Expanded Career Services HoursCareer Services is now available in the evenings

from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. twice a month. Tentativedates for 2010 are:

February 3, 4, 24, 25March 17, 18April 14, 15

May 5, 6, 26, 27June 16, 17July 14, 15

August 4, 5, 25, 26September 22, 23

October 27, 28November 17, 18

December 8, 9

WE GOT THE JOB!Accounting and BookkeepingAccounting and BookkeepingAccounting and BookkeepingAccounting and BookkeepingAccounting and Bookkeeping

Stephanie Abbott is a fraud investigator withSmith, Dollar PC, Attorneys at Law.

2007 graduate Rusty Canevari is now an inven-tory specialist for Deposition Sciences, Inc.

Shirley Cromwell is employed with TurinNetworks as a bookkeeper assistant.

Marnie Esparza is an assistant pension planadministrator for Jordan & Associates RetirementServices.

OOOOOCTOBERCTOBERCTOBERCTOBERCTOBER—————David works nights and somehow

juggles his schedule to help the students and staff

at Empire College, earning him the title of

“Go-To Guy” for IT instructors. His attitude

alone will be an asset to any organization. David is

always willing to learn and help out as needed. He

is a great team player who always excels in class.

NNNNNOOOOOVEMBERVEMBERVEMBERVEMBERVEMBER—————Traci is positive, helpful and friendly

to her classmates and often acts as a tutor for her

accounting classes. She can be counted on to inspire

classroom questions followed by problem solving

suggestions. She is not afraid to express new and

unique insights into common accounting issues. Traci

is the current president of the Institute of Manage-

ment Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter and has

organized and delivered fund raisers as well as

general meetings with speakers for the IMA student

members. She is a much respected accounting

professional. •

The Student of the

Month Award

recognizes outstand-

ing achievement in

five categories: attitude, attendance, grades,

participation, and significant accomplishments.The Student of the Month’s photograph is added

to the “Wall of Fame,” and he/she receives a recogni-tion letter and certificate from the President of theCollege. In addition, a parking space is reserved for

the student during the month of the award.

SSSSSEPTEMBEREPTEMBEREPTEMBEREPTEMBEREPTEMBER—————Carlene is capable of simultaneously

managing multiple responsibilities and has a “can-

do” attitude. She is fun and intelligent and has a way

of helping others that empowers them to feel just as

capable. Her gentle spirit brings out the best in

others, and she is great to have as a coworker on team

projects. She follows through her commitments, and

her classmates know that they can depend on her. In

addition, Carlene is able to visualize the big picture,

knows what tasks need to be done, and gets them

done in a timely fashion.

Empire Writes Back

Job News Continued... Page 4

Leading the Leading the Leading the Leading the Leading the WWWWWay ...ay ...ay ...ay ...ay ...SSSSStudents of the Mtudents of the Mtudents of the Mtudents of the Mtudents of the MonthonthonthonthonthCarlene Verierre, David Nichols andTraci Gray

The

EMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGE3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403TTTTTel: 707.546.4000el: 707.546.4000el: 707.546.4000el: 707.546.4000el: 707.546.4000Fax: 707.546.4058Fax: 707.546.4058Fax: 707.546.4058Fax: 707.546.4058Fax: 707.546.4058shurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.eduwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.empcol.edu.empcol.edu.empcol.edu.empcol.edu.empcol.edu

Volume 9, Issue 4, Fall 2009

Clockwise from top left:Clockwise from top left:Clockwise from top left:Clockwise from top left:Clockwise from top left:

CCCCCarlene arlene arlene arlene arlene VVVVVerierrerierrerierrerierrerierre, De, De, De, De, Davidavidavidavidavid

NNNNNichols and ichols and ichols and ichols and ichols and TTTTTraci Graci Graci Graci Graci Grayrayrayrayray

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Introductory Classes and Spring Semester Begin January 4The Law School will have a new start with introductory classes Legal Research and Writing, and Introduction to

Law starting Monday, January 4.

Law Students Recognized at SCBA Pro Bono Award LuncheonYolanda Solano and Kristina Guth, fourth-year law students at Empire College

School of Law, were honored at the annual Sonoma County Bar Association’s ProBono Awards Luncheon held on November 20, 2009. They were recognized fortheir dedication and compassion in providing free legal assistance to the citizens of theRedwood Empire at the Elder Law Clinic and Disability Services and Legal Center.

In 2000 Professor Barry Adams established the Elder Law Clinic at EmpireCollege School of Law. Since her third year of law school, fourth-year law studentYolanda Solano has volunteered to assist senior citizens in the Elder Law Clinic. Shehas helped many people with legal issues concerning wills, trusts, health care, estateplanning, financial matters, landlord tenant issues, and a variety of other subjects.Professor Adams has been impressed with Yolanda’s compassion and desire tocomfort and guide her clients. Congratulations to Yolanda!

