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A Publication by the Students of the FRCC-Larimer Campus

V OLUME 7, I SSUE 2 A PRIL — M AY 2008

-year-old son named Jayden to take care of. So an accounting


club fits right in.
Anderson has several responsibilities as a co-president that
include making sure all the members are in the know about the
activities of the club, as well as making sure that the Student
Government Association (SGA) is up to speed on what is hap-
pening with the club. She set up a universal email account that all
members have the password to so that all emails can be read, and
their calendar of events is up to date.
The Career Day will be an all-day event in the Longs Peak
Student Center. There will be mock interviews all day, as well as
several different seminars. There are expected to be four seminars
throughout the day, including a seminar about employer expecta-
tions. The East Conference Room will hold the seminars and the
West Conference Room will hold interviews, with the small con-
ference room including panel interviews. These panel interviews
will not be an all-day event, but will still be available for those
O PPORTUNITY ‟ S K NOCKING ! students who want to experience an enhanced interview process.
A CCOUNTING C LUB ‟ S C AREER D AY Kendall likes the idea of holding panel interviews because she
―heard from former students that they were not prepared for panel
BY T AWNY D ENNIS , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER interviews‖ after they graduated.
Several local companies have already agreed to participate in
Standing in a conference room in front of several people who Career Day, with Sample and Bailey, a local certified public ac-
have the power to make or break your career can be intimidating. counting firm, participating in the mock interviews. Jan DeBell is
Actually, it can be downright scary. Accounting Club Advisor an instructor in the Dental Assisting Program at Front Range, and
SeonAh Kendall believes that, ―No matter how confident you feel (Continued on page 4)
about interviewing, you can‘t get enough of it.‖ That is why the
club has organized a Career Day at Front Range on
April 30, which will be filled with mock interviews and
seminars.
Kendall had the idea for a career day after she had
seen one at Colorado State University, and she thought
it would be a good event for the Accounting Club to
put together. Kendall, who teaches accounting at Front
Range, received her associate degree in accounting
from Front Range and transferred to CSU where she
received her Bachelor of Science in business admini-
stration, with a concentration in accounting. She also
received her Master of Science in the same field, with
certificates in financial and tax accounting.
Kendall, along with Lauren Smith, oversees the
Accounting Club, and there are student co-presidents
who run it. Rachel Anderson is one of them. She
learned about the club when one of her former account-
ing instructors had mentioned wanting to get a club
started. ―It looks really good on your resume,‖ were the
words that sold Anderson on it. She is passionate about
accounting because it is organized, and her busy life- Guest columnist Jessica Smith mushes her dogsled team in Jackson Hole,
style ―absolutely has to be organized,‖ since she has a 2 Wyo., during the winter of 2005-2006. Read about her other exciting
jobs on page 20. Photo by Anna Rumminer
2

M EET OUR E DITORIAL T EAM

Faculty Advisor &


Managing Editor………...… Kate Tarasenko
Editorial Team…….…...……Lindsey Fisher
………………….…………Max Haghighi
………………….…………..Molly McCarthy
Photo Team…….. .………… …...Marie Abe
…………….……………..Tawny Dennis
……………..…………..Jenn Killmer
Layout…….. ..….……...……Kate Tarasenko
Assistant Layout Team………Ashley Bailey
…………………………….Kate Elisha
…………………………….Jill Prenger
Advisory Board……….... .…..Karl Dukstein
EDITORIAL TEAM (left to right): Molly McCarthy, Max Haghighi and Lindsey Fisher ……………………..…….Kathy Mendt
Photo by Kate Tarasenko ……………………..…..…..Erin Smith
……………………..…..…..Rob Suglia
MISSION STATEMENT:
.……………… …...….Kate Tarasenko
The Rangeview provides a voice for FRCC’s Larimer campus. We strive to give our readers
accurate and balanced coverage on a variety of news and events in an effort to keep our
SUBMISSIONS POLICY:
campus well-informed about its college community. We approach our responsibilities
with the goal of maintaining the highest journalistic standards to the best of our abilities. We welcome feedback, letters to the
editor, articles and op-ed pieces (as
well as story ideas and tips) from all
M EET OUR P HOTO T EAM members of the FRCC community.
Please do not exceed 600 words.
The Rangeview also accepts photos
and artwork in j-peg format (min..
1,200 pixels on the long side).
All submissions must be emailed
directly from your FRCC account as
a Word.doc or j-peg attachment, and
must be accompanied by full name
and local phone number, to:
Rangeview@FrontRange.edu
All submissions are subject to final
approval by the Editing Team/Advisory
Board, and may be edited for length,
clarity, and potentially libelous content.

Please submit your


calendar items and events to
Rob.Suglia@FrontRange.edu.

PHOTO TEAM (left to right): Tawny Dennis, Jenn Killmer and Marie Abe ALL CONTENT © 2008 RANGEVIEW
Photo by Kate Tarasenko
3

F ROM O UR R EADERS
ALSO
IN THIS ISSUE: The Rangeview dispenser at Harmony Fall 2008 Scholarship Deadlines:
Library is always empty! This is a positive!
Serving the Students People very much enjoy the newsletter, and Louisa Preston Music: April 22
Vet Services.…………….4 several of the staff have mentioned articles they Flying Solo Single Parent: May 30
have seen in The Rangeview.
GED Program……………6 Leona Stanford Vollintine Charitable
I believe the newsletter gives the FRCC Trust: June 1
Scholars’ Square campus great exposure to the general public
Criminal Justice..………...7 walking through the library doors. The people
who work on campus, students on campus,
Women‘s Studies..……….8 and issues of interest...are humanized through
Humanities…...…………10 The Rangeview.

Club Hub My congrats to you and your students. Keep up


the good work.
WITT…………..………..11
Blazin‘ Sacks…………...13 Annie Fox
Campus Librarian
Campus Wellness Harmony Library
Nursing Program………..15
Holistic Health………….16
Medium Cool Writing Forum Update
Art…………...………….18
In the previous issue of The Rangeview, I
Survey of the ‗60s............19 described the possibility of a Spring Writing
Forum that would involve a unique chance
Warhol & Dylan…..…….17
for those on campus (students, instructors
Itty Bits and others) to share in written dialogue out-
side of our traditional classroom situations.
Textbook Bill…..……….12
The students involved in this publication are This project is still in motion, but will not
Be Our Guest learning a lot, I am sure, and it is very good occur during the week of Spring Fling. In-
for the campus. stead, the planning process is being extended,
Smith‘s Adventures..…..20 with the hope of offering the forum in the
Keep up the good work. summer and/or fall of 2008.
Gordon Goldsmith In the meantime, I encourage you to search
Supervisor online for information about the Thomas
Department of Public Safety Jefferson for Protection of Free Expression
and the Community Chalkboard and Podium
(also known as a ―Free Speech Monument‖)
Please congratulate everyone on such great in Charlottesville, Va. to learn more about
work with The Rangeview! I notice how the interest that others have with highly visi-
quickly the copies seem to be snatched from the ble forms of written expression, and opportu-
stands around campus. nities for dialogue about freedom of expres-
sion.
Susan Marshall
FALL 2008 English Instructor Our own writing forum can be unique in its
ability to inspire and reveal academic dia-
Register for JOU-106, logue on new levels, and I am interested in
the Fundamentals of gaining additional feedback on the perceived
Reporting, and write for The Rangeview value of the project and suggestions for dia-
The Rangeview! is funded by Student Life using student fees, logue. This may involve some questionnaires
and by the Department of Arts & Letters. to instructors, so be on the lookout for up-
(CRN 52526;
3 transfer credit hours) Content for The Rangeview is provided by coming fliers and other materials. Stay tuned!
the journalism students of JOU-106, Susan Marshall
Also offered as an the Fundamentals of Reporting. English Instructor
Honors Institute class.
4

(CAREER DAY continued from page 1)

and she has agree to speak at one of the seminars, as well. The up to critique students, not to praise them. Students need to be
particulars have not been completely sorted out yet, but stu- prepared to get criticism from the mock interviewers, and they
dents should expect a full day of valuable information. need to be able to take that critique and build on it. Students are
also expected to dress for the occasion, as well. ―Business cas-
Anderson has several responsibilities to fulfill on the day
ual‖ is strongly encouraged so that the students can take the event
of the event. She needs to make sure everything works. ―On the
seriously and really make it a ―mock interview.‖ This is supposed
day of the event, I will be there all day. I need to make sure that
to be a learning process for students so that when they have to
my plans are followed, and that any surprise situations come
interview for an actual job, they are prepared and confident.
up, that they are handled immediately,‖ she explains. She also
All students are welcome to attend Career Day. The event will
needs to be available to show students how important a day like
this really is to them. Anderson wants students to know that the be held on April 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ®
more interviews they do to practice their skills, the more they
will be prepared for a real interview someday.
On top of everything, she will also be showing students
how fulfilling it can be to get involved in student activities.
According to Anderson, ―[Student activities] build soft skills
and leadership ability. I have actually found that my ability to
be a student has greatly improved since being involved with the
club.‖ She says that since she has joined the club, her team-
work skills have improved, as well as her leadership abilities.
Being a member in a group like this can help students work
with others in groups more efficiently.
Kendall and Anderson have been working hard to organize
Career Day at Front Range. Kendall believes that this day can
help students become more comfortable when going into a real
interview situation. Anderson wants students who sign up to
know that ―the time to sign up is now. We have only 95 slots
that can be filled by students and they are filling up fast.‖ Sign-
up will continue until the week before Career Day. She also Accounting Club Co-President Rachel Anderson (right) tutors
wants students to understand that these interviews are being set student Kelly Webster. Photo by Tawny Dennis

S ERVING THE S TUDENTS

them. The first is to help them process their GI Bill paperwork.


