By Flynn Espe

The Washington State University Tri-Cities campus was buzzing with youthful energy and excitement as more than 170 visiting students from Finley Elementary School took part in a special STEM Discovery Day event on May 14. Throughout the morning, groups of students in grades three through five cycled through various labs and classroom spaces, each set up with a hands-on activity led by university faculty and staff.

Groups of third-graders rotated through five activities involving rockets, perception, sensory play, decoder wheels, and the human heart. Students in grades four and five, meanwhile, explored 3D pens, robotics, electrical circuits, electronic music, and aerodynamics. Through it all, instructors prompted students to consider how science and technology play a key role in shaping the world around them.

Outside, in the campus amphitheater, Sara Egbert introduced a group of third-graders to rocket building by referencing NASA鈥檚 recent Artemis II mission, which sent four U.S. astronauts on a 10-day, 700,000-mile voyage around the far side of the moon and back.

鈥淭his rocket has to have super amazing fuel,鈥� Egbert, a 黑料社 Tri-Cities instruction and classroom support technician, said. 鈥淪o there are engineers who make fuel that鈥檚 super-efficient and lightweight and won鈥檛 run out, because if you鈥檙e in space and your gas runs out, you鈥檙e in big trouble!鈥�

Students then got to create their own miniature rockets with the help of a basic chemistry experiment: mixing water and Alka-Seltzer tablets to create carbon dioxide. By combining the ingredients in a sealed plastic film container, students stood back and watched as the pressure build-up caused their makeshift rockets to launch into the air with a satisfying pop. Egbert concluded by asking students what they might try in a future experiment to make their rockets fly even further.

鈥淲e need young scientists to come and help solve the problems in the world and to ask the good questions,鈥� Egbert said. 鈥淪o I hope you all go into science.鈥�

Over in the Floyd building, Tyler Hansen, assistant professor of teaching and learning, taught a classroom of fifth-graders how to build electrical circuits using paper, copper tape, LED lights, and batteries.

鈥淐ircuits are how we carry electricity from one place to the other,鈥� Hansen said. 鈥淭hey go only one direction, and specifically, it always goes from positive to negative.鈥�

Student Alex Vasquez later cited Hansen鈥檚 activity as his favorite activity of the day, saying he enjoyed getting to see his experiment succeed after applying multiple red lights to the paper circuit.

鈥淲e got to turn on the lights without using switches,鈥� Vasquez said.

Fifth-graders Tegan Bennett and Jace Gutzmer both enjoyed the music lab and 3D pen activity stations, where they combined STEM learning with creative expression to make beats and 3D-printed drawings.

鈥淚t was pretty fun,鈥� Bennett said.

As the day鈥檚 events wrapped up, students gathered around the outdoor basketball court for one last demonstration led by Professor Joseph Iannelli from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, who quizzed the group on the difference between science and engineering.

鈥淪cience is about learning how nature works. Engineering is to take that knowledge and build items,鈥� he said.

To illustrate his point, he produced a small remote-controlled drone as an engineered application of wind and force. Finley Students then got to watch as he and two university students flew drones around the space 鈥� cheering on as Iannelli carefully maneuvered his blue quadcopter through a basketball hoop.

The half-day event was made possible thanks to a generous grant from Women Helping Women Fund Tri-Cities (WHWF-TC), a nonprofit aimed at empowering women and children in the Tri-Cities region. The goal of the event was simple: Introduce young learners to the joys of STEM subjects in the hopes that some will go on to pursue science and technology professions later in life.

鈥淵ou want kids to understand what the possibilities are for their future,鈥� said Alysia Johnson, WHWF-TC executive director, who came to observe the opening and closing sessions. 鈥淭his could help solidify what they want to do when they grow up, so these experiences are important.鈥�

James Kindle, career connected learning coordinator for Educational Service District 123, agreed. As one of the outside organizers behind the event, he said the choice to target rural elementary school students was deliberate, noting that most STEM programs tend to focus on the high school age.

