Clark College Hosts Tibetan Sand Mandala Construction, Feb. 23–27 (Photo) - 02/12/26

Free community event features sacred art creation in celebration of International Education

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College invites the community to experience a week of culture, art, and global connection celebrating International Education, February 23-27 on the college’s main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington.

The highlight of the week is the construction of a traditional Tibetan sand mandala, presented by Clark College International Programs, Clark Libraries, and the Dharma Light Tibetan Buddhist Association of Vancouver. The event is free and open to the community.

Tibetan Buddhist monks from South India will spend a week constructing an intricate sand mandala inside Cannell Library.  The public is invited to observe this living work of art, starting at 9 am – 6:30 pm from Monday, Feb. 23 to Friday, Feb. 27.  

The week begins with an Opening Ceremony at 9 am on Monday and concludes with a Closing Ceremony at 1:30 pm on Friday, both featuring traditional Tibetan Buddhist chanting and music. Following the closing ceremony, the monks will disperse the sand from 3-4 pm at the Vancouver Waterfront Park, extending the blessing to the wider region. (Transportation and parking fees are not provided.) 

On Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2-3 pm in Cannell Library Room 101, Venerable Lobsang Dawa will lead a special Sacred Tibetan Art presentation, sharing the history and symbolism of the sand mandala, and reflecting on the importance of compassion in daily life. 

In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the creation of a sand mandala is intended to generate a profound experience of compassion and healing. It is believed that the positive energy of a sand mandala radiates outward for world peace, offering blessings throughout the entire region, the environment and the surrounding community. At the end of the week, the mandala is ceremonially dismantled to symbolize the impermanence of all phenomena. 

This marks the fifth time Clark College has hosted a mandala construction on campus, with previous visits taking place in 2012, 2015, 2020 and 2023. View a video from the 2012 sand mandala construction on Clark College’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/IYVcjFhpsHc

Tibetan Sand Mandala Schedule - Clark’s Cannell Library:

• Monday, Feb. 23, 9 am ⁠– 6:30 pm
  [Opening Ceremony starting at 9 am]
   
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 9 am ⁠– 6:30 pm
   
• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 9 am ⁠– 6:30 pm
   
• Thursday, Feb. 26, 9 am – 6:30 pm
  with Sacred Tibetan Art presentation at 2 – 3 pm, Room 101
   
• Friday, Feb. 27, 9⁠ am – 1:30 pm
  [Closing Ceremony at 1:30 ⁠– 2:30 pm]
  Sand Dispersal: 3⁠ – 4 pm at the Vancouver Waterfront Park (transportation & parking fees not provided)

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.
 

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.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 
 

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
 

About Clark’s International Programs

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an intensive English Language program. During the 2025-26 academic year, Clark College hosts 78* international students. Learn more about Clarks International Programs.  (*Fall 2026. Enrollment number changes each term)

Clark College’s International Education programming reflects the college’s commitment to global learning, cultural exchange, and fostering understanding across communities.

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 Financial Aid Office To Host Free Public Workshops During Financial Aid Awareness Month (Photo) - 02/04/26

VANCOUVER, Wash. — In conjunction with Financial Aid Awareness month this February, the Financial Aid Office at Clark College will host a series of free workshops beginning Feb. 5, to help current and prospective students better understand how to pay for college at its main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA.

Open to the public, the free workshops will cover key financial aid topics including scholarships, student employment, student loans, and maintaining eligibility for aid. The series is designed for anyone considering higher education and who has questions or concerns about college costs.

“Many students and families assume college is out of reach financially, when in reality there are more resources available than ever before,” said Associate Dean of Financial Aid, Glendi Gaddis. “These workshops are about breaking down barriers, busting myths, and helping people feel confident navigating the financial aid process.”

Participants will learn about the different types of financial aid available — including grants, scholarships, work study, and loans — and gain practical guidance on applying for aid and staying eligible once enrolled. 

Washington is among the most generous states in the nation when it comes to supporting access to higher education, with nearly half of Washington households qualifying for some form of financial aid. However, accessing that support often begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA) — a step many eligible students do not take.

