The Pioneer, Student's Magazine: Vol. 53, Issue 1

Sept. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom’s student news publication, Est. 1974
1
Welcome
Back!
Lost?
Flip to the
campus map
pages 10-11
Read about
our new
President
pages 14-15
New
Art Installation
page 9

THE
Web: piercepioneernews.com
Email: pioneer@pierce.ctc.edu
Facebook: piercepioneernews
Twitter: @piercepioneer
Phone:253-964-6604
Room: CAS 323
2
Editorial
You Made It!
Everyday presents a new challenge. There are
times where bills might feel like a lot, while other
times it might be a battle just to get out of bed.
The pressure can feel like it’s too much and that’s a
normal feeling to have, especially as a student. But
everyday a student continues to move forward is
another day that challenge is conquered.
Not everyone has the opportunity to attend
college. Sometimes life gets in the way and forces
people to step back from school. It’s also no secret
that college is a big financial step that some simply
cannot make. There are many obstacles in life that
prevent people from this life. So to the students who
are here, never forget that you got here, and that it’s
worth celebrating everyday.
A plethora of students attend Pierce College, all
from different backgrounds and for different reasons.
There are running start students, and students
who haven’t been to school since graduating years
ago. Some students are here after having found a
sudden new passion they can finally pursue, while
others have recently graduated and are just getting
started. What brought them to Pierce will always
be an important step in their life. And over the
summer, Pierce has made many changes to try and
make that mean something.
Artist have gone out of their way to create a
sculpture meant to inspire those on campus, while
Campus Safety has made improvements to their
office for the benefit of the students. Those interested
in studying abroad now have unique opportunities
to do so, and new additions to the campus are
being discussed for the future. A lot has happened
on campus with more to come, but none of that
matters if the students aren’t here to experience it.
Students should feel happy to be where they are
now. Never forget the steps taken to get here, and
know that there’s always new opportunities for
students looking to make the most of the year as
they attend. A new chapter begins now, so make it
a great one.
Welcome to Pierce College, and for those who’ve
been here before, welcome back. You made it!
/ piercepioneernews.com
Editorial Manager
Taylor Riley
triley@pierce.ctc.edu
Production Manager
Ciara Williams
cwilliams@pierce.ctc.edu
Web Manager
Myra Fehling
mfehling@pierce.ctc.edu
Social Media Manager
Kotone Ochiai
kochiai@pierce.ctc.edu
Office Manager
Currently Hiring
Staff
ABOUT THE COVER:
Students new to Pierce could
laugh, interact, and learn
about campus activities at the
new Raider welcome held on
Sept. 11
Letters to The Editor
Have an opinion on our articles or about campus events, policy?
Write a letter to the editor and send to:
pioneer@pierce.ctc.edu.
We cannot publish letters that are anonymous.
THE PIONEER MISSION STATEMENT
Writers
James Zaldivar
Anne Hammond
Lizzy Rowe
Katie Kittlitz
Designers
Abri Wilson
Candee Bell
Darell Kuntz
Jezreel Proo
Photographers
Jordan Hong
Veronica Lu
Lily Binderiya
The Pioneer is an official publication of the Associated Students of Pierce College and is
sanctioned as such by the college’s Board of Trustees and funded primarily by student fees.
It is a public forum for student expression since 1974.
The Pioneer’s mission is:
(1) to inform the student body of issues and events of interest, relevance and importance;
(2) to provide students with a forum for discussion, opinion and expression; and
(3) to provide the student body with editorial leadership.
In carrying out this mission, The Pioneer will use as its ethical guide the Statement of
Principles adopted by the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Although it will strive
to represent the diverse views and interests of the student body, The Pioneer is not responsible
for representing, endorsing or promoting any person, group, organization or activity.
September 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1

