On Thursday, February 9, art enthusiasts attended the opening of Plein Air Painting at the Golden West College Fine Arts Gallery. Guests were impressed with paintings by Daniel Aldana, Ken Auster, Jacobus Baas, Toni Danchik, Rick Delanty, John Eagle, Dan Graziano, Gretha Lindwood, Alan Nowell,  Jeff Sewell, W. Jason Situ,  and Rachel Uchizono.

Plein air is a term derived from the French phrase en plein air, which literally means ‘in the open air’. It’s a familiar concept today, but in the late 1800s when the Impressionists ventured out of their studios into nature to investigate and capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a subject, it was quite revolutionary.

The GWC Art Gallery provides an atmosphere that promotes and encourages learning and personal development for our students as well as the community. The Art faculty considers the gallery to be a co-curricular educational program and is assigning projects linked to the gallery exhibit.

Artist Toni Danchik

The exhibit runs February 9 to March 1.
Gallery hours:
Monday thru Friday 10- 2 PM.
Curator: Professor Darrell Ebert
714-895-8772.

Chief Sorrell was promoted to Lieutenant in 1996 and returned to the Investigations Bureau following duties as a Patrol Watch Commander.  He was promoted to Captain in 2000 and assigned as the Support Services Commander.  In 2003, he was promoted to Chief of Police of the Fountain Valley Police Department.
As Chief of Police, Chief Sorrell instituted many initiatives, including a comprehensive Traffic Safety Plan which demonstrably improved traffic safety, reducing both fatalities and injuries in Fountain Valley.  Chief Sorrell is a constant innovator, always looking for methods to more efficiently and effectively provide quality police service to the citizens of Fountain Valley.  He was one of the architects responsible for moving the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit to a more cost-effective regional model, collaborating with other cities and Police Chiefs which ultimately led to improved service.  Additionally, under his command, he instituted “Compstat,” a service delivery system that analyzes crime data to more effectively deploy personnel and resources.  This innovative crime-fighting approach has permeated throughout the entire organization, resulting in less crime and an improved quality of life for Fountain Valley residents.  He is very active in Southern California Law Enforcement and has served as the President of the Orange County Chief’s and Sheriff’s Association
Chief Sorrell is dedicated to helping people and organizations for the betterment of the community.  He is a staunch supporter of the Special Olympics and was instrumental in the support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which Fountain Valley Police Department participates in.

Chief Paul Sorrell has enjoyed a distinguished law enforcement career.  He has been a great Law Enforcement Leader, an example for others to follow, and a friend to Golden West College.

On Wednesday, February 1, Golden West College held a National Letter of Intent Signing Party for 35 GWC athletes who have received financial assistants and/or have committed to playing at a Division I, II or III 4-year University for the Fall of 2012.

National Signing Day most commonly refers to a day in February, usually on the first Wednesday of that month, which is the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college football with a school that is a member of the NCAA.

The GWC Athletic Department chose this popular day in sports to honor athletes who are transferring to a 4-year college or university. The number is expected to more than double by the end of this semester.

At the ceremony, Albert Gasparian, Dean of Health, Kinesiology, and Athletics, reminded us that GWC athletes complete an average of 14 units per semester with a higher GPA than the college average.

The following students were recognized:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

Janelle Leighton, Director of the GWC International Student Program, had this to say about Bella, “Insightful, intelligent, and kind-hearted, Bella is a phenomenal student and a rising star!  Her leadership and academic successes abound. She welcomes our new international students and inspires those around her with humility and grace. Thank you, Bella. We are so happy you chose GWC for your U.S. study abroad experience.”

Bella is a Business Administration & Management Major and plans to transfer to Berkeley or CSULB. She chose Golden West College because her brother attended GWC two years ago. Bella is very happy to be a GWC student. She loves the beautiful campus, the diverse student population, and the dedicated faculty and staff. But most of all, the great friends she has made.

GWC welcomed 35 new students from seven countries this Spring. Our new students are from Algeria, Brazil, Canada, China, Jordan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Students attended an all-day International Student Orientation on Friday, January 27 to learn about the student services GWC offers as well as student activities and leadership opportunities. A group photo and campus tour ended the day.

Twenty-five years ago Richard Towle began his work at Salon Canvass as an assistant. Today, he is partner and owner and Salon Canvass has become one of the most successful businesses in Huntington Beach.  This success is shared by Richard and his partners, Kevin McCauley and John Lantow, 2003 Alumni Pillar recipient, who have exhibited a sense of community with their support of others during difficult economic times. Beyond their business success, they have cultivated close relationships with many non-profit and charitable organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, Cancer Society, Collette’s House and Aids Research. Richard is also a strong supporter of the Golden West College Foundation, never missing an opportunity to give back to the institution he feels was responsible for his success.

