D-Mail July 2006

Jeri Elder - New Student Trustee

Jeri Elder of Coastline Community College was sworn in on June 21st as the new student trustee.

When Jeri enrolled in Leadership 140 she had no intention of running for office. In 2004-05, Jeri became commissioner of public relations for Coastline Student Advisory Council (SAC). After seeing what a difference she could make, Jeri was elected president of the Student Advisory Council representing all Coastline students at the college council meetings and District-wide events.

"As commissioner of public relations, I attended the Marketing and Recruitment Committee meeting, wrote the student voice newsletter, planned events and activities, and helped market the Student Advisory Council," Jeri said.

"Now I am looking forward to representing the students of all three colleges

and helping them with any issues that come up."

As student trustee, Jeri will meet with the District Student Council on a monthly basis to discuss student issues before the board. Although Jeri is a non-voting member, she possesses the ability to make and second motions as well as engage in discussions. She also has the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate services such as advocating for school-related issues in Sacramento, or focusing on servant leadership through community service.

"I am looking forward to representing the students at our three colleges and helping them with any issues they may have," Jeri said. "I want the students to gain a sense of community at our colleges. We're here to help each other and the connections you make at school can and usually do last a lifetime."

With many goals in mind, Jeri is excited for a new year to begin.

"One goal is to get a District Student Newsletter where there would be articles from each of the college's since we have many students that attend multiple campuses," Jeri said. "Another goal is to have a District-wide event like a blood drive or something fun like a dance to connect the students and help them realize that we are all connected and are here to do more than just go to school."

Jeri also looks forward to lobbying on behalf of the students on issues they may want to address. "Every student has a voice, and I cherish the opportunity in helping them project that voice," Elder said.

Once Jeri earns her degree, she would like to be a bio-psychologist or a social psychologist, or get involved with politics.

"I am starting to get very interested in politics and I really want to be a mayor or city representative. Heck, I could even be the first female president; who knows," Jeri said.

CCCD Launches into the New Frontier

By Michelle Tropiano, Public Affairs Intern

On June 23, over 70 Voyager team members gathered in the picnic area at the District office to enjoy food and laughs with their fellow Voyager teammates.

Chancellor Ken Yglesias and Vice Chancellor C.M. Brahmbhatt commenced the event with a gracious thank you to all the project team members.

Rob Bailey, Kim Allen, Kristen Clark, Glenn Profeta, and Shannon O'Conor, all Voyager team members, spoke about their part in Project Voyager.

Rob Bailey, Sungard project manager, addressed the hectic schedule but was thrilled by the turnout.

"I would like to recognize and thank members of the District Fiscal Affairs office, the DIS department and representatives from Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast for all the tremendous efforts and teamwork that went into bringing Banner Finance live in five months!" Rob said. "This was a very aggressive schedule and their efforts allowed us to accomplish the first of several goals for Project Voyager! The Finance team has absorbed a lot of knowledge during this phase of the project and the lessons learned will help the other teams as they work to implement their systems."

By the end of the picnic, the Voyager team left with full bellies, bags of candy and goodies donated by Sungard SCT.

Scott Lay Named President of Community College League of California

Scott Lay, an Orange Coast College graduate, was selected by the Board of Directors as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Community College League of California after a year-long national search.

Scott's interest in politics and community colleges began as a student trustee at Orange Coast College.

"I was a member of the student board of trustees at Orange Coast College. My time at Orange Coast transitioned me from being a high school dropout to a transfer student to UC Davis," Scott said. "I'm a deep believer in community colleges because I know that hundreds of thousands of students have traveled a path similar to mine."

Sandra Serrano, President of the Board and Chancellor of the Kern Community College District, indicated that Scott was selected because of his extensive experience working on key community college policy issues and his skills and abilities to effect policy change on behalf of the 72 California community college districts.

Scott succeeds the founding chief executive, David Viar, who became president of American River College in July 2006 and Diane Woodruff, former President of Napa Valley College, who served as the organizations interim chief executive officer.

Scott received his B.A. and law degrees from UC Davis.

EHS Health Information Bulletin

Sunlight Protection

Did you know that the number of new cases of skin cancer, and the number of deaths caused by skin cancer are rapidly rising in the United States? This is particularly troubling since the numbers for most types of cancer have been declining. Sunlight is the main source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages the skin and potentially causes skin cancer. The amount of UV exposure depends on the intensity of the light, the length of exposure, and skin’s protection.