The second is to help them with their academic plan, and the third
S ERVING T HOSE W HO S ERVED : is to inform them about the different outside resources that help
FRCC‟ S V ETERAN S ERVICES them with other benefits that are offered through the GI Bill.
Every February, Veteran Service hosts a Veterans Admini-
BY J ENN K ILLMER , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER stration (VA) Open House and invites external resources, such as
the Larimer County Vet Center, Larimer County Work Force and
The recent buildup of U.S. armed forces will result in an the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Peek says this event ―gives
increased number of veterans seeking opportunities to further students a chance to come together and meet each other…and
their education. Front Range Community College has a program provides an entire event where they are comfortable and able to
designed specifically to assist these veterans in this endeavor come and talk.‖
through Veterans Services.
Spc. Patrick Amie, 26, an FRCC student and a veteran of the
In fall of 2006, Veteran Services moved to Admissions and Iraq War, uses Veteran Services. He says it‘s ―a good liaison.‖
Records from Financial Aid. Vicki Peek, 49, was asked to be He felt that he was working with staff who ―understood what I
both the VA certified official and the advisor to the students. was trying to do as far as financial aid [was concerned], and who
Before the move, veterans had to go back and forth between the were patient and understanding.‖
advising office and the financial aid office. Now, students can
complete their paperwork and their advising all in one central Amie and other student-veterans at FRCC are awarded
funds for their tuition and fees for school through the GI Bill.
location.
The GI Bill has four different chapters that offer benefits to veter-
Veteran Services works with approximately 250 student- ans. These chapters are: 1606, 1607, 35, and 30. Chapter 30 enti-
veterans during any given semester – about 5 percent of the tles a student who has served in the armed forces for three or
student population – and they have three main goals to assist (Continued on next page)
5

S ERVING THE S TUDENTS

(VET SERVICES continued from previous page)

more years a base pay of $1,101 if s/he is a full-time student. Reserve


veterans, who have served in branches such as the National Guard,
receive their benefits from Chapters 1606 and 1607. Chapter 35 allows
dependents of deceased or severely disabled veterans to receive bene-
fits.
Amie thinks that the GI Bill is ―a good thing‖ and says, ―Without
the GI Bill, I know that I would not be here.‖ He secluded himself for
the first eight or nine months after returning from war, saying, ―I
wouldn‘t go anywhere where there were groups of people or loud
noises. I was really shut down.‖ He believes that the bill helps in the
healing process by getting veterans back into school, saying that, ―A
lot happens psychologically and socially in a war environment.‖
Peek believes that the GI Bill is ―a wonderful opportunity and that
every veteran should take advantage of it.‖ However, she does think
that there should be changes. The veteran has a period of 10 years after
they are discharged from the services to start collecting their benefits,
“A lot happens psychologically
and Peek would like to see that time period extended saying, and socially in a war environment.”
―Sometimes students are not ready or able [to attend school] until
maybe the ninth year, and they only get one or two semesters‘ worth, — Spc. Patrick Amie,
and cannot get [their benefits] extended.‖ The completion of the initial FRCC student
paperwork takes about 12 weeks to be processed. The veteran will not
receive their money until this process is completed, and she would like Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army
to see that time shortened.
When Amie was stationed overseas in the Army infantry, he says Beginning Tuesday, April 8, the Larimer County Vet
that he ―experienced the best and worst times of my life.‖ He valued Center will be on campus at the Long Peaks Student Cen-
the ―esprit de corps‖ that was established among the men, and was able ter from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. every other Tuesday. Peek en-
to see things that he read about in the Bible first-hand. One event that courages all veterans to stop in and familiarize themselves
had a strong with this other resource in town, saying that it is ―not just
impact on for counseling, but overall is a good place for resources.‖
him was The Larimer County Vet Center offers support groups for
when a local social and psychological issues, as well as assistance with
woman knelt medical benefits.
down and
Peek encourages all the FRCC student-veterans to
washed his
seek help if they are having difficulty re-adjusting to soci-
first
ety, and to take advantage of the benefits that are offered.
sergeant‘s
These benefits include, among others: money, resume
feet with her
writing, support groups, and help in finding jobs and hous-
hair, while
ing. Veteran Services can also direct students to tutoring,
keeping her
counseling and help with other academic issues.
head down so
that no one Veteran Services provides many benefits and resources
could see her to the veterans at FRCC. Peek urges all veterans to stop by
face. ―That and says, ―It is an honorable thing to [seek help], and they
gesture of should not be ashamed at all.‖ ®
gratitude was
Vicki Peek of FRCC’s Veteran Services crazy – it was
Photo by Jenn Killmer straight out of
the Bible,‖ 156 reporters have been killed in Iraq
Amie says. ―[It] broke my heart, in a good way.‖
since the start of the war.
Veteran Services is a young program in its new format, and is still
growing. Peek says that she herself is still learning, and that she is
―getting better at reaching out to the students.‖ — Source: Reporters Without Borders
6

S ERVING THE S TUDENTS

As if to validate her sister‘s recollection of their educa-


“G ET „ ER D ONE ”: GED AT FRCC tional experience, Rebecca added, ―We really enjoyed the pri-
vate piano lessons the best.‖
BY M AX H AGHIGHI , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER Steve Dirmeyer is the GED instructor who is shepherding
the two sisters among the host of other non-traditional students
The end of the semester is fast approaching, and the looks on through the program offered at FRCC. ―It‘s not too late.‖ Dir-
faces of the students are reflective of fatigue and anxieties. meyer said matter-of-factly. ―The GED Program provides an
Quietly, however, less traditional students inconspicuously roam opportunity to earn high school equivalency diploma. It could
the corridors of Front Range Community College in pursuit of be one of the best things they ever do for themselves.‖
their entrance to the college way of learning. Dirmeyer has been a GED instructor at FRCC since 2005.
According to the American Council on Education, ―In 2005, ―Both of my parents were teachers. My dad was a civil engi-
424,000 passed the GED tests. More than 60 percent of GED neer and my mother taught reading in the public schools.‖
test-takers say they Dirmeyer received a
intend to further Bachelor of Arts degree
their education be- from Colorado State
yond the GED pro- University in art. ―I‘m
gram.‖ not sure if I actually
chose teaching. Rather, I
These are indi- just evolved into it.‖
viduals who don‘t Dirmeyer credits his in-
look out of place at quisitive parents as well.
FRCC. Maybe they ―They instilled a love of
had to leave high reading and a great
school to help take respect for the profession
care of their family. of teaching.‖
Maybe they felt they
just didn‘t fit in with The GED Program is
the kids at the high an offering of the Center
school they at- for Adult Learning
tended, or maybe (CAL) on the Front
they just didn‘t be- Sisters Rachel and Rebecca Torres (left to right) study for their GED exam with Range Campus. The of-
lieve the high school instructor Steve Dirmeyer. fice is located in Blanca
diploma would Photo by Tawny Dennis Peak, and can be reached
really mean any- at 204-8112. The coor-
thing, but now they know what it means to not have it. dinator of the program, Margie Wagner, is judiciously involved
with all aspects of the course planning. She grew up in Fort
It is very hard to get a job without a high school degree or a Collins and still lives in her family home in the Old Town area.
GED. You also can‘t get into colleges or most vocational Wagner received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music perform-
schools without a high school diploma or GED. ACE claims that ance from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, and a mas-
people who have a GED or high school diploma make more ter‘s degree in adult education from CSU. ―The ‗a-ha‘ moment
money than those who don‘t. is what every teacher strives for! Most GED students are very
Two sisters, Rachel and Rebecca Torres are two such indi- motivated and teaching them is a joy. Teaching adults is never
viduals. ―We were born to a family of loving and supporting boring; I have great respect for them and I always learn from
parents,‖ says Rachel, as she shuffled through her papers getting my students.‖ Wagner went on, ―I have been a paid instructor
ready for her class. ―My family moved to Colorado in 1994, and since January 1989 and, for the most part, I have enjoyed every
my parents decided on the home schooling.‖ moment of it.‖ Subtly turning to Dirmeyer, Wagner wanted to
put the spotlight back on one of her many teachers.
There was a sense of resignation in Rachel‘s voice when her
sister, Rebecca, chimed in, ―We attended conventional school, Dirmeyer collected himself as if to command the attention
but we just did not fit in.‖ Rebecca nodded in agreement. of his students, and continued as if reading from the same
hymn sheet, ―I enjoy the students who come to us and admire
―We were happy, confident, and friendly when we grew them for making the choice to pursue their high school
up.‖ degree.‖
Rachel continued, ―We enjoyed the setting of home school-
ing and the personal attention we received.‖
(Continued on next page)
7

