Allied Health, Family, Consumer Sciences Division attempts to move forward despite losses
It has been a wet and stormy season not only with California weather, but for the students and faculty of Modesto Junior College. With the whirlwind of cut classes and slashed funding, it's getting harder and harder to see the hope in these troubled times. The loss of many programs is a tragedy not only to the faculty and staff losing their jobs and the students who take their courses, but to Modesto Junior College as a whole. It is important not to lose sight of what remains. It is important to start thinking about moving forward; to see what areas are moving forward and how.
All the votes are accounted for and the new student government has been chosen. Every year Modesto Junior College holds student elections for the Associated Students of MJC. Each term lasts for one full school year and follows certain guidelines emplaced by MJC. Each student running for office has to have and maintain a 2.3 gpa in order to run. The results are in and here are the newly elected ASMJC officials:
Marketing programs, car dealership team up for event
On April 6, 2011, MJC marketing department teamed up with American Chevrolet to host a daylong event. The event went from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students and faculty were encouraged to participate in events and rally games.
Four year colleges to have more obstacles, challenges
Due to the recent budget cuts affecting California community colleges, many transfer students are beginning to ask questions. Several MJC students are at age for transfer and are following transfer plans.
College won’t know final decision ‘til mid May
In what seemed like an episode of Judge Judy fraught with courtroom antics and displays of blatant disrespect for the law and the dignity of the principles of tenure, MJC faculty layoff hearings concluded Wednesday with no ruling until at least May 18. After Administrative Law Judge Jonathan Lew reviews the mountain of files and documents submitted as evidence, two days worth of witness testimony and the closing and written arguments from YFA lawyer Bob Bezemek and District lawyer Marilyn Kaplan, a ruling will be made and a recommendation will be given to YCCD Board Trustees. On May 25 the Board will have another vote to either adopt or reject the recommendation from this proceeding.
Layoff hearing set for April 12
The next battle of the MJC budget cuts will take place at a legal hearing tomorrow, Tuesday April 12, in the YCCD Boardroom on 2201 Blue Gum Ave. In addition to the 10 MJC professors who were issued layoff notices on March 15, many current and former Modesto Junior College teachers and administrators have been subpoenaed for questioning on the stand, including MJC President Gaither Loewenstein. The hearing is public and concerned faculty, students and members of the community may attend.
Thousands filled an empty parking lot just a few blocks away from the Capitol in Sacramento on Monday, March 14. Activists rallied to protest the recent budget cuts made on public education. State legislatures proposed a range of $400-900 million in cuts in state funded schools. Approximately 10,000 protestors representing a diverse spectrum of concerned citizens joined the rally under the protection of their First Amendment rights. The purpose of the rally was to voice that it should be up to the voters to have the final say in the budget cuts.
Former exchange student reports from quake stricken Japan
A Japanese student who spent three months at Modesto Junior College in the winter of 2005 through a government exchange program has sent word to his former Modesto host that he survived the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11.
Modesto Junior College agriculture students recently defeated their competition in California Agriculture Leaders (CAL) statewide contest held at Santa Rosa Junior College on Friday, March 4. MJC students took a First Place Team win in the College Bowl along with other triumphs. The College Bowl competition is similar to Jeopardy, contestants pressed buzzers to answer a variety of agriculture related questions. One of the students apart of Team A who won the College Bowl, Sam Terpstra, says he was prepared. "Well I've gone to MJC for two years learning about this stuff." Terpstra said, however, there were a few questions that stumped him. "There were some pretty tough questions about horticulture," which he says he doesn't know much about. 150 students took part in the CAL contest. Aside from the College Bowl, many MJC students won different individual awards.
Overriding dissent, Trustees vote 7-0 to approve Pres.Loewenstein’s cuts proposal
Students, faculty and members of the community filled MJC's auditorium beyond its 900 seat capacity Wednesday night to fight for their respective programs and services slated to be cut from MJC's budget. But, after four hours of heartfelt testimonies, well argued critiques and offers of alternatives to cutting entire programs, the YCCD Board of Trustees voted in favor of the MJC President's proposed cuts.
Summary of President’s budget cuts
On Monday February 28, President Dr. Gaither Loewenstein distributed a 20 page document via email pertaining to how the college is going to cut $8 million from next year's budget. At an open meeting February 5 in Forum 102, Loewenstein announced that the YCCD needed to cut up to $13.5 million-- $8 million of it from from the MJC budget.
Although Alan Layne will be fired and the whole graphics communication program that he works for will be cut, he is not angry. He doesn't, however, agree with how and what decisions have been made.