June 3, 2019 / Vol. 52, Issue 8
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom’s student news publication, Est. 1974
PIONEER PAST ISSUE
Miss a past issue? Come into
our office and get a copy. It’s not
too late! Room: CAS 323
Contents
Campus
Campus
Feature
5&8/ NEW CAMPUS
SAFETY OFFICE
Campus Safty office summer
remodel is underway
10-11/ CAMPUS MAP
A campus map to help you
find your way
14-15/ PRESIDENT
JULIA A. WHITE
Julie A. White discusses
what it means to be involved
Campus
6-7/ KENYA
Pierce students form new
cultural connections
Feature
12-13/ EMS, DENTAL
AND VETERINARY
BUILDING EXPANSION
A proposed completion date
has been set for Fall of 2021
09
Sports
16/ MASCOTS
Not everyone gets to view
the world from inside a
large, fake bird, but Pierce
College mascots do just that
Campus
9/ PIERCE COLLEGE CONNECTING WITH
STUDENTS THROUGH ART
Pierce College Connecting with Students Through Art
Sports
18/ GOLF SCRAMBLE
The annual Pierce College
Golf Scramble scholarship
has come and gone for
another successful turnout
Coffee Break
19/ CARTOON CORNER
Take a break from studying
and have some fun
September 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 3

EVENT
September & October / 2019
CALENDAR
23 24 September 30 September 01 15 15
29 04
WELCOME DAZE RAIDER RESOURCE STUDENT GOVERN-
FAIR
MENT MEETING
MOVIE PASSES
AVALIABLE
Student Life Lobby Cascade 3rd floor Student life lobby
OLY205
4
From noon - 1 p.m. From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m From noon - 1 p.m From noon - 1 p.m.
10 11 15 31
ELA WORKSHOP
HAUNTED WOODS EXCURSION
PASSES AVAILABLE IN STUDENT LIFE
DESTRESS FOR
MENTAL HEALTH
DAY
FAMILY MOVIE
NIGHT
DISNEYS LIVE ACTION ALADDIN
STUDENT GOVERN-
MENT MEETING
SPOOKTACULAR
EVENT
Student life lobby
Doors open 5:30
Student life lobby
Community event
Showtime 6:00
From 11 a.m - 1 p.m. From noon - 1 p.m From 6 p.m - 8
04 / piercepioneernews.com September 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1

NEW CHANGES TO THE
CAMPUS SAFETY OFFICE
Campus
The Campus Safety Office went through remodeling over the
summer with the hopes of improving student experiences
BY TAYLOR RILEY
Staff Writer
5
CIARA WILLIAMS/
Staff Photo
I need help.
It’s not unusual for college students to
say this on campus. Whether that help
be navigating the campus, or needing
personal assistance and not knowing
where to get it. It’s a normal part of being
a college student, and it is important to
know where students can receive that
support.
Pierce College’s Campus Safety Office,
located on the third floor of the Cascade
Building, is here to assist both new and
returning students with any burning
questions. Jeffrey Schneider, the Director
of Campus Safety, wants all students to
know that they can come to them for
anything.
“We’re kind of the one stop shop,” said
Schneider. “If you don’t know the answer
to something or don’t know where something
is or who to talk to, you can come
to us. We can either answer your question
or put you in contact with someone
who can.”
Over the summer, the Campus Safety
Office went through remodeling, with
the hopes of providing students a better
environment. Pierce has added a glass
window in the office which now closes off
the area from the public. This provides
students and staff privacy to air out any
and all problems.
Originally, the office was a tall counter
where students went with their questions.
Schneider states that the old set up did
not comply with American Disability
Act guidelines, meaning the state would
have required the remodeling. However,
Schneider felt that making a few extra
changes to better the student’s experiences
would be a benefit for the future.
“In the past victims who needed a
space to talk felt not as comfortable to
do so, due to the original set up,” said
Schneider. By providing privacy, the staff
hopes students will feel more comfortable
to come to them for help.
Campus security has also done work
over the summer, including teaming with
local law enforcement to better prepare
in the event of an incident. On Sept. 5,
Campus Safety held an all-day training in
the Rainier Building with the Lakewood
Police Department. Schneider states that
this allows officers to better familiarize
themselves with the campus
The Campus Safety Office has made
itself an available source for a plethora
of situations. “We’ve done everything,”
said Schneider. “From call ambulances,
to providing first aid, and for the case
of running start students, connecting
students and family members.”
On a typical day, the usual questions
students bring to the office involves finding
where their classroom is located or
how to receive a parking permit. Though
at times, students will come to the office
with more serious concerns.
Schneider mentions how there are
times where students are experiencing
dating violence or may even be the
victim of other serious crimes. Schneider
makes it clear that students can bring
non-school related concerns to them if
needed; the office can refer students or
staff to counseling or law enforcement.
Ultimately, it starts with Campus Safety.
The office does what it can to alleviate
any concerns students might have while
on campus. Students uncomfortable with
walking to their car at night after class
can go to Campus Safety and receive an
escort.
If a student’s car is broken into, or a
stranger or classmate is making them
uncomfortable - Campus Safety is here
to help with these concerns. Students
seeking help only need to stay aware and
ask when needed; all it takes is that first
initial step from students. .
Schneider finds it important that students
are aware that they are responsible
for their own security as well. Campus
Safety is here to serve students and will
always be available, but it is up to the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
September 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 5

