Pierce College News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts: Nancy Butterfield, (253) 964-7331 or nbutterfield@pierce.ctc.edu;
Dale Stowell, (253) 964-6780 or dstowell@pierce.ctc.edu

The Dental Hygiene Program at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is offering treatment for adult patients who haven’t had their teeth cleaned in several years, and who may have periodontal disease.

Second-year students in the Associate in Dental Hygiene Program offer gentle, quality cleaning, X-rays, and other care at fees dramatically lower than those of other dental care providers, according to Sharon Golightly, Ed.D., the program’s director.

Potential patients who contact the program are given a free screening appointment to determine their suitability for treatment. Once accepted for treatment, patients will have their teeth cleaned and may receive other appropriate services such as X-rays, fluoride treatments or small fillings on selected patients. Patients with sensitive teeth and/or gums may be given a local anesthetic.

Dr. Golightly emphasizes the importance of dental health in maintaining overall well being, pointing to recent studies that have found a connection between periodontal inflammation and heart disease. “The cleaner the mouth, the healthier the person,” she said.

The program works with area dentists and clinics to make referrals for further treatment, and X-rays can be sent with the patient. Dental insurance and Medicaid coupons are accepted. For a free screening appointment call (253) 964-6694. For additional information about the Associate in Dental Hygiene Program, visit http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/programs/programlist/dent.php3.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts: Nancy Butterfield, (253) 964-7331 or nbutterfield@pierce.ctc.edu;
Dale Stowell, (253) 964-6780 or dstowell@pierce.ctc.edu

Jazz/blues guitar phenomenon Michael Powers will perform at Jazz & Dinner Night at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in the College Center Building at Pierce College Puyallup.

Tickets are $8 student, $10 general and $15 per couple for the event, which includes dinner. Tickets may be purchased in Room C210 at Pierce College Puyallup, 1601 39th Ave. S.E., or by calling (253) 840-8416.

Powers is a local star in the guitar world, drawing his influence from all types of music genres, including jazz, rock, blues, R&B, and Top 40–anything that features the “guitar as a solo voice.” Powers has shared billings with piano giant Herbie Hancock, the legendary Ray Charles, Afro-pop star Sunny Ade, Grammy Award winning vocalist Diane Schuur, R&B greats Gladys Knight and the Pips, and more.

Powers acknowledges that his music is difficult to categorize, saying “although it usually ends up in the jazz record bins, if I had to put a label on it, I would call it contemporary instrumental music. It’s a sound rooted in the jazz tradition that keeps pace stylistically with pop, R&B and blues, with blues being at the core of my inspiration.”

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Support Services Office at least 10 days in advance at (253) 964-6468/V; (253) 964-6228/TTY; or dssaccess@pierce.ctc.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts: Nancy Butterfield, (253) 964-7331 or nbutterfield@pierce.ctc.edu;
Dale Stowell, (253) 964-6780 or dstowell@pierce.ctc.edu

If you enjoy the creative work of budding film students, and “free” sounds like a good admission price, the Five-Minute Winter Film Festival at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is the event for you.

The festival, featuring students’ five-minute films, is at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, in the Pierce College Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is at 9401 Farwest Drive S.W., Lakewood.

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Support Services Office at least 10 days in advance at (253) 964-6468/V; (253) 964-6228/TTY; or dssaccess@pierce.ctc.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts: Nancy Butterfield, (253) 964-7331 or nbutterfield@pierce.ctc.edu;
Dale Stowell, (253) 964-6780 or dstowell@pierce.ctc.edu

Audiences will be treated to memorable musical theater this month as the Pierce College Theatre presents “Forever Plaid.” Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 18, 19, 25, 26, and 10 a.m. Feb. 23 and 24. Admission is $7 general and $2 student. A special dinner theater will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 and 25 at a cost of $30. Call (253) 964-6710 for reservations.

One of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory, this deliciously goofy revue centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. The production will feature theater instructor Fred Metzger as the stage director, with musical director Ken Olendorf.

The “Plaids” are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the ’50s.

All performances will be in the Pierce College Theatre at Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood.

