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Subscribe to the Centralia College News feed:RSS feed icon 04/28/08
Centralia College selects diversity honorees
The clocktower at the center of the Centralia College campus is much more than a reminder to students of class time. It is a tribute to extraordinary people of diversity who have made the region better by their inspiration, industry, art or other talent. The clocktower has, since the early 1990s when it was erected, been a monument to diversity. On Thursday, May 8, the college will hold a dedication ceremony to honor two individuals who have made the world a better place by their contributions to society. Selected for honors are Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney and Tomás Villanueva, regional leaders whose efforts have improved the fortunes of people in every walk of life.

Gutierrez Kenney is a member of the state House of Representatives, representing the 46th Legislative District, who has long been an advocate of educational opportunity and the rights of individuals. She has been a champion of minority rights but has vigorously defended the rights and opportunities for all people.

Tomás Villanueva emigrated from Mexico as a teen and followed the crops with his family. He attended Yakima Valley College and began working to gain equality and basic rights for migrant farm workers in Washington. He founded the first privately funded farm worker's cooperative in the state, built the first farm workers medical clinic and a community service center for the predominantly Hispanic migrant workers in the Yakima Valley. Villanueva was the founder and first president of the United Farm Workers of Washington, gaining collective bargaining rights, minimum wage contracts, and coverage of farm workers under state labor laws.

A formal dedication ceremony will be held in front of the Centralia College Clocktower on May 8, beginning at 1:30 p.m. After a welcome by college president Dr. Jim Walton, the keynote speaker for the brief ceremony will be Uirel Iniguez, executive director of the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs. The public is cordially invited to attend the dedication. Refreshments and a chance to meet the honorees follow in the college cafeteria. For further information, contact Candy Layman, college events coordinator, at 736-9391, ext. 605.

04/02/08
Former Centralia College trustees to gather
When the Community College Act of 1967 was passed by the Washington state Legislature, all the state's community and technical colleges were granted autonomy from local school districts. Each would instead be governed by a local Board of Trustees. It was at that time that Centralia College's first governing board of five trustees was formed. Since the initial appointments, 27 local community leaders have served as members of the Centralia College Board of Trustees. Each was appointed to represent a geographical region within the college's service district, which includes all of Lewis and portions of southern Thurston counties.

On April 10, the majority of the trustees–including the five-member current board–will be honored at a reception at Centralia College. Most of the original board is still in the area, and many later appointees are also nearby residents. Some who live long distances from Lewis County have indicated they also will be on hand to meet with the community and chat about the early obstacles the college faced and the successes it achieved.

The public is invited to attend the reception April 10 at 3 p.m. in the college boardroom in the Hansen Administration Building, located at the corner of Walnut and Rock streets. The reception is an important way to recognize the personal commitment each board member made to the college and to the region, according to Dr. Jim Walton, college president. "These are the honored elders, the leaders of our college family," Walton explained. "They defined the course we are following to become one of the best small colleges in the west, and we value their experience and wisdom. Our past trustees are an irreplaceable resource to Centralia College." The initial board included Anne Caldwell, Ernie Hamilton, Tom Koenninger, Vernon Martin, and George. F. Warren. All were appointed by Gov. Albert Rosellini and confirmed by the state Senate. For further information on the reception, call Candy Layman at Centralia College, 736-9391, ext. 605.

03/28/08
Money for education abounds for college bound
It has been said that low tuition cost is the best form of financial aid for a college education. At Centralia College financial aid looks even better. While tuition rates remain among the lowest in the state, never before has so much money been available to pay college tuition and related expenses. Different packages from a variety of sources are available to pay costs, which can add up to over $1,000 per quarter. The payment packages are not all based on income. One, a $100,000 offering from the state, pays most of the tuition costs of anyone impacted by the December 2007 storms that devastated portions of the region. About the only other requirement for the storm tuition relief package is that the individual must enroll at Centralia College, either on the main campus or at Centralia College East in Morton. Funding is available until the money runs out.

“It is an opportune time to at least investigate whether you might benefit from one of these packages,” said Scott Copeland, director of Enrollment Services. “Never before, at least as far as I know, has so much money been made available to help with college costs” he said.

Another of the headliner packages is Opportunity Grants, a state-funded program that can pay all tuition, fees, books, and some equipment costs, as required. There is over $300,000 available through this grant, which may be continued through the coming year. “This is a program that the state initiated to help low income families train for careers that would raise their standard of living and provide employment stability,” said Copeland. The fact that it can pay 100 percent of college costs makes it exceptional. Those who enter the program need to meet certain income requirements and enter one of nine programs, all of which have been deemed as high-demand fields. High demand indicates that state officials have identified them as ones most likely to have family-wage jobs available in the region.

Worker Retraining and WorkFirst are two that have long been backbone programs for college education funding. Funds come from the state on a regular basis through grants. “With Worker Retraining we take in individuals who are drawing unemployment or who have drawn unemployment compensation in the past and are still not working,” said Bev Gestrine, who heads the program. “If they choose to enter one of the college’s professional/technical programs we will pay tuition and books. We also work with displaced homemakers who need to provide for themselves.” The same financial offer applies to individuals who come to college through WorkFirst, a program that caters to underemployed family members who want to upgrade their employability. Candidates must have children and enter one of the college’s professional/technical training programs.

Still another source is the TransAlta community transition funding made available when the company’s coal mine ceased operations in 2006. TransAlta agreed to pay college expenses for former mine workers and their dependents, and they could enroll in any college class. About $500,000 was set aside to initiate training programs and fund tuition payment requests.

In addition to these sources, prospective students are still able to qualify for tuition funding options through federal sources. People who may not qualify for tuition support can take advantage of the college’s time payment program, which allows students to make monthly payments throughout the year rather than the single, larger tuition payment at the beginning of each quarter. The influx of tuition support funding has been a result of legislative mandates, state grants, and regional weather-related and economic impacts. They have come together to offer an unprecedented opportunity for anyone thinking about attending college, said Walton. “The cost of going to college shouldn’t be a barrier to almost anyone who wants to come to Centralia College,” said Dr. Jim Walton, college president. Individuals wanting information on these funding opportunities need to contact Bev Gestrine at Centralia College by calling (360) 736-9391, ext 351.

03/27/08
College Health and Wellness Center remodel underway
Work is now underway on the $5 million remodel of the Centralia College Health and Wellness Center (HWC), which includes the gymnasium. The major remodel is expected to conclude by the end of the calendar year and will add 5,000-square-feet of classroom, exercise, lab, and office space, plus greatly improve the building’s heating and ventilating systems. The remodel will include work on the gym adding new bleachers and replacement of men’s and women’s locker room facilities. Team Construction Inc., of Vancouver, Wash., is the general contractor for the project.

“We are excited about the remodel project,” said Dr. Jim Walton, college president. “The Health and Wellness Center is a significant resource for this college and for the community. Not just the athletic teams but everyone who uses the facility including those who are working out or taking part in medical rehab to those watching an event will benefit. The remodel will add quality to their experience.” Walton added that based on the reputation of the contractor and review of other projects in the region, the college “can be assured of quality work on this important project.”

Spring classes and gym usage should not be restricted until May 16, after which there will be no usage of the facility. Plans call for fall quarter classes that would have been held in the HWC to be held at off-campus locations yet to be determined. It is expected that the gym will be ready to host basketball games that begin in December of this year. According to Steve Ward, the college’s vice president for Administration and Finance, construction will take place in phases. The first phase will involve the south end of the building, pushing it more than 60 feet into what is now the parking lot. The large outside wall mural depicting Centralia High School circa 1925, will be lost although the college and the Centralia College Foundation are exploring ways to recreate the mural.

Perhaps the most visible outside change will be the revamped Walnut St. entrance. The current entrances from Walnut St. were back doors to the gym when it was built in 1936 and the high school was located just south of the gym. The remodel calls for a main entry mid-way between the two existing doors serving as the main portal to the building. The new entry, which pushes the building out to the Walnut St. curb, will feature a ticket booth, concession area, and small conference room.

Of the $5 million needed for the project, four million dollars are available through state remodel and repair funds, a matching grant offered by the state, and the Centralia College Foundation anticipates raising $1 million to match that grant to polish off the funding needs. The HWC is one of three major construction/remodel projects in the works or in planning stages for the college. The Science Center, a $32 million, 70,000-square-foot facility, is scheduled to be open for classes with fall quarter 2009, and construction is on schedule. The College Commons, a building that will match the Science Center in size, will likely get predesign funding from next year’s state Legislature.

03/05/08
Now may be the best time to enroll

Spring 2008 Class Schedule coverThere may be no better time to begin your quest for training for a great new career. By starting your education now at Centralia College, whether it's in one of the quality professional/technical programs or in classes that start or continue you toward your four-year college degree, you may find all or portions of your tuition paid. Spring quarter classes begin Monday, March 31.

"Individuals who qualify will find that the road through college, at least financially, is paved," said Dr. Jim Walton, college president. "With the programs we have in place, there may be no better place and no better time to enroll and have your tuition and other expenses paid." Visit the college's Financial Aid Office or call 736-9391, ext. 234; or call the WorkFirst/WorkForce programs office at 360.736.9391, ext 351.