In 2001 Empire College School of Law established a Disability Law Clinic incollaboration with Disability Services and Legal Center. Under the guidance ofProfessor Adam Brown law students have the opportunity to present cases on behalfof clients with disabilities. Kristina Guth was successful in arguing an issue concern-ing unemployment benefits before a Federal Administrative Law Judge.Congratulations, Kristina!

Fall Awards CeremonyCongratulations to the following students who were recognized for academic achievement at the Fall Awards

Ceremony.

Dean’s ScholarshipSteven Brown (Class of 2009)Kirk Gorman (Class of 2009)Jane Gaskell (Class of 2010)·Katherine Kingsley (Class of 2010)Jennifer Wilson (Class of 2010)Heather Wintermeyer (Class of 2010)Ryan Wilber (Class of 2010)Yuvanna Diaz (Class of 2011)

Katherine Thornhill ScholarshipLynnette Brown (Class of 2010)Lori Molden (Class of 2010)Karin Stoeckenius (Class of 2010)Rozann Smith (Class of 2012)

Olga Gracey ScholarshipMacci Morse (Class of 2011)Karen Webb (Class of 2012)

Community Service AwardsElder Law Clinic: Yolanda SolanoDisability Law Clinic: Kayla EgnewImmigration Law Clinic: YolandaSolano

The School of Law IThe School of Law IThe School of Law IThe School of Law IThe School of Law In Bn Bn Bn Bn Brrrrriefiefiefiefief

Yolanda Solano and Kristina Guth

Moot Court RecognitionRachel Elliott (Class of 2009)Rachel McAllister (Class of 2009)Andrew Quinn (Class of 2010)

Environmental Law NegotiationsJane Gaskell (Class of 2010)Sarah Lewers (Class of 2010)

Law ReviewKayla Egnew (Class of 2010)Jenica Melendy (Class of 2010)Andrzej Bednarski (Class of 2011)Michael Knapp (Class of 2011)Gretchen Longshore (Class of 2011)Michael Teply (Class of 2011)Steven Waite (Class of 2011)

Witkin Awards for Academic ExcellenceBusiness Organizations: Maggie Brothers(Class of 2009)Civil Procedure: Michael Teply (Class of2011)Community Property: Renee Paladini(Class of 2011)

Constitutional Law: Jane Gaskell,Karin Stoeckenius (Class of 2010)Contracts: Joann Cleckner andKaren Webb (Class of 2012)Criminal Law: CourtneyMillstone, Emilia Carbajal, andKaren Webb (Class of 2012)Criminal Procedure: MichaelKnapp (Class of 2011)Evidence: Gregory Wilson (Classof 2011)Professional Responsibility: BenKarpilow (Class of 2009),Orchid Vaghti, Kristina Guth,Yann Therene (Class of 2010)Real Property: Gregory Wilson,Michael Knapp (Class of 2011)Remedies: Philip Hatfield (Classof 2009)Torts: Kevin O’Connor andBarrick Arnold (Class of 2012)Wills & Trusts: Kayla Egnew

(Class of 2010)

Law School Continued... Page 5

0000033333

Paralegal Department News

Civil Litigation Class Tours CourthouseOn September 22, the Civil Litigation class toured the Sonoma County courthouse and visited the

courtroom of Honorable Gary Medvigy. Judge Medvigy has worked in Afghanistan and Bosnia to helpcreate courts of law in those countries. The tour gave the students a real sense of what the courts are allabout while listening to Judge Medvigy opened their eyes to the work people are doing all over theworld to try to bring a working system of justice to different societies.

ELSA NewsOn October 2, ELSA (Empire Legal Student Association) hosted their first event, a BINGO Night,

under their new name. The event raised $1,000 for the Family Support Center, a non-profit socialservice agency, supporting children and their families in Sonoma County.

The day students of ELSA elected new officers on October 14 and have begun the process ofcreating the group’s bylaws. The new officers will serve a 6 month term and are as follows: MichelleMorris – President, Nikki Vasquez – 1st Vice President, Erick Beall – 2nd Vice President, Amy Jarvis –Secretary, and Viviana Henao – Treasurer.

The REAP (Redwood Empire Association of Paralegals) Board has voted to create a charter mem-bership for ELSA in their organization. This alliance with REAP is a huge boon to the legal studentswho will benefit from working closely with local paralegals through REAP.

Guest SpeakersRene Makarian, court reporter from Redwood Reporting, came to the day and evening Discovery

classes in September for mock depositions.Martin McOmber from McOmber Law came to the Real Property/Landlord-Tenant class on

October 8 to discuss real property law. The discussion began with a game where students werechallenged to ask Mr. McOmber real property questions to see if they could stump him. It ended withan interesting discussion of a case scenario that involved real property and elder abuse.

Tim Flagerman, a criminal law attorney, came to Empire College to speak to students from the legaldepartment on October 9. He made a second guest appearance on November 6. He spoke about theclients he has defended and what he sees happening in the criminal justice system.

On October 27, Dan McCaskill, PhD. and attorney Tom Wright spoke to students about getting ajob in a law office and what they expect from potential employees.

