Eric Thomas and Demitri Hopkins

The two Centralia College students have developed what they believe is a new design that could make this happen.

Before you pooh-pooh this you need to know that they’ve already amazed scientists by building their own reactor and creating a short burst of energy through the fusion process in a lab setting. The two were part of a threesome that, earlier this year, earned the Best of Category Award in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the Intel Internal Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles. Because of the quality and originality of their work, they were invited to meet with President Barack Obama who commended their work and encouraged them to continue. All this while still in high school in Oregon.

“It’s something that’s not too common,” said Thomas. To say the least.

One of their goals now is to further develop their process that would create clean fusion energy on a larger, economically feasible scale. The energy would come from hydrogen in water, leading the way to that brave new world that, so far, is the stuff of science fiction.

The current popular process is to create energy using thermonuclear fusion, very hot and not very practical for powering an automobile. Thomas and Hopkins are working to create energy at much lower temperatures, thereby using less energy to create energy and do it practically.

“Of course it’s possible,” said Michael Threapleton, Centralia College physics professor who is mentoring the students. “They have great enthusiasm and are engaged in scientific research, designing and building their own equipment. It’s important to support efforts that engage the curiosity of students.” Centralia College has the faculty and resources to provide high quality support for students, provide direction as well as equipment and supplies that will help them. Equipment can be purchased through a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. The two students will want to have access to nuclear materials and Threapleton will make sure that it is used properly and safely.

So why did these young men choose Centralia College?

“We were so caught up in our research and building our reactor that we flat out missed deadlines for applying to college,” said Thomas. The scientist/mentor they were working with advised the two to check out the STEM program at Centralia College, which has a strong reputation in the sciences, the New Science Center, and the NSF grant.

“Centralia College has a really good reputation and we’ve had good meetings with Professor Threapleton. We talked to him about the project and he is very knowledgeable. He is very involved with his students and that’s good. We’re glad we’re here,” Hopkins and Thomas both agreed.

Their goal is to continue their research, earn transfer degrees and move on to the University of Washington. They have already developed relationships with faculty in the Plasma Science and Innovation Center at the UW and have worked with the university’s nuclear reactor.

Who knows, perhaps sometime in the near future we’ll be filling up our cars at the water fountain knowing that the efforts of these two young men helped make it all possible.

ERA students

Each of the four comes from a different background but all are optimistic about a successful job hunt in their field. The four, Nick Walker, Darrell Delph, Gabriel Lopossa, and Paul Pullman, are first and second year students who share a common outlook and purpose.

“Automation and the electronics behind it will offer a lot of jobs,” said Delph, a 1990 Olympia High School grad. Delph has a long history of working different jobs, mostly in the trades.

“I see this (ERA) as adding another skill set. I can build almost anything when it comes to housing and this program makes sense. I’ll be able to do more. This program covers the systems I want to know. One thing I really like about this program (he’s in his second year) is that it’s hands-on. We’re doing things in labs that people already working in the field are doing. That’s important, it’s great training.”

Then there’s the issue of jobs. “There’s no doubt in my mind that getting a job will not be a problem,” Pullman, a Tumwater High School graduate who is in his first year in the ERA program, said. “Intel is building new plants and they will need people. Intel will be looking for people to fill their plants. Centralia College has a partnership with Intel and when they hire, we’ll be ready.”

Pullman was a Running Start student and attended New Market Skills Center where he got his first look at robotics. After high school he had had enough schooling and felt it was time to take a break and went on a church mission to Mexico for two years. When he returned he looked to his passion in robotics as a logical career path.

“It’s something that stuck with me. I had heard about the (ERA) program at Centralia College. People were saying good things about it,” Pullman said. “And I think there are going to be good jobs.”

Gabriel Lopossa and Pullman were close friends. “Paul came to me on a Friday and said we were going to school on Monday (the first day of fall quarter classes at Centralia College). That looked like the best of the options available so the two enrolled.

Lopossa had been trying to get a job as a music teacher but things were not opening up. “I know things will turn around for me in (ERA). It looks like so many things are and will be automated. This will be a great skill to have,” said Lopossa. “The jobs will be there and we will be making money.”

