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SYLVANIA NEWS: Writing students come up big at Marylhurst competition

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Sylvania’s creative writing faculty has made great strides in creating a community of writers at the campus. Instructor Maria Caruso, who’s directing the Writing Center, started a series of readings in the center with both student and faculty readers in front of overflow crowds. Also, instructor Michael McDowell has led an outstanding group of students working on the literary magazine, “Alchemy,” this year. As a result, Sylvania students walked away a number of awards at this year’s Marylhurst English Literature and Writing Department Community College Creative Writing Competition.

With judge’s critiques in quotations, the winners are: Poetry Winner: “My Father’s Glass” by Nick Nash; Poetry 2nd Place: “Charlie’s Nines” by Dean Moberly; Creative Nonfiction Winner: “The Dream House” by Julie Poole; Creative Nonfiction 2nd Place: “A Few Words about Conchos” by Maggie Kercher; Creative Nonfiction 3rd Place, Portland Community College: “Patriots” by Ott Tammik; and Literary Criticism Winner: “Beliefs about Family” by Cicely Rodgers.

PTK Chapter at Sylvania receives honor

Alpha Eta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at the Campus received a special commendation during the Rocky Mountain-Cascade Regional Convention of Phi Theta Kappa. The chapter fulfilled all requirements to the distinction of being named a “5 Star Chapter.” This commendation recognizes the chapter’s successful attainment of goals as presented in the Society’s Five Star Chapter Development Program.

In addition to the recognition received regionally, the chapter and PCC will also receive international recognition. Alpha Eta Iota Chapter’s achievements will be cited on the Phi Theta Kappa Society Web site at www.ptk.org and in the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Progress Report mailed to all college presidents in the summer. Participating chapters are also recognized at the Society’s International Convention.

Students earn NASA scholarships

The Oregon National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Space Grant Consortium has awarded their 2007 Undergraduate Scholarships to the following Sylvania students: Tina Bean, Jake Sofear, and Levi Sitts. Each recipient received $3,000 at a June 8 awards ceremony organized by PCC’s NASA Liaison and chemistry instructor Carol Handy.

Big chemistry conference headed to Sylvania

Chemistry instructors Carol Handy and Jim Schneider have successfully negotiated to bring the 184th meeting of the Two-year College Chemistry Consortium to the Sylvania Campus. The exact date has not been set, but PCC will host this prestigious event during fall term 2008. An internal college steering committee will be established to coordinate conference logistics. Several hundred community college chemists from across the country will attend.

About James Hill

James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »