We have a winner! LBCC elects new leaders of student government

Vice President-elect John Maine

The SLC has new leadership: Vice President Eric Slyter will be the next president of student government, and veteran club leader John Maine will take up the mantle as new vice president.

On Feb. 17 and 18. students received an electronic ballot in their Linn-Benton email inboxes, prompting them to elect new representatives to the Student Leadership Council.

Out of the 2,433 full-time students attending LBCC, only 180 chose to cast their votes in the second-ever SLC election held on campus.

The SLC needed 3 percent of the full-time student body to vote and received votes from 7.4 percent, resulting in an admissible election.

“Most of the students here don’t even know what the SLC is and that’s unfortunate,” said John Maine, SLC vice president-elect.

Maine was elected last week with 104 votes. His opponent, Jason Shirley, conceded the election with 76 votes.

The campaigners had just under two weeks to rally support.

“It was a tough race,” said Shirley. “I came in as an outsider. John was established already. All and all I think I did a really good job during the election.”

Former SLC Vice President Eric Slyter ran unopposed and garnered enough votes to take the position of SLC president.

“We could have not received the minimum number of votes, and it would have been a little bit more complicated process, but I probably would have come out as president,” said Slyter. “This was the second year we actually got the minimum number of votes, so yes, I think it was successful.”

Slyter has worked several positions on the SLC team in the past two years, beginning as a volunteer.

President-elect Eric Slyter

“I’m really excited,” said Slyter “I think I have a really pretty good idea of what our potential is and the ultimate direction of the team.”

Slyter believes his past experiences have given him an eye for what the SLC is or isn’t capable of, and a few ideas for improvements.

Under the guidance of Associate Dean of Student Engagement Leslie Hammond, Slyter is currently focusing on improving communication within the SLC team. Together they have designed new leadership trainings for the upcoming SLC team members, noting a lack of effective training and goal implementation in the past.

Slyter also raised concerns with the follow-through of the SLC. While the team has been effective in making decisions, the physical effort and implementation often becomes lost between meetings.

“It takes a sort of guided effort, keeping people on track, keeping that goal in mind and making sure that communication is open,” said Slyter.

Slyter is also looking for ways to give back to students, whether it be through reducing the price of textbooks or increasing awareness and availability of unused scholarships and talent grants on campus. His ambition for his time as president is “ultimately to create a positive college experience,” aligning his goals closely with that of the college administration.

Maine will begin his term as vice president directing his focus towards improving the college experience for students and reevaluating the SLC’s current situation, calling on repercussions for individuals in the SLC not performing their jobs.

“We need to have a strong Student Leadership Council that can pick up and fix this, and not have it happen again, or have a plan if something drastic does happen,” said Maine, referring to the mid-term resignation of former SLC President Paola Gonzalez.

While aiming for SLC budget reevaluation and transparency with the student body, Maine also intends to evaluate the necessity of the SLC’s involvement with student lobby group Oregon Student’s Association.

“I really want to focus on diverting our funds back towards the students and trying to run at a bare minimum,” said Maine.

He is investigating the possibility of an SLC funded “free” printing plan for students, although student fees directly fund the SLC budget.

“Oohlala,” a college-centered social media app will become available under a new name for students and staff which Maine and Slyter hope will bring ease and convenience to campus communication and connections.

Both Slyter and Maine agree that any changes made over the next year should be for the benefit of the student body and the college.

“It’s about providing the structure and opportunities for people to do well, giving students the opportunity to succeed. I know that’s really vague and generalized, but ultimately that’s what the student leadership is supposed to be here to do,” said Slyter.

At A Glance

• Eric Slyter has been elected president: former vice president and member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

• John Maine has been elected vice president: Army veteran, vice president of Veteran's Club and father of three.

• The SLC is located in the Student Union on the northeast corner of the courtyard

• SLC can be contacted by phone at 541-917-4475, ex. 4462

• Weekly meetings open to the public every Monday at 4 p.m in the DAC, Forum 220

LBCC Election Debate 2016

SLC candidates debate looming student issues

LBCC students have seen an unusual amount of changes in their Student Leadership Council this year. Multiple resignations, including both elected president and vice president, sent the SLC into turmoil in the midst of fall term. Persevering through the chaos, two non-elected students stepped up to fill the empty positions and turned turmoil into a cohesive team.