Opportunity Grants
Opportunity Grant funding is one example of full tuition payment. Qualifying individuals can get started on a career path at Centralia College in Nursing, Assistant Nursing, Criminal Justice, Electronics, Robotics, and Automation (ERA), Early Childhood Education, Accounting, or Civil Engineering. These have been identified as training programs that help students enter and progress in high-wage, high-demand careers. The grant will pay tuition for up to 45 credits over a three-year period. Read more about Opportunity Grants below.

Storm Tuition Relief
For those impacted by the December storms, whether loss was a result of water damage, wind, or job loss, a significant portion of tuition costs will be paid. Read more about the Tuition Relief Program below.

Displaced Workers
Others who may be displaced workers or who qualify based on certain income levels, may find that Centralia College programs will pay all or portions of tuition costs. Contact Bev Gestrine at 736.9391, ext. 351, to find out how you can get started on career training.

Tuition Payment Plan
One of the hottest programs going is the Tuition Payment Plan, which allows you to make payments over the course of the quarter or year. Students who are unable to pay full tuition all at once will have the option to "pay as you go." This interest-free payment plan is offered through the Nelnet Business Solutions/FACTS e-Cashier. Students taking classes that do not start and end with the regular quarter dates, are not eligible to participate in the payment plan. To sign up for the program, see Tuition Payment Plan.
Financial aid exception: If you have approved or anticipated financial aid, scholarships or a third party contract that will cover your tuition and fees, contact the registrar and your classes will be held (do not sign up for the tuition payment plan). If anticipated financial aid, scholarships or third party contracts are insufficient to pay all tuition and fee charges, you must pay the difference by the tuition deadline.

02/14/08
College names new head basketball coach

Jason MoirJason Moir, 28, who is the Centralia College men's basketball assistant coach, will take on head coaching duties at the conclusion of this year's campaign. Moir, also employed in the college's Student Support Services (SSS) program, will replace Dave Klovdahl.

Klovdahl, with 18 years as an assistant and then as head coach at Centralia College, is stepping down. "I had an epiphany after our first league game this year," he said about his decision to retire. "I realized I just don't have the time or the energy needed to do the recruiting and recruiting is essential to a winning basketball program. It's time to step back and do something different," he said. Klovdahl will continue as the college women's golf team coach. He is also a half-time math teacher at Centralia High School.

"We appreciate the dedication of coach Klovdahl and what he has done for the program. He has worked hard to make each student athlete a better person. Certainly, we respect his decision to resign from basketball," said Bob Peters, athletics director. "At the same time, we look forward to having Jason lead the team, knowing he brings a lot of energy and has great passion for the game."

Klovdahl began coaching basketball in 1968, leading a junior high school team. For the past 40 years he has also coached at high schools and at the college level. He worked with Blazer head coach Bob Peters and then took over the head coaching reins when Peters became full-time athletic director in 2000. "It's been a lot of years and it is something I've enjoyed. One of the things I will miss the most is the relationship with the players. That has been most gratifying," said Klovdahl. His teams qualified for the Northwest Athletic Association of Community College (NWAACC) tournament several times during his tenure. His 2006 Blazer team took home a 5th place trophy.

Moir came to Centralia College in 2001 and played one season under Klovdahl. He accepted a position with the college in student government that took him off the court the following year but he became Klovdahl's assistant in 2003. "Jason is a student of the game. He loves basketball and has great rapport with the players," said Peters. "Even when he wasn't coaching or playing, Jason would find time to work out with the Blazers and find other ways to be a part of the program." Moir, who will continue his administrative duties with the college, said he is looking forward to the challenges that come with the head coaching position. "I'm looking at some pretty good players to bring in next year. Basketball at Centralia College will be an experience that will provide structure, discipline and will be fun," said Moir. "The style of basketball we run will largely depend on the players we bring in."

12/19/07
Opportunity Grant funds available to Centralia College
It is predicted that at least 75 percent of the jobs of the future will require at least some college education. Barriers to education that include the cost of tuition and books can be bypassed at Centralia College for those who qualify under the Opportunity Grant Tuition Assistance program. The Opportunity Grant was created to help low-income adults begin a career development process. The funds can be used to get students started right away in a college program and help fill needs that traditional financial aid alone cannot.

Qualifying individuals can get started on a career path this winter quarter at Centralia College in Nursing, Assistant; Nursing; Criminal Justice; Electronics, Robotics, and Automation (ERA); Early Childhood Education; Accounting; or Civil Engineering, programs that have been identified as helping students enter and progress in high-wage, high-demand careers. The grant will pay for up to 45 credits over a three-year period.

