By Maegan Murray, Ģ������Ƶ

HERMISTON, Ore. – Washington State University Tri-Cities is partnering with Blue Mountain Community College for a direct student transfer program that will save students money, increase pathways for STEM careers and help students graduate on-track and on-time with a bachelor’s degree.

Through the Ģ������Ƶ-BMCC Bridges Program, students do not pay an admissions application fee, nor do they pay for access to transcripts to transfer to Ģ������Ƶ. Students in the program also benefit from in-state tuition rates once attending Ģ������Ƶ.

Throughout their time at both schools, students work with an academic advisor at both BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ to develop a complete program of study. Through that process, students know what classes they need to take and what will directly transfer, helping to cut down on unnecessary classes that won’t transfer between the two institutions.

“We are excited to partner with Blue Mountain Community College to create access to a baccalaureate degree for more students,” Ģ������Ƶ Chancellor Sandra Haynes said. “With our close proximity to BMCC in Oregon, this program creates an ideal partnership between our two institutions to serve students in both areas and help students save on costs.”

Mark Browning, president of Blue Mountain Community College, said he is excited for the opportunities that the Bridges program presents for students from the Blue Mountain region.

“Bridges is what we hope to see for all our students who see a path to their future through a regional research university like Washington State University Tri-Cities,” he said. “Blue Mountain students will now be able to pursue a complete program right here. The resources available through Ģ������Ƶ are now available to those BMCC students who enroll in Bridges – including those in a variety of STEM programs ranging from engineering, to computer science, to the sciences. Talk about a bright future.”

Requirements for the program

To qualify for the Ģ������Ƶ-BMCC Bridges program, students must have taken less than 45 quarter credits at BMCC with a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average. Additionally, they must be in the process of completing one of the following degrees: AAOT, ASOT/BUS or ASOT/CS.

To apply for the Bridges program, students should submit the Declaration of Intent on the . The Ģ������Ƶ Bridges academic advisor will follow up individually with students to set up meetings to talk about next steps.

When getting ready to transfer to Ģ������Ƶ, students should submit the by Nov. 15 for spring admission, or by Jan. 31 for fall admission, to ensure they are eligible for merit-based awards.

Students to feel right at home

Ģ������Ƶ is the closest four-year public university to BMCC students in Hermiston, making it a great option for students interested in earning an excellent education close to home, Browning said.

At BMCC, more than 41% of students are students of color and the majority are the first in their family to attend college. Similarly at Ģ������Ƶ, nearly 48% of students are students of color and nearly 44% are the first in their family to attend college.

“We look forward to welcoming a bunch of new Timberwolves to the Coug community where they will feel right at home,” Haynes said.

Crossing the Columbia to become a Coug

BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ alumnus Kyle Kopta said he enjoyed the ease of the transfer process from BMCC to Ģ������Ƶ and also benefited from in-state tuition rates as a Hermiston, Oregon, resident.

“My pathway through BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ was the perfect fit for me,” he said. “It allowed me to accomplish my personal and professional goals in the most timely and affordable way possible.”

Kopta is a Hermiston High School graduate who decided to attend both BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ due to the programming available through both institutions, as well as both schools’ proximity to his hometown. Interested in a multimedia degree, Kopta said he was able to complete his pre-requisite courses at BMCC, followed by his upper-level major courses for the digital technology and culture program at Ģ������Ƶ.

“Both institutions set me up for success in my career,” he said. “I hope others take advantage of this incredible opportunity and enjoy it as much as I did.”

For more information about the Bridges program, visit or contact Ģ������Ƶ Bridges academic advisor Rafa Pruneda at rpruneda@wsu.edu.

Student finds passion for multimedia arts as result of experiences at BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ

By Maegan Murray, Ģ������Ƶ

RICHLAND, Wash. – When thinking about what college choice would be best for him, Hermiston native and future first-generation college student Kyle Kopta knew he wanted to stay close to home. It was a decision that would allow him to save money, but also gradually expand his network.