S ERVING THE S TUDENTS

(GED continued from previous page)


Rebecca credits ―the accommodation and the class
schedules‖ as the main drawing point to the center. ―They are
The Center for Adult Learning does not administer the GED
great.‖ She went on to say, ―I felt that the teachers at CAL took
test, but prepares the student for the exam. ―It is an investment in
me more seriously than in other schools.‖
their future,‖ Dirmeyer said, ―and certainly more self-respect.‖
Not to be drowned out by her sister, Rachel added, ―I like
Along with self-respect, wanting to have a better life is
the fact that all the teachers are very friendly and patient here.‖
perhaps what brought the two sisters to the center. ―I never felt I
fit in the traditional school setting,‖ Rachel claimed reluctantly, Dirmeyer and the Torres sisters were getting restless to get
―but I had reached the decision that my education was more im- back to their daily routine. Committed to the pursuit of their
portant than all my anxieties.‖ education, Rebecca articulated her admiration for the Adult
Learning Center. ―No matter what, don‘t give up. If you think
Rebecca added, ―We have both decided to go to college and
life is hard, it can get harder if you don‘t get your education,‖
study to become nurses.‖
she said, to which Rachel offered her tacit approval. ®

S CHOLARS ‟ S QUARE

CSI: F ORT C OLLINS —


FRCC‟ S C RIMINAL J USTICE
P ROGRAM
BY L INDSEY F ISHER , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Showing off all her equipment for the Criminal Justice


Program, including fake blood, fake knives and bullet holes, as
well as her old crime scene dummy, Laura Manuel, 57, stood in
her office, anticipating the reveal of her brand new prop
dummy. Manuel is the lead faculty for the Criminal Justice
Program here on campus. The careers seen on popular TV
crime shows become reality in the many criminal justice
classes offered here.
Manuel is also a full-time instructor in the program, as
well as in psychology. She teaches Intro to Criminology and Dr. Laura Manuel talks with sophomore Tyler Hamilton after their
Crime Scene in the Criminal Justice Program, as well as Intro Intro to Criminal Justice class.
to Psychology, Psychology of Gender, and Social Psychology. Photo by Marie Abe
She earned her doctorate in educational psychology from the
University of Northern Colorado after she earned bachelor‘s de- Criminal Justice Studies is offered as an Associate of Gen-
grees in her double major of political science and sociology from eral Studies course, and has been gaining more student interest
the University of Michigan, as well as a master‘s in psychology over the four semesters it has been available. So far, it‘s only
from UNC. offered on the Westminster and Larimer campuses, but there
When asked about what got her interested in criminal justice, are many four-year universities, including UNC and Metro
she stated that, for her, ―like most people in the field, it wasn‘t State, that offer a similar program. Dr. Manuel said that soon,
planned,‖ and she just sort of fell into it. ―After two years, I was ―the courses will be everywhere,‖ when asked about its grow-
totally hooked, you know, an adrenaline junky,‖ said Dr. Manuel. ing popularity. The program seems to be gaining interest
This is her second semester at Front Range after teaching at UNC, among students, even since she has been here, Dr. Manuel
Wyoming State, Metro State, Aims Police Academy, and High- stated. ―It‘s one of the few areas that, as long as you aren‘t
lands Ranch Academy. criminal…if you graduate with something, I think you could
find a job; and it‘s a job security that‘s not going to go away,‖
she said. (Continued on next page)
8

S CHOLARS ‟ S QUARE

(CRIMINAL JUSTICE continued from previous page) Some goals Dr. Manuel has for the Criminal Justice Pro-
gram include having more realistic crime scenes for students to
learn from, and to obtain more props for her classes. ―We‘re
When asked why students should consider the Criminal getting more toys all the time,‖ she said. One of their new toys
Justice Program here, Dr. Manuel explained the ―personal is an old Resusci-Annie dummy (the CPR training dummy)
touch‖ of smaller class sizes, and her experience, along with that fake blood and bullet holes can be applied to. She would
that of three other instructors in the program, including Brent like to see some interest in an off-campus Criminal Justice
Nittmann, Verne McClurg and Nancy Merritt, who all have Conference coming up April 25 and 26 at Arapahoe Commu-
criminal justice ―in their blood,‖ and a great deal of field ex- nity College. ―It‘s real detectives talking about interesting cases
perience. like JonBenet Ramsey, and Columbine, and I
don‘t care what your major is, you‘re probably
Also, the Two Plus Two Agreement
that FRCC participates in allows students interested in that,‖ she said.
to transfer to two in-state universities, Dr. Manuel also stated that she‘d like to see
with all credits guaranteed to transfer. some cooperation with other departments, like
These universities are University of the theater department, to create even more real-
Northern Colorado and Metro State. istic crime-scene situations. She‘d also like to
Many of the credits will also transfer to start a criminal justice club. The formation of a
other in-state schools. club would give the program a better chance of
having extremely qualified speakers come in to
There are many jobs available to stu-
dents who graduate with an associate de- share, said Dr. Manuel.
gree in criminal justice. Some of these For fall semester, she is looking forward to
jobs include working in a jail, as a prison new and more equipment, using the depart-
guard, in the police force, or as a dis- ment‘s new digital camera to assess crime
patcher. Probation and parole officers are also available careers scenes, and the new films on homicide investigation and serial
in the criminal justice field, but a four-year degree is almost killers she just purchased, as well as possibly adding a new
always required. class in the program regarding deviance. She encourages stu-
dents who are interested in the Crime Scene class to sign up for
―You have to be…21 to work in most of the fields,‖ stated
Dr. Manuel. By getting involved in the program, it shows a it for fall because it may be offered only one semester during
student‘s interest in the field, has impressive qualities when the 2009 academic year.
applying for a job, and also exposes the students to the experi- Be sure to check out the course catalog for information
ence of the instructors, Dr. Manuel said. ―If you pay attention regarding the Criminal Justice Program for the upcoming se-
to the experience, I think it could save you a lot of time on the mester. For more information on the Criminal Justice Confer-
street. In other words, things will be clearer to you from the get ence, contact Robert Whitson at 663-4840 or bjbpdx@aol.com.
-go,‖ she said. She also stated that, ―Obviously, like all studies, ®
it‘s partly what the student puts into it.‖

W HERE IN THE W ORLD IS C ARMEN M YRTIS -G ARCIA ?


W OMEN ‟ S S TUDIES AT FRCC
BY T AWNY D ENNIS , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Before Carmen Myrtis-Garcia opens up her laptop for the day, she strolls up and down a sandy beach on the little Caribbean
island of Caye Caulker to find a comfortable place to sit for the day‘s classes. This scene could be considered routine for her
during the first two months of spring semester, as she has traveled to Belize with her husband, Michael, for vacation, while still
teaching online classes for Front Range. ―I appreciate the technology that allows faculty to travel and experience other cultures
while still teaching,‖ she said.
Myrtis-Garcia was born in Texas in 1952, but grew up in Illinois. She moved to Colorado with her first husband in 1983 with
her two sons, Jeremy and Mike, and discovered that Fort Collins was a good place to raise a family.
Myrtis-Garcia received her bachelor‘s degree in sociology from Colorado State University where she also received a certifi-
cate in interdisciplinary women‘s studies. She continued her education at CSU and received her Master of Arts degree in Student
Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) and in women‘s studies. While working on her master‘s degree, Myrtis-Garcia was selected
from 40 SAHE students during the summer of 1996 to travel to Belize to complete an independent study at the University College
(Continued on next page)
9

