Ventura County Community College District announced today that it will extend the Moorpark College president search into summer 2014 to seek additional candidates for the position. “Following interviews with four exceptional candidates, it was determined that we needed additional time to ensure the best possible fit for Moorpark College,” commented Dr. Jamillah Moore, Chancellor. “I have complete confidence in our search process and anticipate we will identify the best candidate as we continue our search.” A new call for candidates will be released in summer 2014. Dr. Bernard Luskin, who has served as Moorpark College Interim President since September 2013, will continue to serve in the President’s role until a successor is named.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) has announced that its Early Childhood Studies (ECS) Bachelor of Arts degree program is now taking applications for a fall 2014 cohort allowing individuals to complete the final two years of their degree at the CI Goleta campus. The program will serve both Early Childhood Education graduates from Santa Barbara City College, and the workforce of early childhood professionals in Santa Barbara County who have an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood or Child Development. Currently, there is no public university offering a BA in this field of study in Santa Barbara County.

“Having this degree program available in the area is important because new research supports the influence of quality programming on children’s learning success, and funded programs such as Head Start and state funded preschool programs require their teachers to obtain a BA degree,” stated Dr. Gary W. Kinsey, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the School of Education. “CI’s Early Childhood Studies program is one of only two in the CSU system that provides a BA in Early Childhood Studies that prepares teachers to serve diverse families and children from birth to age eight. This is significant, since California’s Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is discussing the addition of a stand-alone credential for Early Childhood. Since CI’s program already prepares educators to serve children from birth to age 8, graduates from the program will be extremely well positioned for attaining the new credential through CI, and prepared better to meet the diverse needs of families in Santa Barbara County.”

The ECS program at CI offers core curricula in early childhood studies while highlighting the contextual influences of family, culture, language, and society. “There is a specific focus on the preparation of graduates who possess knowledge and skills in language acquisition and literacy for dual language learners,” according to Dr. Elizabeth Quintero, Coordinator of CI’s Early Childhood Studies program. “The value of diversity and the importance of ensuring that all children have consistent access to high-quality educational experiences are core tenets of CI’s School of Education and Early Childhood Studies program.”

Many of the enrollees in the Goleta cohort will likely be community college transfer students, juniors and seniors who are prepared to complete the final two years of upper division course requirements for the ECS program. Cohort members who finish on schedule will complete their degree in four semesters taking a full-time course load of 12-16 units per term. Courses will be delivered two nights a week, utilizing both face-to-face and online learning experiences, and are planned to begin the week of August 25, 2014.

The cost of tuition and fees for the two-year program per student, at $3,253 per term, will be about $13,012. The program is prepared to enroll an annual cohort of 30 - 35 students and expects that a significant majority will qualify for financial assistance.

The CI Goleta campus is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and provides state-of-the-art technology for student and faculty use. Additionally, free parking is available and the location is convenient to students from a number of Santa Barbara County communities, with the added benefit of being close to the 101 freeway for easy access.

Those seeking more information about the ECS program, two meetings are planned for Thursday, April 17 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. at the CI Goleta Campus located at 5383 Hollister Avenue, Suite 220, Goleta, Calif. CI Admissions, Financial Aid and ECS Program representatives will be present to answer questions and assist individuals in applying to the program.

Questions can also be directed to Counselor, Sara Alcala, at sara.alcala@csuci.edu or 805-437-3579. Faculty coordinators for the program are Dr. Elizabeth Quintero and Dr. Carola Matera, and can be reached at: elizabeth.quintero@csuci.edu or carola.matera@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI's strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master's degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI's Social Media.

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University students are hosting a World Malaria Day event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24, to raise awareness and money to combat the deadly disease.

The public event near the Enormous Luther statue in Kingsmen Park will feature student music performances and a talk by Jessica Nipp, the director of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Malaria Campaign. MOE Egg Rolls and Downtown Dogs food trucks will sell food. T-shirts and other merchandise will be available.

The student-run CLU Malaria Committee is raising money to support the ELCA initiative’s goal of $15 million by January 2016. So far, the students have raised almost $11,000 by collecting donations, selling merchandise at campus farmers markets, screening a film created to raise awareness of malaria, and holding a professor variety show. The CLU community as a whole has raised more than $15,000 for the campaign.

World Health Organization member states in 2007 started World Malaria Day, which falls on April 25, to highlight the need for continued investment and political commitment for malaria prevention and control. More than 3 million lives have been saved since 2000, but malaria still kills about 627,000 people every year, mainly children under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa, according to WHO.