Campus
FORMING NEW CULTURAL
CONNECTIONS
How an extended invitation lead to an exciting addition to the
upcoming Kenya study tour
6
Kenyan senators Samson Cherargei (left) and Irungu Kangata (right) at the
conference during their visit at Pierce College.
By CIARA WILLIAMS/
Staff writer
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PIERCE
COLLEGE’S HISTORY, students will be
studying science abroad for an up close
and personal biology study in Kenya.
This trip will provide students the opportunity
to learn in a new environment not
confined by a classroom setting.
On Aug. 8, Kenyan senators Irungu
Kangata and Samson Cheragei were
invited to Pierce College by Dr. Francis
Githuku, head of the Metro Safari and
Kenyan Community. Francis intended
for this meeting to bring more Kenyan
students and their culture into Pierce
College.
Originally, the senators came to Washington
for diplomatic purposes regarding
the Boeing 737 plane malfunctions and
its effects on their citizens.
6
/ piercepioneernews.com
“THE COMMUNITY
COLLEGE MISSION
STATEMENT FIT THEIR
GOALS,” HE SAID.
“THEY SAW IT AS AN
AFFORDABLE AND
GREAT PATHWAY FOR
STUDENTS.”
— BRENT LEAVELL MAN-
AGER OF INTERNATIONAL
MARKETING
However, the Senators were also looking
for an affordable education for their
students.
As they toured, the senators brought
forth the idea of adding to the Kenya trip,
MARCOM
/courtesy photos
bridging the connection of the Kenyan
community and Pierce college.
The senators invited the students going
abroad to the National Parliament, and in
addition the possibility to have more students
from Kenya attend Pierce College.
The National Parliament, like the United
States senate, is a body of government
that votes and approves on different laws.
The Parliament itself, where the students
are invited to, is the building where the
voting takes place. This unique opportunity
was not originally on the roster for
the Kenya trip.
Brent Leavell, manager of International
Marketing and recruitment of the
International Education department,
facilitated this meeting. Leavell’s greatest
takeaway was watching the relationship
form organically
between the senators and the college.
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1
Iru
stud

“WE HAVE A LOT OF
SINGLE PARENTS
AND STUDENTS ON
FULL FINANCIAL AID
PACKAGES WHO ARE
WORKING THEIR
HARDEST OVER THE
SUMMER,”
— ASHLEY CHAMBERS
HOMESTAY COORDINATOR
“The community college mission statement
fit their goals,” he said.
“They saw it as an affordable and great
pathway for students.”
Ashley Chambers, the Homestay coordinator
for the International Education
department, will be attending the Kenya
trip as the administrator. “These trips
abroad are a once and a lifetime opportunity
for some students at Pierce,” Chambers
said. “It’s a way for students not only
to learn different subjects hands-on in a
non classroom setting, but to see a different
country as well.”
The game plan for the trip abroad,
Chambers explains, is to start in Nairobi
which is the capital of Kenya. From there
they will go further inland, each destination
bringing students closer to the wildlife.
At the end of the trip, they will be by
the Maassai tribe, a group inhabiting the
African Great Lakes region.
The trip itself is cheaper than most
flights to Kenya, but the financial costs
are still high. The entire trip will cost
around $3000 per student. Although
it is a daunting number, the school is
doing everything in its power to help,
one method being with the Kenya Shoe
Drive.
Collectors of Funds2Orgs pay nonprofits
to collect on the company's behalf, the
funds being given to the International
Department. The shoes donated are then
given to small business owners in different
countries.
“We have a lot of single parents and
students on full financial aid packages
who are working their hardest over the
summer,” said Chambers. “Students are
working two or three jobs, seven days a
week to make this 7trip happen and we
would love to ease a lot of the financial
burden for them.”
Boxes can be found for the drive in
front of the Welcome Desk, while shoes
can be dropped off at the International
office room C509. When the goal is met,
the Pierce College Foundation will get
the additional funds to help the students
going on this once in a lifetime trip.
With the visit from the senators, the
students going on the trip
abroad have even more to look
forward too. With the deadline
for the shoe drive being Oct. 15,
students can help the International
Department reach their
goals of 300 bags. So let's come
together as a student body and
achieve this goal.
Campus
Ciara Williams/ Staff Photo
WHERE BOXES ARE LOCATED
Cascade 3 infront of welcome desk
Cascade 4 infront of the Library
You can request for the International
office to arrange pick ups as well.
Irungu Kangata and Samson Cherargei meet with Pierce
students.
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 7