Walker is a 2002 WF West High School graduate. He agrees that companies, such as Intel, will continue hiring. He reflected that Intel is putting money into new facilities in Oregon and other states and will continue to hire people to work in them.

“I’ve taken computer and some other classes. I have a broad base education and have a broad spectrum of skills. I have eight months until I need to have a job. I’m not too worried.”

Meanwhile, the four, along with other first and second year ERA students will be getting a closer look at the robotic arm (in the photo on page 25) that will be used as a standard training tool. The arm is a relative new-comer to the college and requires certification before it becomes functional. That certification is expected to come soon. The robotic arm was donated by Cardinal Glass.

Aubrey Urban

She believes that a college education is important because it sets the stage for your future. “If you don’t go to college, you may not find your best job. Some folks, like my dad who works at the mine, were able to find good jobs but that doesn’t usually happen without a college degree,” she said.

Her college life isn’t all about books and study; she helped lead the planning for the Zombie Walk and worked to make the Costume Dodge Ball event successful. Those were happenings that are part of her on-campus role as the Recreation Coordinator on the Student Activities Admissions Team (SAAT). Aubrey was also a big part of the planning for the “Volley for the Cure” tailgate party and other events designed to celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

On the academic side, she knows that she will get an associate degree in biology, setting the stage for a career in the sciences. Now she is taking biology and chemistry and that’s a full load in itself!

When asked why she was majoring in biology, Aubrey said, “I like how the body works and I really enjoy biology. I don’t know yet where I want to go with this or the job I’ll end up with, but I do know that it will be something in the science/biology field.”

Urban chose Centralia College because of the closeness of the school to her home and the affordable cost. She stressed the importance of attending college and not having to take out loans for the first two years. She received Centralia College Foundation scholarships last year and this year and said that has helped so much in her education. Urban said that she appreciates the availability of financial aid. (Centralia College students are receiving more than $8 million in the loans, grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid.)

The college experience is helping Urban in other ways. “Centralia College has really helped me ‘get out of my box.’ When I came here from Adna, I was somewhat introverted, but after getting used to the campus and my classes, I definitely came out of my shell. I like it here a lot. The small campus and class sizes are great. The teachers are easy to access and in a large university that isn’t usually possible.”

The first part of last year she didn’t attend campus events “until I was asked to get involved by a member of SAAT. I went to the acrobatic show in Corbet and it was great. That’s when I knew I wanted to be on SAAT,” Urban said.

“I enjoy my teachers at Centralia College. I am in Dr. Ruby’s (chemistry professor Dr. Ruby Nagelkerke) class this quarter and she is helping me understand chemistry better. Dr. Norton (biology professor Dr. Steve Norton) is my advisor and he is so intelligent and a big help.” Aubrey said she would recommend Centralia College to others for a number of reasons. She compared it a bit to her smaller high school “where you get to see familiar faces and feel secure and safe.”

If you see her on campus, ask about the Student Activities Admissions Team or any other club or organization on campus so you, too, can get involved!

Now imagine giving all that up to go back to school.

Such goes the life of Craig Taylor, a 2004 graduate of Centralia College who is trading his position with NanoString Technologies, based in Seattle, to pursue a deep-rooted goal of a broader business knowledge and an MBA. His career goal is to combine these two passions and lead a biotech company that profoundly changes society’s view of medicine. His ultimate goal is to help eliminate disease and improve life.

The business side would help him find and develop new venture opportunities.

“I decided that if I was going to quit my job and go back to school, I’d better be attending one of the best schools in the world,” said Taylor. And that would be Cambridge. He begins at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge in the fall.

Taylor became passionate about biotechnology and the promise it holds for society while in high school but Centralia College helped him nail down the business side of his vision.

“Centralia College served as a really great stepping stone,” said Taylor. My tenure at Centralia College was a time of growth. Coming out of high school, one (may not) understand what it takes to be successful at the next level. The class structure is different, one has more freedom, and the teachers don’t hand-hold anymore. As a student, one has to navigate through this new world. Although Centralia College didn’t delineate my career path, it did redefine my study habits and provide me with a concrete grounding that prepared me for success at a 4-year university.”

