WE GOT THE JOB!Jobs reported in the past few months include:

Accounting and BookkeepingAccounting and BookkeepingAccounting and BookkeepingAccounting and BookkeepingAccounting and BookkeepingTami Alves is an entry-level accountant for Safari

West.Sarah Chaney is employed as an accounting clerk

with the Salvation Army.Beth Fiddler is using her QuickBooks and Excel

skills in her job with Therapeutic Massage Associates.Monique Keck has a new job as accounts receivable

clerk for Global Docu-Graphix.David Long is an accounting clerk for La Tortilla

Factory, Inc.

Job News Continued... Pages 4 & 5Job News Continued... Pages 4 & 5Job News Continued... Pages 4 & 5Job News Continued... Pages 4 & 5Job News Continued... Pages 4 & 5

Clockwise from top left:Melissa Minton, whosemajor is Specialized Asso-ciate Degree –Accounting;Barbara Wood, a LegalOffice Administrationmajor; and ConputerSupport Specialist majorDewayne Buletti.

Barbara has taken the initiative to assist the legalinstructors with her own personal knowledge ofprobate law, providing tools and examples of workfrom the private sector to enhance the law officeprocedures module. Her professionalism, work ethic

and positive attitude have been a plus in every way!

JULY—Dewayne comes to class well prepared andparticipates by sharing thoughts and ideas. Notsatisfied with knowing “just” the subject matter,Dewayne digs deeper to broaden his knowledge. He is

always positive, professional, and encour-aging to other students, a team player whorespects other students as well as hisinstructors.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~The Student of the Month Award

recognizes outstanding achievements infive categories: attitude, attendance,

grades, participation, and significant accomplish-ments. •

MAY—Melissa is anoutstanding accountingstudent. She is a veryhard worker, extremelyefficient, and consis-tently produceswonderful work. Shepays close attention in

class and asks excellent questions which show she isreally thinking about the material and which help tokeep her teachers thinking as well. Whensomeone was needed to pilot the new GreatPlains accounting software class, Melissa wasselected, and once again she did a great job.She is truly an exceptional student.

JUNE—Barbara is professional in all waysand her work product is exemplary. Shecontributes in class, asking relevant andinteresting questions, and helping other studentsanalyze and understand their legal assignments.

Melissa, Barbaraand Dewayne

contributethoughts andideas in class.

Leading the Way ...Students of the MonthMelissa Minton, Barbara WMelissa Minton, Barbara WMelissa Minton, Barbara WMelissa Minton, Barbara WMelissa Minton, Barbara Wood andood andood andood andood andDewayne BulettiDewayne BulettiDewayne BulettiDewayne BulettiDewayne Buletti

Empire Writes BackVolume 4, Issue 3, Summer 2004

The

EMPIRE COLLEGE3035 Cleveland Ave.Santa Rosa, CA 95403Tel: 707.546.4000Fax: 707.546.4058shurd@empcol.eduwww.empcol.edu

Employer Feedback

Of an IT grad: “There is a quantumdifference between the time Michelle leftour company as a data entry clerk to go toEmpire for her technical training. Shewas working independently within thefirst week of employment.”

Of a medical grad: “Teanna is truly a joyto have as a medical assistant in our office!She is a well trained and competentgraduate of your college.”

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The School of Law

Alumni NewsDiane Lalosh, Class of 1992, recently shared an update on her legal career. “I moved to Tucson, Arizona in January

1999 and sat for the Arizona Bar exam in July 1999, passed the exam, and am now licensed to practice law in Arizona. Iam currently working for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General as the Unit ChiefCounsel for the Child Support Enforcement Unit of the AG’s office in Pima County. I am responsible for a staff of 25people, which includes 6 other attorneys and support staff. I was recently awarded the Arizona Family SupportCouncil’s Attorney of the Year. It is very rewarding work, and I am proud of what I have accomplished.”

Twenty-four Empire Law Graduates AwardedJuris Doctor Degrees

In his remarks to the 28th graduating class of Empire College Schoolof Law, Sonoma County Presiding Judge Allan Hardcastle encouragedgraduates “not to be afraid of doing something new, even if it meansgoing it alone.” Judge Hardcastle delivered the commencement address toa crowd of more than 500 at Empire’s graduation ceremony on Sunday,June 13, 2004, at which Juris Doctor Degrees were conferred upon 24graduates of the four-year evening law program.

In remarks that balanced humor and serious reflection, JudgeHardcastle further advised, “Humor is the one thing that can transcendyour predicaments. Don’t forget how to laugh.”

Santa Rosa attorney Martin Seeger, who teaches Civil Procedure,addressed the graduating class on behalf of the School of Law’s faculty.Professor Seeger applauded and challenged the graduates by suggestingthat they were about to enter a world where they will no longer bejudged by their grades but by their character. He said, “Prepare, prepare,prepare...everything. If you prepare, you will shine. You might not

always win, but you will increase your chances.”

Judith O’Donnell, who graduated Cum Laude, delivered the valedictory address. While in law school, Ms.O’Donnell worked as a student volunteer at the Sonoma County Self Help Access Center where she assisted self-represented parties in various legal matters. In addition, she worked as a law clerk for a solo practitioner handling avariety of civil matters.

Three graduates - Judith O’Donnell, Carolyn Jachetta, and Shannon Kiser - wererecipients of Scholastic Achievement Awards provided by six local law firms: Abbey,Weitzenberg, Hoffman & Emery; Anderson, Zeigler, Disharoon, Gallagher & Gray; Babin& Seeger, LLP; DeMeo & DeMeo; Lanahan & Reilley, LLP; and Perry, Johnson, Anderson,Miller & Moskowitz, LLP.

Three members of the Class of 2004 – Michael Bruner, Jo Ellen Gustely, and DavidHamilton – worked as student volunteers at the Law School’s Elder Law Clinic. Under thesupervision of Professor Barry Adams, they provided free legal counsel to senior citizensboth on campus and at the Salvation Army’s Silvercrest Residence in Santa Rosa. Mr.Hamilton also served as Empire Law School’s student representative on the SonomaCounty Bar Association Board of Directors.

Graduate Scott Shoblom was a member of Empire Law School’s 2003 Moot Court Team which won BestRespondent’s Brief and Second Place in Brief Writing at the statewide competition. Mr. Shoblom, who completed hiscoursework earlier in the year, had the added distinction of being the sole member of the Class of 2004 to have alreadytaken (successfully) the California Bar Examination. Mr. Shoblom was officially sworn in to practice law two days priorto his graduation ceremony.

“It would havebeen impossiblenot to have beeninspired by my

classmates.”~Judith O’Donnell,

Valedictorian

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In Brief

Sonoma County PublicDefender Louis Haffner(Professor of Evidence)was the keynote speakerat the July 28 seminar.

Sonoma County Public Defender/Empire Professor of Evidence Louis HaffnerKeynote Speaker at Law School Open HouseLouis Haffner, Professor of Evidence at Empire Law School and Sonoma County’s Public Defender, was the keynotespeaker at the Informational Seminar held Wednesday, July 28, 2004. Fiona Hall, Class of 2005, and John Fritsch,Class of 1994, participated on an alumni panel, offering comments on their law school and professional experiences.

Professor Haffner became Sonoma County’s Public Defender in 1995 and currently oversees a department of27 attorneys and other staff who provide a full range of legal representation to indigent criminal defendants,conservatees, juveniles, and others.

After receiving his Juris Doctor Degree from New York University School of Law in 1970, he then moved toCalifornia and served as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County (1971-1972), a Deputy Public Defender andSupervising Attorney in Municipal and Juvenile Court Operations in Ventura County (1972-1982), and PublicDefender of Yolo County for 11 years (1984-1995).

Mr. Haffner has been a member of Empire’s faculty since moving to Sonoma County in 1995, during which time hehas also served as an instructor for the California Public Defender Trial Skills Institute. In addition, Mr. Haffner’s priorteaching experience includes: Professor of Trial Practice for University of California-Davis Law School (1984-1995) andProfessor of Criminal Procedure for Southern California Institute of Law/Ventura College of Law (1981-1984).

Mr. Haffner has served Sonoma County in many ways over the years. He is a member of the Sonoma CountyCriminal Justice Council, Jail Oversight Committee, and Hate Crimes Prevention Network. In 1999, Mr. Haffner wasthe recipient of Sonoma County Legal Aid’s “Equal Access to Justice Award.”

Empire College School of Law Ranked #2 in StateCongratulations to alumni of Empire College School of Law whose 75% pass rate for first-time applicants exceededstatewide rates in all categories and ranks Empire #2 of all law schools in the State on the February 2004 Bar Exam. Toput this achievement in context, the Top 10 law schools were:

#1 UCLA 79% #2 Empire College School of Law 75% #3 Pepperdine University School of Law 70% #4 University of California, Berkeley 67% #5 University of La Verne 67% #6 California Western School of Law 61% #7 Stanford Law School 60% #8 University of San Francisco School of Law 60% #9 Loyola Law School, Los Angeles 57%#10 McGeorge School of Law 57%

First Edition of the “Empire Law Review” PublishedOn Friday, June 25, 2004, the Sonoma County Herald-Recorder published the first edition of the Empire Law Review inwhich details of a civil case involving the interpretation of revocable inter vivos trusts were given a thorough examina-tion. With the assistance of faculty advisor Professor Brad DeMeo, Empire law students James Loughborough, CarmenSinigiani and Brett Stein analyzed and explained the historical context and implications of Burkett v. Capovilla.

Professor DeMeo helped establish the Santa Clara Law Review while he earned his degree from the Santa ClaraUniversity of Law, and it has been his enthusiasm that has spawned the Empire Law Review. The plan is to publish thereview on a quarterly basis, and the three students who produced this first review will work with three new authors(Nancy Cooke, Andrew Scannell and Donald Winkle) for the next issue which will examine a criminal case. All sixstudents were featured in a July 30, 2004, article in the Herald-Recorder.

Empire Law School Welcomes New Faculty MembersWelcome to the following new faculty members for Fall 2004:

Constance Burtnett, Attorney at Law – Law Study and ExamsHon. Elliot Daum, Sonoma County Superior Court Judge – Professor of Criminal LawDaniel Lanahan, Lanahan & Reilley LLP – Notable Cases of the 20th CenturyTina Wallis, Deputy Counsel, Sonoma County Counsel’s Office – Legal Research and Writing. •

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Accounting (continued)Accounting (continued)Accounting (continued)Accounting (continued)Accounting (continued)Lancia Lydick is working in

payroll for Caito Fisheries in FortBragg.

Melissa Minton is owner ofMinton Financial Services.

Eric Moncada is a bookkeepingassistant for West Cal Tractors.

Juliella Orlando is employedwith O’Reilly Media, Inc. as anaccount clerk.

Alanna Parker is an accountspayable clerk with IM Construc-tion.

Stephanie Robbins is book-keeper/office assistant at C & SLandscape.

Chelsie Sternberg hasopened her own business,Chelsie’s Bookkeeping Service.

Pat Sternberg is anaccounting/office assistant forMLB Associates.

Karen Uber isoffice manager/bookkeeper for

Concrete PeteConstruction.

Denise Vranesevich is abookkeeper for Safari West.

Information TInformation TInformation TInformation TInformation TechnologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnologyAndrea Antonik is working as an

IT technician for Direct MailingSystems.

Richard Borg is a computertechnician for Agilent Technologies.

Scott Brown is owner of his ownbusiness, Intercity Design.

Brian Bueschel has also startedhis own business, BueschelComputers.

Christine Bushong is aninstructor in the InformationTechnology Department at EmpireCollege.

Ward Cargay is employed withWhitlock & Weinberger as acomputer/engineering technician.

Lori DeLap is working forTransworld Systems.

Benjamin Erickson is a repairtechnician with Dependable

Computer Guys in SouthernCalifornia.

Paul Hayes is an instructor in theInformation Technology Deparmentat Empire College.

Jerry Hilton is employed withGreenpoint Mortgage as a help deskrepresentative.

Robert Johnson is working forVideo Supply Depot as a computerbuilder.

Arthur Lopez is owner of ArthurL. Tech Group.

Nick Mitchell is an informationservices technician for the MarinCounty Office of Education.

Shelburne Ponsford is the ownerof Systems Information Technology.

Jerry Segura is working forComputer Lab, Inc.

Ben Stedman is the businessowner of Dojo Tech.

Legal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationLoren Aldred had a temp position

as a legal secretary with Ginder, Sun-derland & Carlson, Attorneys at Law.

Isabel Berrios is a legal assistantfor Michael Davi Bail Bonds.

Jessica Bratcher is employed as alegal secretary for Bruce Schwartz,Attorney at Law.

Ivanna Cabahit is a legal adminis-trative assistant for Martin G.McComber, Attorney at Law.

Maribel Calderon is working forStar Staffing in Petaluma in bilingualoffice support.

Janet Decker is working for theCounty of Solano Courts as a courtlegal process clerk.

Tiffany Diggs is a legal secretaryfor Linda Ryan, Attorney at Law.

Luz Herrera is a legal secretarywith the Babin & Seeger Law Firm.

Jamie Johnson is a legal secretaryfor Jay Putnam, Attorney at Law.

Medical CareersMedical CareersMedical CareersMedical CareersMedical Careers

Alexis Adams is a front office medicalassistant for Sutter Health at Work.

Connie Anderson is a medicalassistant with the Blood Bank of the

Redwoods.Jaimie Boland is medical

assistant/office manager forLawrence Williamson, MD.

Joy Brooner is a front andback office medical assistant withJohn Parker, MD.

Kim Bundesen is employed asa medical assistant with Pitzen,Andersen, Drier & Quinn.

Salvador Carreon is workingas a rehabilitation therapy aide forONR-Walnut Creek, Inc. inSebastopol.

Paola Garcia and AngelicaGutierrez are lab assistants/drugtesters for Redwood ToxicologyLab.

Maria Gonzalez-Ceja is abilingual medical assistant withAlliance Medical Center.

Robin Gurries is a medicalreceptionist for Women’s OB/GYN.

Reyna Hernandez is acollector for North CoastCollection Service.

Nicole Kauhi is a medical labassistant at Empire College.

Cindy Lewis is a medicalassistant for West County HealthCenters, Inc.

Hope Linares is employedwith the Northern CaliforniaMedical Association as a backoffice medical assistant.

Stephanie Macabeo is amedical biller with CommunityAction Partnership of SonomaCounty.

Frances Miranda is a labassistant with Redwood Toxicol-ogy lab.