On November 3, Millie Gilson, Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA),spoke to the Family Law class regarding how the child welfare system operates and about advocating forchildren, particularly children who have been abused in domestic violence situations. Included in thediscussion was what CASA does within the system and how to volunteer as a CASA.

On November 9, Carmen Sinigiani, a litigator who works closely with Josh West and Jack DeMeo ofDeMeo DeMeo & West, came to speak with the evening Civil Litigation class about time management,her experiences attending night school and juggling family and work (she went to Empire Law School),and her current docket at DeMeo DeMeo & West.

Matt Hayashi, a securities paralegal, visited Empire to speak with the legal students on November 10in the evening and November 11 for the day students. He discussed what it’s like to be a corporate lawparalegal.

Family Law attorney Larry Moskowitz, a partner at Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz,spoke with the Family Law class on November 11 regarding what kind of work family law paralegalsand secretaries do in his law firm, particularly in contested dissolution cases.

Legal Students Recognized for Pro Bono WorkThe Legal Department is pleased to announce that one of its recent

graduates from the Paralegal Program, Yolanda Rodriguez, was selected tobe one of the recipients of the Sonoma County Bar Association Pro BonoAwards. This award is given to members of the legal community who areextraordinary volunteers of their time and talents at legal agencies inSonoma County. Yolanda has ten yearsof experience as an advocate for victims

3

BINGO!

Paralegal News Continued... Page 4

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Jacquelyn Mosher is a book-keeper/office assistant for TortugaPress.

Jennifer Thomas is an assistantwith OSH Hardware.

Information TInformation TInformation TInformation TInformation TechnologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnologyJarrad Barone is employed as a

PC technician with Simple OfficeSolutions.

Shawn Sheldon is a networktechnician for PlanIT Solutions.

Iain Tomlinson is working forSummit State Bank as a networktechnician.

Legal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationLegal Office AdministrationJanine Bourdens is an administra-

tive assistant at First CommunityBank.

Clary Garay is an immigrationassistant at the Law Offices of Irma P.Cordova.

Rosalinda Gutierrez and TorahNelson are employed as paralegals forPeter Goldstone, Attorney at Law.

WWWWWEEEEE G G G G GOOOOOTTTTT THETHETHETHETHE J J J J JOBOBOBOBOB!!!!! (continued)(continued)(continued)(continued)(continued)

44444

Lisa Schneider is a legal assistantwith Rowland Chambers.

Medical CareersMedical CareersMedical CareersMedical CareersMedical CareersBarbara Gramlich is an administra-

tive assistant at Santa Rosa MemorialHospital.

Julie Leasure is a patient careadvocate for West County HealthCenters, Inc.

Sara Martin is employed as a clinicalmedical assistant for Jeffrey Stevenson,MD.

Sylvia Rivas is working at NorthBay Eye Associates as a front deskreceptionist.

Kindra Simas has a temporary jobas a medical billing and codingspecialist for Roger Klein, MD.

Diane Stillman is an entry-levelmedical biller for Craig Hartman, DC,CSCS.

Dorothy Vandergoot is a CNA/HHA care manager with SunriseAssisted Living.

April Walling is employed with ASpecial Place as a teacher.

Lynda Wilson is a care provider for

At Your Service Home Care.

Office AdministrationOffice AdministrationOffice AdministrationOffice AdministrationOffice AdministrationCarolyn Paulsen is an

administrative assistant for KenRose, CPA.

Gemma Silva is working forNelson Staffing as an adminis-trative assistant.

Vickie Worden is nowemployed as an administrativeassistant with McLea’s Tire andAutomotive Service.

TTTTTourism/Hospitality/Wourism/Hospitality/Wourism/Hospitality/Wourism/Hospitality/Wourism/Hospitality/WineineineineineJoshua Barnard is a tasting

room associate with Murphy-Goode Winery.

Dominic Cavasso is em-ployed at Sheraton PetalumaHotel as a front desk clerk.

Lynda Mendoza is aconcierge at Mayacama GolfClub and Resort.

Nadene Nelson is a server atHillside Inn. •

Paralegal News (continued)

of domestic violence for the Catholic Immigration Service. While pursuing a degree as a paralegal, Yolanda internedand volunteered at the Small Claims Clinic and assisted clients at Legal Aid of Sonoma County.