鈥淎nd sometimes that鈥檚 more reactive than proactive, so with something like this this we鈥檙e planting the seed,鈥� Kindle said. 鈥淲e know that STEM is very important, especially for future jobs coming down the pipeline, and the more we can expose students to these types of activities the better. Because now they鈥檒l go home and they鈥檒l talk to their parents about the cool things that they got to do today.鈥�

By Lacey Desserault

A celebration for D铆a de Muertos will take place on the Washington State University (黑料社) Tri-Cities campus to honor and celebrate those who have passed. The event is Thursday, Nov. 2 from 5 鈥� 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building on the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus.

The event is hosted by 黑料社 Tri-Cities MOSAIC Center for Student Inclusion, Dreamers Club, Foodies Club, and the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A variety of activities will be open for all ages, including arts and crafts, live entertainment, music, and food trucks. A community altar will also be provided for individuals to honor loved ones through photos and cherished items.

鈥淢y understanding of D铆a de Muertos is that it is a time for family, friends, and community to come together and honor those that we have loved,鈥� said Kauser Gwaduri, coordinator for the MOSAIC Center for Student Inclusion. 鈥淲e can celebrate their lives, their impact in our world and in our hearts, and make sure that those who are currently living take time to celebrate each other and where we are now. By honoring and celebrating our deceased, they continue to live on in our memories and in our hearts.鈥�

D铆a de Muertos is a primarily Hispanic tradition and is typically celebrated in the beginning of November to remember the deceased. Traditionally, altars, or ofrendas, are built to display memorabilia and photos of loved ones, along with favorite foods and beverages, to encourage the importance of family and memories.

Raul Contreras, assistant director of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, appreciates the opportunity to celebrate on the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus each year. 鈥淢y favorite moment was being able to place a photograph of my paternal grandparents on the altar. This is where I truly got to experience the true meaning of D铆a de Muertos. They passed away before I got to celebrate my graduation from 黑料社 with them. For a moment in time, I felt their presence with me. I knew I could finally give them a tour of the campus I spent so much time in. Their love was with me one more day. I鈥檓 glad I鈥檓 able to come back and partner with 黑料社 Tri-Cities to help give students the chance to honor and remember their loved ones,鈥� he said.

Click here for more information on the D铆a de Muertos celebration.

By Lacey Desserault

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage month, Washington State University (黑料社) Tri-Cities hosted a multi-dimensional series of events that highlighted the lives of Yakima Valley farmworkers from the 1960s and 70s and their fight for improved working and living conditions. Using photography, guest speakers, film, and writing the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus community and the greater Tri-Cities region had the opportunity to experience, appreciate and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The events inspired connection, compassion, and understanding through shared memories and storytelling.

The centerpiece of the Hispanic Heritage month events was the exhibit, 鈥淩ooted: Irwin Nash Photographs of Yakima Valley Farmworkers鈥�. Nash originally started taking the photos as part of a freelance magazine piece on Yakima Valley agriculture, but it turned into a deeper documentation of Chicano livelihood. Nash captured over 9,400 photographs between 1967 and 1976, which had been previously largely unknown, displayed scenes from the daily lives of the Yakima Valley farmworker community. The experiences, stories, and perspectives seen in the photos, inspired visitors to share their stories and help document previously undocumented histories.

鈥淭he scenes captured through these photos reminded us of the enduring determination that defines the farmworkers鈥� resilience. Capturing the essence of these resilient farmworkers from 1967 to 1976 created a bridge from the past to the present, where we now reflect on the sacrifices made and the dreams we pursue. Not only did they work in the soil of the fields, but they planted seeds of a better future,鈥� said Haydee Guzman, program coordinator for the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership and the driving force behind the exhibit and events.