S CHOLARS ‟ S QUARE

(WOMEN’S STUDIES continued from previous page) While studying at CSU, she fell in love with the study of god-
dess cultures and religions. After realizing that there is very
little attention given to women in the devel-
of Belize (UCB) in Belize City. UCB opment of civilizations throughout time,
and CSU had teamed up as ―Sister Myrtis-Garcia decided to create a course
Universities‖ for the SAHE program. titled ―Goddesses and Women of the An-
Since she was a student in the CSU cient World.‖
Women‘s Studies Program, she de-
Myrtis-Garcia had to search through
cided to incorporate a Women‘s
different publishing companies and book-
Studies Independent Study as well,
stores to find a sufficient textbook for the
and acted as a consultant at UCB
course. The books she found were focused
toward the development of their pro-
on specific time periods, such as women in
posed Women‘s Studies Program.
classical Greece, or Egyptian goddesses.
While in graduate school at Unable to locate an appropriate textbook for
CSU, working on her SAHE and her course, she decided to fulfill a lifelong
women‘s studies certificate, she dream of being a successful author, and
worked as an associate residence hall started typing.
director, financial aid adviser, and
Fate stepped in only two paragraphs into
owned a house-cleaning business.
the textbook when she received an unex-
She received a offer from Hewlett
pected and surprising email from a publish-
Packard within a week of graduating Women’s Studies instructor and author ing editor from Kendall-Hunt Publishing
and accepted the offer to work in Carmen Myrtis-Garcia Company. She responded and, two weeks
middle management, but the day be- Photo by Lydia Herndon later, she had a contract with the publisher.
fore she was scheduled to start, she
The textbook took her 16 months to com-
decided that the job did not feel right
plete and is currently used in several classrooms across the
and was not the job for her. ―My passion was in the area of
country. Myrtis-Garcia uses the textbook for her classes as
women‘s studies and I decided to stay focused on my dream,‖
well and is presently writing the second edition.
recalls Myrtis-Garcia. She called HP to say that she was not
going to take the job and was once again looking for work. Her awards for teaching include recognition as an adjunct
―After a couple of years, I became very frustrated; I had mas- FRCC Master Teacher (2000-2001), National Excellence in
ter‘s degrees in two programs and was still cleaning other peo- Teaching and Leadership (2002), and a Larimer County
ple‘s toilets,‖ Myrtis-Garcia recalls as she chuckles to herself. Woman‘s Award. She is currently nominated for Master
Online Teacher.
She was hired at Front Range in 1999 to revise the Intro to
Women‘s Studies course. At the time, it was team-taught and Myrtis-Garcia will be teaching three women‘s studies
was offered only once per academic year. She revised the course courses and Survey of Humanities I online this summer. In the
and wrote a new Curriculum Content Guide, which then allowed fall, Myrtis-Garcia will be teaching two courses on campus
the course to be offered each semester, and which also allowed and two or three online courses before heading back to the
it to meet transfer requirements. beach with her laptop next winter.
Another course Myrtis-Garcia has taught for several years is For more information on women‘s studies courses at
Perspectives on Women and Social Change. This course focuses Front Range, visit FRCC‘s homepage and search the course
on current global issues pertaining to the challenges and atroci- catalogue. Myrtis-Garcia can also be reached at
ties facing women. Students study and discuss topics that many carmen.myrtis-garcia@frontrange.edu. ®
people are unaware of and that, according to her, the mainstream
media rarely presents, such as sweatshop labor, health issues,
sex trafficking, honor killings, women and children in war
zones, economic issues, and much more. The course also
“Arab Triple Goddess”

teaches students how to create positive change through grass-


by Thalia Took

roots activism.
Men are welcome to take the courses. ―I have found over
the years that men sometimes are a bit reluctant to take women‘s
studies courses, but they usually become very involved and of-
ten become the greatest fans.‖
After a couple semesters at Front Range, Myrtis-Garcia
received a grant which allowed her to create a new course.
10

S CHOLARS ‟ S QUARE

I N -K LEIN ‟ D T OWARD religion is better than another, one culture over another, one
form of expression, philosophy, economic or political system
THE H UMANITIES : S TEVE K LEIN better or worse than another?‖ He then sat down as if to reflect,
―These have always been the questions that I have enjoyed
BY M AX H AGHIGHI , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER asking. I suppose the humanities have been sort of an ongoing
voyage of self-discovery.‖
Admittedly, we may anguish about the ways to attain that In that voyage, Klein counts living in Japan as probably the
magical 60 transferable credit hours so we can move on to an- major event in his life so far. ―Having spent 12 years there
other diversified learning institution, let‘s say CSU. As one would tend to have an influence on one‘s life. Although, think-
weaves the web of their manifested destiny, one looks for the ing about it, I don‘t know if it really changed me all that
electives to boost one‘s GPA. much.‖ Klein reclined back in his chair, rocking his head gen-
Astute students flip the pages of the glossy course catalog tly as if to convey he wasn‘t quite done. ―I sometimes tend to
in order to judiciously select the less demanding course, one look at myself as kind of like a chameleon. I have the habit of
that can offer one with one of those ―cakewalk A‘s.‖ After all, adapting to my environment to survive.‖
core courses are going to sap out every ounce of one‘s human- His approach to teaching has been in particular to develop
ity and bankrupt one‘s critical thinking. One looks for supple- the students‘ writing and critical thinking skills. ―If you are
ment to nourish the mind and provide the necessary solace. If going to make a statement,‖ Klein said, looking down through
solace is the foray, a course in humanities is just what the doc- his wire-rimmed glasses, ―then be able to back it up with
tor has ordered. In the opening day of the class, on the ―tabula evidence. That is how one develops the skills necessary to get
rasa,‖ also known as the white board, in through college and life.‖
his classroom, Steve Klein, a humanities
So, the lingering question as to what
instructor at FRCC, scribed,
aspects of teaching the humanities does he
―Humanities is not just as a college
enjoy most brought yet another foray of
course, but an ongoing process and prac-
philosophical reflection. ―Several-fold,‖
tice in life.‖
Klein said, as if recoiling to effervesce
Klein, with supportive parents both
with a confetti of ideas. ―The humanities
financially and academically, was free to
are fascinating,‖ he began as if patching
choose a path less traveled, ―I had the
the quilt with fabrics made from history
freedom to study whatever I wanted to,
past.
in this case, history and the humanities,‖
Klein said reflectively. ―Americans make up roughly 6 percent
Having been born and raised in Fort of the world‘s population. Our view of the
Collins, Klein also took the chance to world is not the only one. Other countries,
live and study at the American College cultures, and religions have their own
in Paris for a semester. He found this, views that are equally valid.‖ He went on,
―quite an eye-opening experience to see Humanities instructor Steve Klein ―I don‘t think we can continue in this in-
that there is more than one way to live.‖ Photo by Tawny Dennis creasingly interconnected world without a
Klein noted as if he was conducting his basic understanding of other people‘s
class, just as he has done since 2000, ―I worldviews. If we don‘t understand others,
learned that different cultures have their own way of doing then we as a nation will continue to have friction with others.‖
things that are perfectly valid. I came back with a real interest As if to hem the border, Klein continued, ―Our basic identity is
in learning about other cultures and about all the various not of our choosing. We are who we are as a culture because
options out there.‖ of 10,000 years of human history. Our political system is a
Klein credits ―some great instructors at CSU‖ for confirm- democracy because we trace our political ancestry back to the
ing his interest in his journey to receive a master‘s degree in British parliamentary system and, before them, to the ancient
history, with an emphasis on British colonial studies. He cred- Greeks. We speak English because the biggest block of colo-
its this achievement to the lack of patience and ability to perse- nists came from Britain. If the French had won the colonial
vere with ―the study of French or Asian history,‖ and went on, wars of the 18th century, we would probably be speaking
―it could have turned out differently,‖ Klein said grudgingly, French. We basically are the culmination of random historical
―but my terrible ability with languages put an end to that idea.‖ accidents. And yet, amazingly, we often think our way of life is
Still carrying the torch for knowledge, Klein went on, ―I also the best way of living.‖
gained a fascination with World War I as the pivotal event of As for parting comments, Klein continued salting his lan-
the 20th century which has remained with me to the present.‖ guage with history related nuggets, ―Unfortunately, it is very
As if enamored by the question of relevancy of the humani- difficult to survey the humanities. It‘s like trying to put the
ties, Klein became vivacious, ―How would I look at the world ocean in a bottle.‖ ®
if I were a Buddhist or a Muslim? Can I honestly say that one
11

C LUB H UB

WITT Club officers (left to right): Secretary-Treasurer Audrey


Burgio, Vice President Andrea Perry, and President Barb Drager
Photo by Marie Abe