"A person is a person through other persons" was the Most Rev. Desmond Tutu's principle message to the Modesto Junior College community this weekend. This concept is expressed by a Bantu word he introduced to this audience: "Ubuntu," meaning that people are interconnected through their common humanity. Tutu said that ubuntu is a principle and "a way of life" and offered examples of how it works and how we've all experienced it.
More textbooks for students! According to the press release, Modesto Junior College's President Gaither Loewenstein recently approved the purchase of 202 additional textbooks to be placed on reserve at the East Campus library.
The amount of programs offered by MJC to students are many, there are transfer programs, healthcare assistance (nurses office) and even counseling. A program however, that really seems to stand up on its own is the Child Development Programs located on West Campus. Through this program, MJC students are able to have a safe, secure place for their children while they are attending classes at our college.
The importance of community awareness and education on heart health
Heart-shaped chocolates and candies flood the shelves of stores in February and are given as gifts to eagerly awaiting Valentines. It is the month of love when people everywhere are consumed by emotional affairs. In 2009, President Obama wanted to draw the nation's attention to other matters of the heart by declaring February American Heart Month.
More textbooks for students! According to the press release, Modesto Junior College's President Gaither Loewenstein recently approved the purchase of 202 additional textbooks to be placed on reserve at the East Campus library.
Modesto Junior College's Black Student Union will be presentingthe poetry slam"WordsWorth Speaking" in celebration of Black History Month on Thursday, February 24. The event will include an open microphone sessionthat will encourage the audience to openly express themselves in the form of spoken word poetry. The slam and is intended for persons 18 years and older.However as it may contain some adult language.
BSU presents Poetry slam for Black History Month
Modesto Junior College's Black Student Union will be presentingthe poetry slam"WordsWorth Speaking" in celebration of Black History Month on Thursday, February 24. The event will include an open microphone sessionthat will encourage the audience to openly express themselves in the form of spoken word poetry. The slam and is intended for persons 18 years and older.However as it may contain some adult language.
The amount of programs offered by MJC to students are many, there are transfer programs, healthcare assistance (nurses office) and even counseling. A program however, that really seems to stand up on its own is the Child Development Programs located on West Campus. Through this program, MJC students are able to have a safe, secure place for their children while they are attending classes at our college.
Where going to the library can pay off
More textbooks for students! According to the press release, Modesto Junior College's President Gaither Loewenstein recently approved the purchase of 202 additional textbooks to be placed on reserve at the East Campus library.
Modesto Junior College instructors, staff and students took in the stunning news February 4 that the administration will start laying off personnel and cutting programs this spring in order to comply with the severely reduced 2011 budget handed down by the California State Legislature.
Although student fees and tuition have gone up drastically the last few years, it's only going to get worse in the State of California. Furlough days, budget cuts and past tuition increases weren't enough to recover the millions of dollars in deficits. Students who are transferring or are planning to transfer should expect to pay more out-of-pocket expenses next year.
The annual student art exhibit is on now and has too many submissions to count. It seems as if countless paintings, photographs, and drawings needlessly line the walls. There is a fair amount of pottery and sculpture showcased on the gallery floor which seems to be the central focus, as most are higher quality than what is thrown up on the walls. As a result, this makes this year's exhibition about quantity instead of quality; Art Gallery Director Haleh Niazmand dropped the ball. The descriptions below each display are not even complete. They fail to tell the viewer the medium that are used. The medium can be just as important as the experience in communicating the message.
Senior biologist reports on status of salmon in California rivers
Salmon, one of the most commonly consumed fish in America has been on the decline in recent date, and researchers are working to figure out what is the primary reason for drop in numbers.
Poinsettia plants sell in MJC greenhouse
It's that time of the year when the chill wind and morning frost is preparing us for the holiday season that is around the corner. Much anticipated Christmas decorations are popping up all over the mall, and in churches and neighborhoods around town.
The Great Valley Museum of Natural History will be relocated to the new science building on West Campus, improving its exhibits and its use by students and the community. The museum, the only museum in Stanislaus County that educates about the Central Valley's disappearing ecosystems, will be immensely expanded into most of the first floor of the three story Science Community Center, scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2012.
Parking spaces given back to students
On Thursday, November 18, a YCCD employee painted over several "STAFF" labels on parking spaces in the Modesto Junior College AG parking lot off of Coldwell. Due to the closing of the parking lot which now harbors Pirates' Village, many staff spaces were added to the Pirates' parking.
Modest Junior College's Measure E bond to revamp the school facilities is gaining ground on completing projects around campus. "We are on or under budget and very happy with the progress of the bond program," said MJC President Gaither Loewenstein. "We are going to have quality buildings for students for years to come."
