We definitely have future Bulldogs and CASA students in our MESA program!
Social Sciences
Dr. George “Patrick” Fontes is participating as a board member for the Community Center for the Arts and Technology, a program servicing children in downtown Fresno. The program brings the history of Mexican American heritage and uses arts and technology to engage children. Patrick also has a personal project highlighting the history of lowrider cars and culture in the central valley.
On September 18th, Charlotte Samuels and the Clovis Law Society sponsored a Constitution Day event -Due Process v. Deportation- here on campus. The event was well attended by over 100 students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and community members. The event was highlighted by guest speaker Oliver Ma, a student panel, and several students asking very brave questions.
Our Early Childhood Education program continues to develop partnerships across the Central Valley. This month, they hosted Fresno State and the PK-3 ITEP group in our Child Development Center for a regional meeting. Thank you to Heather Boynton for serving on that leadership group and further developing partnerships for our students.
The Education department continues to work with the K16 Collaborative and develop opportunities for future teachers in all subject areas. Dr. Megan Bennett has been working with faculty across the campus in developing mentoring partnerships in different disciplines for students to connect with faculty in their respective areas. Be on the lookout for upcoming events such as STEM Day!!
Mona Rocha recently co-published “Once More, with…Psych: The Dark Comedic Musical Conceptual Play” in Slayage: The International Journal of Buffy, 23.I, (60) 2025.
Physical & Computational Sciences and Distance Education
AgTEC started a new cohort September 2. There are currently 20 students enrolled, with 3 more starting in October. We welcomed new Senior Program Specialist – Brittany Zenz - and she has been a wonderful addition helping to get students interested and enrolled in the program and they are looking forward to the new Student Success Coach for AgTEC joining in October. Dr. Juan Carlos Cervantes and a now complete staff are actively recruiting and guiding students through this dynamic program set at the Herndon Campus.
Chemistry research has begun for the 25-26 school year. There 5 groups serving about 40 students are led by Dr. Shawn Jones, Dr. Derek Dormedy, Crystina Cuila, and Tyler Johns. Projects include: “Water Wars: A Chemical and Sensory Study of Bottled vs. Tap Waters”, “Temperature Deviation Between Green Spaces and Asphalt”, “LC-MS Reconditioning with a Focus on Analysis of PFOA and PFAS in Water Samples”, and “Synthesizing CdSe Quantum Dots”.
The Chemistry Department will be hosting a Majors Meet and Greet Day – Oct. 3 12:00 – 2:00 in AC3 for all Chemistry Majors to come meet their instructors and learn about college resources.
Finally, a big box of grace and thanks to Castine, Erin (double thanks for your smooth handling of Athletics during a season with a new sport that doesn’t even play home games in the same zip code), Katrina, and Vicki, and Leslie. Without you all, this is all a mess.
Some quick reminders:
- Please update your personal emergency contact information (just in case)
- Encourage your students to do the same
- If you are scheduling a guest speaker, please alert your division Dean. Not for permission, but so that we can make sure the proper security arrangements are made, if necessary. We want ALL OF YOU safe.
- Put PD on speed dial on your phone: 559-244-5911
- Know your rights! www.cloviscollege.edu/about/immigration-resources.html
Don’t forget to hug a raccoon today, or bake some cookies...
