Clark College Hosts 62nd Annual Jazz Festival (Photo) - 01/21/26

Guest artists include Grammy-nominated vibraphonist Stefon Harris & Blackout, and 2025 Sweepstakes winner, Mountain View High School

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College will host the 62^nd Annual Clark College Jazz Festival in three full days of big band jazz on Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 29 – 31, 2026, in the Gaiser Student Center at Clark’s main campus location, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663. 

Sixty middle and high school jazz ensembles from throughout Washington and Oregon are scheduled to perform in this year’s competition. To kick off the festival, there will be a special ticketed fundraising concert, presented by the Clark College Foundation, featuring Stefon Harris & Blackout with the Clark College Jazz Band I opening the performance on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Only 400 seats will be available—concert tickets are available here.

Special festival performances by the Clark College Jazz Band under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris:

• Jazz Band II – Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:45 pm
• Jazz Band I – Thursday, Jan. 29, 8:30 pm
• Jazz Band I – Friday, Jan. 30, 8:30 pm\
• Jazz Band I – Saturday, Jan. 31,12:00 pm

Jazz Festival Overview and Schedule – Complete Jazz Festival Schedule

• Special! Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 pm: Ticketed fundraising concert with Stefon Harris & Blackout.  
• Thursday, Jan. 29: Middle school and Division A high schools
• Friday, Jan. 30: Divisions AA and AAA high schools
• Saturday, Jan. 31: Division AAAA high schools 

Trophies will be presented to the top three jazz ensembles for middle schools and division A through AAAA high schools. Individual outstanding musician and outstanding section awards will also be presented at the end of each division’s preliminary competitions. At the end of Saturday’s program, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Award will be presented to one outstanding band selected from the entire festival.

The 2025 Sweepstakes Band, Mountain View I High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Sam Ormson, will hold the spotlight on Saturday at 8:00 pm.

Event Details

Cost: Admission is $10 per day. Clark College students and children under 12, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free of charge.

Location: Gaiser Student Center, Clark College main campus – 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98683

Parking: Green or Red lots—view online campus map and directions here.

Accommodations: If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu

All are welcome. Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

About Guest Artist Stefon Harris & Blackout

Stefon Harris & Blackout, led by the visionary vibraphonist Stefon Harris, is a pioneering force in contemporary jazz. Harris has been named DownBeat Critics Poll Vibraphonist of the Year multiple times and has been heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” (Los Angeles Times). The band, characterized by a stellar lineup of musicians, seamlessly blends funk, R&B, and global influences, transcending traditional jazz boundaries. With influential albums like Sonic Creed (named Jazz Album of the Year by WBGO – the world's #1 jazz station) and Urbanus (Grammy-nominated), Stefon Harris & Blackout showcase a dynamic interplay of intricate arrangements and soulful improvisation, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the modern jazz landscape. Their performances promise an electrifying fusion of tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and further shaping the evolving narrative of jazz expression. Learn more at https://www.stefonharris.com/

About Clark’s Director of Bands, Dr. Doug Harris

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since Fall 2018, after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. Doug is active clinician and adjudicator in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Utah, California and Washington, is a freelance trumpet player and has worked on the brass staff of the Madison Scouts, Sacramento Mandarins, Teal Sound and Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. He is active as a composer, arranger and transcriber and is published in the Grand Mesa Music catalog. 

About the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival

The Clark College Jazz Festival, founded in 1962, has grown into one of the Northwest’s premier showcases for student musicians. Each year, the three-day event brings together more than 50 middle and high school jazz ensembles, over 1,200 student performers, and thousands of audience members. The Sweepstakes Award originated in 1963 to recognize the most outstanding band selected by the adjudicators from the entire festival. The winning ensemble remains that year's Sweepstakes Band until the next festival, when they pass the title and distinctive trophy to the next year's recipient. Learn more about the Clark College Jazz Festival.

Historical Background:

• 1962: The beginning: Hudson’s Bay High School band director, Don Cammack, organized a one-day high school stage band invitational, the Southwest Washington Jazz Festival, for schools from Clark and Skamania counties. 

• 1962-1969: The festival was organized by Vancouver and Evergreen public schools. Fort Vancou­ver High School and Evergreen High School took turns hosting. In the early days, trophies were made by middle school band director Jack Ager, who constructed musician figures from miscellaneous hardware and car parts.
   
