The Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance will be displayed on campus November 5-8.

Cypress College's Veterans Resource Center and the Cypress College Veterans Organization are hosting a display of a wall honoring the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the military personnel killed in the subsequent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Display of the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance will begin at 8 a.m. on November 5 and close at sundown on November 8.

The 6-foot-tall, 94-foot-long wall was designed and built by Vision2Victory, an Orange County-based non-profit whose mission is to fulfill the wishes of combat-wounded veterans.

"It's the simple acts of kindness — like picking up the check, paying a bill, dropping off food at night, cheering them on to a goal or just lending a shoulder — that makes it all worth it," the Vision2Victory website says of the group's mission. "We believe in America and the ability we have to care for our own."

One side of the wall is a full listing of the names of 9/11 victims and of those who lost their lives in the Global War on Terror.

The other side depicts a timeline of the Global War on Terror, beginning with the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marines barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, which resulted in the death of 241 Americans.

The wall is capped at each end with towers depicting the World Trade Center. Interactive screens help visitors find names on the wall and retrieve information about the heroes listed on it.

It was unveiled on September 11, 2011, at JT Schmid's, a restaurant near one of the entrances to Angel Stadium. That evening, the Halos were hosting the New York Yankees.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

Cypress College's 2012 Annual Safety and Security Report is available online at http://www.cypresscollege.edu/Media/Website%20Resources/PDFs/campusSafety/2012-Annual-Safety-and-Security-Report.pdf. This report complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.

You can also browse the report through the flipbook below.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

We live in "Earthquake Country" and experts warn that "the Big One" is coming. Recognizing those realities, on Thursday, Cypress College will be participating in The Great California ShakeOut

More than 9.2 million people across the state are participating in the event, which takes place on October 18, 2012 at 10:18 a.m. The number of participants makes it the largest drill ever.

The drill will begin promptly at 10:18 a.m. without the sounding of any alarms. A video, produced by ShakeOut organizers will be shown as a synchronized broadcast across campus via the website. This six-minute presentation talks about what to do during an earthquake. We have added some specific campus information.

Following the video, the college will conduct a full evacuation.

Students are asked to follow the instructions of emergency responders who will direct you to the safest location. Always go to the Assembly Point first. The Evacuation Zones are utilized only if the situation requires. Emergency responders will request that people move if it is necessary.

"It is also important to note that while we have tools available and staff trained, we will not be evacuating students with special mobility needs who are located on the upper floors of buildings," said Karen Cant, Vice President of Administrative Services. "This decision is made to diminish the unnecessary risk of injury."

Participation in this drill is not optional, Cant said.

While legislation, including the federal Clery Act, compels Cypress College to conduct emergency drills on a regular basis, the college believes that full and earnest participation helps ensure the safety of our students and employees.

Additional information, instructions, and the video are all on the Cypress College drill web page.

On Thursday, 10/18 at 10:18, Cypress College will broadcast The Great California ShakeOut drill on the campus Ustream channel (embedded above). Playing this video stream at that time will allow participation in the sychronized event. A preview of the video is available on YouTube.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

With The Great California ShakeOut taking place on Thursday, now is the ideal time to sign up for text alert notifications from Cypress College.

Text messaging is expected to be a primary notification tool in the event of a rapidly developing emergency situation at the college.

Students are encouraged to utilize MyGateway to update their personal information and to "opt in" for text alert messaging in the event of an emergency. Students must complete the following steps to receive these text notifications because regulations prevent the college from automatically subscribing people.

We highly encourage our students to "opt in" to receive text alert messages.

To do so, follow these steps to enroll:

1. Sign into MyGateway.
2. Go to the "Personal Information" channel under the "Student" tab.
3. Click on the item "Set Text Message Alert Preferences."
4. When clicking on "Set Text Message Alert Preferences," the next screen will allow you to enter your cell phone information, the cellular service provider, the level of messages you wish to receive and the campus or campuses you want to be notified about.
5. After entering your information, click on the "Submit" button.

During the past couple of years, our experience has also proven Twitter to be a reliable method of emergency communication. In addition to asking you to sign up for text messages, you may also want to sign up to follow the college on Twitter. You can do so by visiting http://twitter.com/CypressCollege and clicking on the "follow" button. This outside service provides an extra communication channel in the event that the college's systems are unavailable.

Thank you!

Posted by Marc S. Posner

A Transfer Fair will be held today, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., behind the student center near the pond.

A variety of universities will be represented.

The college also welcomes representatives from Cal State Dominguez Hills and Chapman University today. There will be a University of California application workshop this evening.

You can learn more about the Transfer Center, their events, and their services in their section of the website.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

Watch the ceremony honoring Cypress College's newly tenured faculty.

On Monday, October 8, 2012, Cypress College hosted a reception for newly tenured faculty. Congratulations to Nancy Corrales, Sarah Jaffray, Elizabeth-Ann Pacheco, Parwinder Sidhu, and Carlos Urquidi. New manager Marla McBride was also introduced at the reception.