Clark College’s Financial Aid workshops aim to increase awareness, encourage FAFSA/WAFSA completion, and support current/existing students and families as they navigate the process.

Workshop Schedule (main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver WA)

SCHOLARSHIPS: Show Me the Money 
Learn where to find scholarships, how to apply, and tips to stand out. Attendees can also get help with filling out Clark College Foundation scholarship application.

Date: Thursday, February 5        Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Gaiser Hall  (GHL) 213

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT: Earn While You Learn 
Discover on-campus job options, how to apply, and how working can fit into your class schedule.

Date: Monday, February 9           Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Gaiser Hall  (GHL) 213

MAINTAINING ELIGIBILITY: Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 
Find out what SAP is, why it matters, and how to stay eligible for financial aid.

Date: Thursday, February 19       Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Penguin Union Building (PUB) 258B

STUDENT LOANS: Know Before You Owe 
Get the facts about student loans, borrowing wisely, and what repayment really looks like.

Date: Monday, February 23         Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Gaiser Hall (GHL) 205

Financial Aid Resources

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  - https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

• Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA) - https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa

• State Board of Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC) - https://www.sbctc.edu/paying-for-college/

• Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) - https://wsac.wa.gov/financial-aid

About Clark’s Financial Aid Office

The Clark College Financial Aid Office supports students by providing access to financial resources, education, and guidance that empower them to achieve their academic and professional goals. Services include financial aid advising, workshops, work study opportunities, and financial wellness resources.

Learn more: https://clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/financial-aid
FAQs: https://www.clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/financial-aid/faq.php

Event Information

Location: Clark College main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 

Cost: Free - there is no fee to attend. No registration required.

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. 
Learn more at www.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. 

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

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, and 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 62nd JAZZ FESTIVAL RESULTS (Photo) - 02/03/26

The Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Trophy Awarded to ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL, Portland, Oregon

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College hosted three full days of big band jazz at the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival, where sixty middle and high school jazz ensembles from throughout Washington and Oregon performed in this year’s competition. Trophies were presented to the top three jazz ensembles for middle schools and division A through AAAA high schools. Individual outstanding musician and outstanding section awards were also presented at the end of each division’s preliminary competitions. 

At the end of Saturday’s program, the 2026 Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Trophy was awarded to Roosevelt High School, Portland, Oregon. The winning band will return for a special performance in the next year’s jazz festival held on the last weekend of January. This year, the 2025 Sweepstakes Band, Mountain View I High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Sam Ormson, was spotlighted on Saturday evening.

The 2026 outstanding musician awards were presented as following:

Middle School Silver Jazz Band finals results:

      1^st place – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      2^nd place – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      3^rd place – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR 

A Division Jazz Band finals results:       

      1^st place – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

      2^nd place – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

      3^rd place – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Musician certificates were presented to:

      Ella Alcock – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Scarlette Tenold – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Cloe Barnes – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Hudson Stose – Laurin Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Bella Wilson – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Jaxson Glover – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Bear Ricks – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

      Keira Garrison – View Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield, WA

      Aurora Maayen – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Liam Derbin – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Joshua Walden – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Raul Becerril-Vargas – Wy’East Middle School, Vancouver, WA

      Heiver Mavarez Sivira – Wy’East Middle School, Vancouver, WA

      Natalie Lynch – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      Charlie Thrasher – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      Benny Zacks – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      Raphael Paglia-Brockman – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

      Sam Loh-Menendez – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

      Leo Camacho – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

      Miles Kennedy – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      Andrew Kim – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      Emmy Black – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      Benjamin Larsen – Carmichael Middle School, Richland, WA

      Teagan Sams – Carmichael Middle School, Richland, WA

      Anthony Pfau – Carmichael Middle School, Richland, WA

Outstanding High School Musician awards for the A Division were presented to:

      Julia Vaughan – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

      Lucille Helms – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

      Liam Watkins– South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

      Benjamin Jaimes – La Center High School, La Center, WA

      Jeremy Solis – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

      Kyler Dixon – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Section Awards were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Leona Libby Middle School