As a student, he completed the first year of his associate’s degree through as part of the program, which helped him save a year on costs of tuition and provided him with gradual entry into the college setting.

“It was a perfect fit for me, as it allowed me to meet my lower division general education requirements and quickly transfer as a junior to any institution of my choosing,” he said.

While at BMCC, Kopta said he enjoyed being near family while still maintaining that hometown environment. The community aspect, he said, was one of his favorite parts.

“It had a hometown feel where everyone knew each other,” he said. “It felt like an extension of the surrounding community, rather than being separate from it.”

When deciding what four-year university he wanted to pursue, affordability and proximity to family remained primary factors, in addition to his career interest in the multimedia arts. He discovered that Washington State University Tri-Cities, located just 40 minutes from Hermiston in Richland, Washington, had a digital technology and culture program. The program would allow him to apply his passion for photography, video, graphic design and fine arts as part of a well-rounded degree that had eventual outlets for a variety of career paths.

Seamless transfer to Ģ������Ƶ

The transfer process between the two institutions, Kopta said, was seamless. He said with his AAOT degree, everything transferred to Ģ������Ƶ without any problems.

“My experiences at BMCC laid the groundwork for helping me navigate higher education, in general,” he said. “As I moved to Washington and began my Ģ������Ƶ journey, I felt well-equipped to tackle anything that came my way.”

Preparing for future career in multimedia arts

Through digital technology and culture courses at Ģ������Ƶ, Kopta learned the fundamentals of a wide variety of multimedia skills, ranging from graphic design, to video production, to sound editing, to photography, to typography and more. He said he enjoyed that the program didn’t put his passions into a single box.

“The digital technology and culture program here at Ģ������Ƶ ended up being the next logical step for me in my career,” he said. “I was attracted to the multidisciplinary nature of the program because I knew it would allow me to explore all the things that interested me, simultaneously. Other programs were rigid in their approach, but the digital technology and culture program would allow me to explore all my options as an artist, designer and working professional in the field.”

At Ģ������Ƶ, Kopta became involved with a wide variety of hands-on experiences and student organizations. He helped curate student exhibits and display his own work through a variety of art shows and symposiums on-campus. He served as part of the Associated Students of Ģ������Ƶ as its graphic designer. He lent his skills in the multimedia arts as a teacher’s assistant and tutor for the campus’ digital technology and culture program, in addition to serving on the Washington State Arts Commission. He also currently serves as an intern through the Ģ������Ƶ marketing and communication office.

This spring, Kopta also had the opportunity to create and curate a that allowed users to virtually walk through a digital gallery space to view student art, just as one would during non-COVID-19 times. It is those sorts of experiences, he said, that proved to be true highlights of his college career.

“Being able to see and experience all of the work our Coug community is doing is always my favorite,” he said. “The people I am surrounded by are constantly engaging in such important and innovative work. I never know what to expect from my peers, and that’s the best part.”

Saving on costs

Throughout his college journey, Kopta received several scholarships, including the Ģ������Ƶ Douglas P. Gast Scholarship in memory of his late digital technology and culture professor. Kopta said he was honored to receive such a significant award that honored his late professor.

This past year as part of his senior year, Ģ������Ƶ also launched the I-82 Advantage program, which now allows students from Umatilla County to attend Ģ������Ƶ for in-state tuition rates. Kopta was able to save even more on tuition.

Looking toward the future

After graduating this past spring, Kyle is staying on as a student intern through the summer in the Ģ������Ƶ marketing and communication office.

His experience both at BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ, he said, helped him not only navigate the college setting successfully, but also find his future career. As a result of his experience, he hopes to pursue a career in marketing, specifically working in higher education, where he can help other students find their future interests and careers.

“Marketing allows me to work in design, photography and video, simultaneously,” he said. “I would also love to continue working in a higher education setting. Collaborating with different groups of people on all different sorts of projects is important to me. Working at a college allows me to do just that.”

