Teaching students on what they can do as welders
Photo by: Diego Barajas
As he stands tall wearing Celtic wristbands laid under his skin, grey facial hair, and brown leather work boots, he has returned to the campus with familiarity. Teaching on the Pierce College campus for nine years, Gary Wheeler, certified in L.A. city structural steel, L.A. city reinforcing steel, and California State certification, is a welding instructor teaching his class how...
The Man Behind the Magic
Draped over the crushed red velvet chair with a soft smile playing across his lips, Michael Sande unwinds inside the Pierce Performing Arts Mainstage theater after a chaotic afternoon. As the managing director for the Performing Arts Department at Los Angeles Pierce College, it is his job to make sure that shows goes on without a hitch.
The Seattle native...
Pursuing The Sport With A Passion
Nabil Mardini worked diligently in his office dressed in his signature heather gray Pierce College volleyball shirt and khaki pants to match. Accompanying his relaxed appearance was a welcoming grin.
Mardini is the women’s volleyball coach at Pierce College who has been coaching for the past 15 years. Having had experience in the game in Lebanon, he moved to the...
The Great Escape
Story By: Ashley Walton
For running back Joshua Mathis and defensive back Amir Muhammad this is more than just a quote from their head coach, it’s a promise to themselves.
Both hailing from Philadelphia one may think that they have been lifelong friends. Muhammad, originating from North Philadelphia, and Mathis from Olney merely 15 minutes away, could make this assumption more...
Q&A with Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins
Photos & Interview by Lynn Levitt
The late 1990s was a special time for drummer Taylor Hawkins. He had landed a gig with Canadian singer Alanis Morissette. And soon after, Dave Grohl, the former drummer of Nirvana and founder of the Foo Fighters, asked Hawkins if he knew anyone who could fill his recently vacant drummer spot in his new...
Coach to Cubs scout
Chicago native Bob Lofrano sits in his office in the North Gym, leisurely typing player reports for current and prospective MLB athletes. With his tan, leathery skin, and his small, wire framed glasses, Lofrano’s eyes are fixed on his computer. Chicago Cubs memorabilia adorn his office as he prepares himself for a busy day, jampacked with sporting activities.
With flashbacks...
Dig in, let your voice be heard with Loy
As professor Robert Loy’s students trickle into his small group communication class, they are greeted with upbeat and colorful music playing from his laptop speaker.
The eclectic playlist includes music from diverse genres which he uses in his regular karaoke performances.
As a new full-time faculty member, Loy is the assistant director and advisor of the Pierce College Communications...
Getting to Know Shilo Nelson
The pungent aroma of fish and green beans hung in the air, a scent familiar to many, health conscious Californians. A beautiful tanned woman sits down to a light, healthy meal, clad in athletic gear and sporting a high pony. Everything about Shilo Nelson gives a distinct feel of a women on the go, fueled by an abundance of...
Computer science, let’s talk about IT
Eyes fixed to a monitor, mind in total focus, Alex Chen works attentively tapping away with all 10 fingers on a keyboard.
Chen, an instructional assistant for Information Technology (IA-IT), has worked at Pierce College since 2001. He has about six-to-eight different duties in his current position which he says he enjoys.
Chen has converted old Novell network technology within the...
A Nurses Life for Me
The maze of doors, desks and filing cabinets filled to the brim with paperwork that make up the Student Health Center, creates a cramped environment for the average person to wade through.
However, Director of the Student Health Center Beth Benne, who stands above the clutter, finds the space easy to navigate to her office. Once at her desk, she...