• 1965: The festival grew to include bands from 8 high schools and 3 junior high schools. The program, called Jazz at the Fort, was directed by music educator, Dale Beacock.
   
• 1970: Dale Beacock, then band director at both Clark College and Fort Vancouver High School, held the invitational Clark Stage Band Contest for the first time at Clark College. This inaugural event hosted 17 high school jazz bands with preliminary competitions held in the Gaiser Hall dining area, with finals in the gymnasium. Beacock’s vision of a competitive jazz showcase for schools throughout Washington and greater Portland promoted the growth of the festival.
   
• 1971: The festival grew to 32 bands held over two days. 
   
• 1976: The number of participating bands grew to 52, welcoming bands from Oregon and Idaho.
   
• 1985: Chuck Ramsey became festival coordinator, a position he held for 22 years. He brought consistency to festival operations, increased student involvement, set the ground­work for the educational enhancement, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of ownership by Clark student volunteers. 
   
• 2008: Richard Inouye became festival director. His professional and educational experience brought a new dynamic by encouraging a focus on jazz education and using technology to promote community awareness, public support, and streamline festival operations. 
   
• 2012: The Clark College Jazz Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary. Highlights included the Clark College Alumni Band directed by Chuck Ramsey featuring Clark band alumni from three generations of Clark band directors. Beacock and Ramsey were presented Legacy Sweepstakes Awards for their historic contributions to the festival. 
   
• 2013: The festival went international, welcoming two bands from Tsawwassen, B.C.
   
• 2021-2022: The festival was on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
   
• 2024: The 60^th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival welcomes 56 middle and high school jazz ensembles, more than 1,200 student musicians and more than 3,000 people during the three-day event. 
   
• 2026: Today, the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival welcomes 60 middle and high school jazz ensembles, over 1,200 student jazz musicians to the campus, and over 3,000 people to the Vancouver com­munity throughout the three-day event.

About Clark’s Music Program

Clark College Music program offers a dynamic curriculum in theory, performance, appreciation, and history. Designed for both music majors preparing for advanced study, and non-majors seeking a deeper cultural connection, the program blends academic rigor with hands-on performance opportunities. Faculty bring professional experience to guide students in building skills and confidence for future careers in the arts. Students can explore pursuits in concert band, jazz ensemble, orchestra, and choir. Learn more about Clark’s Music program.

For complete information about the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, visit: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

For a full roster of Clark College music events, visit www.clark.edu/cc/music.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.   

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Clark College Invites Community To Attend Annual MLK Day Event (Photo) - 01/14/26

Council for the Homeless CEO to Discuss Racial Healing and Housing Equity

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College invites community members to its annual 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration featuring a public discussion forum on racial healing and honoring Dr. King’s legacy. 

Join Sesany Fennie-Jones, CEO of the Council for the Homeless, as she discusses systemic challenges, resources, and opportunities to support those on their journey home.

The observance takes place every year on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King Jr. Day and offers individuals and communities the opportunity to come together to contemplate shared values and inspire collective action. Learn more about this annual event: https://www.clark.edu/about/arts-events/mlk/

EVENT DETAILS

Time: Tuesday, January 20, 1:30–3 p.m.

Location: Gaiser Hall Student Center, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98683

Parking: Green or Red lots—view online map and directions here.

Accommodations: If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more atwww.clark.edu/nds.

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

WINTER KIT SUPPLY DRIVE

To honor MLK’s legacy, Clark College invites the community to participate in the Winter Supply Kit Drive. Partnering with the Council for the Homeless, Clark will be accepting donations of the following items:

• Beanies
• Gloves
• Hand warmers
• Emergency blankets
• Ponchos
• Socks
• Snacks (nonperishable, easy to open and eat, high protein)
• Chapstick
• Gallon zip-lock bags

Items may be dropped off at the Gaiser Student Center at the following times:

• Tuesday, Jan. 20 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 21 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 22 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

ABOUT KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Sesany Fennie-Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Council for the Homeless, is a transformative leader with more than 20 years of experience in social services and housing insecurity. Known for her ability to build strong relationships and unite people around common goals, her career has been dedicated to driving systemic change that supports society’s most vulnerable.

Sesany’s leadership is shaped by her professional expertise, education, and lived experience, a powerful combination that fuels her compassionate, trauma-informed approach. She has developed and led programs focused on co-occurring treatment, supportive and sober housing, transitional living, and emergency shelters.

Widely respected for fostering collaborative, community-based solutions, Sesany firmly believes housing is a basic human right and works to dismantle barriers such as racial disparities, economic inequality, and untreated behavioral health needs that contribute to homelessness.

Under her leadership, Council for the Homeless continues to drive policy reform, equitable housing strategies, and lasting community impact.

ABOUT CLARK COLLEGE

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.  

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Clark College Celebrates Opening Of Boschma Farms Location (Photo) - 01/09/26

New Advanced Manufacturing Center addresses growing workforce demand

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. — Clark College officially marked the opening of its newest location, Boschma Farms, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 8. College leaders, community partners, and elected officials gathered in front of the building for opening remarks from Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards, Board of Trustees Chair Marilee Scarbrough, and Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole. Tanisha Harris, representing Senator Maria Cantwell’s office, was also in attendance and read a statement from the senator.

Located on a 10-acre property in Ridgefield, Boschma Farms houses the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC), a 49,000-square-foot facility designed to support hands-on learning and workforce development. Following the ribbon-cutting, partners and guests toured the AMC, including the Learning Lab, where attendees viewed demonstrations of the state-of-the-art equipment used in Clark’s advanced manufacturing program.

Advanced manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing industries in the Pacific Northwest, shaping the regional economy and driving demand for highly skilled workers. According to JobsEQ, more than 230,000 people are employed in advanced manufacturing in Washington state, including nearly 13,000 in Clark County. The Portland-Vancouver metro area currently offers nearly 3,800 job openings in the field.

“Today's official ribbon-cutting signifies a new beginning for the college and the community,” Dr. Edwards said. “As the need for an advanced manufacturing workforce in our region continues to grow, we recognized the opportunity—and the responsibility—to meet it head-on. The Advanced Manufacturing Center is a direct response to those regional and national needs.”

With more than $3 million in federal support, the AMC expands Clark College’s ability to train advanced manufacturing technicians, modernize labs with clean energy technology, and increase STEM degree completion for low-income students. “The Center will provide more opportunities for Southwest Washington residents to gain the skills they need to land good-paying jobs and will help attract more high-tech businesses in the region,” U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell said in her statement.

Advanced Manufacturing at Clark College offers pathways through stackable degrees and certificates with multiple entry and exit points, including certificates of achievement, certificates of proficiency, and an Associate of Applied Technology degree. Graduates can pursue careers across a variety of fields, including mechatronics, programming, welding, and renewable energy.

“We talk a lot about affordability and cost of living, and a major solution is to create opportunities for better wages and improved livelihood through a quality education,” said Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole. “If we want people to live, work, and thrive here, we have to make sure workforce training is accessible, modern, and aligned with the realities of our region. That’s why this campus matters—serving northern Clark County, and strengthening the regional workforce while keeping opportunities close to home.”

Construction for the facility began in June 2023. The first cohort of advanced manufacturing students started classes at Boschma Farms during the fall 2025 term. In addition to the advanced manufacturing program, the campus also hosts general education classes and Community and Continuing Education courses, as well as meeting spaces for community groups. 

“Moments like this remind me why community colleges matter,” Chair Scarbrough said. “This facility is not just a building—it is a promise to students that we are investing in their futures here in Southwest Washington. What happens here will ripple outward, strengthening families, businesses, and the regional economy for years to come.”

At the heart of the AMC is the Learning Lab, a highly visible, hands-on instructional space featuring mills and lathes, water jet cutters, robotic welders, press brakes, and 3D printers.

Led by construction partners, Mortenson Construction and Henneberry-Eddy Architects, the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms has earned a LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Design features include high-speed fans for air circulation, natural light supported by skylights and daylight-harvesting sensors, and bird-safe frit patterns on the windows to reduce bird run-ins with the glass. Additionally, portions of the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are exposed, offering future learning opportunities for students.

During her speech, Dr. Edwards referenced one of her favorite aspects of the building’s design—a flowing basket-weave pattern incorporated into the walls, symbolizing the interconnectivity of threads, histories, and perspectives, and how diverse backgrounds and stories shape the Clark community and the region. “I am eager to see how this building will create new opportunities, transform lives, and impact our region in the coming years—by teaching the skills needed for a growing industry and helping students build a future right here in Southwest Washington.”

Learn more:

• Clark College’s AMC at Boschma Farms location

• Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Program

• Video preview available here

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students, including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.   