Working through Lutheran partners in 13 African countries, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is helping to provide mosquito nets, education, testing, medication and health care.

Entrance to the CLU event is free. Meals and T-shirts are available for $10 each. A package including a meal and T-shirt is $15. All proceeds will go to CLU’s malaria campaign. Associated Students of CLU Government and CLU’s Office of Campus Ministry, Lord of Life Student Congregation and Center for Equality and Justice are sponsoring the event.

Kingsmen Park is located west of Mountclef Boulevard between Olsen Road and Memorial Parkway on the Thousand Oaks campus.

For more information, contact the Office of Campus Ministry at campusministry@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3228.

Dr. Paul Miller

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - Leading researchers will discuss their efforts to develop new ways to attack cancer at a free symposium at California Lutheran University on Friday, April 25.

“Frontiers in Cancer Biology” will run from 8 a.m. to noon in Lundring Events Center. The event is free and open to the public. It is CLU’s second annual Cell Biology Symposium about cutting-edge research and applications in the field.

There is a renaissance occurring in cellular and molecular biology. Genetic sequencing, new techniques and deeper understanding of the workings of cells are advancing the way clinicians treat cancer. Specifically, the advances are being used to target defective pathways in cancer cells.

The speakers are all at the forefront of this research. They are Dr. Paul Miller, a radiation oncologist at North Oaks Radiation Oncology Medical Center in Thousand Oaks; Amy S. Lee, Ph.D., associate director for basic research at the University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Marcin Kortylewski, Ph.D., an assistant professor of cancer immunotherapeutics and tumor immunology at the City of Hope.

Miller will present “The Evolution of the War on Cancer” at 9 a.m. A former aerospace engineer, Miller has used his background to spearhead the advancement of optimal technologies for cancer treatment. He has published research on high-grade brain tumors and participated in studies on breast and lung cancer.

Lee’s talk on “GRP78: Cancer’s Achilles Heel?” will begin at 10 a.m. She was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences for her pioneering work on endoplasmic reticulum stress and its impact on cell and cancer biology. She also received the MERIT Award from the National Cancer Institute.

Kortylewski will present “Oligonucleotides for Cancer Therapy: Will They Deliver?” at 11 a.m. His studies have targeted tumor cells directly as well as tumor-permissive immune cells.

The program will begin with a continental breakfast and a poster session featuring CLU student research. Lundring Events Center is located north of Olsen Road between Campus Drive and Mountclef Boulevard on the Thousand Oaks campus.

Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center and the CLU Community Leaders Association and Department of Biology are sponsoring the symposium. For more information, contact assistant professor of biology Chad Barber at cbarber@callutheran.edu.

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands will hold “Frontiers in Neuroscience,” the 10th Annual Poe Symposium, on Friday, April 11, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Del Norte Hall 1500 on the CI campus. The event is free and open to the public. Prior registration is required at http://biology.csuci.edu/poe/poe10neuroscience/index.htm.

The Poe Symposium features current topics in science and brings together professionals from multiple disciplines. This year the symposium will look at new developments and cutting-edge technologies in the field of neuroscience.

Speaker topics include:
• Stem cell strategies for treating blindness
• MicroRNAs in neural stem cells and neurogenesis
• Intravital imaging of the cellular and molecular dynamics of neuronal development
• On-demand optogenetics: a light-guide in temporal lobe epilepsy
• The future of neuromodulation: Opportunities and challenges

Check-in begins at 12:15 p.m. Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Once on campus, follow signs to the event. Free parking is also available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

This event is sponsored by CI’s Biology Program and funded with the generous support of students through the Instructionally Related Activities fund. To register and to view a program schedule and speaker bios, visit http://biology.csuci.edu/poe/poe10neuroscience/index.htm, or contact Charles Sackerson at 805-437-8806 or charles.sackerson@csuci.edu for more information.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) is pleased to announce its first fully online degree – the Bachelor of Science in Business, offered through the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics and CI’s Extended University.

The new online degree allows students to earn their B.S. in Business at a convenient time and location and accelerated pace, with the same outstanding instruction and curriculum as CI’s on-campus degree, and in a format that meets the demands and challenges of 21st Century business learning.