Campus
CAMPUS SAFFTY OFFICE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
students to take that extra step in
keeping themselves safe. “If you hear
something, you have to react. Make sure
that you are visible,” said Schneider,
whether it be about a problem, vehicle, or
a student in general.
With new students preparing to attend
Pierce College this fall, many may be
curious as to how Pierce intends to assure
them that they are safe here. America as
of recent has been going through hard
times regarding gun violence and public
safety, and Schneider wishes to say this to
any students in need of assurance.
“There has been no particular safety
issues on either campus and that is outstanding.
There are very few crimes that
go on here, and that’s the way we like it.
We have built in systems, and more safety
mechanisms; so should an unfortunate
event here happen, more people will be
safe.”
What Campus safety can do for you
Campus Safety is located in CAS311
You can receive a parking pass from the Campus Safety Office
You can receive a security escort to your car, or even to the
bus stop
8Campus Safety can refer you to counseling
Campus Safety can provide First Aid, CPR, and other
medical assistance
Campus Safety can help you locate a class or room
Any thefts or crimes on campus can be reported to them
Campus Safety can assist students going through dating/
relationship violence
Campus Safety can notify students of any serious incidents
happening on campus
Campus Safety regularly holds training to better improve
security during any incident
Incidents on the Fort Steilacoom campus can be reported
via their office number : (253) 964 - 6751
PIXABAY/
Courtesy photo
8
/ piercepioneernews.com
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1

PIERCE COLLEGE CONNECTING WITH
STUDENTS THROUGH ART
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom’s new art installation is meant to connect and
inspire students attending the campus.
Campus
WOWHAUS Art Studio/Courtesy
Photos
Scott Constablemaking the
measurements for the Ascent art
piece.
By LIZZY ROWE
Staff Writer
HOW DO YOU DEFINE ART?
Scott Constable of WOWHAUS Art
Studio says it is a way of interpreting
and understanding the world. “Art is the
cousin to science and a mode of inquiry,”
says Constable. He is the creator of the
ASCENT sculpture located in the stairwell
of the Cascade Building, which is a
central hub for students. “I believe it’s a
good metaphor for education by climbing
the stairs,” he says. “And I was inspired by
the students.”
Suspending from the four-story stairwell,
the piece appears like a large fan
with several smaller shaped fans on top.
Every shape and angle capture a student's
growth and success in school. “When you
are in school, you are exposed to many
different viewpoints, and with those you
create your own narrative,” says Constable.
The sculpture is meant to be viewed
from different angles while each view
gives you a different perspective. “It’s
always dynamic- just like the students,”
he added.
The process of creating this art piece
began around 6 years ago when the committee
wanted to incorporate an artistic
element to the school. David Roholt,
an art professor at Pierce, said it was a
collaborative project with the artist and
the Washington Art Commission. “Being
able to work with various colleagues on
campus was rewarding, and the artists
were easy to work with,” says Roholt.
The ASCENT sculpture is made of
wood and took four months to craft, both
by hand and computer. There were some
challenges to making this piece work
in the stairwell so that it wasn’t easy to
touch. Constable stated he made a model
and took measurements. Afterwards he
had a structural engineer make it earthquake
proof.
WOWHAUS is based out of Oakland,
California and consists of Scott Constable,
his wife Ene, and his daughter Aili.
“When my daughter was about one and
a half, I was building a tiny studio in the
backyard that was seven feet by nine feet.
She would always say I was in the wow
house,” says Constable. “It’s also a take on
BOWHAUS in Germany who were the
inventors of modernism.”
“WHEN IT’S INSTALLED,
IT BELONGS THERE,
AND IT BELONGS TO THE
STUDENTS THROUGH
GENERATIONS.”
— SCOTT CONSTABLE
WOWHAUS ART STUDIO
Nature is Constable’s main source of
inspiration. He became interested in art
at a young age and began by just drawing
trees. “Drawing taught me to see in color,
form, compositions, line and shade,” says
Constable. He loves to experiment with
3D, abstract and moire patterns. Growing
food and raising chickens with his family
in the California Redwood Forest would
constantly spark his imagination and
creativity.
The sculpture has many meanings to
everyone. Roholt says it’s pivotal to the
environment, being that Pierce is an
academic institution. The intent is to
add color and something unexpected for
students. “It will add an artistic element
to make the campus even more beautiful,”
he says.
Constable says the most rewarding
part of the process is when the sculpture
is displayed. “When it’s installed, it belongs
there, and it belongs to the students
through generations.”
There are many students pursuing a
career in the arts, and Constable knows
firsthand what it is like... “Making a
living as a professional artist is notoriously
difficult and is often frowned
upon as a career path,” he states. “My
advice to any young person interested in
pursuing a career as an artist is to be an
excellent communicator. The sweet spot
is in understanding your strengths and
limitations, finding the best medium to
express your ideas, and understanding
how the marketplace relates to your artistic
endeavors.”
A large replica ctreated to showcase
how the Ascent art piece will
look once completed.
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 9