In two months time, President Candalynn Johnson and Vice President Eric Slyter will hand over their current positions to the new, elected leaders of student government. But first, the students of LBCC must choose their leaders; the time for an election has arrived.

On Feb. 17, students will receive an electronic ballot through their Linn-Benton email addresses, providing them another chance to pick the representatives of student government.

A round of debates were held by the SLC Judiciary Board on Feb. 12 at noon in the Fireside Room. Open to students, about 15 people filled the space to listen to candidates deliberate current issues the college faces. Board members Reis Taylor, Elijah Andre-Orlando and Sophia Metzler posed questions to candidates, asking for their ideas on a variety of issues.

Eric Slyter speaks. Next to him are candidates Jason Shirely and John Maine.

-The Candidates-


Eric Slyter: Running unopposed for president

When the SLC began crumbling during fall term, Slyter stepped up to the plate. Beginning the year as an executive assistant he is now the acting vice president.

“I was up to the challenge and I cared about the team,” said Slyter. “I sort of filled in the gaps as needed and was kind of a wild card in the SLC.”

He believes his experiences working many positions in the SLC has equipped him for the presidency.

“I feel very well prepared to lead the team,” said Slyter.

During his vice-presidency Slyter chose to tackle the issue of students' financial burden.

“If tuition is something that’s out of our control we need to shift our focus to other ways of saving students money, things like focusing on textbook affordability and working with the availability of grants and scholarships,” said Slyter.

Disappointed in the lack of competition, Slyter believes that the position of president takes devotion and may be intimidating for potential candidates. If Slyter doesn’t receive the support of student voters the position will be open to applicants, though he will be eligible to apply.

As president he would act as a liaison between the LBCC Board of Education, The Oregon Students Association, a student lobby group, and the student body. Working with the Board of Directors Slyter would be involved with the creation of a budget which affects every aspect of student resources on campus.


Jason Shirley: Running for vice

Shirley is a Salem, Ore., native and a fourth-time returning college student. He began his college career at Chemeketa Community College, and is a computer science major. This year he has spent time volunteering with the SLC, and manages a pizza joint one day a week.

“I learned some valuable skills being a manager. I know how to lead a team of people effectively,” said Shirley.

Shirely believes the biggest challenge for LBCC students is a lack of open communication about their resources. He advocates for open forums to encourage discussions with the student body regarding other issues, especially the lack of resources for student-parents.

“I have a very good idea of what keeps student in and out of school; mostly out,” said Shirley. “Linn-Benton has 16 percent graduation rate. Across all of our campuses there’s 5,500 students which means 880 students are going to graduate. I want to bring that number up. We can do better as a community, as a school.”


John Maine: Running for vice

Maine is a student-parent of three, including a newborn. Vice president of the Veteran’s Club and serving on the Judiciary Board, Maine keeps himself busy.

“I’ve been able to balance all those things in my life already and commit to my schooling,” said Maine.

Maine served in the Army. He spent 15 months in Iraq and suffered a traumatic brain injury, eventually receiving a Purple Heart for his service. After spending time rehabilitating he is ready for a fresh start at LBCC.

“When the rubber meets the road, I have the grit to get everything done. As I was a team leader in Iraq I did that in a combat zone,” he said. “I get things done; that’s how it has to be. You have to have that mindset whether you have things going on in your life or not.”

Maine believes he possesses a “unique understanding as a student parent, a student with disabilities and a veteran.” He sees problems non-traditional students face and believes he can provide solutions using the education, knowledge, and resources gained through his own experiences.


-The Issues-


Discrimination

LBCC is a college with a diverse student population. Recent discussion between students and faculty members have brought to light a need to address issues of discrimination against minorities on campus.

“I know that discrimination does happen on this campus,” said Slyter. “Being a privileged white male it’s a little bit difficult for me to wrap my head around what discrimination really is and it’s something that I’ve had some really deep conversations with some people about. It’s something that I’m deeply concerned with and I’ll be doing my best to make sure that the student voices are heard and they will be comfortable expressing themselves in any situation.”