“A large number of our students are juggling jobs, family responsibilities and trying to further their education and career potential at the same time,” said Dr. William P. Cordeiro, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the MVS School of Business & Economics. “We’ve adapted CI’s popular business program so they don’t have to put their lives on hold to advance. Students can earn the same degree and enjoy the flexibility of 24-7 access to CI’s faculty, support and resources online.”

The degree is offered in partnership with Cal State Online, the CSU system’s centralized resource for offering distance-learning degree programs. The first candidates are invited to apply no later than July 15 to be considered for admission to the fall 2014 entering class.

“The online B.S. in Business represents another great step in fulfilling CI’s mission of making a high-quality college education attainable for citizens of our region, the state, and beyond,” said Dr. Gary Berg, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Extended University & International Programs. “Now we can reach and support students for whom enrollment in our on-campus degree program is difficult or impossible. Among those served by this program will be working adults, members of the military, and former CSU students who have left in good standing, but had to ‘stop out’ of their degree programs.”

The program is open to transfer students who have completed 60 units of lower division general education requirements for the Business major. For the 2014-15 academic year, CI anticipates enrolling 100 students, with enrollment increasing to 200 in the subsequent year. Students may complete the degree either on a full-time or part-time basis. A Cal State Online coach will guide and support them through the application process. The cost is $500 per unit, with a minimum of 50 units required to complete the CI portion of the program; 120 units are required to graduate. Previous CSU students with at least 80 transferable credits (40 from a CSU) may be eligible for reduced tuition of $400 per unit.

The online program is backed by a grant from the CSU Commission on the Extended University, which allowed faculty to adapt courses for online delivery.

CI’s B.S. in Business is distinctive for its liberal arts and interdisciplinary focus, which makes the degree applicable to many different areas outside of traditional business. Students learn and employ the fundamental principles of accounting, economics, finance, information system¬s, management, and marketing, but also take courses integrating disciplines such as biology, chemistry, education, English, fine arts, history, and performing arts. A capstone course provides students with the opportunity to utilize their knowledge in a global strategy simulation exercise.
For more information, visit https://www.calstateonline.net/Degrees/BACHELORS/Channel-Islands-Bachelo... or call 800-992-7886.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will present a workshop on juvenile drug abuse from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15.

“Drugs and Juveniles” is the topic of the Sixth Annual Conference on Violence and Victimization presented by CLU’s Criminal Justice Department and Center for Equality and Justice. Experts in criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse will discuss local trends as well as treatment and prevention strategies related to the abuse of substances including prescription drugs, bath salts and marijuana.

Supervising Juvenile Court Judge Manuel Covarrubias, who oversees Ventura County’s juvenile drug court, will give the keynote presentation. Speakers will include Linda Gertson and Daniel Hicks with Ventura County Behavioral Health Department’s Alcohol and Drug Programs. Panelists will include community advocates and representatives from education, law enforcement and Ventura County Behavioral Health.

The presentations are geared toward people who deal with substance abuse problems among juveniles, including school administrators and counselors and criminal justice professionals.

The conference will be held in Lundring Events Center in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center at 130 Overton Court on the Thousand Oaks campus.

The $15 cost includes continental breakfast, lunch, instructional materials and a certificate of attendance.

For more information or to register, go to callutheran.edu/vvconference.

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the campus and community to learn how the mathematical, natural, and social sciences are being used to help solve the world’s health problems in its STEM Diversity Speaker Series, Monday, April 7, in the Grand Salon on the CI campus. The free series is open to the public and includes two separate presentations by Dr. Carlos Castillo Chavez, a leading authority on mathematical biology and epidemiology and promoter of research opportunities for underrepresented minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Castillo Chavez will trace the marriage of mathematics and epidemics from the early 1700s to modern times and discuss the important role mathematicians, biologists, and social scientists can play in combating disease, health disparities, and lack of access to health services. He will also share his own impressive journey from Mexican immigrant and factory worker to his current stature as one of the most highly acclaimed mathematicians, epidemiological modeling experts, and research contributors on the progression of disease in the country.

The first talk, from 3 to 4 p.m. focuses on the topic “Mathematical, Computational and Theoretical Epidemiology: Challenges, Opportunities and Mentorship,” and is geared to a general audience.

The second talk, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., is geared primarily to a high school and college student audience, but is open to all members of the community.

Castillo Chavez is CONTINUED »

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The California Lutheran University Community Leaders Association will hold its fourth annual Hats and High Tea to raise money for student scholarships and educational grants from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13.