The Nash exhibit and series of events was powerful for the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus, which is the most diverse campus within the 黑料社 system. Approximately 50% of students identify as people of color, with of the majority of those identifying as Hispanic.

鈥淏ringing the Irwin Nash photograph collection to the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus created an opportunity for us to understand the community we are a part of, the history of our region and, for many of us who are Latino/a/x, to understand our roots. As an extension of the exhibit, we were able to host knowledgeable speakers to educate us, share personal stories, and inspire us to act in compassion and in justice for the predominantly Latino/a/x families who continue to do the toughest jobs that contribute greatly to our region and society,鈥� said Laura Sanchez, director of student services.

In addition to the Nash exhibit, 黑料社 Tri-Cities hosted speakers, films, and writing events that encouraged learning, conversation, and reflection about migrant farmworkers and their contributions to the region.

Speaker Series

Several community leaders who had connections to the photos in the Nash exhibit were invited to speak about migrant farmworker movements, culture, and experiences. These campus events allowed students, staff, faculty, and the community to share their personal experiences in relation to the photos, ask thought-provoking questions, and learn more about migrant farmworkers in the Yakima Valley.

At a community reception, 黑料社 Regent Enrique Cerna shared his personal experiences growing up in a farming family. The reception also brought together several families whose relatives were photographed and displayed in the gallery, establishing personal connections with the art.

Human rights commissioner and lifelong labor activist Lupe Gamboa presented his efforts in labor movements across the Yakima Valley, and how those movements impacted the future of farm labor. He shared a glimpse into the hard work and dedication that the movements required for implementing positive change.

Superior court judge and farmworker labor lawyer Michael Fox spoke with students and staff about his experiences in protests and trials that fought for farmworker labor rights. His dedication to the cause was evident as he spoke about the struggles and successes he faced from a legal perspective.

Film

Two films were shown as an opportunity to provide context to the gallery of photos and help individuals feel comfortable asking questions and participating in conversations about migrant farmworkers and the labor movements.

The first film was a recording of a keynote address celebrating National Farmworkers Awareness Week hosted by the College Assistance Migrant Program at 黑料社 Pullman, titled 鈥淎mplifying the Voices of Farmworkers鈥�, which shared the story of Dolores Huerta, a leader in the United for Farmworkers Rights movement. The lunch and learn event encouraged students to view the address and discuss the significance of the individuals that lead the movement and how they related to the people in the photos.

The second film titled 鈥淐esar Chavez鈥� centered around Chavez鈥檚 leadership and activism in advocating for farmworkers, and inspiring others to fight for positive change.

Writing

To promote personal reflections on the topics discussed and learned, students and staff were invited to participate in several writing sessions. The participants were encouraged to develop their own understanding of the lives of migrant farmworkers from the displayed photographs and reflect on how they relate to the people around them.

黑料社 Tri-Cities Counseling and Wellness hosted a poem writing session, which allowed participants to utilize a creative outlet for their emotions and thoughts surrounding the topic of migrant farmworkers.

Two reflective writing sessions were also hosted, one for students and one for staff and faculty, which encouraged attendees to express their questions and thoughts in a longer format and think creatively and freely about their personal connections to those in the photographs.

The gallery of Nash鈥檚 photography was a meaningful and impactful addition to campus, providing understanding, connection, and conversation surrounding Yakima Valley farmworkers. Though the photos showed a glimpse of the harsh reality for many families, it also displayed the joy and pride of each family and the legacy they passed on to future generations. Many visitors were able to connect emotionally with individuals and scenes in the photos, and some even recognized family members and relatives within them.