Harold Murga is a bilingualfront office medical assistant forPetaluma Health Center.

Ruth Padilla is a front officeassistant with Orthopaedic &Sports Physical Therapy.

WE GOT THE JOB! (continued)

Hats offtototototo

TTTTTop Employerop Employerop Employerop Employerop Employer...............

Empire

CollegeSince 1992,

Empire has hired

8282828282of its grads!

Job News Continued... Page 5Job News Continued... Page 5Job News Continued... Page 5Job News Continued... Page 5Job News Continued... Page 5

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Congratulations to Computerized Business Skills major Tammy Burtonwho delivered a baby boy during a visit to her mother in McCall, Idaho.Jayson Richard Burton was born on April 28 at 7:50 p.m. He weighed

8 pounds, 9 ounces, was 22 inches long, and had a mix of brown/blond hair and big blue eyes. Grandmareturned to California with Tammy in June to babysit until Tammy finishes her classes here at Empire next fall.

Medical major Mayra Estupinan gave birth to baby Jasmine on August 3, 2004. Jasmine weighed 7 pounds,1 ounce.

Heather Jones, who is also majoring in medical, announced the birth of her first child, a boy, on May 7, 2004. Dad,Chad Jones, is proud to introduce his son, Jacob Michael Jones. Jacob weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, was 20 incheslong, with light hair and hazel eyes.

On May 20, 2004, medical major Tabatha Williams gave birth to her first child, Macenzie Burton. This new babygirl with lots of dark brown hair and big dark blue eyes was welcomed by her Dad, Ronnie Burton. She weighed8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 19 inches long. •

Student Web Page Contest

WINNERS!Congratulations to hospitality/tourism major Catrina Diaz, winner of the Outstanding Student

Web Page Contest for the April module. Catrina’s “Traveling with Kids” web page features all sorts ofstress-reducing tips for keeping kids occupied during long car or airplane trips.

In May, the winner was Paul McKenna whose “Baseball Is Life” page featured his two sons andan inspirational poem “The Boy Who COULD Hit” written for his son Casey. Paul is a legal major.

June’s winning page was created by Juan Ramirez, who is majoring in the Specialized AssociateDegree–Administrative Specialist program. “My First Week at Empire” is a candid look at what hewas thinking, feeling, and doing in his first couple of weeks as a new student at Empire College. •

Regina Pawlak is employed asa transcriptionist for WrightChiropractic Offices.

Lisa Swaim is a front and backoffice medical assistant for GaryMaes, MD.

Rosa Vargas is a bilingual backoffice medical assistant at AllianceMedical Center.

Beverly Watson is a backoffice medical assistant forMandy Morford, MD.

Timothy Williams is a medicalequipment technician for JohnBrollmus, MD.

Dusty Worthington isemployed with Eye CareInstitute as a front officeassistant.

Office AdministrationOffice AdministrationOffice AdministrationOffice AdministrationOffice AdministrationSophie Churchill is office

manager for MW GeneralContracting, Inc.

50

@www.empcol.edu

WE GOT THE JOB!(continued)

Mary Hanson is working forRedwood Community HealthCoalition as an administrativecoordinator.

Kaliana Keiffer is employed as afront desk assistant for Vintners Inn.

Melissa Martinez is an officeassistant for Marquis Auto Bodyand Repair.

Yadira Martinez is an administra-tive assistant with the Fluss &Skelton Law Office.

Saina Tagovailoa is employed atthe Press Democrat as a classifieddepartment assistant.

Kimberly Weidman is an officeassistant with Pisces Productions.

Hospitality and THospitality and THospitality and THospitality and THospitality and TourismourismourismourismourismCarol Lawson is employed as a

guest services agent for Osmosis Spain Freestone.

Veronica Madsen is working forthe Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Mello, a 2003 graduate,has a new job as convention and

conference services coordinator forthe Hilton Hotel in Santa Rosa.

Marty Paradise is now tastingroom manager for Castle Winery.

Frances Phelan is a sales andmarketing rep for Making It Big.

Part-Time JobsPart-Time JobsPart-Time JobsPart-Time JobsPart-Time JobsAllison Ferrari, a legal major,

and Donna Panetta, a hospitalitymajor, are working at EmpireCollege.

IT major Nathaniel Friedmanis working as a tech for AppleComputers.

Legal major Melinda Holt isworking for Dan McCaskell,Attorney at Law.

Nora Songster, a medical major,is working for Med-StreamTelecommunications.

Melissa Spoon, an accountingmajor, is working at GlobalEmission Testing. •

Stork Report

66666

Congratulations to the followingInformation Technology majors whopassed certification exams from Aprilthrough July:

Windows 2000 ServerWindows 2000 ServerWindows 2000 ServerWindows 2000 ServerWindows 2000 Server

Jerry Hilton

Managing a Windows 2000Managing a Windows 2000Managing a Windows 2000Managing a Windows 2000Managing a Windows 2000

Network EnvironmentNetwork EnvironmentNetwork EnvironmentNetwork EnvironmentNetwork Environment

Farbod AssefniaShelby DensonBenjamin EricksonCory FulchironSean Willems

Designing a Windows 2000Designing a Windows 2000Designing a Windows 2000Designing a Windows 2000Designing a Windows 2000

Network InfrastructureNetwork InfrastructureNetwork InfrastructureNetwork InfrastructureNetwork Infrastructure

Robert Hayes

Windows Installation,Windows Installation,Windows Installation,Windows Installation,Windows Installation,

Configuration & AdministrationConfiguration & AdministrationConfiguration & AdministrationConfiguration & AdministrationConfiguration & Administration

Dewayne BulettiSean Willems

Windows 2000 ProfessionalWindows 2000 ProfessionalWindows 2000 ProfessionalWindows 2000 ProfessionalWindows 2000 Professional

Configuration and AdministrationConfiguration and AdministrationConfiguration and AdministrationConfiguration and AdministrationConfiguration and Administration

Sylvester AlvarezRichard BorgDewayne Buletti Aaron RuizMichael Elola Matthew SantosRobert Haas Sean Willems

IT alumni certification update Ryan Donham Named ITDepartment HeadRyan Donham, who joinedEmpire’s faculty in March 2002,has been named head of theInformation Technology Depart-ment.

Ryan has numerous certifica-tions in Microsoft, Cisco, andSecurity (most recently SCP’s as-cendant learning instructor’s certi-fication) and has successfullylaunched Empire’s security con-centration. Ryan brings technicalcompetence, a commitment tostudent success, and a variety offresh ideas and enthusiasm to hisnew role as Department Head.

IT Externship UpdateCongratulations to the followingstudents who are completing ITexternships, gaining 110 hours ofvaluable on-the-job experience toadd to their résumés:Suzanne Ambrogi @ Piner OlivetSchool DistrictMichael Elola @ Piner OlivetSchool DistrictMark Polak @ City of PetalumaAaron Ruiz @ Mahi Networks

New Faculty MembersChristine Bushong has joined theIT Department faculty, teachingWindows Server and Professional.

A+ and Net+ certified,Christine received her AA inInformation Technology (SecurityConcentration) from EmpireCollege. She established her owncomputer consulting business in2002 and, among other things,has implemented and managedsecure network environments fora number of clients.

Christine also has nearly tenyears of experience in thebanking, inventory and insuranceindustries.