Maine recognized the discrimination issue and that the VP position represents all students, no matter their background.

“We need to bring education out about all the demographics that we have here to include all minorities and talk about that openly. Don’t be scared to ask questions and know where to go for those resources,’ said Maine.

Shirley expressed a similar view, believing that students knowledge about available resources is key to the issue.

“The first problem with discrimination: making individuals feel welcomed to approach our student leaders, our faculty and our administration about discrimination,” said Shirley.


Blood Drives

One of the vice-presidential duties has traditionally been the organization of blood drives. However this has recently fallen under debate. Brought to the attention of the SLC by the Gender Sexuality Alliance, blood drives enforce FDA policies which do not allow men who have sex with men to donate blood. The blood drives discriminate against a portion of the student population, yet are still funded through their fees.

“The problem is that student funds cannot support the blood drives because it is discrimination of men who have sex with men,” said Maine. “There should be no discrimination in our student body, period. That’s my policy. That’s what I’ll stand by.

Both Maine and Slyter agree that finding a separate way to fund blood drives without the use of student funds is a preferable option. The possibility of funding the events through a club is a viable option. They also agree that it should not be in the job requirement of the VP to organize the events.

Shirley was not entirely informed about the issue.

“I’m still gathering all the information I can to have an opinion, but right now I cannot say or lean anywhere because I don’t know the full story,” said Shirley.


Student-Parent Resources

Student-parents are challenged with a pervasive lack of resources at LBCC.

“I am a student-parent myself, I have two kids and I struggle quite a bit in order to make my ends meet financially and physically getting to school,” said Christy McDaniel, SLC event planner.

McDaniel spoke up at the debate to voice her concerns to the candidates.

All candidates realize the relevancy of her plight.

“I have yet to grasp exactly why the college has not put more resources out there for student-parents. That’s something I’m currently working on, trying to figure out exactly what’s holding them back from giving a little bit to student-parents,” said Slyter.

With an imminent tuition increase of 7 percent, Slyter believes the lack of resources should be taken into account with increased budget funding.

Shirely expressed an idea for a student-run daycare center, but has yet to come up with a plan to implement the idea. He called for open forums to discuss the issue further with students.

Maine knows the plight of the student-parent all too well. He proposed a petition could help the situation, and student-parent voices to be hear. Maine intends to advocate for increased student-parent resources if elected.

At A Glance

• Candidates are: Eric Slyter for president, John Maine and Jason Shirley for vice president.
• Slyter is the current vice president of SLC and took the position after the resignation of several other members. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and dedicates his time to serving his community and his school. 
• John Maine is the vice president of the Veteran's Club and served in the Army. He received a purple heart for his service. Maine is a father of 3 and hopes to increase resources for student parents. 
• Jason Shirley is a returning college student. He began college at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, but dropped out due to a lack of encouragement. He has returned for a fourth time, determined to finish and increase graduation rates among his peers. 
• Elections will be held Thursday and Friday Feb. 17 to 18.
• Check your student email for more information on how to vote electronically.
• Candidates discussed discrimination on campus, blood drive discrimination, and the lack of student-parent resources at LBCC.

Taking positive action: Linn-Benton GSA co-president Ceph Poklemba

It’s business as usual at the SLC office; the laughter and banter of students tumbles through the room. Ceph Poklemba, focusing his attention on a drawing, glances up once in a while with piqued interest, interjecting in the conversation.

A bright green mop of curling hair falls across his brow. Bending over a colored-pencil drawing, he darkens the curved leg of a strong-looking woman. Her skirt is a rainbow of colors, surrounding her in a whorl of motion that drifts upwards to the edges of the page. Poklemba peers up from beneath black rimmed glasses with a discerning gaze, his quick wit at the ready.

“Go hard or go home,” he says.

A second-year LBCC student majoring in fine arts and communications, Poklemba could be described as over-involved.

“I’m involved in about 10 clubs on campus,” he said.