鈥淐redit and commendations are in order for 黑料社 and Mr. Irwin Nash,鈥� said Miguel Puente, who spoke at the Irwin Nash community gallery reception about his family鈥檚 connection to the photos. 鈥淭he 鈥楻ooted: Irwin Nash Photographs of Yakima Valley Farmworkers鈥� provided a valuable glimpse into the lives of farmworkers. The natural and unscripted scenes captured in black and white are timeless and powerful illustrations of the important contributions and inspiration that farmworkers have always contributed but rarely are recognized for. The collection triggered fond memories and untold stories amongst relatives, friends, and total strangers on the rich history of farmworkers in our region and beyond.鈥�

Joel Aleman, a student at 黑料社 Tri-Cities, described the impactful connection he felt with the photos. 鈥淚t’s inspiring to be reminded that, despite the hardships that we and our parents and even their parents have gone though, they toiled to get us to where we are now. I’m excited and determined to make sure that I leave a better path for those that come after me.鈥�

Though the gallery was temporary for the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus, the 黑料社 Libraries Digital Collections will continue to make viewing the photos accessible through their website.

Taking part in local Juneteenth celebrations and commemorations can be as important to understanding the spirit of the holiday as learning about the history behind it.

It鈥檚 a message Razan and Reem Osman, sisters who attend 黑料社 Tri-Cities, want to share widely with members of the university community. Through their involvement in annual Juneteenth events held in the Tri-Cities, the pair originally from Sudan not only learned about the history and traditions associated with Juneteenth, but found a place within the tightknit local community.

鈥淛uneteenth is a great opportunity for the 黑料社 community to participate in events alongside members of the communities around our campuses,鈥� Reem Osman said. 鈥淵ou can read about Juneteenth, but you don鈥檛 understand it until you feel it and are a part of it.鈥�

In the days leading up to Juneteenth each year, the Tri-Cities community hosts several events ranging from roller skating events and fun days at Kurtzman Park to a Miss Juneteenth pageant. Festivities conclude on June 24^th聽with a gospel celebration that recognizes the suffering that took place prior to the end of slavery in the United States.

Razan Osman is currently the Tri-Cities reigning Miss Juneteenth Queen. In order to earn that honor, she participated in classes on African American culture as well as institutions like Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, alongside her fellow contestants in the months leading up to the pageant. Contestants are judged most significantly on their responses to questions posed by judges as well as their talents, La鈥橯uita Thornton, a member of the Miss Juneteenth聽Scholarship Pageant committee, noted.

Participating in the pageant gave Razan Osman the opportunity to engage with black business owners and community members as well as cultivate the confidence to be more outgoing.

鈥淲hen I talk to people in places where I鈥檓 usually the only black person in the room, I feel more confident thanks to my past experiences and can take the opportunity to tell people about myself,鈥� Razan said.

Both Osmans have also been involved in the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Black Student Union, a club that Reem helped to establish and now leads as president. After graduating this coming spring, Reem hopes to be an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in her chosen field of computer science.

Kauser Gwaduri, student services coordinator for the MOSAIC Center for Student Inclusion at 黑料社 Tri-Cities, will be tabling at community Juneteenth events on behalf of the center. There, she and other 黑料社 employees will be helping members of the community connect with 黑料社 resources and explore opportunities for resume building and career development as well as sharing information about different 黑料社 Tri-Cities student groups.

While it was a significant step for Washington State and 黑料社 to make Juneteenth an official holiday, the university needs to use it as a means of extending its land grant mission and be a genuine part of communities across the state.

鈥淥ur mission requires us to be practical, to be hands on, and so I would love and highly encourage our 黑料社 community to find Juneteenth celebrations in their communities,鈥� Gwaduri said. 鈥淕et perspectives on how valuable that experience of freedom is for communities, share in the joy of education, and support the university staying connected to our community by letting them know we are here for them and going to have open ears and continue to find ways to support them for our joint benefit as one Washington State.鈥�

The Tri-Cities Juneteenth Community Council is organizing events throughout the month of June, with more information available on its聽. 黑料社 Global is planning a Juneteenth movie night on June 19 from 5-7 p.m. The campus will be screening 鈥淒aughters of the Dust鈥� via Zoom and the event is open to all members of the 黑料社 community. More information is available on the聽.