In June, Paul Hayes joined theIT Department faculty, teachingevening networking classes.

Security+

Quarter Total: 177 Tests

Thomas Zabatta is now a CiscoCertified Network Administrator.

Linux+Linux+Linux+Linux+Linux+

Benjamin Erickson

Shelby DensonRobert HaasRobert HayesSean Willems

Dewayne Buletti James KuehnChristine Bushong Joann LassakAdam Camacho Robert MoudrySuzanne D’AmbrogiNicholas Goebel Scott WilcoxAnita Jennings Sean Willems

HardwareHardwareHardwareHardwareHardware

Debra BarrettEdward BreslinDaniel DuluenaValdemar GalvanSteven GiordanoJeff HappScott JohnsonDaniel LaneBrian PilgrimSean RotramelJesse SimsSean WillemsGail Wood

Security+

Qtr. A+ Net+ M S Cisco Linux Security Other Total

Empire 27 6 11 1 1 4 1 51Non-EC 7 2 32 41 2 3 45 132Total 34 8 43 42 3 7 46 183

Empire Pass Rate: 86%Non-Empire Pass Rate: 62%

Prometric Tests Administered2nd Quarter 2004

Quarter Total: 183 Tests

Other25%

Security4%

A+ Tech.19%

Net+4%

Microsoft23%Cisco

23%

Linux2%

Operating SystemOperating SystemOperating SystemOperating SystemOperating System

Debra BarrettEdward BreslinDewayne BulettiAdam CamachoNathaniel FriedmanRobert HaasMatt HardistyRene HinojosaAnita JenningsJames KuehnRobert MoudryBrian PilgrimMark PolakAaron RuizSean Willems

Suzanne D’Ambrogi has passedNetwork Defense and Hardening theInfrastructure exams. • New IT Faculty Continued... Page 14New IT Faculty Continued... Page 14New IT Faculty Continued... Page 14New IT Faculty Continued... Page 14New IT Faculty Continued... Page 14

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In Memoryof

Bill Schuler

Empire’s Hospitality Students Learn As They GiveStudents in Empire College’s Tourism, Hospitality and Wine Program get hands-on learning experience about theirchosen future careers at the same time they are helping others.

An upcoming beneficiary is the Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation, a county-run facility for abused andneglected children with a new building now under construction on the Sonoma Highway.

“A little over $9 million has been raised so far, from ourselves, the county and the state. Empire College’s programmeans a lot. Every dollar that we raise is veryimportant. We have a commitment to raise $3million between now and next June. I amconfident we can do it. But we need as muchmoney as we can get,” said George Forrester,president of the Valley of the Moon Children’sFoundation.

Empire College students developed their ownproject to plan a September 10 event called“Cherishing Sonoma County – Discovering OurTreasures.”

When Empire College’s hospitality programfirst started 22 years ago, it focused on the travelindustry, but expanded to the hospitality industryin 2000.

“We offer students anopportunity for a career in avariety of positions in tourism,which would include retailtravel agents, tour companies,hotels and wineries. We provideour students exposure to a lotof different industries,” saidSheri Eachus, department headof Tourism, Hospitality andWine.

The 16 students in Empire’s event planning class are required to plan, schedule and execute an event, includingchoosing a project for which to raise money. The idea behind the “Cherishing Sonoma County” event is that SonomaCounty should be appreciated for its many visible treasures which tourists enjoy, as well as hidden treasures such as theValley of the Moon Children’s Foundation and Empire College.

Hospitality and tourism industry professionals are invited to the event, where they will be part of a “responsiblehospitality demonstration,” which involves dealing with people who are drinking. They will also be part of an audienceparticipation survey/game show that explores the county’s hidden treasures.

For the responsible hospitality demonstration, three volunteers (not students) will be drinking wine throughout theevening, given one-ounce “tastes,” roughly what is served to winery tourists.

A California Highway Patrol officer will periodically check those volunteers’ alcohol consumption rate with a state-approved breath analyzer, and all the scores will be marked down. While this occurs, the drinking volunteers willmingle, giving the audience a chance to try and judge their inebriation.

Eachus said, “The reality is, people are always surprised to see what their alcohol level is.The idea is to teach peoplehow to recognize signs like slurred speech and how to politely turn down requests for another drink.”

The students have received donations from wineries, restaurants and spas for a raffle. In addition, proceeds fromvendors who buy a table will be matched by Empire College and donated to Valley of the Moon Children’s Founda-tion.

“We really like project-based learning, so our students are experiencing more than just theory in the classroom,” saidEachus. “Earlier this year, students organized a reunion that raised funds for the Children’s Art Reach program at LutherBurbank Center.” Building on that relationship and another aspect of the Empire curriculum, students will intern at theCenter’s upcoming “Art of Dessert” event, where various local chefs create dinner and an art-like dessert, benefiting theArt Reach program, which brings kids to the Burbank Center to experience art and see a show. •

L-R: Sheri Eachus, Empire’s Department Head for the Hospitality, Tourism &Wine programs, with students Ingrid Mills, Diane Ramirez, Catrina Diaz andLynne Talafili, touring the facility that will benefit from their fundraiser. TheValley of the Moon Children’s Home is a county-run facility for abused andneglected children.

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Semiannual Commencement Exercises were held at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on Tuesdayevening, July 27, 2004. One hundred twenty-three graduates participated in the ceremony, with morethan 1300 family members and friends cheering from the audience.

Dr. Carl Wong, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, delivered the commencement address,encouraging graduates to pursue lifelong learning and to make positive contributions as citizens. In hisremarks from the faculty, instructor Ingle Peterson mixed sage advice with an ample dose of humor.Accounting graduate Lori Hille delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the graduating students.

Seven students were presented Empire College Outstanding Graduate Award plaques, and another seven graduatesreceived awards from publishers and the California Medical Assistants Association. In addition, award winners receivedcertificates of recognition from the State Assemblymember who represents their district and from State Senator WesChesbro.

EMPIRE COLLEGE OUTSTANDINGEMPIRE COLLEGE OUTSTANDINGEMPIRE COLLEGE OUTSTANDINGEMPIRE COLLEGE OUTSTANDINGEMPIRE COLLEGE OUTSTANDINGGRADUATE AWARDSGRADUATE AWARDSGRADUATE AWARDSGRADUATE AWARDSGRADUATE AWARDSAccountingMelissa Minton, SpecializedAssociate Degree – Accounting

Computer ApplicationsSophie Churchill, Specialized AssociateDegree – Administrative Assistant

Information TechnologyDewayne Buletti, Computer SupportSpecialist

LegalBarbara Wood, Legal Office Adminis-tration

MedicalBarbara Dudley, Medical Transcription

Office AdministrationJessie De La O, Specialized AssociateDegree – Administrative Assistant

Tourism, Hospitality and WineValerie Lafferty, Tourism, Hospitality &

Wine Industries

PUBLISHER & CMAA AWARDSPUBLISHER & CMAA AWARDSPUBLISHER & CMAA AWARDSPUBLISHER & CMAA AWARDSPUBLISHER & CMAA AWARDSGlencoe Publishing CompanyOutstanding Student AwardStacy Ceniceros, Legal Secretary

California Medical AssistantsAssociation AwardNicole Kauhi, Medical ClinicalAssistant

Elsevier Health Sciences AwardsJanice Gordon, Medical ClinicalAssistantJenell Tillett, Medical AdministrativeAssistant

Thomson Learning AccountingAwardLori Hille, Specialized AssociateDegree – Accounting

Thomson Learning InformationTechnology AwardSean Willems, Specialized AssociateDegree – Information Technology –

Microsoft Concentration

Thomson Learning InformationTechnology AwardSean Willems, Specialized AssociateDegree – Information Technology –Microsoft Concentration

Thomson Learning Office Adminis-tration AwardJulie Kistenmacher, ComputerizedBusiness Skills

Mark your calendars for theNext Graduation Ceremony—Wednesday, January 26, 7 p.m. atthe Luther Burbank Center.