Benesh-Williams emphasizes that WITT is a ―ground-level


organization.‖ Membership is open to any and all levels of ex-
pertise in technical trades – no experience necessary. She then
adds that, ―The focus is to be a resource and support group for
women in the technical trades, so they have a place to come
and gather info, and to share resources.‖ This club concentrates
on women specifically because it‘s such a non-traditional arena
for them, and their experiences in these work environments are
distinct and more challenging. Although a far cry from genera-
tions in which it was taboo for women to be anything but
nurses and housewives, there still remains a shortage of women
in these fields. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Labor reported
that, from a sample of 1,245 individuals employed in the auto-
motive repair and maintenance industry, less than 10 percent
were women.
Drager attributes this minority partially to women‘s gen-
eral lack of interest in this field where it oftentimes involves
S ELF -S ERVICE : heavy physical work. She also says that, ―Through my educa-
tion here, sometimes when I would struggle with something, I
W OMEN IN T ECHNICAL T RADES thought it was because I was a girl.‖ Likewise, it was no reas-
C LUB surance that her male classmates always seemed ―naturally
good.‖
BY M ARIE A BE , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER The incident, however, which pushed Drager to form
WITT, concerned a woman in the Automotive Program who
Don your protective eyewear and roll up your sleeves, ladies, had issues understanding some of the subject matter. Being the
because the Women in Technical Trades Club (WITT) has an- only female in her class, she wasn‘t comfortable enough to
nounced: We want you! seek help or ask questions. Unfortunately, after six months, one
Joyce Benesh-Williams, advisor to the WITT Club and an -fourth of the way through the program, she dropped out. ―I
FRCC adjunct, says, ―A technical trade means technical – hands- never want to see that happen again,‖ declares Drager, adding
on. You‘re fixing things, repairing things.‖ Essentially, it‘s any that, ―I don‘t want anybody to feel like they‘re alone and they
occupation beyond the confines of an office, which includes auto- have nobody to talk to.‖
motive, welding, computer-aided drafting (CAD), architectural Currently, WITT is meeting with Project Self-Sufficiency
engineering, construction, machining, heating, ventilation, and air to become involved in their program ―Cars for Families.‖
conditioning (HVAC), and much more. Based in Loveland and Fort Collins, PSS aids families who are
Beyond the math classes and the quiet tapping of calculators on government support, such as welfare or assisted living, by
in Redcloud Peak are the fully equipped welding and automotive providing them with donated vehicles. Through this donation,
shops. Seeming out of place amidst the trucks and transmissions these families have transportation for work and school for their
on display, sophomore Barb Drager, 20, president of WITT, dis- children. The goal of PSS is for each family to become more
cusses the nuts and bolts of the new club. Drager was the driving independent. Although this partnership is still in the works,
force behind the formation and progression of WITT, which was WITT is devising a plan to donate additional vehicles to PSS
founded this spring. Presently, she is pursuing her Associate of from the Automotive Program which are used for educational
Applied Science in automotive technology. By first impressions, purposes, in addition to providing repair work.
one might not expect to find this petite blonde working beneath Drager believes that, ―We‘re way above standard here at
the hood of a car, let alone grasping a wrench. Drager, however, Front Range.‖ The Automotive Program is certified by the Na-
along with seven other women, and even one male, represent the tional Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
current members of WITT. For now, the club itself is in the de- (NATEF), which ensures that the ―structure and resources [of]
velopment stages and is independent from any national affilia- training programs‖ meet the national model of excellence for
tions. car care. She then explains that there‘s plenty of one-on-one
(Continued on next page)
12

C LUB H UB

(WITT continued from previous page)

instruction between students and teachers. The


maximum capacity is 16 students per class. In
terms of the shop where students get their hands
dirty, Drager says the only issue is that they‘ve
―Hard work spotlights the
―outgrown the facility‖ and often have to wait in character of people: some turn
line for spare tools.
Drager‘s initiative for the WITT club is to
up their sleeves, some turn up
rally woman to share what they‘re struggling with, their noses, and some don‘t
and create a sense of community.
Chiming in, Benesh-Williams adds that, ―The
turn up at all.‖
guys push each other around and say things, and
[that‘s] okay, but they‘re on the border of, ‗How
— Sam Ewig
can I be polite and nice [to females] and also in-
clude them in the picture?‘‖ WITT is in no way
―male-bashing.‖ It‘s merely a means to cultivate a
woman‘s perspective on technical trades in a sup-
portive, welcoming environment.
This month, with the aid of FRCC instructors, WITT will be
hosting a Spring Car Care Clinic. Tooting their horns on Tuesday, in one‘s glove compartment to reach for when in a rut. Inter-
April 22, the women of WITT will be instructing novices on car ested students and staff need only arrive prepared to learn.
maintenance in the student parking lot from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To join WITT, or if you have any questions, contact Barb
And for those road-trippers this summer, they will also provide a Drager at barb.drager@frontrange.edu. Individuals may also
checklist for a ―pre-trip inspection.‖ From checking tire pressure stop in for meetings which are held on the third Wednesday of
and oil, to identifying and administering car fluids, WITT has it each month from 5 to 6 p.m. in RP130. ®
covered. The clinic is free of charge, along with handouts to stash

F ROM THE O FFICE OF


THE G OVERNOR
DENVER (April 8) — Gov. Bill Ritter signed
into law legislation that will bring greater trans-
parency to the cost of college textbooks.
Senate Bill 73 was co-sponsored by Sen. Ron
Tupa and Rep. John Kefalas (of Fort Collins
District 52). The bill‘s main advocate was the
Associated Students of Colorado.
It requires publishers to: publicly disclose
the price of textbooks and other course materials
on Websites and other means; sell textbooks
separately and ―unbundled‖ from CD-ROMs,
workbooks, and other related materials; and dis-
close substantial content revisions between cur-
rent and prior editions.
―This is a consumer right-to-know bill for
students and educators alike,‖ Gov. Ritter said.
―It represents an important step toward transpar-
ency and will help students and their families
plan their budgets. Textbooks cost students hun-
A male mallard duck shields itself from the breeze on the shore of the lake dreds of dollars a semester, and with two stu-
in North Lake Park in Loveland. dents in college myself, I know that every dollar
Photo by Jenn Killmer counts.‖
®
13

C LUB H UB

T AKIN ‟ IT TO THE F EET : Bethurum was exposed to Hacky Sack when he was in
college in 1979 by his friend Mark Paulin. They played footbag
B LAZIN ‟ S ACKS H ACKY S ACK AND (which is Hacky Sack without the trademark) during their col-
A LTERNATIVE S PORTS C LUB lege years, being exposed to the professionals of the First
National Footbag Touring Team. He remembered their
―amazing control and athletic ability.‖ Because of his exposure
BY L INDSEY F ISHER , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER
to these professionals, Mag Hughes and Billy Hayne, he and
his college friends were invited to compete in the national foot-
―Having an actual community base within the school‖ is one bag championships. Afterward, he and his friends were invited
of Leon Weaver‘s biggest goals. Weaver, 20, is the president of to tour with Ken Corp Hacky Sack, which was founded by
the newly formed Blazin‘ Sacks Hacky Sack and Alternative John Stahlberger and Mike Marshall, the ―fathers of Hacky
Sports Club on FRCC‘s Larimer campus. In his four semesters Sack.‖ After the Whammo Toy Company bought out Ken Corp
here as a student, Weaver has seen his club grow from just an Hacky Sack, Bethurum toured in Europe and Canada to help
idea to a footbag club (as of spring 2007), to a full alternative promote the sport and incorporate it into school programs.
sports club this semester, upon the suggestion of the club‘s vice During this time, Bethurum was a part of Colorado Foot-Boltz,
president, Glen Purdum. ―We‘re a group of friends, we get to- a competing footbag team. From 1985 to 1986, the Colorado
gether, we hang out, and we play silly games,‖ stated Weaver. Foot-Boltz won the World Freestyle Championships.
Blazin‘ Sacks incorporates not only footbag, but also dodge- Bethurum‘s favorite part of the sport is that, ―It‘s kind of a
ball, kickball, Frisbee golf, Ultimate Frisbee, and paintball. All small community, but [the people] are tight-knit and they are
their activities are chosen by members at the club meetings, open and friendly and warm, and really genuinely human.‖
which are held Wednesdays at 3:00 Last year, Bethurum was in-
in the Longs Peak Student Center‘s ducted into the Footbag Hall of
small conference room. When Fame.
asked why students should get in-
Footbag, as well as disc golf
volved in the club, Weaver re-
and Ultimate Frisbee, are still
sponded, ―We‘re based off of the
played today in clubs and organi-
principles of athletics, teamwork,
zations such as Blazin‘ Sacks.
friendship and fun.‖ He stated that it
Disc golf and Ultimate Frisbee
is like a P.E. class for college stu-
offer differing perspectives to
dents. He also said that it‘s a good
the traditional disc-throwing
way to ―meet new people… and to
sport. Edora Park houses the
have a blast at some [usually non-
only disc golf course in Fort
competitive] sports.‖
Collins, but more are being con-
Weaver stated that he believes sidered by the city‘s Parks De-
people enjoy alternative sports be- partment, with public discussion
cause traditional sports carry a tentatively scheduled for April
stigma with them that push people 22, according to Bethurum.
away because they feel they need a Members of the Blazin’ Sacks Hacky Sack and Alternative There are also competitions and
certain skill level. Alternative Sports Club (standing, left to right): Club Advisor Elaine leagues available for these sports
sports, on the other hand, don‘t re- Milligan, freshman Zachary Habel, Vice President Glen in the community. Organiza-
quire extreme skill and can be or- Purdum, President Leon Weaver, sophomore Calen tions like Blazin‘ Sacks are good
ganized more easily because not as Haire; (front row) freshmen Andrew Saks and Quinten places to gain exposure to a lot
many people or as much equipment Haire, and sophomore Torri Cech. At their April 9 of different alternative sports and
is needed. Alternative sports also to learn how to play them, he
meeting, they discussed a paintball field trip.
have a community base that is ap- says.
pealing, he says. Photo by Marie Abe In Blazin‘ Sacks, there are
currently eight official club
Bill Bethurum, 49, is an area
members, three of whom are officers. As with all campus
expert who can attest to this. ―With Hacky Sack or Frisbee or
clubs, it is funded by student fees. Their activities off campus,
whatever you do, there is a community of people that play in it.
paid for by FRCC, must be approved by the dean. However,
And the reason they are there is because they enjoy the camarade-
Weaver says the club is ―a meeting place where students can
rie, the small kind of family, the community that‘s part of that
talk about getting together outside of school to participate in
sport,‖ he stated. Bethurum works at The Wright Life sporting
fun activities.‖ Students don‘t need to be official members to
goods store in Old Town Fort Collins, which carries supplies for
participate in many of the club‘s activities. Everyone is invited
many alternative sports including footbags, disc golf discs, Fris-
to the activities that aren‘t club-funded.
bees, and boomerangs.
(Continued on next page)
14