Clark College’s main campus is located in Vancouver’s Central Park, with classes also held at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, Wash.

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Clark College Hires Dr. Sue Orchard For Vice President Of Student Affairs (Photo) - 01/06/26

Experienced Higher Education Leader to Oversee Student Services

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College named Dr. Sue Orchard, PsyD, to serve as its Vice President of Student Affairs. Dr. Orchard brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience to the college in student services, enrollment management, and holistic student support in higher education. She started on Jan. 5, 2026, at the start of the college’s winter term.

In the role of Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Orchard will lead the strategic vision for a broad range of student programs and services, including enrollment, career services, financial aid, athletics, international programs, disability support, the Veterans Center of Excellence, and the Counseling & Health Center, among others. Dr. Orchard will also serve on the college’s Executive Cabinet, a leadership team led by Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards.

“I'm honored to join Clark College and work alongside such a dedicated community,” said Dr. Orchard. “I believe that fostering trust, connection, and joy is essential to building a culture of continuous improvement, and I look forward to partnering across the college to ensure every student feels supported and empowered to achieve their goals.”

Most recently, Dr. Orchard served as Vice President of Student Services at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash., for nine years, where she led all student services departments and served on the president’s executive leadership team. During her tenure, she co-led the collegewide Guided Pathways implementation, strengthened advising and onboarding practices, advanced strategic enrollment management efforts, and championed equity-focused student support initiatives. 

Prior to Lower Columbia College, Dr. Orchard has also served as the Dean of Counseling & Student Support Services for Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore.; Associate Director for Student Access at Oregon Health & Science University; Training Director for University of Puget Sound; and a Staff Psychologist for the University of Oregon.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Orchard to Clark College. She brings an exceptional depth of experience in student affairs. Her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision make her an outstanding fit for this role and for our college community,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards.

Throughout her career, Dr. Orchard has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to creating systems that center on students’ academic, personal, and career success. In addition to her executive leadership experience, she has served in statewide leadership roles with the Washington State Student Services Commission, including as president, and has contributed to many task forces and advisory groups focused on student success and equity.

Dr. Orchard holds a Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology from Pacific University, a Master of Science in mental health counseling from Eastern Washington University, and bachelor’s degrees in organizational communication and psychology, also from Eastern Washington University.

Dr. Orchard was hired after a nationwide search that included extensive interviews with a hiring committee, college leadership, and an open forum with the college community. She succeeds Dr. Mark Wahlers, who is retiring after serving as Interim Vice President of Student Affairs for the past year.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.   

Clark College’s main campus is located in Vancouver’s Central Park, with classes also held at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, Wash.

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Ribbon-Cutting And Grand Opening For The Advanced Manufacturing Center, Clark College At Boschma Farms (Photo) - 01/02/26

MEDIA ADVISORY

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. – Please join Clark College to celebrate the public ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at Clark College at Boschma Farms, located at 7000 East Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, Washington, at 3 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

This milestone marks the culmination of years of strategic design to meet the current and future workforce needs of our regional manufacturing partners. The AMC will serve as the home of Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Technician program, as well as support general education, continuing education, and Running Start programs. 

Designed to be a vital new resource for northern Clark County, the AMC will play a key role in preparing the region’s future manufacturing workforce. Video preview available here.

Media planning notice: Members of the media are encouraged to notify Clark’s Communications & Marketing at commark@clark.edu if they plan to attend. Requests for interviews, camera placement, b-roll access, and press tours may be accommodated, where possible.

General attendance: Although reservations are not required, advance notice is greatly appreciated. Please RSVP here for this important milestone event.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Thursday, January 8, 2026

            2:50 pm:       Guest arrival

            3:00 pm:       Speaking program (outdoors)

            3:30 pm:       Ribbon Cutting (outdoors)

            3:40 – 5 pm: General building tours and refreshments

Where: Advanced Manufacturing Center, Clark College at Boschma Farms

7000 East Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, Washington

Speakers:

• Alijah Machida, President, Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC)
• Dr. Karin Edwards, President, Clark College
• Marilee Scarbrough, Chair, Clark College Board of Trustees
• Tanisha Harris, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s Office
• Matt Cole, Mayor, City of Ridgefield

About Clark College
 

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education, serving almost 10,000 students per term. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. 

Clark College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 47% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

Clark College’s main campus is located in Vancouver’s Central Park, with classes also held at additional instructional sites at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, Wash.

Accommodations: If anyone needs an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

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