To top it off, Poklemba holds the position of communications director for the Student Leadership  and shares the presidency of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA).

Highly active in the community as co-president, Poklemba focuses on outside resourcing, working with the high school GSA in Corvallis. He advises them monthly and maintains a presence in local youth groups.

“It’s really important to provide safe spaces for minorities on campus, regardless of what happens,” said Poklemba. “We provide safe places for gender, sexual and romantic minorities.”

As a youth Poklemba came out to his mother and friends at the age of 15, but says it is a never-ending process.

“No matter where you are or what point in your life you are at, you’re always going to be coming out,” he said.

Poklemba experienced a lack of support, education and resources during his youth, leaving him with the desire to improve the lives of high school students. Aspiring to teach art and communications, he also dreams of teaching a “real” sexual education class to seniors.

Poklemba didn’t always fit in with his family. His mother and sister were both successful athletes, yet Poklemba had little interest in athletics. He found his solace in artwork; in drawing in particular. To the chagrin of his father, Poklemba continued to pursue his love of art through high school and into college.

At the age of seven he endured the separation of his parents. Over the course of his childhood he lived in 14 different houses in Corvallis, one for only a month.

“We called it the ‘quick house,’” he said.

Poklemba experienced very little support from his family regarding what was most important to him: his art. Tensions rose with his father, and a breaking point came after he had turned 17. His father kicked him out of the house.

It was a blessing in disguise.

“I had gotten out of a really toxic family situation and I was able to be a lot more open about myself,” said Poklemba.

Poklemba now resides with his mother, and is happy about the stable situation.

“She is much more supportive of who I am than my father,” he said.

Conflict with his father wasn’t his only obstacle. While 17, Poklemba wrestled with deep depression, eventually attempting suicide. 

Suicide attempts are not uncommon for LGBTQ youth. Data from numerous studies compiled by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center shows that 30 to 40 percent of LGBTQ youth attempt suicide at some point in their lives.

Studies also show active GSA's make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ youth such as Poklemba. A study published in March 2013 in the School Social Work Journal found a decrease in suicide rates is associated with the presence of a GSA on campus. Campuses with no GSA had a 33.1 percent suicide rate compared to a 16.9 percent rate on campuses with an active GSA.

Poklemba expresses gratitude for his life and was quick to move on, enrolling at LBCC and fervently pursuing his career as a college student and club member.

“I pretty much just took twenty steps at once instead of one and got really involved really fast,” said Poklemba.

Though he continues a battle with depression, Poklemba stays busy with on-campus pursuits. But when life becomes a little too hectic he takes as step back and focuses on self-care and art.

“I like using art for political purposes,” said Poklemba. “I like using it in a way that is capable of making someone who can’t read understand it. That’s why I like art.”

At the SLC office Poklemba contributes this creativity to graphic design and communications duties. Experienced doing advertising graphics for a news publication in Salem, Ore., the SLC quickly snatched up his skills.

“He’s a likeable person and he has a great sense of humor, but he’s no nonsense and that’s why I think he does well in his position,’ said Barb Horn, SLC advisor.

SLC Volunteer Coordinator Nikki Aman shares a desk with Poklemba. She finds their high-energy, motivated working styles are a perfect match. Describing him as always having an ear to listen, he is the first to notice or offer help when something is wrong.

“He immediately turned my bad day into a solvable problem and that was really valuable,” said Aman.

Ceph Poklemba poses with his drawing.

At A Glance:

• Ceph Poklemba is the co-president of LBCC's Gender-Sexuality Alliance, believing in the importance maintaining safe spaces for students on the college's campus.

• Poklemba is the communications director for the Student Leadership Council.

• He is majoring in art and communications, with the long term goal of becoming a youth educator, teaching in a high school.

• He hopes to introduce an improved sex education class to high school.

• For now, Poklemba focuses on improving the campus community through his work with the GSA, SLC and multiple other clubs on campus.

A Matter of Perception: "Invisible Light" Infrared Photography Reception at NSH Gallery

Human perception registers a miniscule amount of the electromagnetic spectrum as visible light. Between blue and red, from 400 to 700 nanometers, arise all the hues coloring the world as we see it.