C LUB H UB

Footbag Hall of Famer Bill (“Beeal”) Bethurum (foreground, center) executes a mid-air catch with Foot-Boltz teammate Randy
Nelson (right) while teammate Scott Cleere (left) anticipates their next move during a footbag demonstration held outside The
Wright Life in Old Town in June 1987.
Photo by Grace LeSage
(BLAZIN’ SACKS continued from previous page) For more information about the Blazin‘ Sacks Hacky
Sack and Alternative Sports Club, contact Student Life, or
drop off a note for Weaver in the Student Life office.
To become a member and to be able to participate in all Blazin‘ Weaver reminds everyone that Blazin‘ Sacks ―accepts all
Sacks activities only requires one to attend two club meetings. Activ-
ability levels.‖ ®
ity locations, dates and times are decided at club meetings.
When asked about his goals for the club, Weaver responded,
―My personal goal for the club is to see it continue on for years and
years to come, even after I leave, [and] for it to be something people
can actually relate to Front Range, and most importantly, to have
fun.‖ He would really like to see the club ―have a legacy.‖ Weaver “The only thing that will redeem
credited his officers Glen Purdum and Zach Habel for contributing mankind is cooperation.”
so much time and commitment, and all the club members for their
efforts in volunteering their hours in the community.
— Bertrand Russell
For more information on activities and leagues pertaining to
alternative sports in the community, contact The Wright Life at
www.wrightlife.com or 484-6932.
15

C AMPUS W ELLNESS

S CRUBBING IN FOR FRCC‟ S


N URSING P ROGRAM
BY M OLLY M C C ARTHY , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Interested in becoming a nurse? Well, get in line,


because the waiting list for Front Range Community
College‘s Nursing Program is almost three years long.
While some may be surprised at how popular FRCC‘s
Nursing Program is, one doesn‘t have to look far to find
that some of Colorado‘s top nurses have completed this
very program. Today, Front Range‘s Nursing Program
has the lowest attrition or drop-out rate for community
colleges in Colorado. It has also achieved a 95 percent
pass rate for the licensing exam that is required of all
nursing graduates before they‘re able to start their ca-
reers. This is the highest percentage in Colorado, includ-
ing universities.
Marty Bachman, chair and program director of the
Nursing Program says, ―We think we‘re pretty good,‖
Nursing Program Director Marty Bachman sets up IV bags to prepare
pointing to their current statistics. Bachman, who holds
a bachelor‘s degree from the University of Northern
for a student lab. FRCC’s Nursing Program is unique to Fort Collins.
Colorado, a master‘s degree from the University of
Colorado, and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University, Photo by Jenn Killmer
works hard to make sure that all of her students succeed. Bach-
man was working as a pediatric nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital der the supervision of a registered nurse to get hands-on ex-
and was convinced to teach outreach classes for FRCC West- perience with patients. Front Range sends nursing students to
minster nursing students in Fort Collins before the Larimer cam- hospitals in the surrounding area, including to PVH, the Medi-
pus even existed. She immediately fell in love with working cal Center of the Rockies, McKee Medical Center, North
with students while still having interaction with patients at the Colorado Medical Center, and to local nursing homes to com-
hospital. ―It‘s fun because I get to do both,‖ Bachman says. plete their clinical portion of the program.
After serving Front Range for 22 years, Bachman has be- With Front Range offering the only nursing program in
come the chair and program director, overseeing 55 nursing fac- Fort Collins, it‘s in high demand. Also, with aging baby
ulty, five of whom have been nominated recently for Master boomers, there is expected to be an increase in demand for
Teacher, including Cheryl Lang, Connie Vogel, Dawn Murphy, nurses in long-term care facilities. Other nursing programs in
Claire Gilliland and Robyn King. She is responsible for student northern Colorado are offered at the University of Northern
support, and making sure that success for students is obtainable. Colorado and at Aims Community College, both located in
―When you see a student really get it, that is so exciting,‖ she Greeley.
states. Each year, about 100 nursing students graduate from
Bachman has helped create such a thriving nursing program FRCC and are required to pass a licensing exam, just like doc-
at Front Range that there is literally not enough room to hold the tors or lawyers. This licensing exam is issued by the state and
number of students who want to participate in it. She claims costs $200 to $300. Students are given six hours to complete it
there are three main reasons why the program is unable to ex- and, if successful, are able to start their career soon after.
pand. There is a shortage of full-time faculty, and the campus Randy Sims, age 50, is a nursing student who plans to
has no more room for classes or expansion. Lastly, there is a graduate in May and then take the licensing exam in June.
lack of hospital space in the surrounding area to accommodate a Sims, who holds a bachelor‘s degree in psychology from
larger student nursing program. Oklahoma Christian University, and a master‘s degree in
Currently, they are able to accommodate 200 students per American family therapy from Abilene Christian University,
year because the curriculum is set up in rotations. The nursing looks forward to starting his next career in nursing. He found
curriculum includes class time, lab time, and ―clinicals.‖ The
clinical component of the program occurs as students work un- (Continued on next page)
16

C AMPUS W ELLNESS

(NURSING continued from previous page) Recently, six Front Range nursing graduates have been
nominated for the prestigious Nightingale Award. This award,
given to outstanding nurses who rise above all the rest and
his first 25-year long career in American family therapy to be a demonstrate great dedication to their jobs, were recognized at
good stepping stone to nursing. ―It helps me work with people an annual dinner in March to celebrate the candidates. This
because I‘m used to that, as well as knowing how to talk and read year, both Bachman and Sims were able to attend and support
people,‖ he says. Sims, who is interested in working in intensive the Front Range alumni and honorees, including: Jason Dahl,
care or the emergency room, is looking forward to graduating and Laura Dougherty, Michael Emerman, Aimee Hinton, Debbie
getting to work with people in a hospital setting. Hogfeldt, and Tenley Roeder. At that dinner, a regional win-
ner was selected, and that winner will then be eligible to re-
Sims believes the most rewarding thing he‘s taken from ceive the state award, which will be announced on May 10.
nursing is ―the sense of accomplishment.‖ He says, ―Nursing was
more difficult than getting my bachelor‘s or graduate degree ever FRCC students wishing to apply to the Nursing Program
was.‖ This may ring true for many since there is so much curricu- must first sign up and be added to the waiting list. Additional
lum to cover in a two-year span. However, the sense of accom- program requirements and prerequisites include maintaining a
plishment for completing nursing school from such a highly ac- 2.5 GPA and registering for the required classes for all nurs-
claimed program is what many celebrate even after graduation. ing students, which can be found on the Nursing Admission
Information page on FRCC‘s homepage.
So go ahead and give the FRCC Nursing Program a shot.
®