Eligible Graduates for theJanuary 2005 Ceremony :Those completing their programs byJanuary 21, 2005, and medicalstudents who will begin externshipsFebruary 25, 2005. •

Graduation

Boogie

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News from an Empire Accounting Grad in OregonEmail is a great way for grads to keep in touch, as evidenced by this wonderful update from Deborah Reed, who

graduated from Empire’s Specialized Associate Degree–Accounting program in 1996.6/21/04: I am now living in Oregon and have a great job working as a Deputy Tax Collector/Treasurer in Coos County. I

just recently completed a project working with my boss to create certified/audited financial statements for the County. Theycame out very nice, most of it is my work, and I wanted to send a copy to my former instructor Nancy Burns. I know shewould enjoy seeing the work of one of her former students.

The education that I received while at Empire has been invaluable to me in my current position and has alreadyhelped me to get a promotion and raise. I also became an enrolled agent with the Treasury Department and a licensedincome tax consultant for the State of Oregon.

6/22/04: I had to send you this; I just got called into my boss’s office with the auditors in there. I thought, “OhGod, what now!” They wanted to tell me that their firm has an oversight auditor who reviews all of their audits,and he made a special contact to let the audit firm know that Coos County’s audit and financial statements were one of thebest he’s ever seen. We are not just a little dinky County; our financial statements are very complicated. So that was a very goodpiece of news. •

IT Alumnus Starts Local ISPEmpire College is proud to announce the opening of a new Internet Service Provider,Coast Networks, Inc., by one of our student alumni and CEO of Coast Networks,Corby Brasset. Corby was part of our graduating class of 2002 and graduated withPresidents Honors. He has since gone on to work with Porex Bio Products as their soleNetwork Technician, maintaining a 10 building, 125-computer wireless network.While working with Porex, he started his own company, Brasset Computer Services,

which now services many clients throughout Sonoma County and beyond. The clientbase currently ranges from residential, SOHO, small to medium sized businesses, school districts and

governmental agencies, such as Travis Air Force Base.Coast Networks, Inc. is located at 460 Aaron Street, Suite C in Cotati, and offers dialup Internet access, website

hosting, email, web development, computer repair, network engineering and computer consulting throughout SonomaCounty. Discounts for dialup Internet access are available to all new and returning students of Empire College! Also,Coast will soon be offering great online tools to help create, host and post your résumé to the online community.

“A need that hasn’t been filled by current ISP’s throughout our community is a company that not only offers Internetaccess, hosting and email, but also offers on-site and depot computer repair and upgrades, network engineering andtelecom services including voice mail systems from companies like Avaya and BizFone. Essentially, a one-stop-shop ratherthan having to utilize many different companies for the same level of service,” says Mr. Brasset. “Why call three differentcompanies to take care of three separate issues, when you can take care of everything you need to by calling just onegreat company?” he adds.

If you’re in need of dialupInternet access, hosting or anyother service listed, Coast is agreat choice. Call, email or juststop by.

You can contact Corby Brassetat:

Coast Networks, Inc.460 Aaron Street, Suite CCotati, CA 94926www.coastnetworks.net(707) 545-6390

Alumni Offers Student Discounts!Corby Brasset, CEO of Coast Networks, Inc. and alumni of EmpireCollege, is pleased to offer Standard Dialup Internet Access to EmpireCollege students at a discounted rate. The first 3 months of our StandardDialup Account is $15 per month, and $18.95 per month thereafter,billed quarterly. This student account is only for students of EmpireCollege.

For more information please contact Coast at:Coast Networks, Inc.

460 Aaron Street, Suite CCotati, CA 94926(707) 545-6390

support@coastin.net ~ www.coastnetworks.net

1010101010

Congratulations to thefollowing students who testedout of the Keyboarding class andmet their graduation speedrequirement in their first module!Christie Brosnan Jeff Peterson

Maria Callaghan Jill Porterfield

Michelle Carroll Joel Ridley

Martha Crosat Tong Vang

Debra Murray •

Check out those

Flying Fingers!

Medical DepartmentSkills CertificationsSkills CertificationsSkills CertificationsSkills CertificationsSkills CertificationsCongratulations to evening medicalmajors who have their VenipunctureCertificates:

Shannon AshJoanne BarajasViviana CejaCharlene ChristieSharon ConrottoCarol FurbushShanna HernandezVicki JumpImelda OnzaMarco PeraltaLoretta SaitoErin SanfilippoLisa SheltonJessica SpoonVictoria Winchel

July CMAA Exam Held at EmpireJuly CMAA Exam Held at EmpireJuly CMAA Exam Held at EmpireJuly CMAA Exam Held at EmpireJuly CMAA Exam Held at EmpireThe California Medical AssistantsAssociation held its semiannualcertification exam at Empire Collegeon Friday, July 9, 2004. Of the 72candidates sitting for the exam, 48were Empire College alumni.

Laura AdlardLaurie ArmaniniGina AudissLindsay BairdTammy BakerMichelle BattyDiane BoxAlyson BriscoElizabeth Calvi-SchimpfSalvador CarreonTracy CheneyChristine ChisholmSara CochranDeborah CostabileCrystal DisonLynn GatesSharlee GilesJessica GomezKarina GomezDevon GraddySarah GraddyRobin GurriesAngelica GutierrezRegina Harmon

Announcements andDiana HermosilloJoan JohnsonNicole KauhiTeresa KostelnikGuillermo LopezManuela LujanoMelissa MalsomMaria MartinezJolene McNamaraJoanne MillerTeresa MillerFrances MirandaPatricia MorrowRebecca MotaCyndie MurdaughHarold MurgaMarco PeraltaJennifer PuthuffMarbella SanchezAdriana SerranoLeigh-Ann SiedentopfLisa SwaimCarenen TuinstraCheryl White

Denny Bernard Joins Medical Dept.Denny Bernard Joins Medical Dept.Denny Bernard Joins Medical Dept.Denny Bernard Joins Medical Dept.Denny Bernard Joins Medical Dept.Denise “Denny” Bernard has joinedthe faculty to teach in Empire’s clinicalclasses.

Denny earned her AS in BiologicalHealth from Foothill College, herBachelor of Arts in Respiratory Therapy(with a certificate in gerontology) fromSonoma State University, and herMaster of Business Administrationfrom Golden Gate University. She is aregistered respiratory therapist andcertified pulmonary function technician.

For the past two years, Denny hasbeen self-employed, during which timeshe created a pulmonary rehabilitationprogram called Breatheasy and alsotaught anatomy, medical terminology,and medical coding at Heald College.