But the electromagnetic spectrum is vast. So what doesn’t meet the eye? What are we missing?

"Glowtree," infrared film photography by Paul Barden.

The answers lie in the North Santiam Hall Gallery at LBCC.

Just outside the range of human visibility, between 700 and 900 nanometers, infrared light can be captured digitally or with specialized, infrared-sensitive film.

Named after the elusive nature of the light, "Invisible Light" exhibits the infrared photos of five local photographers. Works by Sandi O’Brien, Paul Barden, Rich Bergeman, Jack Larson and Phil Coleman will be showcased in the gallery until Feb. 24.

At a reception held in the NSH Gallery on Jan. 20, an inquisitive mixture of LBCC staff, students and community members conversed with the photographers about their work. The photographers spoke about their methods and backgrounds, explaining the basics of infrared photography to the crowd.

According to Coleman, digital cameras have an intrinsic sensitivity to infrared light, but are manufactured with a filter. Converting a camera is as simple as sending it to a company to have the filter removed and replaced with one only passing infrared.

Organic matter such as trees, plants and animals reflect a large amount of the light. Chlorophyll is highly reflective of infrared, causing a glowing effect that can make trees appear crystalline or covered in snow.

“The peculiar tonal shifts fascinated me, especially when photographing the natural landscape,” said Paul Barden.

“There’s this exquisite, crystalline, magical look to the work,” said Julia Lont, gallery coordinator. “It’s so recognizable as a literal translation of nature but it it shows us something we don’t see.”

Bergeman, a retired LBCC journalism and photography instructor, hatched the plan for the exhibit as he noticed the growing amount of infrared photos collecting dust in his closet. Enlisting four other photographers and the help of Lont, Bergeman and the others filled the space with about 60 photographs.

Bergeman recently spent two months at a residency following the path of pioneer James Swan, who explored the Willapa Bay area in the 1850’s. Many of these photos are on display.

“I thought it was kind of interesting to photograph in the footsteps of a dead man with a camera that was seeing light that you couldn’t see with your own eyes,” said Bergeman.

Barden refers to himself as the outlier of the group, having returned to the use of film in 2012.

“I realized I was missing a lot of the hands-on craft that simply isn’t part of the digital workflow,” said Barden. “For me, I felt there was a major ingredient missing.”

Unlike Barden, Larson found his niche within digital photography.

“With digital, the opportunities for play are infinite,” said Larson.

"Orb," by Jack Larson.

Though Larson and Barden’s cameras may be very different, the processes they use to finish the photos are similar.

“No matter what we’ve chosen as our starting point medium, every one of us has also chosen a specific editing suite to finish the work.,” said Barden.

Larson cites “Silver Efex” as the “granddaddy” of the editing platforms for infrared.

Both Bergman and O’Brien learn how to read the landscape through the lens of each particular camera they use. Infrared poses a new and intriguing challenge for them.

“When you look at the back it’s all in pink instead of black and white, so it’s been very fun to learn how to see like the camera sees,” said O’Brien. “I love the mystical quality that you can get out of it. It just looks otherworldly.”

O’Brien is fond of trails and stairs for their ability to pull the viewer into the photograph.

Her photo, entitled “In My Dreams,” won the photography division at The Mayor’s Art Show in Springfield, Ore. It is the only one of her photographs in the current exhibit taken with infrared film. Her others are digital.

“It needs to be evocative,” said O’Brien. “People like that magic look.”

"In My Dreams" by Sandi O'Brie

At A Glance:

• Infrared photography available for viewing in LBCC's NSH Gallery

• Reception held Jan. 20

• "Invisible Light" will be exhibited until Feb. 24

• Works by local photographers Sandi O'Brien, Paul Barden, Rich Bergeman, Jack Larson and Phil Coleman

• March 2 NSH Gallery will exhibit mixed media drawings and portraits by Ialtui Shea

LBCC Ceramics Legacy at Benton Center Thrives

A class works on their pots in the studio.

Under the direction of its new instructor, Renee McKitterick, the Benton Center Ceramics Studio continues to thrive.