In honor of the Sonoma County Bar Association’s Annual Pro Bono Awards Luncheon, the Legal Departmentwould like to recognize the Empire Legal Students who have volunteered at local legal agencies this year:

Michelle Morris – Sonoma Superior Court Family Law Facilitator’s OfficeTeresa Stirewalt – Sonoma Superior Court Family and Civil Courthouse Clerk’s OfficeTisha Jones – Sonoma Superior Court Civil DivisionEmber Hagemann – Sonoma Superior Court Criminal DivisionRosalinda Gutierrez – Sonoma Superior Court Interpreter’s OfficeAnne Marie Todt – Sonoma Superior Court Family Court ServicesLisa Leandro – Sonoma Superior CourtAngelina De La Rosa – Public Defender’s OfficeJulie Humphreys – Public Defender’s OfficeRosa Flores – Small Claims ClinicJanice Webb – Disability Services & Legal CenterAshley Shippey – Legal AidSharon DeBenedetti – Legal AidJonah Shum – Legal AidYolanda Rodriguez – Legal Aid, Small Claims ClinicFarideh Dunford – Legal AidMagdalena Wilcox – Legal Aid, Small Claims Clinic, Sonoma Superior CourtLeslie Winter – Council on AgingKirsten McCarn – Recourse MediationMarco Rincon – San Francisco Bar, Sonoma County Bar, Legal Aid of Sonoma County, Sonoma County Legal Services

Gerie Johnson – Sonoma County Bar Association. •

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Law School (continued)

July 2009 Bar Passers Sworn in to Practice LawCongratulations to Empire College School of Law graduates who passed the July 2009 Bar Examination. On

Monday afternoon, November 23, eight of the twelve successful candidates were sworn in by the Hon. ReneChouteau to practice law in the California Superior Courts, as well as by the Hon. Alan Jaroslovsky to practice law inFederal Court. The successful candidates were:

Beverly Bartels Tammy Dier Kirk GormanRobert Bialkin Rachel Elliott Phillip HatfieldMaggie Brothers Dana Furby Ben Karpilow

Candi Brown Kevin Gingher Paul Kohlmann. •

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On Saturday, October 24, Empire College faculty and staff participated in the Walkto Cure Diabetes. Empire's team was led by Susanne Richards, Empire's Director ofAccounting and Human Resources who has a most personal connection with thedisease that affects millions of children and adults. She was diagnosed with diabeteson December 18, 2008. As a result, besides closely monitoring her diet, she has totest her blood sugar levels six times a day and take insulin every time she eats. Thisequates to 2,190 finger pricks a year and will continue every year for the rest of herlife unless a cure is found.

As you can imagine, this has forever changed her life and is the reason she formedSusanne’s Splendad Supastars in order to do two things; 1) raise money to supportthe research required to find a cure, and 2) to raise awareness of diabetes.

Thank you Empire College faculty, staff, and administration for your support! •

EEEEEmpirmpirmpirmpirmpire faculty and staff pare faculty and staff pare faculty and staff pare faculty and staff pare faculty and staff participate in ticipate in ticipate in ticipate in ticipate in WWWWWalk to Calk to Calk to Calk to Calk to Cururururure De De De De Diabetesiabetesiabetesiabetesiabetes

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“Meet and Greet” provides insight to new studentsIn September accounting students implemented a “Meet & Greet” meeting

among the older and the newer accountings students on the very first day of thenew module. Planned to be a reoccurring get-together, this event offers theopportunity for first mod students to gain information and insights from adeptstudents into the practices and processes of the Empire Accounting Department’scurriculum. In addition, it opens the possibilities for mentoring and tutoringbetween a knowledgeable accountant and an inexperienced one.

Accounting students participate in Inventory ProjectEmpire accounting students recently had the opportunity to work on an Inventory

Project under the guidance of Susanne Richards, Director of Accounting and HumanResources, and Kass von der Mehden, Bookstore Manager. Participating students wereLisa Slayton, Judy Brazis, Melynda Canepa, and Jenni Garloff. This project has giventhe students real world experience with inventory record keeping which is a veryvaluable skill they will be able to include on their resumes.

They were involved in the following activities: (1) the physical count; (2) reconcilingthe count to the CPA’s depreciation schedule; and (3) making an updated listing ofassets on Excel to send to the CPA.

Evening students learn about wine industry on Vinify field tripNight managerial students participated in a field trip to Vinify, a wine crush facility

where they learned about and observed the production of wine. Students from LynnBastianon’s class displayed in the Vinify photo at right are Heather Gali, AmandaProwse, Eduardo Cruz, and Samara Brito.

New web-based software provides quick homework feedbackSteve Whitehead from McGraw-Hill met with Kristopher Hood, Accounting TA,

(photo at right) to discuss how to set up Homework Manager for the accountingteachers. Homework Manager is the web-based software students will use for theFundamentals of Accounting classes. This new application, which mirrors theproblems in the College Accounting textbook, will allow students to complete theiraccounting homework via a computer connected to theInternet, receive immediate feedback, and upload theirassignments instantly for grades.

IMA general meeting focuses onaccountants’ responsibilities andstudent recognition

At the October general meeting of IMA, SusanneRichards, Director of Accounting & Human Resourcesat Empire College, spoke on the various responsibilitiesof a management accountant. Barbara Lamb, October’saccounting graduate, received an award, along with theIMA team which organized and delivered a FiestaMexicana luncheon fundraiser. The IMA studentsparticipated in teamwork planning, budgeting, anddelivering to the Empire student body and faculty a lunch consisting of tacos, rice, beans, chips, and brownies. Theproceeds from the luncheon will be distributed to IMA students who need assistance or as graduation awards.