Sun exposure at any age can cause skin cancer. There is no such thing as safe UV rays or safe suntans.
Your skin and eyes are susceptible to damage every time you are exposed to the sun’s rays. You need to be especially careful in the sun if you:

Have numerous moles, irregular moles, or large moles
Have freckles or burn before tanning
Have fair skin, or blond, red, or light brown hair
Spend a lot of time outdoors

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and accounts for more than 75 percent of skin care deaths. In addition to skin cancer, sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts and various other health problems.

How Do I Protect Myself From UV Radiation?

If you enjoy outdoor hobbies or working outdoors, you can take the following precautions to protect against UV radiation and skin cancer:

Cover up. Wear clothing to protect as much of your skin as possible. Wear clothing that does not transmit visible light. To determine if the clothing will protect you, try this test: place your hand between the fabric and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection against sun exposure.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Experts recommend products with a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, of at least 15. The number of the SPF represents the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen. An SPF 15 blocks out 93 percent of the burning UV rays; an SPF 30 blocks out 97 percent of the burning UV rays. Products labeled broad spectrum, block both UVA and UVB radiation. Both UVA and UVB contribute to skin cancer. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours, or more frequently, if you sweat or are swimming.
WARNING: DO NOT DEPEND ON SUNSCREENS ALONE. COMBINE SUNSCREEN WITH WIDE-BRIMMED HATS, UV-PROTECTIVE SUNGLASSES, AND TIGHTLY WOVEN CLOTHING TO INCREASE YOUR PROTECTION AGAINST UV RADIATION.
Wear a hat. A wide brimmed hat is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. A baseball cap provides some protection for the front and top of the head, but not for the back of the neck or the ears where skin cancer commonly develops.
Wear sunglasses that block UV rays. UV-absorbent sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage. Ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label to make sure they do. Darker glasses are not necessarily the best. UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses.
Limit direct sun exposure. UV rays are most intense when the sun is high in the sky, between
10 A.M. and 4 P.M. If you are unsure about the sun’s intensity, take the shadow test: when your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are the strongest. Seek shade whenever possible.

You may also want to check the UV Index for your area. The UV Index usually can be found in the local newspaper or on TV and radio news broadcasts. It gives the expected noon-time UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface on a scale of 1 to 10+. The higher the number, the greater the exposure to UV radiation. The Index helps determine when to avoid sun exposure and when to take extra protective measures (See http://www.nws.noaa.gov./om/uvi.htm).

Should I Get Checked?

Yes. Skin cancer can almost always be cured if it is detected early. The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or color. The most common skin cancers--basal cell and squamous cell--often take the form of a pale, wax-like, pearly nodule; a red scaly, sharply outlined patch; or a sore that does not heal; whereas melanoma often starts as a small, mole-like growth. It is important that you examine your body regularly and look for early danger signs including:

A mole that changes size, shape, or color
An unusual spot/growth on your skin
Your skin changes color or blotches
A sore that won’t heal
Lesions that are abnormally large (6mm as a rule -- the diameter of a pencil eraser)

How Can I Learn More About Preventing Skin Cancer?

There are many websites with good information about preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer, including the following:

American Cancer Society for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, (scroll menu of common cancers) at http://www.cancer.org, or call 1-(800) ACS-2345.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for various health materials including skin cancer at http://www.cdc.gov/ChooseYourCover, or call 1-(888) 842-6355.

Coming and Going - HR News

The District would like to welcome these new employees to their positions:

Cottle, Terry, GWC, Instructor, Nursing
Disney, Betty L., CCC, Dean of Instruction
Edwards, Jessica C., OCC, Instructor, Biological Sciences/Microbiology
Hausey, Collette, GWC, Instructor, Music: Large Instrumental Ensembles Johnson, Daniel J., CCC, Instructor, History
Jones, Rita Mae, OCC, Coordinator, Tech Prep
Sekins, Denise L., GWC, Instructor, Nursing
Simental, Yolanda, GWC, Instructor, Nursing
Wilkinson, Ronald C., GWC, Instructor, Sign Language/Interpreting
Wilson, Julia M., GWC, Instructor, Nursing

Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement to the following employees:

Attore, Lois Shafqat, OCC, Instructor, Psychology
Lois was born in Tokoma Park, Md., the daughter of two teachers. Her mother taught nursing at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton for 30 years. Her father was a mathematics teacher and counselor in Tracy and Manteca. Her father was born in northern India and her mother was from Alabama. They met while teaching in Ethiopia. Lois' father immigrated to the U.S. in 1950, and was processed through Ellis Island. Her parents worked for a year in Ethiopia again in 1967 and, as a 16-year-old, Lois attended college in England. She earned her B.S. in psychology from the University of Tennessee, her M.A. in clinical/community psychology from Chapman University, and her Ph.D. in psychology from United States International University. Lois joined the Golden West College staff in 1979

as a guidance specialist. She later became director of the Disabled Students Program, and then was named GWC's assistant dean of Student Services. She served as associate dean of Admissions and Records, and became the chair of the Counseling Department. Lois came to Orange Coast College in 1997 as a professor of psychology. Her professional interest is behavioral neuroscience, and she thoroughly enjoys teaching psychology. Lois and her husband, Donald, have traveled throughout the world. Their special interest is islands of the world, and they have visited islands throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean. Their 15-year-old daughter, Megan, is an outstanding swimmer and water polo player. Lois also enjoys gardening, and gourmet cooking.