Applications open at BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ

Applications are open for summer and fall 2021 at both BMCC and Ģ������Ƶ.

To apply to BMCC, visit . To apply and/or transfer to Ģ������Ƶ, visit .

By Lori Nelson, Ģ������Ƶ

RICHLAND, Wash. – KJ Galvan fell in love with computer science early.

Growing up,��she��was the go-to person��in her family��for computer help. In grade school, a��teacher��in Prosser��noticed Galvan’s troubleshooting skills and recruited her for a special����������𳾾���������Dz���������where students provide��technical assistance to computer users. She helped provide technical solutions in the classroom and other areas. It helped show her that working with computers could be a viable career option.

“I still keep in touch with that teacher,” she said. “Big thanks to Mr. Smith and the Prosser School District.”��

When exploring her college options, Galvan knew she wanted to stay close to home, but attend an institution that would provide her with great opportunities to grow her knowledge and background in computer science. After attending Columbia Basin College for her first two years, she transferred to Washington State University Tri-Cities.

The small class sizes, she said, were preferable, and she liked the fact that through the small school setting she could easily get to know her instructors and fellow peers.

Additionally, Galvan said she particularly liked the quality of the courses in computer science at Ģ������Ƶ and the professors were also great at connecting students with other opportunities, which helped her get connected with internships beyond her initial expectations.

Award-winning Coding Cougs leads to prestigious jobs

In her first year at Ģ������Ƶ, Galvan became involved in the Coding��Cougs Club��at Ģ������Ƶ where she now serves as the group’s career development��officer.

In their few-year history as a club, the student organization has gone on to win several top awards at hackathons where they competed against hundreds of participants.

Galvan said in addition to the real-world, practical experiences that she gains from the club, she also values the opportunity to mentor younger students. Helping her female peers, she said, is particularly rewarding, as computer science is typically male-dominated.

Galvan��recruited three other women, all new to computer science, to join her on a��team for��DubHacks,��a��hackathon��held at the University of Washington. At the competition last year, the group worked together to develop a solution for a real-world issue that pertains to women.

“We formed a team around a cool idea that we had for scanning hair products to see if they are good for curly hair,” she said.

The app they developed, Curl Code,��won first place in the “Best��use��of��Google Cloud”��category at the competition.

The win also put the women on the radar of Google. The judge, a Google employee, encouraged them to apply for summer internships. Galvan jumped at the opportunity. After an extensive interview and skill demonstration process, Galvan was offered an internship with Google. She completed the internship virtually this summer, due to COVID-19.

Local internships unique to Tri-Cities

Beyond her opportunities that connected her with Google, Galvan said one of the benefits about attending Ģ������Ƶ is the local access to prestigious internships.

While attending Ģ������Ƶ and before getting her internship at Google this summer, she��interned��at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory��for two years.��In her first summer internship, she helped with development of a website for a PNNL application.

“When I first started there, I knew nothing,” she said.��“I didn’t have any real–world experience and I was afraid I would fall flat on my��face,��but they’re��actually used��to that.��I learned a lot in that summer to be able to actually contribute.”

Her internship supervisors saw Galvan’s potential for additional growth and at the end of the summer,��they��suggested she continue during the school year.��After successful interviews for a year-round internship, Galvan was put on a team.��

Galvan said her time at PNNL was critical for building her skills in computer science, which served as a perfect mix with what she was learning in her courses.

“We��were��treated like a��full-time staff members��and we��were��doing the same tasks,” she said. “It��was��almost as if we��were��a junior developer just starting out. My team was awesome.��They would find opportunities for me, not only to practice my technical skills, but also my soft skills.”

During her internship at PNNL, Galvan��built confidence in the knowledge that she could do the job and be valued in it. It also led to confidence when working at Google.