PHOTO – Back row L-R: Barbara Lamb, Lisa Slayton, Molly Mills, Jenni Garloff, Melynda Canepa, Laurie Weaver.Front row L-R: Cynthia Enriques, Judy Brazis, Kristopher Hood, Rachel Agostini. •

66666

Accounting students mentor others, expand knowledgethrough networking and project-based learning

L-R: Judy Brazis, LisaSlayton, SusanneRichards, MelyndaCanepa, Jenni Garloffand Kass von derMehden (standing)

00000

Essentials

Ryan ClairErin DolanBrian HagemanDavid NicholsAndrew Rehberg

Congratulations to the following Information Technology majors who passed certification exams from Augustthrough October:

IT alumni certification updateIT alumni certification updateIT alumni certification updateIT alumni certification updateIT alumni certification update

77777

Field Technician

Cinnamon CrakeErin DolanMichael PeaceShawn Sheldon

Jonathan Stevens

Empire alumna shares insight with IT studentsEmpire alumna shares insight with IT studentsEmpire alumna shares insight with IT studentsEmpire alumna shares insight with IT studentsEmpire alumna shares insight with IT students

Linux+

Nathan Jackson

Rich CoibionGabe Doherty •

On September 23, Empire alumna Brandan Merrick, who is now a Metrics Analyst with AutoDesk, spoke to Empire’sIT students. She discussed her experiences in IT, the necessary skills she developed and needed, and the challenges shefaced being a woman in the field of information technology.

Brandan graduated from Empire College in 2000with an Associate Degree in IT and a concentrationin Microsoft. She talked about her difficulties infinding a job after graduation and explained that ittook up to six months to find a job in IT. In themeantime she worked a temp job for a pharmaceuti-cal company. While there, she introduced herself tothe IT department. That didn’t pay off immediately,but they eventually did want to hire her. Luckilythough, she had already found a job working helpdesk at a local mortgage company.

Brandan explained that one of the toughestchallenges students have trying to find a job is to getpast the question: “What kind of experience do youhave?” To make herself more marketable and getinterviews, Brandan did volunteer work and gotcertifications. From there it was about hard workand, most importantly, people and customer serviceskills. She honestly explained that people skills wereout of her element and had to be learned. It is one ofthe most important skills for her career. Whilecertifications are important and will get you in thedoor, it’s really up to yourself to be the kind ofperson an employer wants – someone with strongpeople skills, hard working, reliable and trustworthy.

She also found herself having to prove herself as a woman in IT, by showing her dedication and troubleshooting skills.Brandan then moved to Autodesk, a software company that makes some of the most popular imaging software in

the world, and after a couple of years quickly worked through the various tiers of help desk. She was recently pro-moted to the position of Metrics Analyst and now spends the majority of her time telecommuting, which she enjoys.Brandan attributes her success to her hard work, dedication, and customer services skills which she developed. •

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EEEEEmpirmpirmpirmpirmpire Me Me Me Me Medical Sedical Sedical Sedical Sedical Students Htudents Htudents Htudents Htudents Help Belp Belp Belp Belp BuilduilduilduilduildHealthier CommunitiesHealthier CommunitiesHealthier CommunitiesHealthier CommunitiesHealthier Communities

Medical assisting students at Empire College are excited about the uniquelearning opportunities afforded them through community outreach. Whetherstudying to become clinical or administrative assistants, they are able to practicetheir skills in a variety of settings that benefit others as well as themselves.

“Our students work hard at these events, many of them making personalsacrifices just to be able to volunteer,” says Shannon Tinsley, Empire’s Medical Department Manager. “Some have to obtainchildcare or take a day off their regular job to help out in the community, but the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices.”

During the past few months, student volunteers have provided blood glucose screenings and blood pressure readings atthe City of Santa Rosa Employee Wellness Fair, River Rock Employee Health Fair, and the Sebastopol Senior Center.During the next few weeks, Empire’s clinical medical students will have a variety of opportunities to practice their injectionskills through project-based, experiential learning. Most recently, they have been assisting the Sonoma County Flu TaskForce in vaccinating the public for seasonal and H1N1 flu.

“The Sonoma County Flu Task Force is made up of a fantastic group of people,” explains Shannon, who has chaired theTask Force for the past four years. “Completely staffed by volunteers, the group is made up of health center managers andhospital staff from all over the county, as well as staff from Public Health. It is a pleasure to meet with these people on amonthly basis to coordinate flu vaccine delivery in our county. Our goal is to vaccinate those who do not have a regularphysician or who are unable to afford a flu shot elsewhere.”

Dr. Mark Netherda, Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer, is the county’s point man on the H1N1 outbreak.“Thanks to the help we receive from dozens of skilled volunteers from the medical assisting program at Empire College, weare able to reach out to our community so much more effectively,” says Dr. Netherda.

