News from Sierra College

August 25, 2008

Sierra College Mourns Loss of Professor Dr. Harry L. F. Houpis

Sierra College Astronomy professor Dr. Harry L. F. Houpis died unexpectedly on August 20, 2008, at his home. He was 54.

Dr. Houpis joined the Astronomy faculty in July, 1997, and was the Chair of the Astronomy Department. A graduate of MIT (B.S. in Mathematics and B.S. in Physics) and the University of California, San Diego (M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics), he taught part-time at a variety of levels from grade school to 4-year universities since 1978 and was a strong advocate of multimedia lecturing and hands-on peer-based learning. Professor Houpis published several technical papers in a variety of professional journals, delivered numerous presentations at professional meetings, and was researching problems associated with cosmology, philosophy, and the foundations of mathematics. He was also the Chair and Advisor of the Sierra College, Beta Mu Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Committee.

There was much more to Dr. Houpis than can be gleaned by his impressive academic accomplishments. Harry was known for his optimism, kindness and boundless energy.

“Harry was very passionate about everything he did and he really knew how keep his priorites straight,” commented Carole Houpis, his wife, “He always said my family comes first, then science, followed by bicycling and model railroading.”  His death caught everyone by surprise. Dean Mike Sequeira from the Math and Science division shared his thoughts. "It was tragic and sudden," he said. "We are deeply saddened at the unexpected loss of our dear friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed."

Professor Houpis was scheduled to co-host the college’s fall Convocation, a gathering of the faculty and staff to celebrate the beginning of the semester. On that morning instead, Dr. Leo E. Chavez, Superintendent/President, broke the sad news to a full auditorium and announced that the day’s event would be rescheduled to allow the community time to reflect and gather with their peers.

The family of professor Houpis has requested that instead of sending flowers, people can donate to the Sierra College Foundation. Indicate on the check in the memo area "Harry Houpis scholarship fund." For more information on the memorial fund contact the Sierra College Foundation at 916.789.2920.

August 18, 2008

Sierra College Offers a Virtual Office Professional Program

As the world becomes more digitalized, a new program has arrived at Sierra College known as the Virtual Office Professional Program. The program is designed to prepare students for starting a virtual office business.

“It’s a very timely program,” said Dr. Cyndi Dunn, the Sierra College professor who has helped to bring the program to campus. “It offers a lot of options as a career.”

The program will address issues of creating, marketing, and managing a virtual office, while also preparing students to help other businesses grow by working together.

“I discovered the VOP program at Sierra by accident,” said Heidi Settecase, an intern in the Sierra College VOP program. “My experience with the program has given me a real hands-on feel for what it will be like to work in the virtual environment.”

By giving students an opportunity to either start their own business or work for other businesses without an office environment, the VOP program, as it’s emerging, suits the pace of technology and innovation.

“VOP is a booming program,” Dunn said. “It’s already receiving national and international recognition.”

Classes are filling up at Sierra College as more and more students become aware of the benefits associated with the VOP program.

“This program is awesome,” said Julie Wheat, another intern with the program at Sierra College. “It offers such a great choice for so many people. I think that for Sierra to offer it, more attention is drawn to the profession by younger people.”

In the midst of an economic recession, the advantages of the virtual office are great. With the vast majority of today’s technology being created in the virtual world and business being conducted by way of the internet, the necessity of budgeting for physical office space and transportation to get there can in many instances disappear.

With the team effort put forward from the CIS and Business Departments at Sierra College, the VOP program is setting the stage for a new group of professionals.

“My advice is to take advantage of the internship opportunity,” Wheat said. “It will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to make it in this business.”

For more information about the Virtual Office Professional Program, please visit http://www.sierracollege.edu/Programs/divisions/BusTech/cis/VOP1.html

For a complete list of classes and programs available at Sierra College, log on to www.sierracollege.edu. Sign up for fall semester now! Classes begin August 25th.

July 31, 2008

As Economic Pressures Increase, Firms turn to Supply Chain Management

Sierra College offers training to IT, operations, procurement and materials managers to cut costs

Gain more control over the storage and movement of materials, supplies and products, and your company can increase efficiencies, cut costs and improve customer satisfaction. Sierra College is offering a series of Supply Chain Management courses to help businesses increase control over the flow of inventory and gain a competitive advantage.

