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...
In Focus: Las Fotos Project
Story By: Monica Salazar
A young woman’s voice floated through the screen door of a Boyle Heights house, grabbing the attention of several young girls, cameras in hand.
“What do you think of this photograph?” asked Claudia Marquez, a 23 year-old California State University, Fullerton student. “How do you think it was shot?“
The girls looked at the photographs in-depth, and silence...
An Out of this Galaxy Professor
Dale Fields holds a 3D globe at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Photo by Natalie Miranda
A science professor comes gliding into campus on his bicycle every day, unless it is a rainy day. On this day, he is wearing a white T-shirt with the words, Earth first, before the other planets....
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...
Finding the micro in the macro
Shannon DeVaney poses with a dissected frog model outside the Center for Sciences building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2020. Photo by: Chelsea Westman
While many scientific observations happen in a laboratory, the most fascinating discovery for Shannon DeVaney is a few inches long, neon orange and lurks within...
A marvel professor
Sarcasm rolls off his tongue as if it’s second nature, followed by a deep chuckle that is met with the sound of laughter and wide-eyed amusement on the faces of 20 seated before him.
History is not usually associated with humor, but associate professor of history Brian Walsh knows how to put the two together.
Walsh brings a sense of...
Living a life of music
James Elza Domine is a San Fernando Valley born conductor and well-established musician. He teaches a number of string and guitar courses at Pierce while also playing a large selection of instruments including piano, guitar, violin and viola.
“Most people’s lives, where you end up, is a combination of where your parents are to start with and where your education...
A Stand-up Educator
Backlit by morning light, a figure sits at a desk in a modest office situated by a winding row of spanish-style bungalows. The muted grey and cream colors of the office walls contrast with the beaming smile hidden behind a black Dell computer monitor.
At 6 a.m. political science professor Denise Robb arrives each day to Pierce’s campus with...
From cooperative to classroom
Screenshot by Ariel Gil
Feeling the dewdrop-covered grass tickle the small patch of bare skin on her ankle, she walks through the field toward the chicken coup to gather eggs for her morning breakfast. Her and her family cook them in a pan over a wood burning stove. They eat.
Home is where the art is
The afternoon sun is high, the breeze strong, creating a scenic and relaxing atmosphere in the Fine Arts Plaza at Pierce College. Art history professor, Ramela Abbamontian, sits at a bench in the middle of native Californian plants and metal sculptures, a mauve puffer jacket protecting her from the wind.
Her eyes are bright, glancing around the plaza that...