These sentiments are echoed by others who have benefitted from Empire’s volunteers. “Your students conduct them-selves professionally and are a tribute to the quality of education offered by Empire College,” says Neal Stone of SonomaCounty Indian Health Project’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

Adds Shannon, “I have received so much positive feedback, not only from the organizations we have assisted, but fromour medical student volunteers. They understand that it’s about the lives we have touched and made better. It’s about whatwe have given back to our community.” •88888

MMMMMedical Sedical Sedical Sedical Sedical Skills Cerkills Cerkills Cerkills Cerkills Certifications and Dtifications and Dtifications and Dtifications and Dtifications and Depareparepareparepartment Ntment Ntment Ntment Ntment NewsewsewsewsewsCongratulations to medical majors who have earned skillscertifications during the past quarter:

Deborah Allen: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureVictoria Allen: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureAaron Ambrose: VenipunctureAshley Brown: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureFrance Brown: Injections, VenipunctureLuz Maria Cardenas: Injections, EKGAshley Danner: Injections, VenipunctureVeronica Duran: VenipunctureCarol Engler: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureCandace Fessenden: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureLisa Fish: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureTheros Fountaine: VenipunctureLaura Gutierrez: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureLisa Haun: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureAnita Hernandez: EKGJulie Leasure: VenipunctureNicole Livingstone: Injections, VenipunctureAlexandra Llamas: VenipunctureMishael Maciejewski: VenipunctureKaitlin Maksim: VenipunctureLisa McDaniel: Injections, EKG, Venipuncture

Robert McDaniel: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureEdie McHenry: VenipunctureKara Medina: Injections, EKGChelsea Neal: Injections, VenipunctureIsabel Paguaga: Injections, EKGJanell Palilla: VenipunctureBobbyjean Payne: Injections, EKG, VenipunctureDon Phengsavath: InjectionsAdriana Ponce: Injections, EKGCristina Poueu: VenipunctureBeth Reil: EKGSalina Rodriguez: EKGNatalie Rogers: Injections, VenipunctureAdrienne Rose: VenipunctureDelphine Russell: VenipunctureDeborah Santillana: Injections, EKGMicheleen Sanz: EKGLisa Taylor: EKGNatalie Tidd: VenipunctureSabrina Trucker: EKGJennifer Twitchell: Injections, EKGMaria Valmonte: VenipunctureAshley Watier: Injections •

Photo: Empire Collegeinstructors Megan VanRees and ShannonTinsley supervisemedical assistantstudent Ashley Watieras she administers theH1N1 intranasalvaccine.

0000099999

FLU

SHOT

SATURDAY

2009

This year’s Flu Shot Saturday was SO DIFFERENT! Empire’s staff was fantastic as usual, but even more so becausewe planned for one shift due to the limited hours of the clinic. However, Empire’s site ended up staying open later,which meant many of our volunteers worked from 8 a.m. (or earlier) until 2:30!

Many patrons came early for their shots, and the line became very long. People were fearful of the shortage andgrumpy. Even though we were cramped at times, the whole clinic was kept in the lobby and ran very efficiently.

My words seem too simple to describe how amazing my helpers were. There is absolutely no way that we couldhave even opened our doors for this event without them. Stacey Lince not only copied all the forms and trained heradministrative staff, she stayed from beginning to end and trouble-shooted all day! Megan Van Rees stayed with meuntil 4 p.m. on Friday to set up the clinic, and she and I split up the responsibility of training and supervising clinicalstaff. A couple of hours in, when she felt her group of students and grads were in a groove, she started shooting as welland didn’t stop! Because of her experience she could do two and sometimes three people for every one that a studentdid. Her experience was really showing! I think I only gave two or three shots that day because there were issues toaddress at other sites, which were dealt with via cell phone with a Public Health courier while I supervised my sectionand ran to the “pharmacy” to refill vaccine. Our best estimate is that we gave about 2,000 shots!

In addition, Ken Castor and Tim Brady were fantastic help with set-up and crowd control. And the “First Impres-sions Team” did a fabulous job fielding the phone calls that came in for this event. •

What a differWhat a differWhat a differWhat a differWhat a difference Eence Eence Eence Eence Empirmpirmpirmpirmpire made in our community!e made in our community!e made in our community!e made in our community!e made in our community!by Shannon Tinsley, Medical Department Manager, Sonoma County Flu Task Force Chair

The line wound around the building by 8 a.m.!

MORE PHOTOS – PAGE 10!

Above: Thank you Empire volunteers!

Below: Karina Nuno brought her sons to be vaccinated.