叠测听RJ Wolcott,聽黑料社 News & Media Relations

Students to benefit from mentorship and expertise of seasoned entrepreneurs

By Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� Washington State University Tri-Cities has launched a new Entrepreneurs in Residence program to provide students with direct connections to successful entrepreneurs for mentorship so that students may scale ideas from concepts into reality.

Through the program, students will have the option to meet with entrepreneurs to receive free advice, coaching, as well as networking connections to industry for potential partnerships.

The idea for the program came about as a result of conversations between 黑料社 Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes and regional entrepreneurs Paul Carlisle and Christina Lomasney.

鈥淲e see an opportunity to build a pipeline of future entrepreneurs starting on the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus,鈥� Lomasney said. 鈥淭he pieces are already here: a thriving Tri-Cities economy, a local national laboratory presence, growing venture capital resources and access to a strong academic foundation. We believe 黑料社 Tri-Cities can play an instrumental role in bringing these pieces together to create opportunity for our Cougs, to breed entrepreneurs and to help them take advantage of our unique local resources.鈥�

Carlisle will lead the program at 黑料社 Tri-Cities. He is a graduate of the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Carson College of Business where he developed the business plan for his highly-successful and locally-based technology business, elevate, which provides technology solutions for businesses and organizations across the Pacific Northwest. Carlisle recently announced the sale of his business this month and said he is excited to be a part of the Entrepreneurs in Residence program to give back to students after a career in the tech sector. In addition to his business roles, he serves as an adjunct faculty member with the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Carson College of Business, as well as the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Carson College of Business advisory council. He also received the Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award in 2016, which recognizes community leaders who provide support to entrepreneurs in the region.

鈥淥ver the past 11 years, I have taught entrepreneurial courses around management, marketing and strategy,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e look to build on the decade of successful coursework in those areas to create wider-reaching pathways that engage students where they are. For example, a young undergraduate, a graduate engineering student and a seasoned business professional would all have a place at the table to access what they need to succeed on their unique journeys.鈥�

Lomasney is volunteering her time as an entrepreneur in residence for the program. She co-founded and served as the company鈥檚 president and CEO until 2020. The company partnered with leading Fortune 500 companies to commercialize revolutionary classes of nanostructured metals. Prior to Modumetal, she co-founded Isotron while in graduate school. Through Isotron, she realized a portfolio of advanced materials for environmental remediation and nuclear, biological and chemical defense. Lomasney now serves as an advisor to technology companies in energy, transportation, defense, manufacturing and advanced materials sectors, is a registered patent agent and volunteers as a board director on Washington state鈥檚 main initiative to secure critical material supply chains 鈥� . She was named by Fortune as one of the 鈥�.鈥�

Lomasney said the 黑料社 Tri-Cities program will open an unlimited horizon for business, science and technology students to go beyond learning and to build for a better future.

鈥淚 look forward to sharing time enabling students to become better versions of themselves – in tune with the problems of our time and engaged in finding solutions for the future,鈥� she said.

Both Carlisle and Lomasney will spend regular time at 黑料社 Tri-Cities, where in addition to working with business and other classes on campus, they will also meet individually with students and help student groups realize their dreams for projects and concepts.

For more information about the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Entrepreneurs in Residence program, including how to get involved, visit .

 

Media contacts:

• Paul Carlisle, founder of elevate and adjunct faculty with the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Carson College of Business, paul@elevate.net
• Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities director of marketing and communication, 509-372-7333 (office), 619-403-3617 (cell), maegan_murray@wsu.edu

By Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� launched a new online Wine Tasting Room Certificate that trains winery and tasting room servers on wine business customer service, knowledge of Washington wines, sensory attributes of wine, as well as suggestions for selling wine.