Denny was a respiratory therapist inhospital and out-patient settings fornine years. In addition, from 1994-1996 she was a Clinical Coordinator ofRespiratory Care Services for KaiserPermanente, supervising a staff of 12respiratory therapists. •

Office AdministrationAttendanceAttendanceAttendanceAttendanceAttendanceRecognitionRecognitionRecognitionRecognitionRecognition

Congratulations to OfficeAdministration majors who havemaintained 90 to 100 percentattendance as of August 6:

Nuryani Abdul-HamidBob AguirreStacy De LopeChrissy EckNallibe EscamillaLydia FloresCarissa GibsonCheryl LouiseJennifer MarianiJuan RamirezRagni SahooAriana ScarioniLaura VillarrealJennifer Wippert

Wendy Watrous Joins FacultyWendy Watrous Joins FacultyWendy Watrous Joins FacultyWendy Watrous Joins FacultyWendy Watrous Joins FacultyWendy Watrous has joined thefaculty to teach in Empire’soffice administration classes,including Business Law.

Wendy earned her BA inEnvironmental Studies, with aminor in Business Administra-tion, from Sonoma StateUniversity. In addition, sheattended Empire College Schoolof Law for two years.

Wendy has over five years ofteaching experience at the juniorhigh school level and was also anadult education ESL teacher forPetaluma City Schools. •

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Legal DepartmentMickey Fernandez Named Depart-Mickey Fernandez Named Depart-Mickey Fernandez Named Depart-Mickey Fernandez Named Depart-Mickey Fernandez Named Depart-ment Headment Headment Headment Headment HeadMickey Fernandez,who joined Empire’sfaculty in December2003, has been named head of theLegal Department.

Mickey received her Juris DoctorDegree from Western State UniversityCollege of Law in San Diego. Shecompleted mediation training atCoast-to-Coast Mediation inEncinitas, San Diego MediationCenter, Restorative Justice Mediationin San Diego, and the SummerInstitute for Intercultural Communi-cation in Portland, Oregon. She hasbeen an instructor in the ParalegalProgram at Southwestern CommunityCollege in Chula Vista. Mickey alsohas her own private mediationpractice in Santa Rosa.

Civil Office Procedures ClassCivil Office Procedures ClassCivil Office Procedures ClassCivil Office Procedures ClassCivil Office Procedures ClassGoes to CourtGoes to CourtGoes to CourtGoes to CourtGoes to CourtIn June 2004, students in the CivilOffice Procedures class toured theSonoma County Superior Court-house.

Cheryl Button, Judicial Assistantto Judge Hardcastle, conducted thetour and answered questions.Students toured the law library,judicial assistant’s offices, judges’chambers, courtrooms, behind thescenes in all the clerk’s offices (civil,probate, criminal, traffic and family).Valarie Alston, Human ResourcesManager for the Sonoma CountyCourthouse, accompanied studentson the tour.

Ms. Button explained, in detail,the various roles people play at thecourthouse; i.e., how the judicialassistants work with the judges in thedifferent departments, how the lawlibrary serves the public, how theclerks work with with public andbehind the scenes. Students inter-viewed several people including thelaw librarian, judicial assistants, judge’s

Department Newsxxclerks and clerks in the differentclerk’s offices. The studentsasked pertinent questions aboutthe various positions at thecourthouse and the functions ofthe different departments.

The group was also luckyenough to have JudgeHardcastle speak to them in hiscourtroom. He answeredquestions and explained thehistory and current proceduresutilized in the collaborative drugprogram which is heard in hiscourtroom. He gave a verymoving speech about theprogram and the people whograduate drug-free. The classwas impressed and felt honoredto have Judge Hardcastle makehimself so readily available forthe Empire tour.

Valarie Alston spoke to theclass about her intention to workwith Empire’s Legal AssistantDepartment in recruitingEmpire students for internshipsat the courthouse.

Legal Assistant ExternshipLegal Assistant ExternshipLegal Assistant ExternshipLegal Assistant ExternshipLegal Assistant ExternshipProgramProgramProgramProgramProgramThe Legal Assistant DepartmentExternship Program has beenexciting and rewarding forEmpire students.

Recently, several studentscompleted their externshipprograms and some have beenoffered employment positions.Moncell Lippincott was hiredby David Chandler afterexterning for an associate of his.Marilyn Stornetta began anexternship program withEdward McCutheon of Ginder,Sunderland & Cralson and hasbeen offered a position aftercompletion of her externship.Monica Andrade is nowworking for Freeman &Freeman as an entry-level legal

secretary and enjoying applying whatshe has learned to her new job.

Other externs who have com-pleted or are completing theirexternships are Lorena Sotelo, DanielSevilla and Angela Mendia. •

Cheryl Button,Judicial Assistant toSonoma CountySuperior Court JudgeAllan Hardcastle(center) conducted a“behind the scenes”tour of the courthousefor students inEmpire’s Civil OfficeProcedures class.

L-R: Linda Hancock-Garcia, JasonCunningham, MickeyFernandez (Empire’sLegal DepartmentHead), Cheryl Button,Nikki Lane, StacyCeniceros and MelissaSponable.

AccountingAttendanceAttendanceAttendanceAttendanceAttendance

RecognitionRecognitionRecognitionRecognitionRecognitionCongratulations toAccounting majors who have main-tained 90 to 100 percent attendanceas of August 6:Yolanda Andrade Kara Lane

Cheryl Brady Angela Lee

Robert Brooks Theresa McNeil

Christie Brosnan Alma Medina

Nadine Brown Ruben Mora-Roman

Michelle Buchignani Wendy Powell

Mara Ciencia Marcie Questoni

Steve Comins Curt Riberdy

Martha Crosat Nicole Salazar

Heather Dacquisto Zach Smith

Fiyori Desta Melissa Spoon

Breanna Guadagni Madeline Thayer

Jesse Hiben Marie Thompson

Ilamae Hickey Tong Vang

Frances Ho Jessica Walker-Fess

Katrina Hoch Jenae Wallahan

James Hopkins Raymond Wigger

Earl Iddings Annie Zuffo

Matthew Joiner

Steve Jones

Amanda Kelleher

Jean Kuo •

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YADNUS YADNOM YADSEUT YADSENDEW YADSRUHT YADIRF YADRUTAS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 01 11 21 31 41

51 61 71 81 91 02 12

22 32 42 52 62 72 82

92 03 13

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 01 11

21 31 41 51 61 71 81

91 02 12 22 32 42 52

62 72 82 92 03

Karin DietzDorothy Allbritton Anthony Adams Pam Burris Salvatore Cucci Angela Lopez Sharon Conrotto John SamesBarbara Harland Heather Dacquisto Martha Crosat Debra Gipson Christina Morey Robert HaasJean Kuo Laura Nunez Nicholas GoebelAmanda McLeod Virgil TeagueDiana Moniz Module Begins

Allison Ferrari Tracy Gulick Morgan Jaffee Luz Suarez Johnetta Brown Ingle PetersonDenise Sitton Iris Hoover Gail Wood Candice GuascoDahnja Straub Short School Day Jenny James

Class out at 11:50 Anne Rohrs

Sara Deitrick Ramona Herrera Cathy Hamilton Nallibe Escamilla Richard Chan Jennifer WippertPaul McKenna Gaye Kendrick Susie Perry-Garcia James Kuehn