He came out of Centralia High School with a 4.0 grade point average, and chose to attend Centralia College on a scholarship that paid all tuition costs. While he could have gone to just about any university by attending Centralia College he was able to save a lot of money and not sacrifice the quality of his education.

“Knowing the quality of the professors and faculty and the immense amount of attention they give to each student, it was easy to conclude that Centralia College would be where I spent my first two years of college,” said Taylor.

He transferred to Western Washington University, graduated, joined the work force and is now on his way to Cambridge and an exciting new chapter in his life.

“Perhaps the most compelling reason for choosing Cambridge is the health concentration MBA the university offers. This means I’ll get a business education that’s tailored around the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, making Cambridge the most effective MBA available to me,” he added.

The quality of the faculty at Centralia College may well set the standard for Taylor’s studies at Cambridge. He said that overall Centralia College exceeded his expectations but went even further when talking about the college’s faculty.

“I don’t think people understand how world-class the professors are at this college. Even with my mother’s extensive insight (his mother, Nita Taylor, works in the college’s Enrollment Services office), I still underestimated the quality of instruction I received,” said Taylor.

Craig Taylor knows what he wants out of life and is going after those goals. Centralia College played an important role in challenging him, helping him along his path. Chances are that someday we’ll all benefit from his vision.

Rich Casey

Casey is a second year engineering student who received a prestigious STEM scholarship, which provided $10,000 to pay three quarters of tuition, books, lab fees and help with other expenses. Casey’s path to his early academic success is somewhat by happenstance. After what he labels as a less than spectacular high school career, he joined the Army and was sent to Ft. Lewis. He completed a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq. Life took another turn when on a blind date he met Kathleen Nicholas, the woman who would become his wife and they started working on growing a family. But even after his four-plus years in the Army, marriage and a first child, college wasn’t on Casey’s to-do list.

“Then the economy started going south and there weren’t that many job opportunities for me,” said Casey. He applied for a job with the state patrol and the sheriff’s office but without success. The couple recognized that, especially with children, the smart thing to do would be to get a college education. Wife Kathleen entered and completed the college’s registered nursing program. “We decided we should both be college graduates,” said Casey. His wife’s extended family, area residents, offered babysitting services, giving the couple more time for school and homework.

Originally Casey planned on a career in energy technology and enrolled in that program. “I kept asking how this works, why this works and the response was always, well, this is something an engineer would know or an engineer would do,” said Casey. It was his natural curiosity that drove him to make the switch to engineering. He began that course of study in summer quarter 2009.

“I called my wife one afternoon and asked what if I was in school for four years. She said she’d support me whatever I needed to do.” There was still a lot of work in front of him. Casey needed refresher math courses and started with the pre-college offerings. “I took a lot of classes that didn’t count toward my degree but I took them to get up to speed,” he said, and it was worth it.

There came a realization that he understood engineering and was good at it. “With math classes, I’d look at the board and understand (problems and formulas) and say how do I know this stuff? I had a classmate who I thought was unbelievable smart and he’d be asking me questions,” said Casey.

The couple now has three children and the STEM scholarship has been put to use purchasing a computer for school work, appliances and other household items necessary to support a family. “The scholarship makes a tremendous difference,” he said. “We have been able to get a lot of the things we’ve needed.”

He will transfer to Saint Martin’s University in Lacey this fall to get his degree in mechanical engineering. He may also continue his education to earn a master’s degree. At some point, the family will decide where to work. While extended family offers an attraction to stay local Casey may need to move to work in an area of his interest: working for the military, a job in the automotive industry or working on roller coasters. “That would be a lot of fun,” he said.

Jen Solberg

She remembers those accomplishments and the way the college helped prepare her for life after graduation. “Centralia College offered me a scholarship and that made a tremendous difference. It was that scholarship and the opportunity to play basketball that brought me here,” she said. It was the friendships she built and the support from the college that helped her succeed on and off the basketball court. “The relationships with team members was really important. It was exciting,” said Solberg.