Campus
GET TO KNOW Y
Important places at
Welcome
Center
Computer
Lab
The Welcome Center is where
you can get help to find specific
resources and connect with your
advisor.
The Computer Lab is a good
place to work on homework and
print out papers. The lab is regularly
open to students, and is also
open on weekends.
Cafeteria
Science
Dome
Fuel your stomach and your
brain. The cafeteria has four
choices of menus every day with
delicious food fresh off the grill.
Come feed your curiosity of
the universe. The Science Dome
is the South Sound’s digital
planetarium and is located on
the second floor of the Rainier
Building.
10 / piercepioneernews.com
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1

YOUR CAMPUS
Campus
s at Fort Steilacoom
Health
Education
Center
Bookstore
The Health Education Center,
also known as HEC, features a
14,000 square foot gymnasium
with equipment, trainers, and a
range of classes. The gym is also
open to all.
The Bookstore is where you
can find your required textbooks,
as well as snacks and Pierce
merchandise to feed your school
pride.
Library
Int’l
House
The library is located on the
fourth floor of the Cascade Building.
Here you can find lots of
research tools, including a Design
room and lots of quiet places to
study.
The Homeland Security/Emergency
Management office and one
of the international coordination
offices.
Abri Wilson/ Staff Illustations
Abri Wilson/ Staff Photos
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 11

Features
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR
STUDENTS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD
Space for students will be expanded and be completed by
Fall of 2021
By KATIE KITTLITZ
Staff writer
12 / piercepioneernews.com
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
Jezreel Proo’/ Staff Illustration
MANY STUDENTS MAY KNOW
OF PIERCE College’s ever-growing
dental hygiene, veterinary technology,
and EMS programs. Students who are
part of these departments are often seen
walking around campus in their scrubs
after a long day of class. These are three
important departments that require lots
of space and updated technology for
students to be successful in their studies
and workplace.
To combat the growing population of
people joining these programs, a new
building on Pierce College’s Fort Steilacoom
campus is in the early stages of
planning. With a proposed completion
date of Fall of 2021, this building will
provide much more room for opportunities
with the advanced technology it will
provide.
Choi Halladay, vice president of administrative
services at Pierce College,
emphasizes the needs of students who
are part of these programs, and how this
construction will benefit them. “This will
expand the amount of space that they
have by a lot,” says Halladay. “It will make
it all state of the art, and a space that represents
the kinds of work environments
that most of the students would actually
go to work in.”
In fact, for the veterinarian department,
it’s not only the students who need
the extra space. According to Salvador
Hurtado, the Veterinary Technology
Program Director, this expansion will
provide an opportunity for different
animals’ environment to be taken care of
as well.
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue1