“I was in the one of the first meetings at Google and I was on top of it,” she said. “One of the hosts said,��‘You can tell KJ has been doing internships for a while now.’��It just takes you to another level that stands out.”

Advice for fellow and prospective students

For those looking to be successful in computer science, Galvan said there are a few things that students can do throughout their college experience to help guarantee that success.

“Stay engaged in class. Talk during class, talk with the professors,” she said. “It’s important not to hide behind your laptop screen. Everyone else is struggling with the subject matter, too. It’s not just you who’s like, what is this?”

Galvan also advises students��to��join a community and stay connected, especially as classes are more likely to be distance-based in the current COVID pandemic.

“Maybe jump on a call with some of your classmates, talk about the material,” she said. “Don’t stay isolated because isolation is never good. Then you’ll have a struggle and then you’ll feel like it’s only you and you might give up.”

World-class faculty rooted in real-world work

While self-motivated, Galvan��credits the computer science��faculty��at Ģ������Ƶ��with preparing her for success. Nathan��Tenney,��PNNL scientist and��adjunct��faculty��in computer science, taught Galvan’s data structures class.

“He would discuss trade–offs about data structures and algorithms and he would provoke you and get everyone engaged and talking in class,” she said. “That’s huge because at companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, they expect you to do these technical interviews where you solve problems and you��have to��talk through what the trade-offs are. He implanted that all in my brain without me really noticing.”

She also values the resident faculty who��provide��formal and informal��opportunities for learning and networking.��She said Bob Lewis,��associate��professor of��computer��science, points out different conferences students could go to or just asks how students are doing.

”Dr. Lewis’ classes are known on campus for being challenging, but he does a great job teaching it,” she said. “He’s always available and he really loves the subject matter.”

In��Luis De La Torre’s��project-based class,��Galvan had the opportunity to start��developing the curly hair app��that helped land her internship��with Google, among an assortment of other hands-on activities.

Galvan said the fact that she learns from a mix of resident and adjunct faculty is a bonus.

“We have these adjuncts that have full-time jobs��and they��teach us��about��their work,”��she said, “We also have [resident] professors who have this really deep knowledge about the field in general.��We get to learn not just your normal coursework. You get to learn outside of class and really pick their brains.”

Galvan said��the support that students get��from the faculty encourages��students��to be involved.

“Coding Cougs��went to��DubHacks��and they did a tally and Ģ������Ƶ had a huge turnout,” she said. “I don’t want to get into rivalries or anything, but computer science here is awesome.”

Interested in pursuing a degree in computer science from Ģ������Ƶ? The application is open now. View more information at tricities.wsu.edu/computerscience. Apply at .

By Maegan Murray, Ģ������Ƶ

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities alumna Anne Taylor found her calling in higher education after experiencing what is possible through her own education at WSU.

The 2017 graduate earned her bachelor’s degree in social sciences and looking back on her educational experience at Ģ������Ƶ, it was the family atmosphere, the care that she personally experienced as a student and the great friendships that she built as a result of her time at WSU that made her realize that she would like to give back in the same way.

Prior to transferring to Ģ������Ƶ, Taylor attended Coastline Community College and Galveston College while serving active duty in the Coast Guard. After she received her associate of science in general science in 2015, she wanted to return home to be close to family, which is how she decided to pursue her bachelor’s at Ģ������Ƶ.

As a student at Ģ������Ƶ, Taylor worked as an AVID tutor. In the years following, she worked in the university’s Office of Undergraduate Advising as its reinstatement coordinator, in addition to serving as the student vice president for the Ģ������Ƶ chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

“Studying and working at Ģ������Ƶ made me realize my passion for higher education,” she said. “As the reinstatement coordinator, I worked alongside academic advisors, implementing retention and advising initiatives. The communication skills and knowledge that I gained from my experiences in advising helped prepare me for my current role as an admissions counselor.”