Read the biographies and view portraits of Cypress College's newly tenured faculty.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

Cypress College is participating with at least 8.6 million other Californians, in the ShakeOut drill, which takes place at 10:18 a.m. on 10/18.

The number of participants makes this the largest earthquake drill ever. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for individuals, the campus and the surrounding community.

As part of the drill, a campus-specific video will be broadcast across the college. The drill will then conclude with a campus-wide evacuation.

Additional information, instructions, and the video are all on the Cypress College drill web page.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

The Orange County District Attorney's Office is reviewing potential criminal charges against a suspect apprehended by Campus Safety officers who were investigating a series of stolen bicycles.

The suspect was being observed by members of the Campus Safety Department, who were following up on evidence obtained following a recent bike theft. The evidence includes quality video footage.

While Campus Safety employees continue their proactive prevention work, students are reminded to properly secure their bicycles in approved parking racks.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

The Associated Students host a blood drive tomorrow and Thursday (October 3 and 4), from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day. The drive, held in conjunction with Cedars-Sinai, will be held in the Student Activities Center, located adjacent to the pond.

Be the Match, the national marrow registry will also participate in the event.

To donate blood, you must be in good health, be at least 18 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and not have any new tattoos in the past year. Donors should also drink plenty of water and eat a good meal before their blood is drawn.

All donors will receive their choice of a t-shirt or a coupon for a pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

Appointments are available by calling (714) 484-7199, and walk-ins are welcome.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

The final information meeting for next semester's Study Abroad Program in Rome is scheduled for Thursday (October 4), from 7-8:30 p.m., in CCCPLX-419.

Students enrolled in the spring 2013 program will earn 12 units of transferable college credit while living and studying in the center of Rome. The program also includes visits to museums, cultural events, and field trips.

To participate, students must have 12 units of college-level work completed, including English 100, or the equivalent, with a grade of "C" or better, an overall GPA of at least 2.5, and be 18 years of age at the start of the spring semester.

Posted by Marc S. Posner

Kathy Godshalk in a 2007 photograph with her Outstanding Faculty Award just prior to the college's commencement ceremony.

We learned sad news today that Kathy Godshalk, Cypress College's 2007 Outstanding Faculty Award recipient, passed away yesterday afternoon as her family and pastor prayed. A member of the Math Department faculty for the past 15 years, Kathy was diagnosed with cancer in 2011.

"It overwhelms me to know that a single person just going about her day to day life could have such a profound effect on so many people," Kathy's husband Ron wrote. "Overwhelming but not surprising to anyone who knows her. It was an honor to share so much of her too short life with her."

Cypress College President Bob Simpson shared these thoughts:

We have lost one of our dearest family members, one who embodied in every way the spirit of Cypress College. It was my privilege to have known Kathy for over 20 years. During that time, I never heard a cross or disparaging word from her. Her smile brightened every event. She lived her life in accord with the highest personal and professional standards, a true role model for us all. Kathy's commitment to the College and to her students was surpassed only by her commitment to her family and to her faith.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, and to her dear friends in the SEM Division.

Richard Fee, Kathy's dean in the Science, Engineering and Mathematics Division, described her as "the sweetest person I had ever met." He continued:

A "no" from her was kinder and gentler than most people's "yeses." Students who did not pass her class were more upset about letting her down that about failing the class. Kathy was the embodiment of grace and compassion.

Kathy and I would talk about our families. Whatever stage I was going through with my children, Kathy would remind me to treasure it, because time is so short and every moment is precious. That is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Our hearts are broken at her passing.

Kathy came to Cypress College after having worked as a software engineer for Hughes Aircraft (where she met Ron). She then took a sabbatical to raise their two children, before embarking on a teaching career.

At Cypress College, she served on the Honors Committee, was a member of the Academic Senate, worked on curriculum development, and was a regular contributor to the Cypress College Foundation's "Pull for Cypress" campaign. For the college's First Women's Recognition Month Luncheon, in March 2011, she was a nominee in five award categories: "Most Supportive," "Most Supportive of Student Success," "Most Influential," "Outstanding Women Who Goes Above and Beyond," and "Woman Athlete of the Year."

Kathy earned her bachelor's of arts degree in mathematics from California State University, Long Beach. She holds two master's degrees, one in computer engineering from University of Southern California, and the other in mathematics form California State University, Long Beach.

When interviewed on the occasion of earning tenure in 2001, Kathy noted her active involvement with church, community and her family's favorite activities. She included among her favorite activities traveling, reading and eating.

You can share your thoughts and memories of Kathy on the Cypress College Facebook Page

Posted by Marc S. Posner

A flu shot is given to Richard Fee, Cypress College's Dean of Science, Engineering and Mathematics.

It's the final day of the Flu Shot Clinic. The event takes place from 1-3 p.m. today, as students from the Health Sciences Prgrams will be out on campus again with instructors providing flu shots.

The shots will also be available in the Health Center, which is located on the first floor of Gym 2.

Shots are free for students, and $10 for staff (cash or check only). They are available on a first-come, first-served basis while the supply of shots lasts.

The Health Center can be reached at: (714) 484-7361.

Posted by Marc S. Posner