For many of us, October 31 marks a day of passing out treats, wearing masks, or engaging in a few harmless tricks. For the minority community of Christian Assyrians in Iraq, it was a day of true horror that demonstrated their long standing vulnerability in the predominantly Moslem nation.
Documentary traces discrimination against Mexican American soldier in 1940's
The members of the Modesto Chapter of the American GI Forum gathered in Forum 110 on Saturday, November 6 to review and appreciate the documentary film The Longoria Affair in recognition of the upcoming Veterans Day. Amidst piles of Mexican sweet breads and flavored water and tea, GI Forum representative Francisco ("Frank") Alvarez oversaw the opening discussion and introduced the film and its producer/director, John J. Valdez, to a room full of energized people.
Auditions at MJC!
If you're looking for a chance to be in a musical, the time has come. On November 9 and 10 from 5-9 p.m, Modesto Junior College is holding open auditions for Pirates of Penzance, a comedic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.
Many public schools have banned 'I Heart Boobies'
A non-profit organization, Keep a Breast Foundation, has sparked a movement called "I Heart Boobies" campaign. People show their support of the Keep a Breast Foundation's efforts by wearing bracelets, t-shirts, and other forms of apparel with the "I Heart Boobies" logo on them.
Dr. Loewnstien answers questions from students, faculty, and community
Proactive and hungry students came to discuss the issues with Modesto Junior College president, Dr. Gaither Loewenstein, in an informal town hall meeting catered with pizza on Tuesday, October 19, in the East Campus cafeteria.
Weather conditions will not halt construction
Construction signs and rent-a-fences surrounding the West Campus construction site alongside Highway 99 may be standing in puddles this week. But the arrival of autumn rains will not likely delay construction of the new multi-purpose Agricultural Pavilion. Scheduled for completion by spring semester of 2011, the 75,000 square foot building, visible from Highway 99 and the Briggsmore overpass, will be in use by the fall semester of 2011.
Prepare yourselves for ghouls, haunts, and scares and try not to scream! The Associated Students of Modesto Junior College will be hosting their 6th annual Halloween Carnival and Haunted House on Saturday, October 30 starting at 4 and ending at 8 p.m. on MJC's West Campus.
No amount of rain could dampen the spirits of drivers or spectators during the Second Annual Truck and Tractor Pulls Saturday, October 16. The event was hosted by the Modesto Junior College Agriculture department, and took place on MJC's West campus amidst drizzles and occasional sprinklings of rain. It was Round 7 in the Country Competition Series which started in April and has been hosted in Ceres, Sonora and Plymouth, California. This was the first time the competition was brought to Modesto for the Country Competition Series and the turnout didn't disappoint.
On September 24-26, the Modesto Junior College Speech and Debate team participated in the Golden Gate Season Opener Tournament at San Francisco State University. Ten of our own competed against 11 other community colleges and 15 universities bringing home 15 awards in total.
Cannabis a fix for California economy
Since the 1960s, when marijuana became commonly used by the middle class youth, our country has been rife with debate about the use of the plant. Thirty years before, when marijuana first came into public view, the textile and paper companies worried about competition from the cheaper and more productive hemp crop and successfully lobbied to make it illegal.
Chaos reigned on Friday, October 8, in the ranks of Modesto Junior College student government. The conflict? A small group of students has called for a vote of no confidence in the student body president Adam Webber. Associated Students of Modesto Junior College (ASMJC) has scheduled two consecutive meetings to decide this, and both have failed to decide whether or not Webber deserves the confidence of the student body.
The first books were printed as early as the year 1241 in Korea in 1440. German inventor Johannes Gutenberg invented the first functional printing press, and the first weekly newspaper became available to the public in Belgium in 1605. In other words, the printed word has been used to inform and entertain the public for centuries. Today much of this written work is being put online rather than printed in a tangible form, and though I do agree that it is just an inevitable form of progress, it also saddens me to see that tangible paper become a minority.
Twenty three new international students and their host families came together for culturally diverse foods and cordial conversation at the 50th Anniversary International Family Day Picnic on Sunday, September 19. The aroma of chili and tamales hung in the air as the students danced and sang French and Spanish songs after a delicious feast.
Founders’ hall renovation sets sail
Acme Construction (a Modesto based company) is currently working on the remodel of Founders Hall on the south end of East Campus. The interior demolition of these 74,286 square feet began on September 27. "The fences are up and construction is under way." said Ron Kettelman, Senior Vice President and Project Manager for Acme. Founders Hall has been closed since the beginning of summer. The construction preparation began on September 21. Founders will be reconstructed on the inside with new windows, structural changes to make the learning environment more convenient, and just about everything shy of gutting it.