The course, which costs $249, is comprised of four modules that take approximately eight hours to complete:

• Exploring wine
• Wines of Washington
• Keys to proper wine service and sales
• Wine tasting, evaluation and food pairing

鈥淲e worked closely with winery owners and tasting room managers to determine their needs and develop content that is specifically geared toward what wineries require for customer experience,鈥� said Joan Giese, 黑料社 Tri-Cities Carson College of Business director of lifelong learning. 鈥淭he outcomes of this program are well-trained servers that are confident in their abilities to know, serve and sell wine, as well as well-served guests that are delighted with enjoyable tasting room experiences.鈥�

For more information on the Wine Tasting Room Certificate program and to sign up, visit tricities.wsu.edu/wine-tasting-room-training.

Those who complete the course will learn about:

• How wine is made
• Styles of wine
• Types of grapes
• Unique aspects of Washington wines
• American Viticultural Areas specific to Washington state
• How to deliver great wine service to guests, including suggestions for selling wine and wine club memberships
• How to taste and describe wines
• How to serve wine flights
• How to determine wine faults
• How to make suggestions for wine and food pairings

鈥淯pon testing this course in partnership with regional wineries, it has shown to provide winery and tasting room servers with the quality knowledge they need to enter into the profession, as well as a great baseline knowledge of what to know when working with customers in wine businesses,鈥� Giese said.

For questions about the Wine Tasting Room Certificate program, email tricities.professionaleducation@wsu.edu.

黑料社 Tri-Cities is one of few universities nationwide that feature both programs in wine and beverage business management and wine science on the same campus. It is home to the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates 黑料社 Wine Science Center 鈥� one of only a handful of comprehensive wine research facilities in the world.

For more information on 黑料社 Tri-Cities鈥� wine and beverage business management program, visit tricities.wsu.edu/business/undergraduate/wbm. For more information on 黑料社 Tri-Cities鈥� viticulture and enology (wine science) program, visit tricities.wsu.edu/wine-science-degree.

By Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

HERMISTON, Ore. 鈥� Washington State University Tri-Cities is partnering with Blue Mountain Community College for a direct student transfer program that will save students money, increase pathways for STEM careers and help students graduate on-track and on-time with a bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Through the 黑料社 Tri-Cities-BMCC Bridges Program, students do not pay an admissions application fee, nor do they pay for access to transcripts to transfer to 黑料社 Tri-Cities. Students in the program also benefit from in-state tuition rates once attending 黑料社 Tri-Cities.

Throughout their time at both schools, students work with an academic advisor at both BMCC and 黑料社 Tri-Cities to develop a complete program of study. Through that process, students know what classes they need to take and what will directly transfer, helping to cut down on unnecessary classes that won鈥檛 transfer between the two institutions.

鈥淲e are excited to partner with Blue Mountain Community College to create access to a baccalaureate degree for more students,鈥� 黑料社 Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said. 鈥淲ith our close proximity to BMCC in Oregon, this program creates an ideal partnership between our two institutions to serve students in both areas and help students save on costs.鈥�

Mark Browning, president of Blue Mountain Community College, said he is excited for the opportunities that the Bridges program presents for students from the Blue Mountain region.

“Bridges is what we hope to see for all our students who see a path to their future through a regional research university like Washington State University Tri-Cities,鈥� he said. “Blue Mountain students will now be able to pursue a complete program right here. The resources available through 黑料社 Tri-Cities are now available to those BMCC students who enroll in Bridges 鈥� including those in a variety of STEM programs ranging from engineering, to computer science, to the sciences. Talk about a bright future.”

Requirements for the program

To qualify for the 黑料社 Tri-Cities-BMCC Bridges program, students must have taken less than 45 quarter credits at BMCC with a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average. Additionally, they must be in the process of completing one of the following degrees: AAOT, ASOT/BUS or ASOT/CS.

To apply for the Bridges program, students should submit the Declaration of Intent on the . The 黑料社 Tri-Cities Bridges academic advisor will follow up individually with students to set up meetings to talk about next steps.