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Heather Gali, AccountingHeather started her evening Accounting with Computer Applications program in September 2008. Her most

recent job history has been in the mortgage industry as a loan processor. After being laid off in May 2008, the oppor-tunity presented istself to go back to school. She says Empire College has given her a second chance at a new beginning.Stacey Washington, Medical

Stacey started her program in August 2009 and believes it is the best decision she has ever made. “The faculty and staffare always there to help you along in your field of study or just with life,” says Stacey. You are not just a number here; youare part of a family. I look forward to seeing you all in the hallways and am eager to help you in any way I can. •

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Empire student mentors provide support and guidance

Lori

FLU

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Heather GaliAlejandra GarciaBea GarciaAntonio Garciduenas ☺Jenni Garloff �Sandra Gintautas �Paulina GodinezAmanda GomezLourdes GomezRosa GomezKatelyn Gonzales �Cristina GonzalezClayton Gray �Alejandro GrosslingDelia Gutierrez �Akberet HaileAngelina HarmonJacinda Hazelton �Jorge HernandezRosa Hernandez ☺Meghan HumphreyCristina HydeHeidi Jimenez ☺Brenda JweinatKathy Kelly ☺Lori KellyHuong KhamvongsaLindsay KoslowskyDenisse LedezmaNuoi Lieu �Susan LizarragaAlexandra LlamasSunti LozanoRichard Lyon �David MaddenAlex MallinDeanna MartinDarin Mauro-BrownCaitlin McAllister �Mary McCloskey �Sean McDonnellKayla McFarlaneOlga McRae ☺Nicole MelansonTara MendezCindy Meyer �Brenda Miller �Irene MolinaSusan MuirSuzanne Murphy �Sherry NelsonElliott Norwood

Students listed below have achieved President’s, Dean’s, and/or 100% Attendance Honors as of December 4, 2009. Thosewho have finished their first two quarters 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 �.PPPPPRESIDENTRESIDENTRESIDENTRESIDENTRESIDENT’’’’’SSSSS H H H H HONORSONORSONORSONORSONORS: 3.85-4.0: 3.85-4.0: 3.85-4.0: 3.85-4.0: 3.85-4.0 cumulativ cumulativ cumulativ cumulativ cumulative GPe GPe GPe GPe GPA & no A & no A & no A & no A & no IIIIIncomplete or F grades ncomplete or F grades ncomplete or F grades ncomplete or F grades ncomplete or F grades D D D D DEANEANEANEANEAN’’’’’SSSSS H H H H HONORSONORSONORSONORSONORS: 3.45-3.84 : 3.45-3.84 : 3.45-3.84 : 3.45-3.84 : 3.45-3.84 cumulativcumulativcumulativcumulativcumulative GPe GPe GPe GPe GPA, no I or F A, no I or F A, no I or F A, no I or F A, no I or F gradesgradesgradesgradesgrades

President’President’President’President’President’s Honorss Honorss Honorss Honorss HonorsRachel Agostini �Oscar AlasJennifer Lola AndrewsRyan Arrow ☺Allison BartonKristen BauerSamantha Bauer �Jackie BetzlerYvonne Brady �Alicia Brophy ☺Susan BuilderThomas Byron-BonacciDebbie CainMelynda Canepa �Alicia CardenasMaryanne CastleKristin ChilesKatlyn ClarkLinda CombsJean Coyston �Cinnamon Crake �Katie Cromwell �Megan Cromwell �Eduardo Cruz �Brenda CunninghamHayley DaileySharon DeBenedetti �Susan DemersValerie DomenichelliJazmin Duran �Vivian EaronsLisa Fish �Heather GaliAntonio Garciduenas ☺Jaimie GardnerJenni Garloff �Sandra Gintautas �Paulina GodinezAmanda GomezLourdes GomezRosa GomezClayton Gray �Delia Gutierrez �Michael Harris �Jake Hatcher �Jorge HernandezRebecca HortonMeghan HumphreyCristina HydeAmy Jarvis �Heidi Jimenez ☺Monica JohnsonJeremy KerriganHuong KhamvongsaLindsay KoslowskyCynthia Kowalski �Denisse LedezmaSusan LizarragaAlexandra Llamas

Crystal Lopez �Manuel LopezRichard Lyon �David MaddenAlex MallinDarin Mauro-BrownCaitlin McAllister �Marcy McBrideSean McDonnellKayla McFarlaneKara Medina �Nicole MelansonTara MendezCindy Meyer �Lynae MillerIrene MolinaTamera Moore �Imelda E. Morfin �Suzanne Murphy �Ronald Murray �Kendra NelsonSherry NelsonDavid Nichols �Elliott NorwoodAdriana NunezSusan OleariIsabel Paguaga �Janelle Palm �Curtis PlumleyChristine Pratt ☺Lindsay RaglandRosio Ramos ☺Jon Rathjen �Beth Reil �Theresa ReveiChristy RevueltaOlga RidleyMarco Rincon �Elizabeth RingsNora Rose �Desiree RubalcavaCynthia SegrestLaura SheaJulee ShermanAshley Shippey �Lisa Slayton �Annette SmithEva SmithLea Smith ☺Glenn SteveJessica Stoffel �Phillip StrauserNicole Tafoya �Claire Terry ☺Ginger ThompsonKristina Thompson �Devin Todd �Sabrina Trucker �Cynthia Van BurenKeri Van Rees ☺