The former star was honored this past winter quarter when she was one of two individuals inducted into the college Sports Hall of Fame. “I very much appreciated the honor and the recognition,” said Solberg. “It is something that means a lot to me but so much of what I was able to do was because of the members of my team. They all helped make our successes possible.”

Solberg said that playing basketball was a big part of her life but she knew that the education she received was also important. She is currently planning to get to work on a master’s degree and is planning to get involved in social work. “Decisions will come. I know that I really love working with kids and I’m excited about the challenge of working with troubled youth. It’s important for me to help others.” Sounds like she has a clear idea of where she wants to take her career. Her Centralia College experience laid a foundation of support.

“There’s no doubt that Centralia College was very helpful. I knew that I’d get the help I needed from my teachers. The support they provide is huge,” said Solberg. The small school atmosphere — one that features faculty and staff who are friendly and willing to help — were important to Solberg. “This is something that helped me meet more people and make lasting friends,” she said.

While she is quick to give credit to faculty who have nurtured her as she accomplished her classroom studies, she gave credit to Dr. Jim Walton, college president, and Steve Ward, vice president for Finance and Administration for their support. “They came to the games and encouraged us as individuals and as a team. They knew who I was and asked how I was doing. These things made a difference,” Centralia College has made a difference in her life, she said. And that’s just another part of what makes Centralia College a special place.

Students are selected for the team based on their academic achievement, community involvement, and service to the college.

The two were nominated by members of the Centralia College faculty and are invited to take part in the academic team awards ceremony scheduled to take place March 24 at South Puget Sound Community College. Governor Chris Gregoire is expected to be the keynote speaker. Those earning All-USA Today team status will be notified in April.

The two Centralia College scholars will have scholarship offers from just about every four-year college and university in the state.

“These students are examples of what individuals can do when they have purpose. They each hold great promise not only for their lives but also for society in general. We are proud of what they have done and for what they will do,” said Dr. Jim Walton, college president.

John Hofman

A few years ago, John Hofman, now 33, was at the top of his game. As a family man, he was running his own construction company and was teaching Sunday school, another of his passions. He and his wife were buying a home so plans were in place for the long haul. Life was good.

Then came the economic recession. It was early in 2009, when Hofman faced the reality that consumers weren’t spending. Work spiraled downward and his company closed.

With no income it wasn’t long before the Hofmans lost their home to foreclosure. While at the bottom the couple decided that John would go to college.

“I did okay in high school, not great. Music and church were all I really cared about back then,” said Hofman. Right out of high school he landed a position as a youth minister.

He soon found that his church job, while spiritually rewarding, wasn’t providing the financial security he needed to support his growing family so he went to work in construction. He liked the work, was good at it, and soon started his own company.

“We had three kids while my business was prospering,” he said. Then the economy collapsed bringing about his return to college. He enrolled in Centralia College and found he had a skill for engineering and his instructors encouraged him to go into engineering. Even though it added at least two years of schooling, the couple recognized that in the long run it would be worth the effort. To help matters, he applied for and received a STEM scholarship, which is paying tuition, fees, and book expenses. With those items covered, Hofman has more time to study.

Hofman carries a 3.67 grade point average, is a paid engineer intern with Centralia City Light, and serves on the City of Refuge Resource Team (Centralia), a program that works with the homeless, teaches job-hunting skills, helps with resume-writing, holds sports clinics for kids, and hosts a free medical clinic.

“I want my kids to go to college and get a good education. I believe that what I’m doing serves as a good example. I’m showing them that I’m willing to do what it takes to better myself for my family, and showing them the importance of a college education,” said Hofman.

Lauren Wiley

Lauren Wiley, 19, is working toward a career as a registered nurse and is getting some first-hand experience as a caregiver.

“I take care of my grandmother who is suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s,” she said. It’s a task of love she undertakes for two, 20-hour shifts each week. She is grounded in family partly because she is the oldest of six siblings in a close-knit family. Helping care for her grandmother has helped her gain skills as she works toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. She has also put those skills to good use while taking part in overseas medical missions.