Kaela Felkins Shena Scheidt Meisa Jones Aimee Lute Yun Huang Kimberly Cavagna- Crystal AshcraftRebecca Ward Kayte Taylor Donna Thomson Jackie Sichel Soto Tiffany Deas

Sherie HurdJeanna RushlowCarol Worden

Nadine Brown Asia Goins Megan Manzanares Joann LassakPamela Geiger Pat PalmerstonElisa MooreJennifer Ruiz Module Ends

Colleen Cox Christina Purdy Margareta James Asaro Carissa Gibson Jennifer PuthuffFawn Mattos Campbell Megan Van ReesBryanne Tockey

School Closed Student Vacation Week

Kortney Gardner Jennifer Gary Gibbons Bordeau

Sean Elliott Mercedes Corell Mercedes Carretero James Dixon Joanne Jannsen Josephine Richard GregoireAnnie Zuffo Angela Lee Stacy De Lope Jennifer Mariani Maldonado Breanna Guadagni

Theresa McNeil Marco Peralta Amy JoeSarah Skinner Randy Schmitt Erin SanfilippoModule Begins Lynne Talafili

Manuel Mariscal-M Gina Audiss Melissa Sponable Kayla George Belinda Allison Daniel SevillaDeja MacIntyre Jason SignsShort School Day Aaron WrightClass out at 11:50

Jennifer Krikac Delia Gaitan Tobias Baltimore Richard BorgLewis Kimble Greg Clark Trina SmithDonna Cherie Amber Henry Kupcik Erin Reed

REMEMBER TO CHECK THE FINANCIAL AID BULLETIN BOARD!(Located outside the Student Lounge)

If your name is posted, please come by the Financial Aid Department.

HAPPYBIRTHDAYTO ...

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YADNUS YADNOM YADSEUT YADSENDEW YADSRUHT YADIRF YADRUTAS

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

01 11 21 31 41 51 61

71 81 91 02 12 22 32

42 52 62 72 82 92 03

13

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 01 11 21 31

41 51 61 71 81 91 02

12 22 32 42 52 62 72

82 92 03

Kara Hartmann Ernesto Perez

Tong Vang Jerry Griffith Ana Gonzalez Meagan Buchan Rob GeidlKara Stone

Janelle Harrison Sunny Grechko Donna Avana Norma Gutierrez Violet BloomfieldLillian Speckhals Andrew Gutmann Lisa Meiswinkel Cecilia Duncan

Elizabeth Castillo Patricia SpaethRobert Claire Module Ends

Rebecca Barragan Tim Brady Jessica Ahern Laura Adlard Matthew Santos Christina Killinger Michelle KennedyVerena Nardi Erica Carpenter Barbara Brady Jennifer Alton Maria TrancosoScott Werlich Victor Guerrero

Student Vacation Week

Mario Torres Leann Biancalana Eva Sauler Cheryl Brady Victoria Margaret Lee Mickey FernandezMichelle Carroll Missy Daini Haubenstein Luz MarrufoCarolyn Romero Nicole Medina Anna Prado Halloween Party AngelaModule Begins Hilary Wakelee 2:30 – Student McCullough

Lounge

Christina CazemMayra EstupinanBrad HindleyMaria (Angie) Mendoza

Seema Bhangoo Stephanie Abba Maria Romero Jenae LalanneChris Denison Michael Snode Daniel LaneMary McNultyJennifer Picchi Short School Day

Class out at 11:50

Eric Lane Jessica Hollings- Kara Lane Sherrie Kantock Andy Lloyd Edner EloiKathy Vetter worth Shirley Johnson

Jeanne Sharkus Reynaldo Rodriguez

Robert InnesRene Peirano Sondra Carlstedt Amanda McCarthy Emily Shiraishi Yolanda Carretero Jane GarciaJill Ryan-Jacob Charles Shaw Shanna Zepeda Steve Comins Joshua RoybalLisa Shelton Mua Thao Michelle JohnsonHeather Todd Jasmine Tuchfarber Saverio Quattrocchi

Jordan AtkinsonLeilani Baca Michelle Wilder Sheri Eachus Gregg Elliff Maria Hernandez WarrenIngrid Mills James Robinson School Closed School Closed LetchworthWendy Rangel Joe RosenDavid Welter Student Vacation Week

COMING UP IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY:Carol Brown Friday, Dec. 3 Module EndsJerry Riley Monday, Dec. 6 Module BeginsJessica Walker-Fess Thursday, Dec. 16 Short School Day (Classes out at 11:50 a.m.)Scott Wilcox Dec. 20-Dec. 31 Students’ Holiday Vacation

Monday, Jan. 3 Classes Resume

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New Art Exhibit at Empire CollegeEvery six months Empire College is very fortunate to have an ongoing rotation ofart on campus. A new exhibit, which will be installed during the middle ofAugust, will be the 10th Rotation and the 5th Anniversary of rotating exhibits atEmpire College. The new paintings will be by Lauri Luck, a fairly new artist to

Sonoma County.Since March 2004, we have enjoyed the work of Marg

Starbuck whose one-person exhibitions have also been ondisplay at Next Level Communications, the HeroldMahoney Library at Santa Rosa Junior College’s PetalumaCampus, the Cultural Arts Council of Sonoma County,and a variety of galleries throughout California.

Through her poem, Marg reminds us that art is a verypersonal, and sometimes emotional, experience for artistand viewer.

Painting’s about confronting and confoundingoneself and then not judging.

It’s about recognizing that paintingand painter are one.

It’s about getting lost and staying therewhile being present all the time.

It’s about breathing in and breathingout, not thinking.

It’s about learning to trust andallowing. ~ Marg Starbuck 2004 •

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Lauri Luck, a fairly newartist to Sonoma County,is the solo artist for the10th Rotation and 5thAnniversary of rotatingexhibits at EmpireCollege.

Loan Rates Drop to All-Time LowLoan Rates Drop to All-Time LowLoan Rates Drop to All-Time LowLoan Rates Drop to All-Time LowLoan Rates Drop to All-Time LowFinancial Aid CornerEffective July 1, 2004, interest rates on Federal Stafford and Parent Loans for Studentsare at an all-time low (2.77%)...there has never been a better time to go to college!

Cal Grant AwardsCal Grant AwardsCal Grant AwardsCal Grant AwardsCal Grant AwardsCongratulations to all students who received a Cal Grant Award. Cal Grants are stategrants awarded to eligible students each year. There is a very small window of time toapply for a Cal Grant (January 1 to March 2 each year). The number of awards hasbeen dropping each year, so those of you who have been awarded a Cal Grant shouldbe honored to have been offered one.

Jennifer Krikac Awarded Rotary ScholarshipJennifer Krikac Awarded Rotary ScholarshipJennifer Krikac Awarded Rotary ScholarshipJennifer Krikac Awarded Rotary ScholarshipJennifer Krikac Awarded Rotary ScholarshipJennifer Krikac, who is majoring in the Administrative Assistant program, was awarded a $500 vocational scholarshipfrom the Valley of the Moon Rotary Club. The award was based on grades, financial need, an essay, and a letter ofrecommendation. Jennifer appreciated the help of two of her instructors, Ingle Peterson who helped fine-tune her essayand Jeanne Browne who wrote Jennifer a letter of recommendation. Jennifer says she chose Empire’s office administra-tion program because she would not be limited to any one field and it would provide core skills to which she can addother specialties later. Congratulations, Jennifer!

