VVC Class Trip Headed for Peru

Students enrolling in The Natural History of Peru class (Biology 98) at Victor Valley College will be given the opportunity to learn about the Amazon Rain Forest in an up close and personal manner. As a special feature of the class, students may sign up for a scheduled trip to Peru to study the biological nature of the country. The cost of the trip is the responsibility of the student.

After four weekly evening class meetings at VVC in May, students will embark on a fascinating journey to the land of the Amazon Rain Forest and ancient Incan civilization. The trip includes a cruise by motorized canoes along the upper Amazon in Tambopata National Park to view wildlife in one of the world's most biodiverse areas. Later students will explore the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Lastly, the group will visit Paracas, a refuge known for abundant wildlife, and take a boat ride to Ballestas Island where penguins and sea lions dwell.
A distinguished group of biologists will join VVC Instructor Pam MacKay for the trip and will share their observations and knowledge with the students.
The group includes ornithologists Steve Myers and David Pereksta, herpetologist Mike Wilcox, and botanist Tim Thomas.

The dates of the trip are June 17 to June 27, and the cost is approximately $3,150. This price includes airfare, lodging, on-the-ground transportation, meals, and local guides. This course offers a credit option if you do not wish to receive a letter grade. For more information and to register, contact Pam MacKay at mackayp@vvc.edu, or call (760)245-4271, ext. 2467. Students interested in going on this trip must enroll and sign up immediately because space is limited.

Scholarship Awarded VVC Student for 911 Memorial Design

From Left to Right: Dr. Spencer, Dr. Prem Reddy, and Joan Sowinski

Congratulations are extended to Victor Valley College Fine Arts student, Joan Sowinski, who was awarded a $500 scholarship for her original design for a 09/11 memorial. The contest was sponsored by Desert Valley Charitable Foundation and Dr. Prem Reddy. The memorial, when built, will honor victims of the 09/11 World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. Ms. Sowinski is currently on the dean’s list and had a poem included in the VVC writing contest publication. She plans to open a studio upon completion of her education.


The E.O.P.S./CARE Honors Ceremony Slated for April

File photo of previous Honor’s Ceremony

E.O.P.S./CARE students are slated to be honored for academic achievement for the 2005 academic year at the annual E.O.P.S./CARE Honors Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled to be held Thursday, April 20, 2006, at 3:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Each of the honored students was awarded a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher while carrying 9 or more units.

Carl Smith, Director of E.O.P.S./CARE, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. At the event, the annual "Nickel and the Nail" teacher of the year award will be presented to a member of the VVC faculty who has contributed to the welfare and success of E.O.P.S./CARE students. The event will also feature addresses by student speakers, and a musical presentation by the college singers. At the conclusion of the ceremony, students will receive certificates of achievements. A reception will follow in the PAC lobby.
.

.Inter Club Council to Purchase Recycling Bins

Students, who are members of the ASB Inter Club Council, are scheduled to meet to approve the purchase of recycling bins for the campus. Funding for the purchase will be put to a vote by the entire Inter Club Council. this week. The bins will be placed at various locations around the campus. Recycled materials will be collected by members of the Inter Club Council and taken to a recycling facility. Any money derived from recycling will be returned to the Inter Club Council account.

“Culture Day” Activities Fun for All

Campus student clubs sponsored a “Culture Day” activity that featured the Tahitian, Mexican, Irish, and Jewish cultures this week in the Student Activities Center. Booths were assigned to each group to display information, materials, decorations, and food. The theme of the event focused on diversity and cultural understanding.

Victor Valley College would like to welcome Robin Grefsrud to the staff. Robin began working as a Bookstore Assistant in 2005. Robin actually started with VVC in 2002 as a student worker in the bookstore. While working at the bookstore, Robin has completed her AA degree and has transferred to Cal State San Bernardino where she will receive her bachelors in psychology in December of this year. For fun she likes to go swing dancing.

Please welcome Denise Maciel to the staff of Victor Valley College. Denise joined the VVC staff in 2005 as a Sign Language Services Interpreter I. Prior to this position Denise worked as a substitute Sign Language Services Interpreter for about a year here at VVC. When not working, Denise volunteers in the sign language ministry as well as the youth ministry at her church. She also enjoys going out and dancing.

Victor Valley College extends a warm welcome to Tameka Ponce, Office Assistant in the Child Development Center. Tameka joined the VVC staff last year after serving as a Personnel Specialist for GEO Group Inc. She likes to use her free time to be with her husband and 3 year old son.

Victor Valley College would like to welcome Vanessa Padilla, Bookstore Assistant to the staff. Vanessa was a student worker in the bookstore for about a year prior to being hired in 2005. Vanessa is also a student at VVC, and she is working on an associate’s degree in Business Administration. She will transfer in the fall to Cal State San Bernardino where she will continue with her degree in marketing. When not working Vanessa enjoys hanging out with her friends.

Please welcome Yong Zhu to the staff of Victor Valley College. Yong joined our staff last year as a Database Administrator. He came to us from Vinnell Corporation at Ft. Irwin where he was also a Database Administrator. In his spare time Yong enjoys going fishing and listening to music.

Victor Valley College is pleased to announce the selection of Malia Carpenter as the A&R Departments, Administrative Secretary I. Malia came to work for VVC last year. Prior to working for the college Malia was a server at the Outback Steakhouse. Malia is a former VVC student. After completing her associates degree at VVC, she transferred to Cal State San Bernardino to complete her bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Victor Valley College extends a warm welcome to Lisa Cripps, Office Assistant in Student Support Services. She comes to us from Southern California Air Conditioning Distributors where she performed a variety of duties. When not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, and riding motorcycles. She also enjoys working with her dog that is a trained R.E.A.D. Therapy Dog.

Performing Arts Center
Call 245-A.R.T.S. (2787) for 24-hour event information.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"
Scheduled for March 23 through April 2

Jerusalem – Sacred & Profane Passport Travel Series
Sunday, April 9 at 2:30 p.m.

Strings - Orchestral favorites performed by VVC Preludium Strings
Sunday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Free Recital – Guitar Ensemble, Studio Singer/Jazz-Rock Ensemble & College Band
Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Bands – Featuring Flute & Brass Choirs, Studio Jazz & Symphonic Band
Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Choirs – Favorite Opera Choruses and Arias Revisited
Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m.

“Postcards from Italy” Passport Travel Series
Sunday, April 30 at 2:30 p.m.

Athletic Schedule
Baseball

Thursday, March 30 at 2:30 p.m.
VVC vs. Chaffey College

Saturday, April 8 at 12:00 p.m.
VVC vs. Cerro Coso College

Thursday, April 20 at 2:30 p.m.
VVC vs. Barstow College

Saturday, April 29 at 12:00 p.m.
VVC vs. San Bernardino Valley

Women’s Softball
Wednesday, March 29 at 3:00 p.m.
VVC vs. San Bernardino Valley College

Friday, March 31 at 12:00 & 2:00 p.m.
VVC vs. Antelope Valley College

Wednesday, April 5 at 3 p.m.
VVC vs. Chaffey College

Wednesday, April 19 at 3:00 p.m.
VVC vs. Rio Hondo College

Friday, April 21 at 12:00 & 2:00 p.m.
VVC vs. Mt. San Jacinto College

Men’s Tennis

Tuesday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m.
VVC vs. Imperial Valley College

Thursday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m.
VVC vs. Palomar College