When not providing care for her grandmother or studying (she carries a 3.84 gpa), you might find Wiley is in the band Rosie and the Posers, where she plays fiddle, an instrument she has played for about half of her life. The band, she said, supports local charities, performing for banquets and auctions. The band recently gave a concert for the regional Wounded Warrior Project and performed at a dinner that supported the local farmers market. She also is giving fiddling lessons.

Wiley came to Centralia College for reasons many choose to come here: It is close to home and costs are much lower than at a four-year school.

As might be expected, Wiley is involved in community activities, having worked at a local crisis pregnancy center during the past two summers. On campus she is involved in getting a Christian Club up and running and is just getting active in the college’s Phi Theta Kappa Honors program.

“We will see where life’s journey takes me, but for now, I have my eyes fixed on becoming a registered nurse. And a good granddaughter,” said Wiley.

Jair Juarez was encouraged to come to Centralia College by his parents and by members of the Latinos Unidos Club. With support from faculty and staff, he enrolled and found a great deal of success. He was able to take on leadership roles, help others, and share his experiences with others. Centralia College opened many doors of opportunity for Jair. Here is a part of his story about his time at Centralia College.

Why did you go onto college?
As far back as I can remember, my mom has always told my siblings and me that the three most important things in life are “education, education, education.” Although I always had my parent’s encouragement growing up, their advice didn’t truly start to sink in until my junior and senior years of high school.

During my senior year, I finally started taking my classes more seriously and began researching my options for going to college. I met with my high school counselor and found out that I was eligible to apply for a Centralia College scholarship. I believe that receiving this scholarship later that year was the defining point for me because I really did not expect to get any scholarships. My grades weren’t bad, but they weren’t great either.

Receiving this scholarship helped inspire me to try harder the upcoming year so that I could receive more scholarships to pay for school. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence in myself that I could go to college and be successful.

What are some of the benefits of a college education?
There are so many benefits to a college education. First of all, having a college degree increases your opportunities to find a career in a field that you are passionate about. In addition to this, as you continue advancing in your education, your chances of earning higher wages and benefits tend to increase. Overall, going to college is a really great experience because you get to meet so many new people. You also have many opportunities to get involved in campus clubs, activities and events. These activities often provide students with a chance to get more involved in their communities and build strong networks with people from around the state.

How were you helped in your education at Centralia College?
During my time at Centralia College I was very fortunate to have had tremendous support from several teachers, staff, and advisors. One of my mentors, Judith Aguilar, helped me tremendously in applying for scholarships and helped me transition to WSU-Vancouver. In the Student Support Services office, I often met with Liisa Taylor to learn about some of the resources available to first generation college students. Liisa is one of the most amazing individuals that I’ve met, and was one of the main people that helped me make the transition from high school.

What are your goals in life?
I’m currently a junior at Washington State University-Vancouver. One of my main goals is to graduate with my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology next year. After that I want to continue my education by pursuing my Masters in Education Degree at the University of Washington, Seattle. In the future, I hope to one day work for TRiO programs at a college or university, so that I can help motivate students to stay in school and to go to college. I’m very passionate about working in this type of career field, because the work you do directly helps improve the lives of many students.

Overall, how has Centralia College helped you as you work toward your educational goals?
I am really glad that I made the decision to attend Centralia College after high school because it helped me tremendously in preparing for the courses that I am now taking at WSU-Vancouver. One of my most memorable classes at Centralia College was Dr. Weil’s English 102 course. Although it was very challenging, this class proved to be one of the best courses that I’ve taken because it helped me develop a wide variety of skills. This course not only helped me learn better ways of studying, researching, and writing, but it also encouraged me to stand up for issues that I believe in.

Samantha Garcia

“My sister told me out of high school that I shouldn’t consider college because by the time I got started I’d be married and pregnant,” said Garcia. That isn’t happening and Sammy is in her second year at Centralia College, headed toward to career in criminal justice.

“I want to join a SWAT team (Special Weapons And Tactics, team, an elite paramilitary tactical unit in American law enforcement departments). You don’t see many women, at least in real life, as members. I’ve been told it’s too much and I should try something else.” Another opportunity to prove someone wrong.