When getting ready to transfer to 黑料社 Tri-Cities, students should submit the by Nov. 15 for spring admission, or by Jan. 31 for fall admission, to ensure they are eligible for merit-based awards.

Students to feel right at home

黑料社 Tri-Cities is the closest four-year public university to BMCC students in Hermiston, making it a great option for students interested in earning an excellent education close to home, Browning said.

At BMCC, more than 41% of students are students of color and the majority are the first in their family to attend college. Similarly at 黑料社 Tri-Cities, nearly 48% of students are students of color and nearly 44% are the first in their family to attend college.

鈥淲e look forward to welcoming a bunch of new Timberwolves to the Coug community where they will feel right at home,鈥� Haynes said.

Crossing the Columbia to become a Coug

BMCC and 黑料社 Tri-Cities alumnus Kyle Kopta said he enjoyed the ease of the transfer process from BMCC to 黑料社 Tri-Cities and also benefited from in-state tuition rates as a Hermiston, Oregon, resident.

鈥淢y pathway through BMCC and 黑料社 Tri-Cities was the perfect fit for me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t allowed me to accomplish my personal and professional goals in the most timely and affordable way possible.鈥�

Kopta is a Hermiston High School graduate who decided to attend both BMCC and 黑料社 Tri-Cities due to the programming available through both institutions, as well as both schools鈥� proximity to his hometown. Interested in a multimedia degree, Kopta said he was able to complete his pre-requisite courses at BMCC, followed by his upper-level major courses for the digital technology and culture program at 黑料社 Tri-Cities.

鈥淏oth institutions set me up for success in my career,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 hope others take advantage of this incredible opportunity and enjoy it as much as I did.鈥�

For more information about the Bridges program, visit or contact 黑料社 Tri-Cities Bridges academic advisor Rafa Pruneda at rpruneda@wsu.edu.

By Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� Passionate. It is a word used by many to describe Stacie Hamilton, a Washington State University alumna, when reflecting upon her work in the wine business sector and higher education through her support of 黑料社 Tri-Cities鈥� wine and business programs.

Hamilton recently passed away at the age of 63, but her memory will live on in the form of her many contributions that have set the stage for wine business education in Washington state.

鈥淲henever an opportunity arose for her to support 黑料社 Tri-Cities, she always responded in large fashion,鈥� said Gary Spanner, fellow 黑料社 Tri-Cities Carson College of Business advisory council member. 鈥淪he was tireless in supporting the local wine and viticulture sector.鈥�

Prior to entering the wine profession, Hamilton served as an accountant. What led her and husband Russ Hamilton into the wine profession was a personal passion for wine. They spent most of their free time visiting wineries. While at a winery one day, standing on the balcony drinking what they described as a 鈥渟uperb Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon,鈥� they looked at each other and said, 鈥淟et鈥檚 do this.鈥� They realized their dream of starting Hamilton Cellars as a tasting room in 2006, which was followed by the opening of their vineyard and winery on Red Mountain in 2014.

Hamilton had large impacts on the growth of the Red Mountain wine region. Byron Marlowe, 黑料社 Tri-Cities wine and beverage business management and hospitality business management professor, said she would cluster with others participating in Red Mountain events and activities.

鈥淪he will be remembered as a business woman on Red Mountain as much as a winemaker in the sense that she operated her winery in a way in which those with perhaps a little less business background could learn from,鈥� he said.

In addition to running a wine business, Stacie Hamilton contributed in a variety of ways to 黑料社 Tri-Cities as an instructor teaching accounting courses for the wine and beverage business management program and by serving on the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Carson College of Business advisory council and on the 黑料社 Viticulture and Enology advisory council. The Hamiltons also supported wine education programming financially by means of hosting fundraisers, naming a space in the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates 黑料社 Wine Science Center, as well as participating in a variety of campus events and functions to raise awareness about wine and business academic programs.