to recommend something unless there is solid scientific re-


search behind it.‖
W HERE E AST M EETS W EST :
The program began approximately six years ago under
THE H OLISTIC H EALTH P ROGRAM FRCC‘s nursing department. It was created by the department
head at that time, Becky Lynch. Shortly afterward, it grew so
BY J ENN K ILLMER , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER large that it was separated into its own program.
The Holistic Health Program has three main goals. The
In a time where everyone is concerned about their health and first is to raise awareness of what holistic practice is and what
well-being, Front Range Community College helps address these the specific practices are. The second is to provide certifica-
individual concerns by offering a nontraditional approach to tion for individuals who want to become a holistic practioner
health and wellness that is designed to enhance personal growth in a general fashion, and the third goal is to provide specific
for the layperson. modalities that people can adopt into practice.
The Holistic Health Program, led by Dr. Annita Stansbury, Stansbury earned her associates degree in nursing at
59, is a certificate program that offers FRCC in 1994, and then a Bache-
many alternative methods for those lor of Science and Nursing from
who want to explore health and well- the University of Northern Colo-
ness issues that go beyond traditional rado in 1998. She continued her
Western practices. The program offers education and earned her master‘s
25 to 30 classes a semester, and has as in 2000. Stansbury is also a Clini-
many as 200 to 300 students per year. cal Nurse Specialist and a Certified
A few of the classes in the program Family Nurse Practitioner. In addi-
include: Managing Life‘s Stresses; tion, she has recently finished her
Digestive Wellness; Intro to Reflexol- Ph.D. at Clayton College in
ogy; Intro to Massage Therapy; and Birmingham, Ala.
Mind, Body Healing and Health.
Stansbury‘s dissertation is on
Stansbury is the program director stressors on nursing students and
for the Holistic Health Program at the use of mindfulness-based stress
FRCC, a position that she begun in reduction, which, according to
May 2006. She says that the program Stansbury, ―is a way of learning to
is not all about ―woo-hoo stuff. We are be present in the moment, not liv-
about solid education.‖ Stansbury ing in the past or looking to the
comes from a strong research back- future.‖ She taught the nursing
ground and says that she is ―not going
(Continued on next page)
17

C AMPUS W ELLNESS

(HOLISTIC HEALTH continued from previous page) me…I actually don‘t think that I would still be here without
incorporating them.‖ Because of the success she had in her
students different guided meditation practices that deal with
own life, she wanted to ―share [the modalities] with the
breathing and walking.
world.‖
She also had them do therapeutic jour-
She chose to teach at FRCC because it‘s
naling to identify what their stressors were.
her alma mater, she likes the population that
According to Stansbury, ―By identifying the
she teaches, she also appreciates the com-
stressors, the students are able to change
munity college concept where anyone can
how their body responds to the stressors,
come and learn. Even though Stansbury
and they become healthier.‖ Through this
learned ―lots and lots‖ at UNC, she says
method, she says that she had ―really im-
that, ―FRCC gave me the roots to be suc-
pressive numbers. It really changed them
cessful because I had fantastic teachers.‖
around.‖
Stansbury wants the students to know
Stansbury began teaching at FRCC as an
that anyone can take these classes and that
adjunct in the fall 1999. She began teaching
they are not just for people who have a
full-time in the nursing department in 2004
―bent towards alternative.‖ According to
and was there for two years. She moved into
her, the program‘s classes and modalities
her current position as program director for
are ―applicable to any type of career path
the Holistic Health Program in May 2006.
because we teach skills that can help with
Stansbury has always been interested in whatever their practice is.‖ The program
alternative health methods, and studied her- has included a variety of different students
bology independently for years. She says that, ―I really got inter- in different career paths, ranging from engineering and for-
ested when I went into the master‘s program and I did my thesis estry to vet-techs and nurses.
on use of alternative modalities, and how advanced nurses could
When taking holistic classes, Stansbury believes that the
incorporate them into practice.‖
student will ―learn how to do [their practice] in a holistic
Stansbury has also incorporated holistic modalities into her fashion…It changes who you are.‖ ®
own personal life and says, ―It has done a lot of good things for

M EDIUM C OOL

Dear Landlord
Dear landlord,
Please don't put a price on my soul.
My burden is heavy,
My dreams are beyond control.
When that steamboat whistle blows,
I'm gonna give you all I got to give,
And I do hope you receive it well,
Dependin' on the way you feel that you live.
Dear landlord,
Please heed these words that I speak.
I know you've suffered much,
But in this you are not so unique.
All of us, at times, we might work too hard
To have it too fast and too much,
And anyone can fill his life up
With things he can see but he just cannot touch.
Dear landlord,
Please don't dismiss my case.
I'm not about to argue,
I'm not about to move to no other place.
Now, each of us has his own special gift
And you know this was meant to be true,
“Andy Warhol, TC 232” And if you don't underestimate me,
Contents of Andy Warhol’s time capsule #232 (date unknown) I won't underestimate you.
(See related story on page 19.) Bob Dylan, 1968
18

M EDIUM C OOL

greater degree, current issues. For instance, the Iraqi Na-


W ORTH A T HOUSAND W ORDS : tional Museum was looted in 2003 following the overthrow
F INE A RTS AT FRCC of Saddam Hussein‘s regime. Among the hundreds of treas-
ures stolen was the roughly 5,000 year-old Warka Vase. The
BY M ARIE A BE , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER carved reliefs on the vase boast one of the world‘s first narra-
tive pictures and ―is a record of some of the earliest civiliza-
Many individuals create art as a means of recreation and ex- tions: the Sumerians,‖ says Sharkoffmadrid. The three-foot
pression, like the old saying: ―art for art‘s sake.‖ There is more to tall piece was later returned, anonymously, to guards at the
art, however, than visual stimulation and execution. Art is the eye museum gate – in pieces. This misfortune was aggravated by
that glimpses our world‘s history. Margaret Sharkoffmadrid, 48, the incident in which U.S. troops marred the ruins of Baby-
instructor in the Arts and Letters Department, calls attention to this lon by constructing a helicopter pad atop the ancient city and
connection concerning a work of art and the story it reveals, filling their sandbags with fragments of archaeological evi-
through its materials, techniques, and subjects it uses. dence. In response to these shocking episodes, the U.S. De-
―Understanding the context behind the objects is enriching and partment of Defense launched an awareness program. The
exciting,‖ she says. purpose was to train and educate soldiers in preserving ar-
chaeological sites and objects, and rein in black-market arti-
To put those quizzical brows to rest, her last name is merely a facts.
marriage of her maiden name, Sharkoff, and her husband‘s name,
Madrid. Over the years, Sharkoffmadrid has earned a bachelor‘s in In addition to their extensive training, U.S. troops are
education and a Master now given special archeologi-
of Fine Arts in painting cal art cards. Replacing those
from CSU. She even has ―most wanted‖ playing cards,
her own painting and which depict portraits of Sad-
drawing studio inside her dam Hussein and his govern-
home. Here at FRCC, ment officials, these new cards
she teaches Drawing 1, were developed by James
Art Appreciation, and an Zeidler, CSU‘s senior research
art history class which scientist in the university‘s
covers the prehistoric Center for Environmental
period up to the Renais- Management of Military
sance. Lands (CEMML), assisted by
CEMML graphic artist, Tracy
When called for, Wager. Both Zeidler and Wa-
Sharkoffmadrid also ger were asked by Laurie
teaches Art Education Rush, archaeologist and cul-
and Art Appreciation at tural resources manager at
CSU. In June, while Fort Drum (where units un-
students are frolicking on dergo ―heritage training‖), to
beaches and forsaking design and produce these
textbooks, she can be As another student sketches in the background, art instructor cards. Each card has its own
found beneath a pile of Margaret Sharkoffmardrid (left) reviews sophomore Deshawn image promoting cultural and
AP essays—an endeavor archaeological awareness,
Friesen’s homework for their Drawing I class. Photo by Marie Abe
reserved for some 100 thereby assisting soldiers in
exam readers comprised of AP high school teachers and profes- either identifying a certain artifact or site, or by imparting a
sors. Taken in May, this three-hour national exam, in conjunction helpful tip, such as, ―Drive around, not over, archaeological
with the AP Art History course, requires each student to write nine sites.‖ The four of spades advises: ―If possible, fill sandbags
essays. ―You do the math,‖ she says. That‘s roughly 2,000 essays with clean earth, free of man-made objects‖ so that acci-
to grade in just over a week. And because of her experience, she dents, such as the damage to the Babylon site, can be
also takes time to stroll ―up and down the rows,‖ to assist any un- avoided.
seasoned exam readers.
In the end, Sharkoffmadrid stresses that, regardless of an
When studying art, Sharkoffmadrid maintains that she individual‘s stance on the war in Iraq, the negative effect it‘s
―prefer[s] an inclusive approach.‖ She adds, ―We live in an in- having on our world‘s treasures is undeniable. ―It happens
creasingly global society, and technology makes it possible for us that [the Warka Vase] was found in the region which is now
to have almost immediate access to the world.‖ Examining an art- Iraq. But that doesn‘t mean it‘s Iraqi art,‖ she explains. ―I
work‘s form is just the beginning. It‘s important, she contends, to think we have to honor these objects for what they tell us
additionally understand the history behind the object. about early man,‖ she adds. And so, these artworks concern
As educated individuals, Sharkoffmadrid deems that there‘s a and belong to everyone.
responsibility to be more aware of our world‘s cultures and, to a (Continued on next page)
19