"It's important for people who want to improve their chances for a better paying job to contact us," said Bev Gestrine, who manages the college's Workforce Intake Center. "We can quickly make a determination and get people started on a great career." Individuals are urged to contact Gestrine by calling (360) 726-9391, ext. 351. Centralia College has been given $340,000 to pay for students' educational expenses. Money qualifying students receive from an Opportunity Grant may be used to pay for tuition, fees and required books and supplies. Grant funds are available for those who enter winter quarter, which begins Jan. 2, 2008. Registration is now underway.

"This grant will help make college accessible to people who might otherwise not be able to afford it," said Gestrine. "It is an excellent way to get people started, to keep them here until they complete a training program and help them move into a great career," she said. "This is an excellent program that can have a tremendous impact on people throughout our community."

12/14/07
Tuition Relief Program available at Centralia College
In response to the devastation caused by widespread flooding throughout the region, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is making funds available to Centralia College to provide significant financial relief for those impacted by the catastrophic event. Anyone who has suffered a loss resulting from the flood may be eligible for tuition relief. Loss may include personal property, living accommodations, vehicles, or employment. The tuition relief offers holds only for winter or spring quarter. Winter quarter begins Jan. 2, 2008. Dr. Jim Walton, president of Centralia College, said that anyone who believes he or she has suffered because of the flood and who may face a hardship making a tuition payment, needs to contact the college's office of Financial Aid by calling (360) 736-9391, ext. 234.

"Lives have been and continue to be disrupted in ways that cannot be imagined," said Walton. The State Board has been working with the local colleges to find ways to help students affected by December storms and is expected to make this offer official when it meets on Wednesday. "No one should abandon or put off starting a college education or job training program because he or she cannot afford to pay tuition during this time of crisis. We hope this tuition relief will allow individuals to continue their education while rebuilding their lives at home."

The tuition relief offer is available at Centralia College and has been extended to students at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen and South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, areas that have also suffered severe storm damage. "This unprecedented event has again demonstrated the personal relationships that exists between the faculty, staff and students of our colleges and the communities we serve," said Walton.

12/11/07
Criminal Justice program grows
When Elizabeth Lasley was working in the state's temporary job pool when she interviewed for a position with the Department of Corrections. She had little idea that it would lead to a job that would kindle a passion for a career fighting crime. It did and it brought Lasley to Centralia College's growing Criminal Justice program.

For information on the online Criminal Justice degree program, see the Criminal Justice Online Web site.

"I wasn't sure what I was getting into but I thought I would be doing general office work," said Lasley, a first year Criminal Justice student. Her job puts her in the role of conducting criminal investigations with Labor and Industries offenders.

"This is great for me. I am able to go into a prison to meet with offenders and investigate the actions that got them there. I see how criminal activity affects people," she said. She is able to bore into the details to get full details on a crime. "To understand a crime, it is important to understand the offender," she said. A rewarding side of her job is to see how the individuals work toward rehabilitation.

"I knew I wanted to make criminal investigation my life's work," she said. Her long-range goal is to serve as a criminal investigator, perhaps as a detective. The DOC is supporting her in her efforts. "The people I work with, and particularly my boss, are very supportive and are encouraging me to earn my degree." Lasley said she will need to complete her two-year degree to be qualified for her career choice. "Their attitude is that the more education I have, the better employee I will be. I think that's great." She may also opt to on to earn a four-year degree. The desire to investigate has lodged with Lasley for a while. "I think that I've always wondered what made people who are charged with crimes do what they did; I want to know what's behind the action that got them in trouble."

Currently, Lasley is juggling her time between the full-time work with DOC and taking criminal justice classes. She is taking evening classes but is looking forward to the advent of Criminal Justice Online, which means that she can attend classes just about anytime day or night when she has time. She knows that the quality of instruction will not diminish. The college has brought in Tad Belden, who brings a great deal of experience as a professional in the field of criminal justice, is developing the criminal justice online program. In addition to his experience as a working professional, Belden has extensive experience teaching and is looking forward to the online component of the college's quality criminal justice classes.

"This could really help me," she said. "Sometimes it's a struggle to get everything done. If there are classes that I need offered online I would take them. It could help me quite a bit." The college's evening program is providing Lasley with a great education that will serve her well in her chosen profession. Her introductory class, which will also be offered winter quarter, is providing an overview of what she can look forward to in her profession. The classes she plans to take will help her better understand what she will be doing and the laws that she will be supporting as she completes her assignments.

There is so much to learn and I appreciate the quality of instruction, she said. "With the quality of the instructors I know things will work out well for me," she said. And with the Centralia College criminal justice degree, whether it's in the classroom or online, she will be prepared for just about anything.