The slogan, "I'll stand up for you sitting down" was the rallying cry of elected Modesto Junior College Student Body President Adam Webber in the spring of 2010. Webber, 28, won the ballot over Charles Palmer this past April with 64% of the student vote after previously losing the run for president in 2009. His slogan may seem a bit unusual to those who don't know him personally, but Webber is mostly confined to a wheelchair. He was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was 24; however, he had suffered from symptoms since the age of 20. Then, in 2004, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.
Some Modesto Junior College faculty and students were left in the dark Thursday evening after a power outage in the brand new Pirates' Village and nearby buildings on the East campus. High temperatures and air conditioners all operating on full blast may have contributed to the overloading of the energy system as the lights came on at dusk.
A power outage at the Modesto Junior College Pirate's Village the day before the scheduled high school football game almost caused the Friday night event to go down in darkness. Hard work and effort from campus authorities and PG&E workers fortunately got the lights up and running in time for the big game scheduled to start at 5p.m. at Pirate's Stadium.
Finding a parking space on East Campus during the first chaotic weeks takes quick reflexes, Zen-like focus and sheer luck.
Muny Korn has much more than a degree to be proud about. Underneath his gown on graduation night, Korn will be wearing different clothes than he would have three months ago; underneath his cap, he will be wearing a different hair style than he would have three months ago, and on his feet he will be wearing a different type of shoes as well.
Garry Hayes, the epitome of a geologist, has taught at Modesto Junior College since 1988. His classroom, filled with case after case of rocks and gemstones, fault line maps, seismographs, charts and a multitude of geology paraphernalia, is only a miniscule example of the history and excitement he has brought to the students throughout his tenure. Dinosaur bone discoveries and excavation, trips to Death Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Australia are among the many adventures his students have experienced throughout the years.
Portables to occupy Tully parking lot
Don't get used to being able to find parking in the new parking lot across Tully Road just yet.
The year-long closure of Founders Hall for renovation will relocate classes into portable classrooms that will occupy the entire lot next to the Journalism and Electronics buildings. You know what that means: the already difficult parking situation at MJC is going to become even more frustrating.
Joining forces with 3,000 other faculty, students across state
Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'' The group of students who marched on March 22 in protest of the state's education budget cuts was anything but small.
Renner to be honored at MJC Commencement Ceremony
He didn't win an Oscar, but he still won the heart of Modesto Junior College.
MJC announced on March 10 that its 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award would go to Jeremy Renner as this year's honoree.
Candidates down to three finalists
With almost as much anticipation as they have about the finale of "American Idol," the students of Modesto Junior College are waiting to see who will serve as the next MJC president.
Student event to promote the march for the budget cuts
MJC rallies the troops to defend the schools and proclaim the right to be a student without breaking the bank. On March 4, 2010 Modesto Junior College conducted a rally to promote the march against the budget cuts.
Sparks flew over Modesto Junior College's Pirate's Stadium as Bryan, from CADAR Electric, cut through the 80 year old steal of the stadium lights on January 29. Although these lights had been up for eight decades, Bryan said, "It isn't too bad up there. I'm used to working on high rises in San Francisco." The steal holding up the giant lights had weathered quite nicely, to many peoples' surprise.
University of Alabama wins inagural event
Collegiate fishing has reached a milestone with the inception of the Bassmaster College Classic. The University of Alabama and Auburn University competed in what is known as the "Iron Bowl of bass fishing".
Go to college. Empty your pockets. That's the way it seems for most students and would-be students. But on the night of February 23, 2010, Modesto Junior College held an event known as "cash for college" to show students that there is money to be had for education.
It was yet another cat-and-mouse game, according to Modesto Junior College's faculty staff and security, who were trying to figure out who was planning the so-called general assembly that took place last Wednesday, February 17.
Candidates from across the country
With the recent departure of former Modesto Junior College President Richard Rose, the college began an extensive search for a new college president. The Presidential Search Committee posted the job announcement in December, and has since received 39 applications from qualified candidates across the United States, 24 of whom are from California.
According to freshman15.com, "College freshman seem to be the most susceptible to gaining weight their first semester (or year) at college." The site says that this is usually because of a lifestyle change. The most common causes of the freshman 15 gain are lack of exercise, eating late at night, unhealthy snacking, unhealthy cafeteria food and too much alcohol. These things can happen to MJC students, who commute to school, but is it as common as it is at four year residential colleges? The answer is: most likely.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: a monumental figure for civil rights and equality. No one man has ever had a more profound effect on American society than Dr. King Jr. Every year, in his honor, the City of Modesto, Modesto Junior College and community groups invite someone who has had an impact on society to address the legacy and relevance of Dr. King today. This year, on Jan. 22, former Mayor of San Francisco and Speaker of the California State Assembly, Willie Lewis Brown, Jr. took to the podium at the MJC Auditorium.
You can rent a house, a car, and even a purse, so why not be able to rent a textbook?
Daniel Natzke, 18, a student at Modesto Junior College, placed among four finalists in the California Department of Public Health's Flu Film Festival. The statewide contest was announced last semester, and its purpose was to raise awareness of the importance of preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. The gold award went to Walnut Elementary School for their ‘H1N1 PSA' video. Three other videos were awarded the silver award; among those was Natzke's video ‘H1N1 PSA: featuring the Third Little Pig.' In Natzke's piece, created by a technique known as stop animation which utilizes clay figures that are manipulated by hand as they are filmed frame by frame, one of the three pigs talks about how the Big Bad Wolf didn't get him because he got the flu.
How young is too young?
At 18 years old we are just getting out of high school and have our whole lives ahead of us. Is it too early to commit ourselves to the military for the next 4-8 years?
What is the true definition of a terrorist?
Ter⋅ror⋅ism [ter-uh-riz-uh m]
1. the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.
2. the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization.
3. a terroristic method of governing or of resisting a government.
Few people in history have been as influential or as controversial as Charles Darwin. And few books have been more monumental than Darwin's "On the Origin of Species". This year marks both the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species".
It's happened! They have finally arrived! H1N1 vaccines are now available to all students, staff, and the faculty of Modesto Junior College.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. That means stuffing our faces with turkey and other goodies. But if you are looking for a way to feel better about feasting on thanksgiving morning, Modesto Junior College Cross Country Team is putting together an exercise day before the big feast. At 9 a.m. anyone who wants to join can participate in the Modesto Turkey Trot at the Tuolumne River Regional Park in Modesto.
Do you like to sing? Do you like to rock out? Do you like DJ mixes? Then go to Karaoke and Rock Band Night held at the Little Theatre at Modesto Junior College.
The final offering of the fall 2009 Civic Engagement Project Film and Lecture series is a film that is both serious and surprisingly hopeful. The subject is autism, a disorder that is receiving much media attention as the rate of diagnosed cases skyrockets among American children.
California, as well as other states, is currently facing a water crisis. But more than the southwestern states, for example, it faces the compounding problems of dense population, vital agricultural interests, and environmental degradation.
In an age when small-town newspapers are dying out and television stations are losing credibility, it seems that radio is not only surviving, but thriving. Modesto Junior College (MJC) even has its very own radio broadcasting program to train future radio jockeys and, now, a brand new broadcasting club to partner with it.
Modesto Junior College Library and ASMJC (Associated Students) are teaming up together again for their 3rd Finals Cram Night. The Cram will be held in the East Campus Library on Thursday, Dec. 10th, from 8 p.m. until midnight. Instructors, Food and Beverages will be available to help students with their last minute study needs. Be sure to join your fellow students for study groups and last minute cramming before finals.
Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan wars returning to school, civilian life
Editor's Note: In honor of Veteran's Day tomorrow, Nov. 11, the Pirates' Log is reprinting this feature article published a year ago on this site. It was written by Adrian Avila, who resumed his education at MJC after two tours of duty in Iraq as a U.S. Marine. He has since graduated and is pursuing a bachelor's degree.
There are 300 and 400 veterans currently studying at MJC, and many students don't even know that these former servicemen and women are among them. This is their story.
Halloween began over 2000 years ago with by the Celtics. They lived in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This was also the beginning of the Celtic New Year, a time to give thanks to the sun god for the harvest. Halloween also known as All Saints Day, All Hallows Eve or All Souls Day is a festival.
The Day of the Dead began more than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate known today as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Students and community members gathered Friday, October 9 at 11 a.m. on the West campus to watch the groundbreaking ceremony for Modesto Junior College's (MJC) new Allied Health Building. The new building is part of campus-wide improvements funded by the $326 million Measure E bond, which was granted to the college by voters in November of 2004.
For nine long years, Jacqueline "Jacque" MacDonald went on an all out search to find the killer of her daughter, Debi Whitlock. MacDonald made her daughter's death known to America by putting her face on billboards, milk cartons and pizza boxes and going on the popular investigative show, America's Most Wanted, "just trying to get that one tip that will bring this monster to justice," MacDonald has said.
is a member of the 