Dean’Dean’Dean’Dean’Dean’s and ROP Scholarships As and ROP Scholarships As and ROP Scholarships As and ROP Scholarships As and ROP Scholarships Awarded to High School Seniorswarded to High School Seniorswarded to High School Seniorswarded to High School Seniorswarded to High School SeniorsCongratulations to three 2004 high school graduates who were recipients of Empire’s Dean’s and ROP Scholarships.

Katie Faye Dixon, a Willits High School graduate, will begin her Tourism, Hospitality, and Wine Industries programin October. Kaitlyn Williams, who graduated from Montgomery High School, will major in the Computer SupportSpecialist program beginning in September. Each received a $1500 scholarship.

The ROP Scholarship was awarded to Luke Bennett of Healdsburg High School and his instructor, Ron Pagano.Each received a $200 award. •

Paul received his AA inInformation Technology(Microsoft Concentration)from Empire College, and hasnumerous certifications: A+,Net+, Security+, MCP, MCSA,and MCSE.

Prior to coming to Empire,Paul served in the US Air Forceat the Satellite Control Facilityin Sunnyvale. Trained as aninstru-mentation mechanic, hehas 19 years of experience as atechnician and test engineer inhigh technology manufactur-ing. •

New IT Faculty(continued)

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Students listed below have achieved President’s or Dean’s Honors as of July 30, 2004. Those who have finished their firstfour modules (five months of school) are denoted with a ☺ and will receive an Honors Pin and Letter of Recognition.Students who are on the Honor Roll after more than four modules are denoted with a .PRESIDENT’S HONORS: 3.85-4.0 cumulative GPA & no Incomplete or F grades DEAN’S HONORS: 3.45-3.84 cumulative GPA, no I or F grades

President’President’President’President’President’s Honorss Honorss Honorss Honorss HonorsNuryani Abdul-Hamid

Laura Adlard Yolanda Andrade Jarrad Barone Kim BarteeMelissa BasilioViolet Bloomfield Richard BorgTaffi BosancoAdam Brabec Cheryl Brady Becky BroadheadRobert BrooksNadine Brown ☺Meagan Buchan ☺Michelle BuchignaniBobby BurnsRenee BurrPam BurrisColleen Butler Adam Camacho Michelle CarrollDevon CastorRichard Chan ☺Mara Ciencia Robert Claire ☺Serena Codiroli Steve Comins Robert Couts Louise DavisTerry Denton Fiyori Desta Randy Dodson Shirley Drexler ☺Michael Elola Rhodora Evanoff Allison Ferrari Carol Furbush Claudia Gaona Jane GarciaKayla GeorgeVivian Goodwin Bhavna Govind Sarah Graddy Breanna GuadagniAndrea GuruleRobert Haas Ann Hargens Amber Herrera ☺

Ilamae Hickey Katrina Hoch Jamie Holmes Melinda Holt James Hopkins Margery Hoppner Matthew JoinerHeather Jones Zina Keeran Gaye Kendrick ☺James Kuehn Jean Kuo Stephanie Lankhorst Joann Lassak Angela Lee Loretta Lee Cheryl Louise Phoua Ly Melissa Malsom Manuel Mariscal-M Luz MarrufoChristina Maynarich Cynthia McCunePaul McKennaMichael McMann Curtis Meyer ☺Debra MurrayTim OlsonKarina Orndorff ☺Jennifer Oswald ☺Donna PanettaRussell Peloquin Jill PorterfieldWendy Powell Christina PurdyJennifer Puthuff Diane Ramirez ☺Laurie Ramirez Wendy Rangel Frances Reilly Curt Riberdy Pam RiceJoel RidleyJim Roatch Carolyn RomeroShastina RubleAaron RuizMatthew Santos Ian ScottDaniel Sevilla

Dao SisouvanhNora Songster Lorena Sotelo Josh Speas Melissa Sponable Melissa Spoon Virgil TeagueMarie Thompson Roger Thompson ☺Sarah ThompsonJenell Tillett Nicolas Toupin Jasmine TuchfarberCheryl TurnerMegan Van ReesSara VanderbeekLaura Villarreal Jenae Wallahan Frank Warren ☺Richard Weinig Raymond Wigger Michelle WilderDonna WilliamsJennifer WippertFaith WolfsongBarbara Wood Gail Wood Aaron WrightDebra Zahn Annie Zuffo

Dean’Dean’Dean’Dean’Dean’s Honorss Honorss Honorss Honorss HonorsDorothy Albritton ☺Jordan Atkinson ☺Yessenia AvalosJessica Bobus Jennifer BourdeauChristie BrosnanJan Brown Lindsay Carroll Brianne CasebeerLisa Cervantes Ashly Coe ☺Sharon Conrotto Martha CrosatSuzanne D’Ambrogi Elena DabbasHeather Dacquisto Chrissy Eck ☺Tina Evart

Carissa Gibson Richard Gobeille ☺Martha Gutierrez Norma GutierrezSandra Gylfe Kathleen HallMaria Hernandez Jesse Hiben Jessica Hollingsworth Leilani HunterEarl IddingsLinda JacobusMichelle Johnson Shirley Johnson ☺Steve Jones Bertha Kinzer Sherrilyn Kozisek Eric LaneBeka Lowrey-Evans John Maguire Megan Manzanares ☺Jennifer Mariani Amanda McCarthy Amanda McLeodMary McNulty Gregory Morris Alexandra Morrow Banza-Adelar Muyakana Verena NardiLaura NunezKathy Nusair Imelda Onza Phear Ouk Sandra Padilla Beverlee Perrine Daniel Potter Juan RamirezShalee Rodrigues Shane RonayneJoshua RoybalNicole SalazarVikki Samuels ☺Eva Sauler Laurie Seale Marilyn Stornetta Lucerito Tapia Cris TikfesiBryanne Tockey Tong VangRaili Waataja

EmpireCollegeHonor

Jessica Walker-FessMorgan Wells Daniel Wilson Karolyn Zastrow Shanna Zepeda

EMPIRE COLLEGE3035 Cleveland Ave.Santa Rosa, CA 95403Tel: 707 546 4000Fax: 707 546 4058shurd@empcol.edu

www.empcol.eduwww.empcol.eduwww.empcol.eduwww.empcol.eduwww.empcol.edu

In this issue...Law and Business Schools’ Graduation Highlights _____________________________ pages 2, 8

Hospitality Students Plan September 10 Fundraiser for Valley of the MoonChildren’s Foundation ______________________________________________________ page 7

Job Placement News __________________________________________________ pages 1, 4, 5

Empire College School of Law Ranked #2 in State ________________________________ page 3

Medical Students Attain Clinical Skills Certifications/Sit for CMAA Certification Exam __ page 10

New Department Heads and Faculty Members _________________________ pages 3, 6, 10, 11

IT Alumnus Starts Local ISP _________________________________________________ page 9

Paralegal Students Visit Courthouse/Attain Externships ___________________________ page 11

Oregon Accounting Grad Shares Feedback on Job as CountyDeputy Tax Collector/Treasurer ______________________________________________ page 9

Empire Students Out-perform Others on IT Certification Exams ____________________ page 6 •

Above: Empire ’sHospitality/TourismDepartment will host aSeptember 10 fundraiser

benefitting Valley ofthe Moon Child-ren’s Foundation.