January 2016 marked the completion of McKitterick’s first year as head of ceramics at LBCC. A highly experienced and accomplished artist, she spent three years teaching as an adjunct at the University of New Mexico before taking the position.

“To be honest, UNM is a bigger institution but their ceramics department is not nearly as good,” said McKitterick.

A dynamic and renowned studio, the Benton Center ceramics program is unique. Comprised of a strong community of dedicated staff, volunteers and students, it has a large, state-of-the-art studio, complete with an outdoor area and four different kinds of kilns. The program is a success among LBCC students and within the Corvallis and Albany communities.

“It’s a bright light; I call it our marquee at the Benton Center. We invite the community in,” said Jeff Davis, LBCC’s regional director for Benton County.

The studio is open, welcoming, and dedicated to the success of the students.

“A wide range of students find ways to contribute to the program. It’s really a community learning at its best,” said Jay Widmer, recently retired head of ceramics at LBCC. “There is a sense of community, a spirit of helping others learn. It’s unusual.”

Over his 36 year tenure Widmer sculpted the ceramics department into the thriving studio it is today. Ceramics began at the Albany campus in 1977, after which a small branch of the ceramics department opened at the Benton Center. According to Widmer, the first classroom in the center was small and crowded.

Widmer built the first of many kilns on the Benton campus and continued to improve the studio, working with architects to design a new studio at the Benton Center during the renovations in 2003. Ceramics in Albany closed in the late -'80s and became a primary focus of the Benton Center.

“It’s been the greatest job imaginable for me as a clay artist and teacher,” said Widmer. “I am proud of it.”

Both McKitterick and Davis attribute the success of the department to the dedication of their predecessors and the strong foundation created by its 36-year lifespan.

“I owe a debt of gratitude just coming into a situation where people had created a tradition and culture of a really positive environment,” said Davis.

Though it was intimidating to take over such a well-established program, it proved to be an easy transition for McKitterick.

“Everyone was very welcoming, and because of that I hit the ground running,” she said.

McKitterick discovered a studio stocked with dedicated, helpful volunteers, some who had been involved for 10 to 15 years.

“People give themselves to the studio and that’s how it can function at such a high level,” said McKitterick.

At the studio LBCC students have the opportunity to take several classes, including Ceramics I, Ceramics II, and 3-D Design. Students learn hands-on critical thinking, deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills through their work with clay.

“It’s challenging but rewarding work,” said Emma Fajer, LBCC student.

New students learn the entire clay process, from hand-building and throwing to glazing and firing. This term students have the opportunity to learn kiln building, constructing a soda kiln and adding a new firing process to the studio's repertoire.

Classes are available to the public and are open to diverse skill levels and ages. According to Davis, a student 96 years of age recently attended.

“I think we all benefit from a sense of play, whether it’s music or poetry, or something creative,” said Davis.

Jesse Rose, an LBCC student who took both Ceramics I and II, found applications in other classes for the terms, concepts, and ways of thinking he gained in-studio.

“Ceramics compliments other classes really well. It gives a really good break from the monotony of quizzes and tests. You get to exercise a different part of your brain,” said Rose.

The creative expansion is not limited to students. When McKitterick applied for a residency in Jingdezhen, China, the “Porcelain Capital,” she found the support of the Benton Center behind her.

“Her work is breathtaking. It’s exceptional.” said Davis.

The talented teacher believes each student has a story to tell. Putting tools and clay into the hands of the students, she encourages them to mold these stories into life.

Many students taking her classes are not art majors and the students have a rare chance to explore their creativity. To her, this makes their time in the studio even more vital.

“For this quarter, you are an artist. We are going to treat you like an artist,” said McKitterick.

She wants everyone to have the experience.

At a Glance:

• Friday, Jan. 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Benton Center, room 244 ceramics instructor Renee McKitterick will present a slideshow of her fellowship in China and her work with porcelain.

• Saturday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Benton Center Ceramics Studio instructor Renee McKitterick will hold a workshop to demonstrate techniques she learned in China.

Emma Fajer works on her pottery in-studio.

Students learn to work with clay.