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...
Bob Lofrano
Story By: Lynn Levitt
Classes are in session at Pierce College and inside the structure of the South Gym, the sound of footsteps echo in the hallway. A tall, rail thin, but physically fit man heads out of his office to a shaded area near the soccer field. You wonder why he is headed for shade, as his skin is...
Simon says
There is a moment at the start of Greg Simon’s physical anthropology class when a spark goes off, as he finishes reminding students of deadlines and begins his lecture.
As the term “natural selection” leaves Simon’s lips, his eyes widen and the corners at his mouth turn up in excitement, while he begins to discuss his passion.
The Pierce College...
David Ayala
Working in the Pierce College bookstore warehouse since 2007, David Ayala unpacks the shipment of boxes he receives and separates the materials into different sections for the sales people to pick up and put on display.
“I used to be a equipment manager and locker room attendant for West L.A. College,” Ayala says.
Ayala is a father of two boys...
The mechanic who almost wasn’t
Professor Alex Villalta in the Automotive Tech Lab at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Photo by Ginina Pulcinella.
On a sunny Tuesday morning in March, about 10 students wearing black and red coveralls worked at several stations in the Auto Tech shop....
Helping students transfer one step at a time
Wearing a warm smile framed by primly-styled sandy blonde hair, Norine Fine, 61, waits patiently behind the reception desk for early appointments.
Fine is a general counselor in the Transfer Center at Pierce College. Her job is not only to help students find their majors, but also to assist and advise them if they are considering alternative options.
“I connect students...
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...
Reaching out beyond the library
Outreach Librarian Lisa Valdez leans against a tree in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2020. Photo by Peter Villafane.
Many children do not have everything they need to succeed.
One person is helping as many students as she can.
During her off hours, Outreach Librarian Lisa Valdez...
More than just an anthropology professor
Anthropology professor Brian Pierson stands with his posse of skeletons in the Anthropology building at Pierce College. Photo by: David Paz
His office is a small cubicle, simple, organized and grey space. Three things stand out, two frames that display a Neanderthal and the Menino Lepedo child, and him.
He wears an eggplant purple shirt with beaded necklaces to celebrate the...