Features
Kotone Ochiai/ Staff Photos
The first floor of the Cascade building currently houses the EMS, Veterinarian (on
the right), and Dental hygiene (on the left) programs.
“THIS BUILDING WILL
HAVE MORE STUDENT-
DEDICATED SPACE.”
— SALVADOR HURTADO,
THE VETERINARY
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
DIRECTOR
As veterinary students, Hurtado states
that it’s important to have access to animals
that can be worked with. This need
is something that this development will
focus on. In addition to larger areas for
animals to roam and exercise, there will
also be external windows for them to see
outside.
Anyone part of an intensive educational
program is likely to understand the importance
of this simulated experience; it
is necessary to be successful in whatever
field one is going into. It’s also important
to have enough room to work comfortably
in, in contrast to a smaller space that
restricts a student’s productivity.
“This building will have more student-dedicated
space,” adds Hurtado.
“There will be more study areas, and
places for students to hang out in. This
way, there won’t be as much time spent
walking from building to building to eat
lunch or find a quiet place to work.”
As the construction of this building is
still in the beginning stages, it’s too soon
to determine any specific unique features.
However, Halladay has a main idea of
what staff are looking for in this new
building. “We are trying to create layouts
where it’s really efficient. Where an
instructor can move from place to place
and help a lot of different students doing
different things simultaneously.”
Halladay continues in saying that this
way, students are able to multitask with
working on a project, while getting the
help they need from professors. Forming
a space where students have this access is
valuable as it gives everyone a chance to
learn the most that they can, even while
working outside the classroom.
Upon hearing about these new renovations,
some students may be worried
about how this may affect their time at
Pierce in ways such as tuition and parking.
However, Halladay assures that there
will be no increases in tuition or fees as
a result of the new building. Parking will
not pose an issue once construction is
complete. Halladay confirms that a few
additional spots are likely to be added,
but there should be an appropriate
amount of spaces now for more students
to park in.
This expansion of dental hygiene, EMS,
and veterinary technology is something
that students can look forward to in the
future. With these new facilities, it will
provide help with getting closer to their
goals while at Pierce College.
Located on the first floor in the
Cascade building, room C111.
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue1 piercepioneernews.com / 13

Features
President White getting interviewed by Lizzy Rowe
KOTONE OCHIAI/
staff photos
JULIE A. WHITE AND WHAT
IT MEANS TO BE INVOLVED
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom president Julia A. White goes in depth on
her life and what her goals and intents are for the students under her.
BY LIZZY ROWE
Staff Writer
Pierce College centers its focus on providing
educational opportunities through
equity, inclusion and accessibility to all
communities. Julie A. White, Ph.D and
current Fort Steilacoom Pierce College
president keeps those key components at
the core of her work.
White was looking for the next step
in her career and had her eye on Pierce
for some years now. “Pierce is a national
leader and trendsetter in the community
college sector,” she adds. “When I saw
this job opening was available, I was
excited, and I got right on it.”
Growing up in a rural community in
Indiana, White’s family had never been to
college. Her father dropped out of high
14 / piercepioneernews.com
school in the 10th grade, and her grandfather
couldn’t read or write. “Academics
came easily to me, but I did feel adrift. It
wasn’t something my family had experienced,”
White disclosed. “They definitely
supported me but didn’t know how to.”
In high school, White was encouraged
by her English teacher and music instructors.
They brought out her potential and
helped her through tough times in life. “I
experienced the power of literature and
music to help me understand the human
experience and connect my own emotions
to the broader world. I wanted to
bring that to others,” she states.
As a first-generation college student,
White says not to let anyone limit you or
define what you can accomplish. “There
are so many people with stories like mine
who have accomplished amazing things.
Get to know those people because those
are the people that can help bolster you.”
Equity is the accessibility of student
opportunity and success with the individual
needs of students at the heart. White
says people with less opportunities or
lack of resources create a separation and
a less vibrant culture for all. “We have a
lot of work to do in this country around
historical racism, sexism and the conditions
we see today are rooted in those
histories. We can’t go back and change
that, but we can address the current
conditions.”
With the national presidential election
underway, many candidates ran on
a platform of reducing or eliminating
student debt, particularly for community
colleges. White states that college should
be free to everyone because financially it’s
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1