Before you suggest that those naysayers might have a point, hear this: In her first entry into a SWAT challenge she was the first Centralia College female to complete the challenge course. She ran the 1.5 mile run in under 10 minutes and finished off 50 push ups and 50 sit ups where 35 each was the standard. Add the challenge course pull ups and other physical challenges and you get the idea that Garcia can hold her own. She has a history a lot of time in the gym showing that’s she serious about her career choice.

Her list of activities continues with participation on a co-ed soccer team and two part-time jobs to help pay college costs. She also brings brain power to the table carrying a 3.5 grade point average and this year, as an honor student, she received a Centralia College Foundation scholarship.

“The scholarship is important, it will make a big difference for me. I am helping out my parents so I’ll keep the part-time jobs but now I won’t have to work three jobs,” she said. Garcia said she didn’t plan on applying for a scholarship but realized that it could make a difference so she made the application.

“Getting the (award) letter was awesome. I don’t think I expected it. It was an amazing feeling to know that there are people out there who have faith in me. I know I’ll be able to spend more time studying,” she said.

Garcia was born in Longview and came to Centralia when she was five. She completed high school but had no idea what kind of career she wanted. She spent two years after high school doing jobs she knew she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life doing.

“I really didn’t know anything about criminal justice college programs. I watched a lot of the ID: Investigation Discovery channel and that helped me decide that I wanted a career in law enforcement and that I wanted to be on a SWAT team,” said Garcia. She searched online and found the Centralia College criminal justice program. “I was what I was looking for and it was here. Also, I heard that it was really good so I enrolled.”

One of her favorite classes covered law and criminal justice.

“Law enforcement people need to know the legal issues,” she said. “People (on both sides of the law) have rights and there are a lot of laws.” She said law enforcement officers need to know those rights and the laws that protect people. “It’s an important part of criminal justice,” she said.

Garcia had high praise for the college’s instructors.

After she completes her studies at Centralia College she plans to transfer to Saint Martins University in Lacey to continue her studies in criminal justice. And as far as a career in criminal justice service as a member of a SWAT team is concerned, don’t tell her she can’t do it. Doubtless she will prove you wrong.

Michelle Turner

Such is the case for Michelle Turner, a single mother of five children who is intent on becoming a registered nurse. Some people might think she is taking the long way to get there.

Turner attended high school in Battleground, Wash., without graduating. She later enrolled at Lower Columbia College in Longview and earned her GED in 2000. She was involved in living life on a different track until realizing she needed to get something better for herself and her kids. That something was an education. She came to Centralia College and is taking the prerequisites to enter the nursing program. After she earns her two-year degree here she wants to work in the community as a registered nurse.

“I chose Centralia College because it is close to home and I have heard only great things about the nursing program. I am thankful to have made this choice,” said Turner. She added that the faculty and staff here have been very helpful as she works toward success.

How have faculty helped: “For me, mostly that they are always available. Their office hours are posted and I know I can e-mail them or visit them if I need to. My instructors so far have even given their phone numbers where they can be reached. They are so accessible,” said Turner.

But there is more to it than helpful staff.

“I was concerned about being an older student and found that it is not even an issue here. There are students in my classes of all ages and I don’t notice the age difference. Centralia College still has the small, hometown feel and I appreciate that,” she said.

“I am going into nursing because I love to help people. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a child. My mother was a nurse and has been my idol.” Turner also gets inspiration from other family members: “My kids have been so supportive and encouraging about me going back to school, I really couldn’t be doing all this without that support.”

That support, native talent, and a desire to succeed are all contributing to her success. In addition to being a single mother of five, ages 10–23, attending college full-time, and working part-time she is nurturing a 3.8 grade point average after two quarters at Centralia College.

She is also involved in campus activities through her on-campus employment.

“My work-study position in the College Relations office is making it possible for me to be involved in various campus activities. I appreciate having flexibility with my hours so that I can work while my kids are in school. Working in the College Relations office also makes me feel like I have an in on what’s happening on campus and I really like that,” she said.

Would she recommend Centralia College to others? “Yes, definitely, absolutely I would recommend Centralia College to others. Especially now it is so important to have an education. The (lower) cost here allows me to go to school. It has given me a boost in self-esteem! I am excited to tell others I am a student at Centralia College.”