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Support Services Office at least 10 days in advance at (253) 964-6468/V; (253) 964-6228/TTY; or dssaccess@pierce.ctc.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts: Nancy Butterfield, (253) 964-7331 or nbutterfield@pierce.ctc.edu;
Dale Stowell, (253) 964-6780 or dstowell@pierce.ctc.edu

The Pierce College Library has been named the best community college library in the nation by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).

The ACRL has honored the Pierce College Library with a 2005 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award, which recognizes the staff of a community college, college, and university library for programs that deliver exemplary services and resources to further the educational mission of the institution.

The Pierce College Library, winner in the community college category, was recognized for being a national leader in outcomes assessment focused on student learning. The Pierce College Library, following the service model “one library in two places,” is at both the Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup colleges.

“Pierce College librarians and staff work as a team with faculty in achieving the five core abilities of a Pierce education, particularly information literacy which enables students to achieve personal, academic and workplace goals,” said Helen Spalding, chair of the 2005 Excellence in Academic Libraries Selection Committee. “Pierce College Library is the only community college library in the nation to support an INTEL Computer Clubhouse, by leading an innovative collaboration with the local school district and city government to provide Computer Clubhouse members, age 10-18, with an opportunity to explore their creativity and learn how to learn.”

Pierce’s five core abilities are critical thinking and problem solving, effective communication, information competency, multiculturalism, and responsibility.

Debra Gilchrist, Pierce’s dean of library and media services, said that a number of years ago the Pierce library shifted its focus from being a service library to being a teaching library. The library has fostered creative practices by its faculty and staff, developed strong relationships through community involvement, and implemented programs that can be modeled on a national level.

“We are proud of the commitment our library faculty and staff have made to supporting quality instruction across the curriculum and for their special talents in promoting information competency,” said Michele Johnson, president of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. “They are a wonderful team of professionals led by an exemplary leader, Deb Gilchrist, who sets the vision and inspires others to reach our outcomes.”

Pierce College District Chancellor Steve Wall said, “The approach of Deb Gilchrist and the rest of the library faculty and staff to ensure that our library is a teaching library and is fully integrated into our instructional programs has been a very important accomplishment.”

This year’s other recipients are the Mount Holyoke College Library, South Hadley, Mass.; and the University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va. Each winning library will receive $3,000 and a plaque, to be presented at an award ceremony held on each recipient’s campus. The winners also will receive special recognition at the ACRL President’s Program during the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference on June 27 in Chicago.

ACRL is a division of the American Library Association, representing 12,000 academic and research librarians and interested individuals. Its initiatives enable the higher education community to understand the role that academic libraries play in the teaching, learning and research environments.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts: Nancy Butterfield, (253) 964-7331 or nbutterfield@pierce.ctc.edu;
Dale Stowell, (253) 964-6780 or dstowell@pierce.ctc.edu

Solo artist Todd Green will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in the Performance Lounge at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. General admission is $5 at the door, and students are admitted free.

Todd Green is a uniquely gifted multi-instrumental solo artist who performs nationally in the fine arts, college and club venues. His original music is an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, new age and world music. He performs solo guitar pieces in many different styles, and uses digital samplers to record and overdub himself live on stage, in effect becoming a one-man orchestra of exotic instruments from all over the world.

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is at 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood. Green’s appearance is part of Pierce Presents, the artists and speakers series sponsored by Pierce Student Programs, The News Tribune and KPLU 88.5 FM.

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Support Services Office at least 10 days in advance at (253) 964-6468/V; (253) 964-6228/TTY; or dssaccess@pierce.ctc.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts: Nancy Butterfield, (253) 964-7331 or nbutterfield@pierce.ctc.edu;
Dale Stowell, (253) 964-6780 or dstowell@pierce.ctc.edu

Two free public performances will commemorate Black History Month at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Feb. 8 and 15.

“Let Freedom Ring,” a powerful one-man performance by Greenfair “Brother” Moses III, will depict the life and times of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in the Performance Lounge.

The Total Experience Gospel Choir will present a concert at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15 in the Performance Lounge.

For information call Tyler Jennings, (253) 964-6255. Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is at 9401 Farwest Drive S.W., Lakewood.

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Support Services at (253) 964-6468/V; (253) 964-6228/TTY; or dssaccess@pierce.ctc.edu.