a huge barrier that if removed gives
more opportunities to students.
“There would be funds for daily living expenses
for students who work full time and
part time.” She proposes this innovation so
students can work less and focus more on
their academics.
The Washington State Legislator has
increased funding so more students can
receive grants. There is no effective plan
for the grants between federal and state
financial aid regulations, but White is continually
working with community college
presidents on innovative projects. “We
are creating a virtual hub of community
resources that will help students identify
YOU CAN EXPECT TO
SEE HER ON CAMPUS
ATTENDING STUDENT
EVENTS, AND SHE
WELCOMES ANY NEW
IDEAS STUDENTS BRING
FORTH. “
JULIE WHITE,
PRESIDENT
their financial needs and services in the
community,” White says.
White’s first steps in her new role is to listen
and to learn. Having conversations with
students, faculty and examining student
success data will help her understand where
the barriers lie and how they can improve
them.
When she is not in the office or at a community
event, White enjoys yoga, hiking,
biking and being outdoors. She is excited to
experience the culture and beauty Washington
has to offer. White also has a son
and a daughter who are musicians and are
enrolled in graduate school. “I think there
are some helpful genes there, but they have
worked really hard. I am very proud of
them,” she states.
White says you can expect to see her on
campus attending student events, and she
welcomes any new ideas students bring
forth. “They should know I am out in the
community talking about how great they
are and trying to spread the word about
Pierce so more students can take advantage
of the opportunities that we have.”
Features
JULIE WHITE
courtesy photo
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 15

Features
THIS IS NO ORDINARY BIRD
STUDENTS LOOKING FOR A CHANCE TO EXPRESS THEIR SCHOOL SPIRIT
CAN DO SO BY APPLYING TO BE PIERCE COLLEGE’S MASCOT, THE RAIDER.
BY ANNE HAMMOND
Staff Writer
NOT EVERYONE GETS TO VIEW
the world from inside a large, fake bird,
but Pierce College mascots do just that.
Raider mascot Khuong “Finn” Ho,
a recent Theatre and Performance Art
graduate at Fort Steilacoom, flapped his
wings and cheered on Pierce students for
the past two years.
“I just love the whole idea of it,” says
Ho. “It is an odd job, but it requires so
much more than you’d think. It’s like
being a superhero. No one knows who
you are, yet people still know who you
are. Also, I get the best spots to watch the
games.”
The Athletic Department and Student
Life Office are always looking for
students to serve as the mascot, according
to Duncan Stevenson, Pierce College
Athletic Director.
“We’ll take anybody of any age and
size,” says Stevenson. “What we’re looking
for is the energy and the interest and
enthusiasm to do it.”
Mascots often start as first-year
students then stay for their second year,
states Doug Carlson, Operations Manager
of the Health Education Center on
campus, who hires the mascots.
“We’ve actually had more short people
“DURING GAMES, THE
RAIDER BIRD DANCES
AND HANGS OUT WITH
THE CHEERLEADERS
AND TRIES TO GET THE
CROWD GOING… PEP UP
THE CROWD,”
— DOUG CARLSON
than tall people in the costume,” says
Carlson. “Almost everybody has been
under 6 feet.”
This is a job with big shoes to fill. Mascot
Ho was up to the challenge.
“Moving is easy, though with the big
bird feet, stairs are challenging,” says Ho.
“Sound wise, everything is quieter. Vision
is surprisingly better than one would
think.”
The mascots boost school spirit at
indoor sports games – volleyball and basketball
– and at Student Life events such
as “Welcome Days”. In the past two years
“the bird” has marched in the Daffodil
Parade in Puyallup, according to Carlson.
“During games, the Raider bird dances
and hangs out with the cheerleaders and
tries to get the crowd going… pep up the
crowd,” says Carlson.
Mascot Ho says he tries to embody the
Raider by giving hugs and high fives. He
also “flexes his muscle” to flesh out the
mascot and add character.
“I love it when people are willing to
suspend their disbelief and sort of ‘play
along’ with the idea of the Raider bird,”
says Ho. “It keeps the magic alive.”
Athletic Director Stevenson observes
the mascot in action more than anyone.
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the mascot
interacting with little kids,” says Stevenson.
“It can be a scary thing, but I think
for the most part, they’re really enamored
with being next to ‘the bird.’”
That’s what Stevenson calls the Raider
mascot; he and “the bird” go way back.
“The college mascot, since its inception,
has been ‘the Raider,’” explains
Stevenson. “And this goes back to the late
1960s. But for 35 years, we really didn’t
have an official mascot character, not
even an emblem.”
When Stevenson started working at
Pierce in 1987 one of his goals was to get
something to be identified as “the Raider.”
Students made several efforts through
the 1990s to try to get something going,
but the review process was so involved.
“Finally, in 2003 to 2004, I was able to
get students to initiate a mascot challenge,”
says Stevenson. “It was a design
contest open to all students.”
They had around 15 submissions;
everything from the bird we have now
to a mustang, a raccoon, a variation on
the Oakland Raiders, and other options,
according to Stevenson.
Business student and baseball player
Jason Stark won, says Stevenson. Stark
had written a backstory on the Raider as
a bird who preys on smaller animals and
birds for its survival. It was like a falcon.
“’The bird’ was the one!” laughs Stevenson.
Marcom/ courtesy photo
Abri Wilson/ staff Illustation
16 / piercepioneernews.com
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1