For the first time, the event will be held on the grounds of the university, overlooking Kingsmen Park. Guests will enjoy high tea with sandwiches and other light fare in a garden-party setting. The afternoon will include a beverage reception and musical and theatrical entertainment by CLU student Patricia Jaramillo of Van Nuys and harpist Vonette Yanaginuma. A silent auction and raffle will be held. Willa Sandmeyer, a news anchor for National Public Radio station KCLU, will emcee.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest tea party attire capped off with a fancy hat. Table sponsors and party hosts will decorate each table in a festive theme. Awards will be presented in categories including most creative table setting and wildest and most elegant hats.

CLA was founded in 1963 to stimulate community interest in CLU’s academic, athletic and cultural programs. Members organize fundraising and social events throughout the year to support academic departments and student scholarships. The organization has provided more than $1.8 million through the years.

Scholarship recipients are selected for their community service, leadership potential and academic achievement. The grants purchase classroom materials, equipment and technology.

Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center, MyCorporation, University Village and Town & Country Travel are premier sponsors. Deborah Sweeney, a CLU regent and CEO of MyCorporation, is the event chair.

Tickets are $50. Sponsorships are available. For reservations or for more information, visit www.callutheran.edu/cla or contact the University Relations office at 805-493-3151 or fielding@callutheran.edu.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites children, families, teachers and community members to the Ninth Annual Children's Reading Celebration and the 37th Annual Young Authors' Fair on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the John Spoor Broome Library.

The annual event coordinated by the John Spoor Broome Library brings together a celebrated children’s author with Ventura County children and their families for stories, crafts, creative writing, the Young Author’s Fair, reader’s theater, and other fun activities that celebrate reading and writing. The program is sponsored by the John Spoor Broome Library, Ventura County Reading Association (VCRA), Target Foundation, the CI English Program, CI Mortar Board, and the Ventura County Office of Education.

Headlining this year’s event is Wade Bradford, author of the critically acclaimed picture book, “Why Do I Have to Make My Bed? Or, A History of Messy Rooms,” published in 2011 by Tricycle Press/Random House. In a starred review, “Publishers Weekly” said of the book: “This book deserves a place on the shelves next to the Magic School Bus series." An English instructor at Moorpark College, Bradford has written more than 25 plays, including “CSI: Neverland,” “Promedy,” and “Tomorrow's Wish,” and developed numerous fun educational plays and materials for teachers, parents and students.

Children and their families will be able to meet the author and receive a free autographed book, while supplies last (one per family). This gift is funded by an early childhood literacy grant from the Target Foundation.

Hundreds of books written and illustrated by K-12 students throughout Ventura County will be on display and available for children to read. Any child whose school participates in the Ventura County Reading Association’s Young Authors’ Fair is eligible to write a book and have his or her teacher enter it to be displayed and read at the Reading Celebration.

The day will also feature hands-on participation in crafts and other activities. Children will be able to listen to stories and create watercolor bookmarks with CI students enrolled in Claudia Reder’s English 212 course, Introduction to Children’s Literature. A craft area, creative writing station, and open-mic session where children can share their own stories will be hosted by students in CI’s Mortar Board National Honor Society Four Pillars chapter.

New this year, children in grades 4 and up will be able to bring stories to life before an audience in “Reader’s Theater.” This live performance event is developed and hosted by CI students in Mary Adler’s English 477 course, Adolescent Literature.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Public admission and parking are free. Once on campus, follow the directional signs to the designated parking lot.

For more event details and to RSVP, visit http://go.csuci.edu/children, or contact Janet Pinkley at janet.pinkley@csuci.edu or 805-437-3217. For additional information about VCRA’s Young Authors’ Fair, visit http://vcrareading.org/young-authors-faire.htm. Learn more about featured author Wade Bradford at http://www.wadebradford.com.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will show its support for World Autism Awareness Day by lighting the John Spoor Broome Library blue and hosting Autism Awareness events during the week of April 2-6.

The awareness week kicks off Wednesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. in front of the John Spoor Broome Library. The public is invited to bring a picnic lunch and listen to soft blues music performed by Déjà vu, a local Ventura County band.

“Light It Up Blue” is a global initiative to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. On April 2 the international goal is to shine a blue light on communities throughout the world to raise awareness and take action for autism. The event will provide a community resource fair and speeches by students and parents affected by autism. The resource fair will involve groups offering support services from the campus and community, including the Autism Society of Ventura County, regional service providers, and CI’s Disability Resource Programs. The event also celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with autism and warmly welcomes autistic individuals, their families and anyone in the community who wishes to learn more. Participants will receive free, blue light bulbs and glow sticks, while supplies last.

Throughout the week, students also will participate in activities supporting autism awareness. Blue lights will be displayed in offices and common areas.

The week culminates CONTINUED »

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Ventura College Santa Paula campus presents the art exhibition, “Women in the State of Grace,” from March 17 through May 16, 2014. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

The exhibition features 18 women artists from Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Featured artists include Judy Baca; Juliane Backmann; Jacqueline Biaggi; Gayel Childress; Lynn Creighton; Paty Diaz; Lois Freeman-Fox; Margaret Garcia; Sylvia Huerta; Pola Lopez; Tatiana Luboviski-Acosta; Isabel Martinez; Christine Morla; Angela Ortiz; Sylvia Raz; Marianne Sadowski; Cola Smith; and Jenchi Wu. The exhibition is curated by Vanessa Acosta of Cultural Arts Tours and Workshops.

An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, March 21, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy poetry readings by Luzmaria Espinosa, as well as live music by Carmen Moraza, Lencho Moraza, and Xavier “Big X” Montes. Appetizers will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available. The Ventura College Santa Paula Campus is located at 957 Faulkner Road, 106, Santa Paula, CA.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host a statewide two-day conference highlighting successful efforts to prevent alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse among students. The 2014 CSU Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Educational Conference, “Forecasting the Future: Intervention Today, Prevention Tomorrow,” will take place Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, on the CI campus.

The conference brings together students, staff and faculty from all 23 CSU campuses, as well as participants from the University of California campuses, community college campuses, and the community, to share ideas, activities, and promising practices in preventing substance abuse among students.

The annual event, being hosted for the first time by CI, is expected to draw 250 to 300 registered participants, making it the largest in the conference’s 13-year history. It has already exceeded records for the number of registered program presenters and submissions.

The conference will feature opening keynote remarks by CI President Richard R. Rush and a closing address by acclaimed Oscar-winning actor, author and philanthropist Louis Gossett Jr. Gossett will share his poignant story of film, TV and theatre success, behind-the-scenes struggles with racism, alcohol and drug addiction, and his renewed purpose as founder of the Eracism Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to stamping out racism and mentoring troubled youths.

Scott and Julia Starkey, founders of the national program Aware Awake Alive, will also join in the conference. After losing their son Carson to alcohol poisoning in a fraternity hazing ritual, the Starkeys formed Aware Awake Alive to bring alcohol awareness and education programs to schools nationwide and prevent others from suffering a similar tragedy.

Over the two-day conference, colleges and universities from around the state will share successful programs, lessons learned and plans for the future. A variety of topics will be covered, including alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention, bystander intervention and mental health issues. The conference also includes an awards presentation recognizing outstanding campus and individual efforts, break-out sessions highlighting key experts, research and initiatives, a student story panel, networking, and a vendor exposition.

“This is a great opportunity for CI to highlight our campus substance abuse prevention efforts, exchange information with colleagues throughout the state, and engage our campus and local community in addressing this important issue,” said Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer, Vice President for Student Affairs. “By working collectively to fight substance abuse on and off college campuses, CI is strengthening our commitment to the CSU system, our students and our community.”

ATOD is a program established by the CSU Chancellor’s Office to educate students about the potential negative consequences of drug and alcohol use and/or abuse. Through innovative programming, peer education, campus outreach, and community collaborations, the ATOD program serves to create a harm-free environment in which students can achieve their academic goals and acquire skills necessary for life-long success.
The registration deadline for participants is Friday, March 21. To register or learn more, visit http://www.csuci.edu/atod, or contact the conference organizers, Dr. Deborah Gravelle at Deborah.gravelle@csuci.edu, or Dr. Jennifer Miller at jennifer.miller@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

Following a nationwide search process, the Moorpark College President Search Committee has narrowed its selection to four finalists for the position of President. The finalists, in alphabetical order, are Mr. Cliff Davis, Dr. Joyce Ester, Dr. Betty Inclan, and Dr. Vernon Smith. The finalists will participate in a public forum on March 26, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the EATM Auditorium on the Moorpark College campus located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend the public forum. Audience members will have an opportunity to submit questions. The finalists are scheduled to speak as follows: 11:00 a.m. – Cliff Davis; 12:00 p.m. – Joyce Ester; 1:00 p.m. – Betty Inclan; 2:00 p.m. – Vernon Smith. A final recommendation for the Moorpark College President’s position will be presented to the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees in April.