鈥淚 first met Stacie at the Hamilton winery shortly after I moved to Richland in 2015 to assist in bringing the hospitality business management and the wine and beverage business management majors to 黑料社 Tri-Cities,鈥� said Robert Harrington, director of the 黑料社 hospitality business management program. 鈥淪he quickly offered to host a fundraising event at the winery that has become known as the Crimson Food and Wine Classic at Hamilton Cellars 鈥� Stacie went above and beyond the call of duty to make it a success.鈥�

It was Stacie Hamilton鈥檚 idea to explore private partnerships to make the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates 黑料社 Wine Science Center a reality at 黑料社 Tri-Cities in the heart of Washington wine country. The facility opened in 2015.

鈥淪he was the first one to volunteer and say that wineries should have a piece in making this facility possible,鈥� said Thomas Henick-Kling, director of the 黑料社 viticulture and enology program. 鈥淪tacie was incredibly invested in providing exceptional educational opportunities for students so that we have prepared, capable and talented winemakers and wine business leaders that will only continue to contribute back to the regional wine industry. She saw the power of education and what it can do for our region.鈥�

Harrington said Hamilton was always the first one to volunteer, offer up ideas and get something started 鈥� especially when it came to supporting 黑料社.

鈥淪tacie was passionate about 黑料社 and a proud Coug,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s I tell people about the Coug nation, Coug alums and current students that I meet embody what I call the art of hospitality. They鈥檙e just good people that will give you the shirts off their backs if needed, wanting to do what they can to make the world a better place and impact the quality of life for others. Stacie embodied all of these things, making her a passionate supporter and example of these ideals.鈥�

In honor of Stacie Hamilton, her family asks that individuals consider making a donation in her honor to the and/or the at 黑料社 Tri-Cities.

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� Individuals can cast their ballots and register to vote at the Student Engagement Hub that will be hosted Tuesday, Nov. 2, at Washington State University Tri-Cities.

The hub will be open from 8 a.m. 鈥� 8 p.m. in Consolidated Information Center (CIC) 120 on campus.

Through the hub, which is hosted by the Associated Students of 黑料社 Tri-Cities in partnership with the Benton County Auditor鈥檚 Office, individuals will have the opportunity to:

• Register to vote
• Check voter registration
• Print ballots and receive an election information booklet
• Access private locations to fill-out ballots
• Cast their ballots at the ballot drop-box on campus (CIC parking lot)

鈥淭he hub provides a great opportunity to access all voting information and materials all in one place,鈥� AS黑料社TC President Nathaly Mendoza said. 鈥淲e are excited to offer this free resource to both 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus community members and the public. It is important that a resource like this is offered on a college campus so that students and our community has an easy way to exercise their greatest civic duty. It鈥檚 a great way to learn more about important dates and deadlines, ensure that you鈥檙e registered and then actually cast your ballot.鈥�

The hub is free open to the public.

The deadline to register to vote in-person, as well as cast election ballots, is Tuesday, Nov. 2 (election day).

For more information about the hub, visit .

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� Individuals will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of regional employers from across the Tri-Cities and inquire about current and future jobs and career opportunities as part of the Virtual Columbia Basin College/黑料社 Tri-Cities Career Fair that takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

The career fair will take place from 10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m. online via a platform called Handshake. To attend, 黑料社 Tri-Cities students should register at . Members of the public should register at .

The career fair is free and open to the public.

More than 30 employers are registered to participate. Individuals will have the opportunity to meet with those employers via individual virtual rooms. Attendees can jump from room to room to explore a variety of career opportunities.

For more information, contact AJ Andrade at aandrade@columbiabasin.edu or 509-543-1449.

 

Media contacts:

Jay Frank, Columbia Basin College assistant vice president for communications and external relations, 509-544-2038, jfrank@columbiabasin.edu

Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities director of marketing and communication, 509-372-7333 (office), 619-403-3618 (cell), maegan_murray@wsu.edu