Nathan Van Loben Sels �Stacey WashingtonLaurie WeaverCharity Wells �Crystal WhiteRosemarie Williams �Jeffrey WilsonRichard WismarLisa WoodAngela Zevon

Dean’Dean’Dean’Dean’Dean’s Honorss Honorss Honorss Honorss HonorsAaron Ambrose �Logan ArthurLauren Barney �Dana BlakeleySerena Byrd �Donna CaronDaniela ChavezDelaina Cochran �Danielle ConteElizabeth CortezChanae CorwinMichelle Cushman �Seana Davis �Shelly Echelberger �Aaron Elrod �Carol Engler �Yolanda Evina ☺Kelly Ewer ☺Tina Flewell �Alicia Ginochio �Katelyn Gonzales �Jennifer GriffinJanelle Griggs �Angelina HarmonEve Harstad ☺Jacinda Hazelton �Anita Hernandez ☺Antonio HernandezAngela HillRoni Jamieson �Alvin Joe �April Jurasin �Kathy Kelly ☺Lori Kelly �Gordon Knight �Armando Leiva ☺Sara Lewis �Sunti LozanoStephane Maldonado �Chrisy Martignoli �Eunice Martinelli ☺Priscilla Martinez �Revecca Martinez �Mary McCloskey �Brenda Miller �John Mills �Kathleen Moran-CortezSusan Muir

Cheryl Ohlson �Sinath PanDeanna PavlickBobbyjean Payne �Simone PetersAlissa PhelpsCollin Phillips ☺Amanda Prowse �Ashley RamirezReina RanaldiRose ReyesJennerfer Richardson �Jesus RoxasKatherine Rush ☺Rebekah Sammet �Kimberly SchnareKrista SewellMichelle SittenauerDiamond SkiffTim StevensAnayeli TorresTonisa TorresCharr TreadwayHolland Vanderbeek �April Walling �Joshua Young �

100% Attendance100% Attendance100% Attendance100% Attendance100% AttendanceHonorsHonorsHonorsHonorsHonorsOscar AlasJennifer Lola AndrewsRyan Arrow ☺Logan ArthurKristin BaroneJoshua BegleyChristy BradfordSusan BuilderThomas Byron-BonacciDebbie CainElizabeth CarterKristin ChilesKatlyn ClarkLinda CombsPatti CorsieElizabeth CortezChanae CorwinBrenda CunninghamHayley DaileyKimberly DanielsSusan DemersSabrina DiTomaso ☺Erin Dolan �Haile DuffyJazmin Duran �Vivian EaronsAaron Elrod �Cynthia Enriquez �Omar EsparzaJulliana FerreyraTina Flewell � 1111111111

HHHHHonoronoronoronoronorRRRRRollollollolloll

Susan OleariJennifer OrisonIsabel Paguaga �Sinath PanTina PenrySimone PetersCurtis PlumleyAmanda Prowse �Mario QuijasLindsay RaglandAshley RamirezRosio Ramos ☺Reina RanaldiTheresa ReveiChristy RevueltaRose ReyesVeronica ReyesElizabeth RingsClaudia RiveraJesus RoxasKatherine Rush ☺Valerie Sark �Kimberly SchnareJulee ShermanAshley Shippey �Diamond SkiffAnnette SmithEva SmithGlenn SteveJessica Stoffel �Phillip StrauserLaurie Swenson �Nicole Tafoya �Lisa Taylor �Claire Terry ☺Anayeli TorresTonisa TorresSabrina Trucker �Amber TurnerBobbi TurnerKeri Van Rees ☺Holland Vanderbeek �April Walling �Laurie WeaverCharity Wells �Crystal WhiteLindsay WilliamsRosemarie Williams �Jeffrey WilsonLisa WoodMelissa Zaragoza HerreraAngela Zevon

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EMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGEEMPIRE COLLEGE3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.3035 Cleveland Ave.Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403Santa Rosa, CA 95403TTTTTel:el:el:el:el: 707 546 4000707 546 4000707 546 4000707 546 4000707 546 4000Fax: 707 546 4058Fax: 707 546 4058Fax: 707 546 4058Fax: 707 546 4058Fax: 707 546 4058shurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.edushurd@empcol.edu

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

Above: Thousandsturned out to receivetheir H1N1 and/orseasonal flu vaccina-tions at the EmpireCollege campus onFlu Shot Saturday ...pages 9, 10.

Right: July BarExam passers weresworn in to practicelaw on November 23... page 5.

In this issue...Empire students honored for pro bono legal work ______________________________________ pages 2, 3

Paralegal students raise funds for Sonoma County Family Support Center ______________________ page 3

July 2009 Bar passers sworn in to practice law ____________________________________________ page 5

Accounting students mentor others, expand knowledge through networking ____________________ page 6

Empire grad shares insight with IT students _____________________________________________ page 7

Empire medical students help build healthier communities _______________________________ pages 8, 9

Empire students, staff administer 2000 vaccinations on Flu Shot Saturday__________________ pages 9, 10

Student mentors provide support, guidance ____________________________________________ page 10•