In the News

Mt. SAC's state championship Men's and Women's Basketball Teams took center stage at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, receiving certificates and proclamations of congratulations from Supervisor Gloria Molina. She commended them for their historic achievements, noting that the men's team earned its first state title in the history of the college, and that the women's team captured its sixth state title with an undefeated record of 34-0 this season. Members of both teams and their coaches traveled to the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration for a special reception, followed by the recognition ceremony. Women's Coach Brian Crichlow and Men's Coach Clark Maloney both expressed their appreciation for being honored by the supervisors. President Bill Scroggins, joined by Athletics Director Joe Jennum, told the audience that these outstanding athletes are students first and foremost and noted they are also strong performers both on the court and in the classroom thanks to the WIN Program.

The Mt. SAC Robotics Team won the state Vex Robotics Championship recently at Cal State Northridge. Despite 12 grueling matches, one of the robotics catching fire, and numerous other challenges, the team prevailed with only one match loss. Team Captain Vincent Vendiola was recognized with the Individual Excellence Award at the event for not only his invaluable team contributions, but also for helping other teams that experienced challenges with their robots. The 12-member team is now preparing for the World Championships April 18-20 against 50 international competitors, representing 12 countries. Congratulations to the team members as well as their faculty coach, Professor Martin Mason. (Posted 4-12-13)

Five probationary faculty members were granted tenure recently. They are Dr. Damany Fisher (History and Art History Dept.); Michael Hood (Earth Sciences & Astronomy); Sam Nassar (Counseling); Kelly Sherwood (Medical Services); and Dr. Curtis Simon (Geography & Political Science). The evaluation process is rather rigorous, coordinated by an evaluation team for each professor composed of at least two tenured faculty members and one administrator. The team completes a summary evaluation report of the probationary professor's performance, based on information gathered from classroom visitations, student evaluations, input from faculty peers, a review of a portfolio of materials used by the professor, and other sources deemed relevant by the evaluation team. The team then recommends tenure to be granted, and that recommendation and all supporting documentation is reviewed by the VP of Instruction or VP of Student Services (counseling faculty) and the President. The President's recommendation goes to the Board of Trustees for final approval.

Mt. SAC's award-winning Singcopation vocal jazz ensemble sang their way to first place in the Collegiate Vocal Jazz category at the recent Next Generation Jazz Festival. That wins them an opportunity to perform at the world's most prestigious jazz event, the Monterey Jazz Festival in September. Congratulations to this talented ensemble, directed by Mt. SAC's celebrated Professor Bruce Rogers, who directs choral activities at Mt. SAC and also conducts the world-ranked Chamber Singers. (Posted 4-12-13)

The Forensics Team kept Mt. SAC's national championship momentum rolling by capturing the coveted title of the 2013 Phi Rho Pi National Championship Tournament on April 20. This Super Bowl-caliber competition, held at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills, drew talented student speakers from over a dozen states, representing 60 community colleges. Team Mt. SAC captured the first-place Overall Sweepstakes (top award), the first-place Individual Events Sweepstakes, and the third-place Debate Sweepstakes--earning more points than any other competing team. This win further entrenches Mt. SAC's standing as a dominant force in the collegiate forensics world. Mt. SAC has won eight community college national championships: 1994, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2011, and 2013. In between these years, Mt. SAC chose to compete at university-level national tournaments and placed among the top 10 in 1999, 2002, 2004, and 2007, according to Communication Professor and Forensics Coach Jeff Archibald. As individual competitors at the recent Phi Rho Pi tournament, all 14 Mt. SAC students won awards (six golds, three silvers, 10 bronze). Two students achieved the best overall scores in their respective event: Awais Spall (gold, Impromptu) and Conny Chege (gold, Program Oral Interpretation), and Barrett Tate and Brandon Orewyler took the gold in the Parliamentary Debate category as the only duo to win all eight rounds of competition.

College trustees, employees and students as well as community leaders came out on April 12 to celebrate the dedication of the new Design Technology Center. Speakers and presenters extolled the high-tech features that facilitate innovative instruction and learning in this 63,000-square-foot center, which houses computer-based design programs such as animation, architecture, graphic arts and illustration, interior design, and photography. Faculty and students made classroom presentations and demonstrated cutting-edge technology for guests who toured the impressive facility after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Visitors also toured the 400-seat, high-tech multimedia assembly hall--the campus' second largest auditorium after the Clarke Theater. (Posted 4-15-13)

For the first time ever, Mt. SAC now rules the community college basketball kingdom. Both men's and women's teams won their respective championship games last weekend with decisive victories. The men's win marked a significant milestone--their first state championship title in Mt. SAC history, defeating Chaffey College 102-88. The Mounties finished the season with an impressive 29 wins, 3 losses. For the women's team, it marked their sixth California Community College Athletic Association Women's Basketball Championship title. They defeated Mt. San Jacinto College 54-41, and completed the season undefeated at 34-0. This was a back-to-back season win for the Mounties, who captured the state title in 2012, then three-peat in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and then in 2004. Congratulations to the hard-working teams and to the skillful coaching staffs, headed by Clark Maloney (men) and Brian Crichlow (women). (Posted 3-20-13)

Check out the new Mountie Academic Plan (MAP), a powerful online tool that enables you to conveniently track your degree and academic progress, based on your educational plan.

After a 20-year hiatus, Mt. SAC revived its public induction of outstanding former athletes, coaches, and supporters of the athletics program at a star-studded Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet on March 2 at the Pacific Palms Resort. Nearly 300 persons showed up to congratulate the eight honorees inducted into the 2013 Class in perpetuity. In addition, eight members of the 1992 and 1993 classes were formally inducted as well.