First Course Begins September 9, 2008

The Sierra College Workforce Development & Continuing Education Division (www.sierracollegetraining.com) through the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) is co-sponsoring the series with the Sacramento Chapter of the Association for Operations Managers, (known as APICS – Advancing Productivity, Innovation, and Competitive Success) (www.apicsacramento.com). The first course of the series starts September 9 in Roseville, CA at the Sierra Gateway Campus.

Be More Competitive

According to Pat McCarty, President of APICS Sacramento, any company that purchases, produces and manages inventory could benefit from learning the best practices in Supply Chain Management. “Grocery stores, utilities, hospitals and service businesses as well as manufacturers can reduce costs, improve efficiencies and stream line processes with Supply Chain Management strategies,” said McCarty. “The greatest benefit for participants is the opportunity to meet and interact with others in the industry who implementing similar programs and can share insights and support. APICS is pleased to be working with Sierra College to offer this professional development program that will help local companies be more competitive in a tight economy.”

Become Certified

The courses will also prepare participants for the APICS professional exam to become Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM). APICS administers the CPIM test.

Sierra College is taking registrations now at www.sierracollegetraining.com for:

• Basics of Supply Chain Management – September 9 to October 16
• Detailed Scheduling and Planning – October 28 to December 11
• Execution & Control of Operations – January 13 to February 19, 2009
• Master Planning of Resources – March 3 to April 9, 2009
• Strategic Management of Resources – April 21 to June 2, 2009

Experienced Instructors

Sierra College Consultant and APICS member, Jes Vargas is the lead instructor for the Supply Chain Management course. With 24 years of industry experience, Vargas has worked in engineering, project management, business development, manufacturing and executive management and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a MBA in Operations and certifications in TQM, Material Management, Project Management and Lean Manufacturing.

The mission of the Workforce Development & Continuing Education Division is to deliver flexible learning opportunities that produce change. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has worked with manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Sierra College CACT at cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu or (916) 781-6288.

July 23, 2008

Sierra Searches for Elusive Wolverines

Contest runs until October 15th.

Beginning August 31st, the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association will be launching the “Search for Elusive Wolverines” contest in an attempt to capture glimpses of some of Sierra College’s most elusive wolverines—former athletic alumni. 

In order to compete in the contest, contestants must submit evidence of the “Wolverine Sighting” in the form of a JPEG photograph or YouTube URL link. In addition to this, the name of the “Wolverine” alumnus, the sport he/she played while at Sierra College, and the year(s) played must be supplied.

Cash and passes to the winner

The contestant who sends in the most contacts in this search will receive a $100 cash prize, as well two passes for all 2008-2009 athletic sporting events. Points will be awarded for creativity and every contestant who submits a “Wolverine Sighting” will also receive a t-shirt from the WAA.

All photos submitted will be published at the end of the contest, which will run until October 15th, 2008. The winner will then be announced November 1st at the Homecoming football game. All entries should be submitted via email or mail to Susanne Michaels at smichaels@sierracollege.edu or to Sierra College, C/O Sue Michaels, 5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677. Contestants should also include their name and contact information with the “Wolverine Sighting.”

Athletics play a key role in the total experience of campus life at Sierra College and the primary purpose of the Wolverine Athletic Association is to provide additional funding support for the men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports. For more information about becoming a part of the WAA, please visit their web page.

 

July 10, 2008

Sierra College: Upgrading Technology for Today’s Wireless World

July 8th marked the official start of the Sierra College Foundation’s WiFi Project Campaign to raise $250,000 to provide wireless Internet access to Sierra College students district wide. At Tuesday night’s campaign kick-off, the Foundation proudly announced that during the silent phase of this campaign, they were able to raise approximately $100,000. The event was attended by community supporters, members of the project’s Honorary Committee, Sierra College Foundation Board of Directors, and Sierra College staff and students.

Honorable Jim Gray, Mayor of Roseville and Honorary Chair of the WiFi Campaign, in his remarks, talked about the importance of Sierra College to him personally, his family, and the entire region. Dr. Rachel Rosenthal addressed the importance of wireless capability for today’s digital-learner students. Sandra Gallo, the 2007-2008 President of the Associated Students of Sierra College, stated that “Sierra College students, professors, and staff identified wireless Internet access as the No. 1 priority to enhance education and the overall college experience.”

WiFi will enhance learning

Holly Tiche (Placer Ranch President) and Tami Bogert-Yuill (Attorney/ Gubernatorial Appointee), Co-Chairs of the WiFi Campaign, remarked that wireless technology on all Sierra College campuses will enhance learning, enable access to information, and improve safety to the nearly 40,000 students and community members who attend one of the four campuses (Nevada County, Rocklin, Roseville Gateway, and Tahoe/Truckee).

The project’s Honorary Committee is comprised of Jim Gray (Chair), Mayor of Roseville; Ed Bonner, Placer County Sheriff; David Ferrari, Sierra College Trustee; Carol Garcia, City of Roseville Councilmember; Jim Holmes, Placer County Supervisor; Mark Johnson, Mayor of Grass Valley; Gil Mathew, Nevada County Economic Resource Council President/CEO; David McKay, City of Nevada City Councilmember; Dan Miller, City of Grass Valley Councilmember; Bart O’Brien, Placer Union High School District Superintendent; Rocky Rockholm, Placer County Supervisor; Primo Santini, Mayor of Lincoln; John Spencer, Nevada County Supervisor; Brett Storey, Mayor of Rocklin; and Kirk Uhler, Placer County Supervisor.

This is a short-term campaign promising to yield impressive results. The campaign is expected to wrap up in late August in order for students to begin utilizing the technology in Spring 2009.

Visit www.sierracollege.edu/wifi to learn more about the WiFi Project Campaign. Contact the Sierra College Foundation at: (916) 789-2920 or foundation@sierracollege.edu if you would like to offer your support.

July 1, 2008

Sierra College Athletics Third in the Nation

The California Community College Commission on Athletics and National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) recently named Sierra College third in the nation for overall athletic excellence.  Since the establishment of the NATYCAA cup in 2003-04, Sierra College Athletics has ranked in the top four positions, winning first place that year.  “This trophy gives us a complete set” commented John Volek, Dean of Athletics, “A first, a second, and now a third. It’s a nice look for our office.”

Only 5 points away from first in the nation

This year the first place cup went to Fresno City College with a score of 164 points. Finishing second was Cerritos College with 160 points, followed by Sierra with 159 points. A college is awarded points based on its teams’ final positions in post-conference competition. Each college’s top-five men’s and top-five women’s team results count toward the school’s overall point total. Complete standings, scoring criteria, and a history of the NATYCAA Cup are available on the CCCAA Web site, www.coasports.org.

NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletic administrators and membership is open to all two-year institutions from throughout the country. The awards were designed to recognize and reward overall program excellence at the two-year college level. The criteria for the State Associations division were developed by the COA in conjunction with the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA). To view the latest news, information and updates of all 23 COA sanctioned sports, visit www.coasports.org.
For more information about the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Sports Programs.

June 3, 2008

Sierra College Forum Focuses on Strategic Plans

College and business/community leaders gather to discuss needs

On Thursday, May 29, 2008 Sierra College hosted the second in an on going series of panel discussions with local business and community leaders. This roundtable forum was moderated by Joanna Wessman, publisher of the Sacramento Business Journal. Sierra College Superintendent/President Dr. Leo E. Chavez asked the panelists to comment on a draft of the District’s new Mission, Vision and Core Value Statements.  Rachel Rosenthal, Vice President of Instruction presented a draft of the district’s Strategic Master Plan for their consideration. The panelists provided insight regarding workforce development and identified the skills they look for in future employees.

These forums provide a venue for the college to work closely with and respond to the needs of its communities. With the state facing budget shortfalls, it is especially critical for the college to be thorough and thoughtful when determining programmatic needs. “We may not be able to be all things to all people,” explained Rachel Rosenthal.  “We would like to hear from you, the business and community leaders, what are your most vital needs.”

Many participants spoke of the need for management and leadership training as experienced workers retire in the fields of nursing, teaching, and local government. For future employees, the panelists identified communication skills as a key element to advancement.

In addition to educating the workforce, Carlos Urrutia, Rocklin City Manager, reminded the College of the important role it can offer in the cultural development of the community. “You have a wonderful campus; it could be the cultural center of the community.”  

Front left to right - Barbara Hayes; SACTO, Rachel Rosenthal; Sierra College, Joanna Wessman; Sacramento Business Journal, Sandy Sharon; Kaiser Permanente, Julie Burrows; City of Roseville Back left to right - David Kaiser; Granite Community Bank, Pat Brady; Sutter Roseville, Mark Davis; Sierra View Construction, Leo Chavez; Sierra College, Carlos Urrutia; City of Rocklin, Don Whittaker; Ceronix, Mark Parker; City of Auburn, Gil Matthew; Nevada County Economic Resource Council, Keith Bray; Placer County Office of Education, Joseph Sheley; Sacramento State

Panelists included a cross-section of business leaders in the healthcare, banking, and technology industries, as well as representatives from educational institutions, local government, and economic organizations.