Borthwick, Vicki J., OCC, Child Care Center Supervisor
Vicki Borthwick has been a vital member of the OCC Children's Center family for twenty seven years. During this time, Vicki has been a student, teacher, adjunct faculty member and Child Care Supervisor. These past twelve years as supervisor, she has done a brilliant job overseeing the infant/toddler program with intelligence, grace and amazing wisdom. Vicki hired, oriented and trained the support staff while conducting workshops and planning special family events. With her medical background, Vicki was our resident nurse and community resource expert. In addition to her intellectual talents, Vicki's daily intention was to create home and family away from home thus earning the nickname "Mama Vicki". As she was always available with a keen ear, a warm shoulder, a pocketful of great advice and fabulous cookies, Vicki will be greatly missed and very hard to replace. We wish her a beautiful second half of life!

Clark, Timothy J., CCC, Instructor, Art
Tim Clark will be retiring on July 1, 2006 after many years of service to the Coast Community College District. He was a charter faculty member of Coastline Community College and Tim helped grow the Art department into one of the largest FTE generating programs at the college. Tim is a native of Southern California, Graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, and noted for his watercolor and oil paintings. He most recently taught watercolor and figure painting courses at Coastline. Some of Tim's awards include the Salzman Award at the National Arts Club's annual Exhibiting Member's Show in New York City, January2005 for "Summer Solstice" and the National Arts Club's President's Award for watercolor painting "The Mirror", December 2003. In addition to teaching at Coastline, Tim has also taught at the Art Students League of New York. Tim travels extensively as he teaches, paints, and displayed his artwork throughout the world.

Denton, Bob C., Interim Dean, Mathematics & Sciences
Born in Glendale, Calif., Bob was a high school athlete and musician. He later became a college musician. His academic interests included mathematics, music, chemistry, philosophy, psychology and art. Bob attended Glendale Community College. He received his B.S. degree in mathematics, his M.A. in math and his M.A. in education from California State University at Los Angeles. His master's thesis focused on educational technology. While a college student, Bob worked as a postal clerk. He was also a math analyst with Lockheed in Burbank, and taught mathematics as an adjunct faculty member at Cal State L.A. Bob joined Orange Coast College's faculty as a math instructor in 1968. He was just 25 years old. He retires as a professor of mathematics, and this spring served as interim dean of the Mathematics and Sciences Division. For many years, Bob was chair of OCC's Math Department. He served as president of Phi Delta Kappa and president of the Orange County Math Association. He is a member of the Math Association of America and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Bob was a member for many years of the Sierra Club. He enjoys fitness, hiking, movies, photography and computers. Bob and his wife, Susanna, are longtime Costa Mesa residents and have two grown children.

Gotuzzo, Ada A., OCC, Food Service Worker
Ada Gotuzzo is a Food Service Worker 1 for the Snack Bar Operations at Orange Coast College, and is retiring effective May 25, 2006. Ada has been with the District since August 1984, and has been a contract classified Staff member since February 1987. She has been an integral part of the Snack Bar Operations team. Ada will be traveling with her husband Tomasso to Italy this summer to visit her daughter. They will be in Italy for over 2 months. All of Ada's OCC friends wish her a wonderful retirement-in both Italy and California.

Walling, Dianne L., CCC, Instructor, Art
Diane Walling retired on May 31, 2006 from the Coast Community College District. Dianne's career began at Coastline Community College in 1977 when she was hired to assist in the development of the Emeritus Institute for Older Adults. She became a full-time instructor in 1978 and later served as an acting dean for one year. During her 29 year teaching career, Dianne developed many art courses including Techniques of the Great Masters of Art, Techniques of the Old Masters of Art, and Techniques of the Impressionists. In 2003, she developed Coastline's first two online art courses. These courses continue to be some of the most popular among Coastline students. In addition to teaching art, Dianne has been an exhibiting artists and Board Member for the Art-A-Fair at the Laguna Beach Summer Art Festival. She has also had several One-Woman shows to benefit charities.