Congratulations to Music Professor Bruce Rogers who received word recently that the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) is presenting him with the "Pearson-Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award." The award honors excellence in choral education and performance. Bruce will receive his award during the CMEA Convention in Fresno next month.

Radio Broadcasting students Tamika Adams and James Rojas recently won a Golden Mike Award from the Radio Television News Association for their Best Public Affairs Show called "Interchange." The Radio and Television News Association of Southern California annually honors the best in radio and television, ranging from the major networks to college stations. KSAK, Mt. SAC's radio station, has won more than 20 Golden Mikes in the past seven years. (Posted 1-29-13)

Effective the start of the spring semester (Feb. 25), Mt. SAC will enforce its new Restricted Smoking Policy (AP3565). Designed to promote a healthier campus environment, the policy applies to everyone on campus--employees, students, and visitors.

Please note that the campus will be closed on Mon. Jan. 21.

Spend the semester in London. First information meeting is Wed. Jan. 16, 6-8PM, 28A-103.

Classes begin Mon. Jan. 7. We look forward to seeing you if you're taking classes during the winter intersession.

Is now available on campus and online

Come attend an Election Night party, 7PM in the Student Life Center (9C). KTLA news crew plans to cover our event.

The campus will be closed on Mon. Nov. 12 in observance of Veterans Day.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Bldg. 67B Courtyard. FREE screenings, information & gifts.

Oct. 9, 5 p.m. Soccer Field

Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct 9th, 11AM-1PM, 9B-West (Grassy area)

Mt. San Antonio College, Student Health Services Mt. SAC ID REQUIRED FOR ALL VISITS ?FREE - Credit Students ?$10 (CASH ONLY) - Part-Time Faculty ?$20 (CASH ONLY) - Employees & Non-Credit Students ?Allow at least 30 minutes for your visit ?Quantities are limited! Call (909) 274-4400 to make an appointment. Please have your Banner ID number ready! For more information regarding the Seasonal Flu Shot, visit: Student Health Services, 67B.

Sept. 27, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Miracle Mile

Download and print the coupon for free entry to the LA County Fair, Thursday, September 27. Coupon is also available on student/staff portal.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Miracle Mile

Public Safety/L.A. County Sheriffs to Raise Campus Theft Awareness. On Tuesday, Sept. 18 between 9 a.m. and noon, officers from both units will blanket parked vehicles across the campus with windshield flyer inserts that offer theft prevention tips. They are also extending their theft prevention message beyond the parking lot and encouraging students and employees to protect their personal belongs while on campus--in offices, classrooms, and food/concession venues.

Come on out and JOIN-A-CLUB!!! 9am - 1pm. Over 50 clubs and organizations will have information tables set up. Sponsored by Inter Club Council.

This exhibition features artwork by Chuck Feesago and Susan Sironi Sept. 13-Oct. 11, Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday Evenings 5 to 7:30 p.m. Art Gallery Opening reception - Sept. 13, 4-6PM

Sept. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 9C Walkway

PBS television host Cliff Young presents the Mt. SAC Food Truck Festival on July 21, noon-6PM. Click on the web link for more information on the featured trucks and to purchase tickets. The Festival will benefit Mt. SAC Foundation's scholarship fund. Check your portal account for special codes are available for staff and students to purchase discounted tickets for the festival.

In observance of Independence Day, the campus will be closed on Wed., July 4.

Witness a solar eclipse and learn all about the Sun at the Mt. SAC Randall Planetarium. Start your experience by learning the "Secrets of the Sun," a new planetarium show. Then safely view the eclipse through safe solar viewers and take a closer look with our solar telescopes. Bring your sunblock and lawn chairs since the eclipse will last several hours! Location: Mt. SAC-Randall Planetarium/ Parking Lot G Times: 4 p.m. "Secrets of the Sun" Free Planetarium Show 5:10 p.m. Eclipse Begins (star) 6:32 p.m. Maximum Eclipse Ends (star) 7:45 p.m. Sunset/Eclipse Ends (star) (star meaning)Times are approximate Free Parking available in Lots G and H. Phone: 909 274-5795 Mt. SAC 1100 N. Grand Ave. Walnut CA

Mt. SAC's Horticulture Unit has a Mother's Day Plant sale now on thru tomorrow, 8am-4pm. East of Student Life Center (9C). Come and buy a beautiful plant or two for your mom! Cash or checks only. Questions, email jramirez@mtsac.edu

Just a reminder that you are invited to a campus reception to welcome a delegation of Chinese college officials who are visiting Mt. SAC through May 19 as part of their U.S. tour to study community college vocational education. The reception will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. in Founders Hall.

To observe Administrative Professional's Day, on April 25, 2012, the Human Resources office will be closed from Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Mt. SAC's IT Web Team has made it very simple for you to add your news stories to the Mt. SAC Campus News RSS feed. For more information, please contact Eric Turner, Supervisor, Web and Portal Services, at 274-XXXX or eturner@mtsac.edu.

For Alex Mendoza, Mt. SAC might just as well be known as the "Land of Opportunity," because he regards his experience here as the opportunity of a lifetime. That's partially why he doesn't mind his long commute from Van Nuys.

If you had told Joshua Villagomez five years ago that he would be attending UCLA and Stanford, he probably would have responded, "Yeah, in my dreams!"

You've seen him on ESPN. You've seen him win the Super Bowl. But you probably didn't see Antonio Pierce as a student and phenomenal linebacker at Mt. SAC.