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Beaumont Middle School

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Sellwood Middle School

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Carmichael Middle School

Outstanding Section Awards for Division “A” were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Eckstein Middle School

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Seton Catholic High School

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – South Whidbey High School

      Outstanding Trombone Section – South Whidbey High School 

Friday, January 30, 2026

AA and AAA Division High School Jazz Band finals results:

AA Division:  1^st place – Richland High School Jazz III, Richland, WA

               2^nd place – Mountain View High School Jazz II, Vancouver, WA

               3^rd place – Grant High School Jazz III, Portland, OR

AAA Division: 1^st place – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

               2^nd place – Mt. Spokane High School Jazz I, Spokane, WA

               3^rd place – Mead High School Jazz II, Spokane, WA

Outstanding High School Musician Awards for the AA Division were presented to:

      Paxton Henry – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Kelly Pfam – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Benjamin Gomez – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      MJ Manano-Willis – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Asa Smith – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Asher Bolotski – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

      Chet Martin – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

      Zandy Owens – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

      Luke Detert – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Asher Baughn – Ingraham High School, Seattle, W

      Levi Caldwell – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

      Thomas Eustice – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

      Furious Hill – Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA

      Aiden Servino – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

      Cody Halley – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

      Brandon Felton - Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

      Calle Rude – Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA

      Byron Jimenez – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

      Penelope Griffin – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

      Reginald Kellon – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding High School Musician Awards for the AAA Division were presented to:

      Danyyil Zelyanovskyy – Lake Oswego High School, Lake Oswego, OR

      Finn Frost – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Iris Ruthruff – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Charlie Moore – Mead High School, Spokane, WA

      Brayden Craft – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Elliot Cong – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Daniel Affeldt – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Gavin Gregort – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Parker Jisa – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Andrew Lee – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

      Sylvie Sylvander – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Nathan Doyle – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Beckett Van Dyck – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Sarah Boehi – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

      Oliver Armstrong – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

      Parker Dunn – Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA

      Shane Ward – Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA

      John Cannon – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

      Adrian Baraiac – Union High School, Vancouver, WA

      Enzo Sander – Union High School, Vancouver, WA

      George Powell – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Harry Rosenberg – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding High School AA Jazz Section Awards were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section –  Mountain View High School Jazz II

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Grant High School Jazz III

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Mt. Spokane High School Jazz II

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Richland High School Jazz III

Outstanding High School AAA Jazz Section Awards were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Hockinson High School

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Hockinson High School

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Mt. Spokane High School

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Grant High School

Saturday, January 31, 2026

AAAA Division High School Jazz Band finals results:

       1^st Place – Garfield High School Jazz I, Seattle, WA

        2^nd Place – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

        3^rd Place – Mead High School Jazz I, Spokane, WA

Outstanding High School Musician Awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

      Eliot Kim – Westview High School, Portland, OR

      Luka Schrock – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

      Zyler Modderman – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

      Sari Isreb – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Elaina Stuppler – Lakeridge High School – Lake Oswego, OR

      Josue Sanzhez Badillo – A.C. Davis High School, Yakima, WA

      Bryan Sanchez-Martinez – A.C. Davis High School, Yakima, WA

      Sawyer Lohrmann – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

      Kayla Ang – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

      Sean Calkins – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

      Lucjan Brant-Zawadski – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

      Ian Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

      Johnathan Yven – Henry Jackson High School, Everett, WA

      Lucas Adams – Henry Jackson High School, Everett, WA

      Andrew Bae– Henry Jackson High School, Everett, WA

      Ronan Scott – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Cole Roxburgh – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Kylie Forston – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

      Cameron Proff – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

      Greyson Stainbrook – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

      Dominick Weckerly – Sherwood High School, Sherwood, WA

      Elliott Beck – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

      Elijah King – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

      Hank Sebnhg – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

      Jace Samaha – Mead High School, Spokane, WA

      Valin Gabriel – Mead High School, Spokane, WA

      Caroline Beaulieu – Camas High School, Camas, WA

      Elijah Lenneck – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

      Temperance Gillis – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

      Natalie Costello – Union High School, Camas, WA

      Aubrey Grier – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding High School Section Awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Lake Stevens High School Jazz I, Lake Stevens, WA

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Richland High School Jazz I, Richland, WA

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Mead High School Jazz I, Spokane, WA

About the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival

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. 