Ventura College Foundation program has helped hundreds of students since 1999

Ventura, Calif. — The Ventura College Foundation is awarding Phoenix Scholarships to 32 adults who decided to return to school at Ventura College to achieve their career goals. Scholarship recipients with minimal or no financial resources to cover the costs of their education will receive scholarships of $1,000 each at the 15th annual scholarship ceremony, held 6-8 p.m., March 20 at Wright Event Center on the Ventura College campus, 57 Day Road. The Ventura College Foundation’s staff and board of directors will host the event.

“I’m always inspired by the scholarship recipients’ stories of perseverance as they overcome financial and personal challenges to be in school so they can upgrade their skills,” said Norbert Tan, executive director of the Ventura College Foundation. “It’s stressful trying to pay for college when you’re already balancing school with working and caring for a family, so being able to give these hard-working students a Phoenix Scholarship is very rewarding.”

Ventura College Foundation board members started the Phoenix Scholarship Program in November 1999 after learning about the special needs of Ventura College re-entry students. Re-entry students are defined as people who return to school to learn new skills in order to be competitive in the marketplace or who are returning to school after an extended break.

Phoenix Scholarship recipients are selected based on their academic goals and progress, along with their financial need. To be eligible for a scholarship, the students must submit an application and essay, and obtain recommendations from counselors, faculty and employers.

A list of recipients is below.
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Norbert Tan at (805) 289-6160 or ntan@vcccd.edu. Or visit www.venturacollege.edu/foundation.

2014 Phoenix Scholarship Recipients:
Amanda Marie Adams
Donald Adams
Allison Paige Akrop
Julia Barrios
Kristen Marie Cappellucci
Mariesa Kristine Chavez
Crystal Coke
Morgan Conner
Dana Jean Espina
Christy Ferguson
Whitney Glidden
Sandy Gonzalez Zavala
Katherine Elizabeth Gronewold
Maria Guerrero
Katiuska Hernandez Caro
Scott L. Kosche
Carlos Valentino Landeros
James Williams Mallinson
Keith Allen Manson
Sara Medina
April Pentangelo
Jeanette Susanne Rennie
Wayne Romans
Christopher Salazar
Amber Elizabeth Shields
Caryanne Shin
Nicole Marie Snyder
Rachel Stark
Lucas Thayer
Kelsey Tribble
Kristen True
Dolores Yolanda Velasquez

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Ventura College Santa Paula campus presents the art exhibition, “Women in the State of Grace,” from March 17 through May 16, 2014. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. The exhibition features 18 women artists from Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Featured artists include Judy Baca; Juliane Backmann; Jacqueline Biaggi; Gayel Childress; Lynn Creighton; Paty Diaz; Lois Freeman-Fox; Margaret Garcia; Sylvia Huerta; Pola Lopez; Tatiana Luboviski-Acosta; Isabel Martinez; Christine Morla; Angela Ortiz; Sylvia Raz; Marianne Sadowski; Cola Smith; and Jenchi Wu. The exhibition is curated by Vanessa Acosta of Cultural Arts Tours and Workshops.

An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, March 21, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy poetry readings by Luzmaria Espinosa, as well as live music by Carmen Moraza, Lencho Moraza, and Xavier “Big X” Montes. Appetizers will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available. The Ventura College Santa Paula Campus is located at 957 Faulkner Road, 106, Santa Paula, CA.

School Principal John Wilber.
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Fillmore Mayor Manuel Minjares.
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City Librarian Cathy Krushell.
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On Friday night, March 7, in culmination of Dr. Suess’s Read Across America week, Mountain Vista Elementary held their annual Community Reading Night and Book Exchange. Over 100 students, parents and community members came to the event to swap their books for new books and to hear books being read from community leaders. Around 400 books were swapped this evening as kids exchanged favorite well worn reads for new books to appreciate. The children were also able to listen as books were read to them on stage by Fillmore Mayor Manuel Minjares, School Principal John Wilber, City Librarian Cathy Krushell and teacher Sandra Butts. A special guest appearance by Dr. Suess’s Cat in the Hat was made as well. This was the fourth year in a row that this event has been held which was started for the purpose of helping kids get excited about reading and finding new favorite authors and it was successful evening!