M EDIUM C OOL

(FINE ARTS continued from previous page) to the University of Michigan where she graduated with a
bachelor‘s degree in English with high honors. She then was
In the past, Sharkoffmadrid has led art history trips to chosen for the Woodrow Wilson Scholarship and used this full-
France, Italy and Greece, taught AP Art History at Langley ride scholarship for Stanford, where she graduated with her
High School (a suburb of Washington, D.C.), and was the pow- Ph.D. in literature and popular culture. She also sang in a rock
erhouse behind the ―Corcoran Partnership in Education,‖ a band, and published her dissertation on Ma Rainey, the highly
joint venture between the Corcoran Art Gallery and Langley accomplished female blues singer. Her book titled, ―Mother of
High School which allowed students to discuss and respond to Blues: A Study of Ma Rainey,‖ is still available on Ama-
art first-hand. zon.com.
This instructor, however, isn‘t all paint and no play. Out- Lieb‘s passion for music has only grown throughout her
side of teaching, she enjoys flower gardening and adds that, lifetime; she started singing classical music at a young age and
―Since we live on a lake, we have a couple of small boats, and then switched to folk music and electric, ultimately leading to
we goof around on the water.‖ Her husband, Michael, is a sen- her role as a singer in her college band. ―It was all incredibly
ior photo editor for USA Today and resides there along with fun,‖ she recalls, ―grad student by day, rock band by night.‖
her mother. She credits the band for allowing her to witness so many differ-
ent scenes such as parties, clubs, and weddings all around Cali-
When asked why she chose to teach, Sharkoffmadrid was
fornia.
instantly alight. ―I have loved art forever [and] wanted to teach
art for a long time,‖ she gushes. ―I hope my students leave with Lieb‘s interest in music also carries over into her work at
an appreciation and understanding of the visual arts from a FRCC, and the new Culture of the ‗60s course will feature that
historical perspective,‖ she says. She also wants them to remain because music was such a big part of that decade. Lieb claims,
―involved in the contemporary gallery and museum scene.‖ ―I‘ll stress how popular music and its lyrics evolved from love
songs to political protest.‖
Though recollecting every era of art history is daunting,
Sharkoffmadrid offers that it will become second nature the The course is designed to give students who are interested
more involved one becomes in studying and learning new de- in learning about such an influential time a place to get an in-
tails to excavate knowledge of artists and their work. She pre- depth look at various events and pop culture trends that are still
dicts that she will continuously have a thirst for art, concluding prevalent today.
that, ―I‘m still learning.‖ ® The 1960s was an exciting but tumultuous time that
polarized the nation. Consequently, Lieb will include a
disclaimer on her syllabus so that students are aware that
“A NGELHEADED H IPSTERS ” the controversial topics and views discussed in class do
TO C ONVENE FOR not necessarily reflect her own or those of FRCC. The
course will discuss the Civil Rights Movement, the Viet-
S URVEY OF THE „60 S nam War, political activism, and the drug culture. These
trends and issues will be explored and their influence on
BY M OLLY M C C ARTHY , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER the artistic expressions of artists, writers and musicians
will be analyzed. Students will examine the influence of
This fall, a variation of the required literature class those trends on contemporary life. Much of what hap-
will explore the dynamic decade of the 1960s through an pened in the ‗60s paved the road for how we live today.
interdisciplinary approach with literature, music, movies, art
and history, while still meeting the requirements of all other ―Without Dr. [Martin Luther] King, I don‘t know where
Intro to Literature courses. Sandra Lieb, who has been teaching we would be today,‖ Lieb says. People were very active so-
a variety of literature classes here at Front Range since the fall cially, culturally and politically to a degree we haven‘t experi-
of 2003, was recently awarded a professional development enced since that time, according to her.
grant from FRCC to design and implement the new LIT 115- Lieb believes the most rewarding part of teaching a course
602: The Culture of the 1960s. ―The hardest part about teach- like this is ―showing an amazing period to people who have
ing this course will be deciding what to leave out,‖ says Lieb. vaguely heard of it.‖ It is important for college students today
The arts – literature, art, dance, theater and creative writing to be educated about what happened during the ‗60s because of
– went through a fundamental period of growth and change the historical, political and artistic impacts this pivotal era has
during the 1960s. The course will include an anthology of ‗60s had on American life.
literature, a discussion of Andy Warhol and the Pop Art move- The Culture of the 1960s will be offered in the fall on Tues-
ment, a screening of one of the iconic films of the era, such as days and Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:15, and it will fulfill the
―Easy Rider,‖ and a concert and light show by a local Grateful Intro to Literature requirement. Lieb‘s section is the only one
Dead cover band. that will focus on the ‗60s. Students who are interested in this
Lieb started her college career at George Washington Uni- option should review registration materials closely and be sure
versity where she maintained a 4.0 GPA, and then transferred to register for the 602 section of LIT 115. ®
20

A DVENTURES IN B ABYSIT TING …


AND D OG - SLEDDING ,
AND D UDE -R ANCHING

BY J ESSICA S MITH
G UEST C OLUMNIST

Summer is coming – are you ready for it? While cram-


ming for finals and wrapping up projects, most of us have
probably given some thought to what we‘ll be doing for the
summer to make a little money. If we must work, why not
enjoy it? Perhaps now is the time to start having the experi-
ences you‘ve always wanted, but never felt you had time for.
Taking on a slightly unconventional job for the summer or
for a gap year could be just the adventure that you need.
Smith (and pal) during one summer she spent as a wrangler on
While speaking with fellow students in the cafeteria, I am
always surprised that so few of them are aware of the options the Tarryall River Ranch outside of Lake George, Colo.
out there for undergrads seeking summer work. More and Photo courtesy of the author
more, I am starting to realize that the past few years of my
life have been a bit atypical. I left home the summer after I graduated from high school and began to move around. For the first
few years, I moved from a summer camp in Florida to various universities for the winter, earning my associates degree. After a
while, I realized I was unsure about my major and needed a break from the college scene. So I took a gap year...or three, before
returning to school at Front Range with an entirely different career in mind.
While out on the road, I came across employment opportunities that provided life-changing experiences I‘ll never forget. My
time away allowed me to take part in a different type of learning that I feel is just as valuable as any degree I‘ll ever earn.
If you are looking for ways to expand your resume, find a summer job that suits you. Tired of flipping burgers? Flip rafts in-
stead. In Buena Vista alone, there are over 50 different white-water rafting companies in need of guides. No experience is neces-
sary, as most companies provide training in the early summer. If white water isn‘t your cup of tea, try working on a dude ranch. I
had never even saddled a horse before I was hired as a wrangler. Environmental studies majors can take on seasonal jobs in na-
tional parks all over the country.
Students interested in childhood development or social work might benefit from a summer as a camp counselor. Maybe you‘ve
taken several language courses and are looking for an opportunity to be really immersed in a different culture. A quick online
search can turn up plenty of openings in exchange programs or people looking for au pairs.
If you are thinking of taking a little more time off, there are options for winter work, too. The first time I saw snow, I was 21
years old. Two years later, I was guiding dogsled tours outside of Yellowstone National Park. If you know how to ski, become an
instructor. The majority of these seasonal jobs provide on-site housing, which gives you one less bill to pay while you‘re there.
There is something for everyone out there; it‘s just a matter of finding what‘s right for you. Here is a list of Websites that have
been helpful to me over the years: www.funjobs.com; www.duderanch.org ; www.campjobs.com; and the National Park Ser-
vice‘s homepage at www.nps.gov/personnel.
Nobody wants to look back and think about what they could have done. It‘s time to get going! ®

Jessica Smith, 25, is a vet tech student who plans to work as a large animal vet tech and complete her degree in natural re-
sources. In addition to her work on a dude ranch and as a dogsled guide, she has worked at a summer camp for at-risk youth, as
an au pair in Austria, and as a nanny in the United States. She has also traveled in Central America performing missionary
work. Smith hopes to return to work as a guide for the National Park Service.

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