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's Veterans Center To Host Free Public Workshops On Suicide Education Series (Photo) - 02/03/26

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Veterans Center of Excellence at Clark College, in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Team from the Portland Veterans Affairs, will present Awareness to Action Series: Suicide Prevention is Everybody’s Business, a free multi-session workshop series beginning Feb. 10, focused on education, prevention, and community action.

Designed to increase awareness, build practical skills, and empower participants to take an active role in suicide prevention, the series is grounded in veteran suicide prevention and open to community members. The workshops offer tools that are applicable across diverse populations. 

The series reflects Clark College’s commitment to fostering a compassionate, informed, and supportive campus and community. By combining national strategies, evidence-based practices, and open dialogue, the workshops emphasize that suicide prevention is everybody’s business.

Event Information

Location: Gaiser Hall, Room 213, from 3 pm - 4 pm on Clark College main campus

Cost: FREE - there is no fee to attend

Registration: Register for the series here. When registering, you can indicate if you would like to attend virtually; a virtual link will be shared closer to the event date with your registration email.

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.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 

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Workshop Schedule — Register for the series here.

Tuesday, Feb. 10 - Overview of Veteran Suicide and the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide: 

This workshop will review the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and how it is implemented nationwide. Participants will learn how to help prevent veteran suicide in their communities and how to access available crisis support resources.

Tuesday, March 17 - Lethal Means Safety — Safe Storage of Firearms and Medications:

This session will explore why and how increasing time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and access to lethal means can significantly reduce suicide risk and save lives.

Tuesday, April 14 - Safety Plans — When and How to Have One: 

Participants will learn how to create a Safety Plan, a practical tool that identifies coping strategies and sources of support. Safety Plans can help individuals manage suicidal thoughts by providing structure and support during moments of crisis.

Tuesday, May 12 - Postvention — Support After a Suicide: 

This workshop will introduce suicide postvention—an often overlooked but critical component of suicide prevention. Postvention focuses on providing immediate and ongoing support to individuals and communities impacted by suicide loss and plays a vital role in healing.

About Clark’s Veterans Center of Excellence

The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence is dedicated to making Clark College the first choice for veterans, active duty, and military-affiliated students. The center engages, supports, and empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals by coordinating comprehensive services that address academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Offerings include tutoring, academic supplies, quiet study spaces, a computer lab with printers, practical workshops, and more. Learn more at Veterans Center of Excellence (clark.edu).

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, and 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 Offers Free Dental Care To Children Feb. 7 (Photo) - 02/02/26

Annual Clinic Provides No-cost Services for Youth ages 4–17

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer free dental care for children ages 4-17 during its annual Free Children’s Dental Health Care Day on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The college’s dental hygiene students will provide free care under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Services are available to families with low income or no insurance, and children with special health care needs are welcome.

Free services include:

• Dental exams
• Teeth cleanings
• Dental X-rays
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Select dental emergencies

Event details:

Appointments are required:  Call Clark Dental Hygiene business office at 360-992-2158

What:   Free Children’s Dental Health Care Day

When:  Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center in the Health Sciences Building on Clark's main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington 

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.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 

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

About Clark's Dental Hygiene Program and Clinic

The Clark College Dental Hygiene program is nationally recognized for excellence and highly regarded by dental professionals in the region. Clark also offers a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene, and builds on the existing associate degree. The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the college’s main campus, offers affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients annually. Equipped with modern technology, the center provides high-quality care for patients in the Vancouver/Portland area delivered by Clark’s dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Available patient treatment times vary term by term. Clinic days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. 

Learn more about Clark’s Dental Hygiene Clinic 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.   