“These on-going discussions will help guide Sierra College to educate and train a workforce that will fill the needs of our communities,” commented Chavez, “helping our economy to grow and strengthen.”

May 1, 2008

Sierra College Wrestling Team Receives California Legislature Assembly Resolution

The Sierra College Wolverines Wrestling Team led by Head Coach Ken Wharry and Assistant Coach Don Martinez III were honored by a resolution from the California Legislature Assembly on April 21st at the State Capitol in Sacramento, CA.

The Members Resolution No. 934 states:

Whereas, On December 7 and December 8, 2007, the Sierra College Wrestling Team won the 2007 California Community College State Championship, thus bringing immense happiness and pride to the local community and state, and in recognition thereof, the team members, the members of the coaching staff, and all of those individuals associated with the team are deserving of special public commendations; and

Whereas, Accumulating 146 points, the Sierra College Wolverines’ state title win is the first male sport state championship in school history  and nine of the ten wrestlers sent to the tournament came home with medals, with eight of the athletes earning All-American honors; and

Whereas, Devoting countless hours to training and developing the fullest potential of the members of the team, Coach Ken Wharry was named Head Coach of the Year and Don Martinez, III, was named Head Assistant Coach of the Year; Both have been coaching at Sierra College for the last six years, during which time the Wolverines have obtained 40 state medals, 27 All-American honors, and seven state championships; and

Whereas, the Sierra College Wrestling Team was led by Norman Richmond, who was named Wrestler of the Year, and Erik Nye, who won his second state title and finished off his career with the Wolverines undefeated in the junior college ranks; and

Whereas, also bringing home All-American honors were Chauncey Phillips, Travis Wood, Mingo Grant, Chris Santana, Mike Fucci, Zeth St. Clair, and Alex Howard; and

Whereas, The people of Rocklin can be proud of athletic competitors of the caliber of the Sierra College Wrestling Team, who so admirably represent them in sporting events, and who possess the skill and determination to succeed in their efforts; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by Assembly Members Mary Hayashi and Ted Gaines, That the members of the Sierra College Wrestling Team be congratulated on winning the 2007 California Community College State Championship, commended for the ability that they displayed during the tournament, and conveyed sincere best wished for continued success in the future.

This resolution was presented and sign by Mary Hayashi 18th Assembly District and Ted Gaines 4th Assembly District.

April 1, 2008

Park Ave. students’ experience building catapults may launch careers

Sierra College CACT Tech-Explorer project inspires students to consider tech careers

Students at the Park Avenue Alternative Education Site asked their principal for more hands-on projects. On Thursday, April 3, they will learn to use mills, lathes, drills and other tools to make catapults. The school site located at 140 Park Ave. in Grass Valley.

According to school principal Mike Tambini, the students are hungry for applied learning projects like the Tech-Explorer catapult program developed by Sierra College CACT (http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php). “As the new principal, I wanted to find out what the students were really interested in so I conducted several focus groups,” said Tambini. “The students said that they wanted hands-on programs so we’ve brought community partners on to the site to introduce technology, health and art.”

The Tech-Explorer project introduces skills that students might use in technical or manufacturing careers. “We don’t have a vocational education program on campus so the Sierra College CACT project could motivate students to consider careers in robotics, engineering, design, electronics, manufacturing and product development,” said Tambini.

Exposing K12 students to technical education is crucial according to Neal Albee, Dean Sierra College Nevada County Campus. “At youngest possible age, we need to expose them to technical educational and career opportunities,” said Albee. Gil Matthew, President and CEO of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council, agrees. “Tech-Explorer is an entry point for high school students to explore technology,” said Matthew. Theresa Wescott, human resources manager for Thomson - Grass Valley, Inc. in Nevada City said that there is a need for technically qualified employees. “There are excellent opportunities for young people who pursue technical education,” said Wescott.  

This short-term, turn-key applied academic project meets State of California secondary education standards. Sierra College CACT provides trainers, shop tools, materials and safety gear. The Sierra College CACT secured a grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Division (www.cccco.edu) for this demonstration project. For more information, contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College Workforce Development and Continuing Education at (916) 781-6244 or go to http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php.

Once the pilot is completed, the Tech-Explorer projects will be available to schools through California’s twelve Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT.org). The mission of the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is to support companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or call 916-781-6244.