The
Pioneer is hiring
Come expand on your skills
We offer paid hours and paid training!
We need writers!
We need designers and
illustrators!
Photographers and
videographers!
Applications in office
C323 and
https://piercepioneernews.com

Sports
GOLF-SCRAMBLE SCHOLARSHIP
Pierce College held their 26th annual Golf Scramble
this year at the Home Course in DuPont.
BY JAMES ZANLDIVAR
Staff Writer
The annual Pierce College Golf Scramble
scholarship has come and gone for
another successful turnout. The Pierce
College Foundation has put on this
annual event for the 26th time, with the
purpose of raising money for students to
help aid them while attending. Among
the beneficiaries include those exploring
fields that venture through math, science,
engineering, plus many more.
Aug. 15 met the fundraiser with clear
skies and warm weather, setting the
perfect stage to golf. This was the first
year the fundraiser was held at the Home
Course in DuPont. Nicole Ferris from the
Pierce Foundation was nothing short of
great in putting this fundraiser together,
helping raise over forty thousand for the
students of Pierce College.
With that, credit is also owed to the
sponsors who played a major role in this
event. Not just for donating their time to
Pierce College, but for being more than
excited to be a part of the event. Casey
Debow of Right!Systems mentioned
that it was a great environment, Debow
having never an event to this day. The
strong encouragement of sponsors is just
another reminder that this brings the
community together.
One of the biggest supporters of the
annual Golf Scramble scholarship is
chancellor Michele Johnson. Johnson
showed much enthusiasm when mentioning
how she is the only one to play in
all 26 events over the years. She did not
hesitate in saying that the students are
what keeps her participating year after
year.
There were many key positions played
by participants to help make this a great
first year at the Home Course. One
key role included the staff of the Home
Course such as Ashley Sihachack, an
alumni of Pierce. Sihachack helped with
the flow of the event, helping participants
and Pierce volunteers by answering questions
and providing directions.
Amongst that, Sihachack went on to
mention that she saw an increase in the
number of participants for the event.
“The fundraiser was clearly well planned
and provides a welcoming environment,”
she added. “Not only that, but Pierce
showed real initiative.”
Students of Pierce College are amongst
the volunteers that participated in this
fundraiser, including students Han
Duong and William Wasson. Duong
felt that the most important thing to tell
those unaware of the fundraiser is that it’s
a benefit for the students. For those interested
in participating next year, Wasson
adds that Student Life is the best way to
get involved.
The 26th annual Pierce College Golf
Scramble scholarship fundraiser was
definitely one for the books. From the
sponsors, Pierce volunteers, and the
workers of the Home Course, everyone
definitely contributed to the success. A
big thank you to everyone who played
their part in helping raise money for the
students at Pierce College. It has already
fueled the excitement for next year's
fundraiser.
ABRI WILSON/Staff illustations
18 / piercepioneernews.com
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1

REMEMBER TO TAKE BRAKE THIS YEAR
Maybe with a comic......
Coffee Break
a walk around the lake,
19
Ciara Williams/staff photos
Or look for some cool art on campus.
Remember this year to always take time for yourself and
not to burn out!
September. 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 19