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Comic Journalist Joe Sacco To Speak At Clark College On February 5 (Photo) - 01/29/26

Eisner Award-winning author visits campus as part of the 2025-26 Columbia Writers Series

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark College Columbia Writers Series will continue its 2025-26 season with comic journalist Joe Sacco, the Eisner Award-winning author known for his works in nonfiction comics. Sacco is the author of Footnotes in Gaza, for which he received the Ridenhour Book Prize, as well as Paying the Land, Palestine Journalism, Safe Area Goražde, and other books.

This free event, which is open to the public, will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258 B/C on Clark College’s main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

Sacco practices investigative journalism through nonfiction comics, reporting from war zones and areas of political conflict, including the Gulf War, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Bosnia. His latest book, The Once and Future Riot, published in October 2025, examines the political violence that led to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar Riot in India. His work has also appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, and Harper’s Magazine. 

A 1981 journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Sacco founded the satirical comics magazine Portland Permanent Press in 1985 before working at The Comics Journal as a staff news writer. He lives in Portland, Oregon. 

Event details 

Time: Thursday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. – noon

Location: Penguin Union Building (PUB) 258 B/C, 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.

Upcoming Columbia Writers Series Events

Emma Pattee, climate journalist & fiction writer, May 12, 2026, 10 a.m.

Emma Pattee has written about climate change for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and other publications. Her debut novel, Tilt, is a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice, a USA Today Bestseller, a Best Book of 2025 for Vogue, and an NPR favorite fiction read of 2025.

Camille Dungy, author and poet, May 14, 2026, 1 p.m.
Camille Dungy is the author of Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden, which was named book of the month by Hudsons Booksellers, received the 2024 Award of Excellence in Garden and Nature Writing from The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, and was on the short list for the PEN/Jean Stein Award. Dungy has also written four collections of poetry and the essay collection, Guidebook to Relative Strangers: Journeys into Race, Motherhood, and History.

About Clark’s Columbia Writers Series

The Columbia Writers Series aims to enrich the intellectual and cultural life of Clark College by providing a platform for literature and the arts. Since 1988, the series has brought a diverse array of local, national, and international authors to the campus and the community. Learn more about the Columbia Writers Series.

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 over 8,500 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 High School Students & Families To Learn How Running Start Jump-Start College Success - 01/26/26

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, and to hear directly from a current Clark College student about their Running Start experience.

Register online to attend. Participants will receive a Zoom link automatically after completing registration. Live captioning in English, and interpreters in Spanish and Russian will be available for all sessions.

APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT SUPPORT NIGHTS (In-Person)

After attending a virtual information session, students will receive an email with enrollment details and a registration form to attend an on-campus Application & Enrollment Support Night at Clark College. These hands-on sessions will provide personalized in-person assistance with applications, enrollment steps, and general questions. 

Each Application & Enrollment Support Night will offer four sessions at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. on the following dates at Clark College’s main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663:

• Monday, Feb. 9
• Tuesday, March 3
• Wednesday, March 18
• Thursday, April 23
• Thursday, May 7 

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

Accommodation: 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.

ABOUT RUNNING START AT CLARK COLLEGE

Running Start allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school education – saving time and money while advancing their academic goals. Many Running Start students earn an associate degree, and graduate ready to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. 

Running Start students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of academic programs and career pathways. Clark College's accessible campus offers modern learning spaces, arts and cultural programming, athletics, dozens of student clubs, and comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support services designed to remove barriers and support students success.

Learn more about the Running Start Program at Clark College.

ABOUT CLARK COLLEGE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

At Clark College, students can also choose to continue their education in any of the six bachelor’s degree programs in Applied Management, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Dental Hygiene, Human Services, and Teacher Education. These programs are designed to build on existing associate degrees, allowing students to enter as juniors and complete their bachelor's degree in two years or less.

Developed in response to local and regional industry needs, Clark’s bachelor programs emphasize applied skills and career readiness, combining technical knowledge with upper-level courses to prepare students for advanced careers and professional success. 

Learn more about Clark College bachelor degrees.

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.   

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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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