As a recognized Master Artist, Richard’s paintings are featured and sold in galleries in Orange and Los Angeles counties.  But his friends will say that it is his love for his family and friends that most clearly defines Richard. He has helped many of his nieces and nephews to complete college and among them today are attorneys and doctors.

Golden West College is proud to claim the generous and stylish Richard P. Towle as a 2011 Alumni Pillar of Achievement recipient.

Life from the Heart – Golden West College nursing program created the foundation and paved the way for my journey as a Registered Nurse.  The nursing professors at Golden West College gave rise to instilling a commitment in me towards life-long learning and fed my desire to guide, nurture, teach, listen, comfort, and heal others. In addition, the Golden West College School of Nursing played a key role in creating a sense of confidence as I gained new knowledge and applied theory to practice. There were countless hours of lectures, practicum experience, and studying which were often very difficult and challenging; as it should be… real life nursing is that way.

I am humbled and extremely honored to be among such a prestigious group of other professionals as a recipient of the Golden West College Alumni Pillar of Achievement, especially the one who received this award back in 1993, my dad.

The 2011 theme was “¡Adelante Estudiante!” – “Let Us Go Forward, Student!”

On December 2, 2011, over 450 students from 14 high schools attended a day of inspiring speeches and informative workshops. The event’s theme was chosen to encourage students to continue forward, no matter what challenges they are facing.

Students enjoyed a continental breakfast before entering the gym for the general session. The presentation opened with a welcome from students in the Mi Casa Club. Trustee Jim Moreno, and Chancellor Dr. Andrew Jones welcomed the students and encouraged them to continue their education. Trustee David Grant, Trustee Dr. Lorraine Prinsky, and the college presidents were also in attendance to show their support of the event.

The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Clarissa Rojas, Professor of Chicano Latino Studies at CSULB. She engaged the audience and encouraged the students to take charge of their lives through education.
Students attended three large group sessions that focused on finishing high school, preparing for community college, and steps for transferring to universities. The sessions were followed by 14 special topic workshops chosen by the students.

The event ended in the Central Quad with lunch from Taco’s & Co., music and entertainment by LATINO 96.3 FM, prizes, and information booths.

The Chicano/Latino Conference started in 1975 by GWC students and Spanish Professor Dr. Américo López-Rodríguez, in an effort to inspire and empower Hispanic students to pursue a higher education. The event has grown over the years and became a district-wide event in 2009.

Although Kate knows it will be sad to say goodbye to the classmates that she has spent the last two years with, she is looking forward to starting her career.  She hopes to gain experience by working on a general medical/surgical floor at a hospital while pursuing her Bachelors in Nursing.  Eventually she would like to become a Nurse Practitioner. “My ultimate goal is to work with kids in underprivileged countries,” shared Kate.
Kate’s greatest challenge while going through the nursing program has been keeping her life in balance. She is amazed that she has managed to juggle nursing school, work, family, and volunteering. “It has been hectic and stressful at times, but definitely worth it!”
Golden West may not have seen the last of Kate Whitcomb. She has taken 5 years of sign language and would love to come back and earn a degree in Interpreting at GWC.

In the Pool and on the Field…

Men’s Water Polo Wins State Championship and Women finish 2nd

The Golden West College Men’s Water Polo team finished the 2011 season with a record of 34-1 and were crowned State Champions, Southern California Champions, and Orange Empire Conference Champions (extending their winning streak to 23 consecutive conference championships). This is the third State Championship in four years for GWC’s men’s team.

Over the years, Golden West has had remarkable success in the classroom and in the pool, tallying 41 Conference Titles, 26 Southern California Championships, 22 State Championships, and over 70 athletes transferred to the NCAA in the past 15 years.

After clinching the OEC Championship last week, Golden West’s Women’s Water Polo team took 2nd in the State Championships with a loss to Riverside in the finals 6-4.

Over the years the women’s team has won 5 State Championships, 4 Southern California Championships, and 7 Conference Championships.

GWC Football Wins Central Championship Bowl

The Rustlers faced the LBCC Vikings in the Central Championship Bowl and came out on top 51-36.

Golden West entered the contest with a 6-4 overall record and finished in second place in the Central East Conference. Golden West closed the regular season ranked tied for eighth in the Southern California poll.

Women’s Volleyball

Women’s Volleyball won 17 games in a row, only losing in the Regional finals to #1 seeded Pierce College.

Men’s Soccer

Men’s Soccer advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs!

WAY TO GO RUSTLERS!