And with her degree, Taylor said she grew an understanding of the natural tendencies of people, studying their behavior from an anthropologic and historical perspective – fields she is immensely passionate about. She said she also worked with professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their areas of study and that their passion for their topics comes out in their lectures.

“The professors on the Ģ������Ƶ campus are truly committed to their students’ success both inside and outside of the classroom,” she said. “I was able to participate in an internship through a professor and later, that professor helped connect me to my current position.”

Now, as an admissions counselor at Ģ������Ƶ, she gets to use what she learned through her degree and professional experiences as a student to help other students find their own paths and passions. She said while working with other students, she realized that higher education can have a powerful impact on a person’s life.

“I wanted to continue being a part of that impact,” she said. “I love promoting Ģ������Ƶ because I truly believe in Ģ������Ƶ. I believe that higher education has the power to change a person’s life for the better. I love helping students find ways around their barriers to education and helping them discover the potential that higher education can provide them.”

She said WSU has a fit for just about any type of student, and that helping them achieve their dreams through WSU is an incredible feeling.

“WSU has a campus that is the right fit for any student and being a part of the process to get a person from prospective student to Coug is amazing,” she said.

By Maegan Murray, Ģ������Ƶ

RICHLAND, Wash. – For student Lian Jacquez, finding the ideal university fit was a bit of a challenge – that is, until he arrived at Washington State University Tri-Cities.

Originally from eastern Oregon, he attended a university located in his home state, but found that the decision was an expensive one and more based on impulse than it was in finding a good fit for where he was at in his life.

But after his parents moved to the Tri-Cities, he decided to move back in with them so he could save money, but could also find a university that would allow him to pursue his passions. He decided to attend Ģ������Ƶ and it ended up being one of the best decisions he has made to date.

Whether it be interacting and learning from his professors through tight-knit classes, to participating in a variety of clubs, to participating in student government, to finding the perfect job on campus, Jacquez said he feels like he has found a home at Ģ������Ƶ.

“Ģ������Ƶ is a hidden gem,” he said. “We are located in an area that offers great opportunities without a lot of the competition that one might experience at a much larger university. And the people who work here – our faculty, administration, staff and everyone behind the scenes – are here to make sure we all succeed. We, as students, aren’t just a number or another name on the roster.”

Majoring in digital technology and culture –�� a focus on the creative

Jacquez found his ideal major at Ģ������Ƶ after taking the MyMajors Quiz on the university website. He was recommended to study digital technology and culture, elementary education and psychology.

“Out of the three, digital technology and culture, or DTC as we call it, resonated with me and made me the most excited to pursue, and I always imagined doing something in design,” he said.

Through the digital technology and culture program, Jacquez is learning about graphic design, photography, video production, sound production, media and technical writing and much more in the creative sphere. With his experience in the program, he said he initially wanted to pursue a career as a graphic designer. But after working more with individuals on campus and speaking with people in similar creative industries, he realizes he now wants to pursue a career as a creative director or program coordinator.

“Being the person creating the work is fun, but being able to establish a concept, all of its components and tracking it from beginning to end is more appealing,” he said.

Jacquez said he loves the creative freedom that he and all the other students in the DTC program have.

“There are guidelines and requirements, but we have creative reign to create something that is an extension of ourselves,” he said.

Varied campus experiences to fit every student

In addition to his experience in the DTC program, Jacquez is a student ambassador for the office of admissions on campus, is director of diversity affairs for the

Associated Students of Ģ������Ƶ (student government), is vice president of the World Research Club on campus, in addition to serving as a member of the Queers and Allies Club.

He said since coming to Ģ������Ƶ, he feels he can really make his academic and student life experience his own.

Through his experiences with the student clubs, he is able to truly connect with his peers and organize programming and events to benefit his fellow students. Through his role with student government, he is able to extend and create initiatives so that all students on campus feel connected with the resources to make them successful. And through his role as a student ambassador with the office of admissions, he is able to communicate and inspire prospective students who express an interest in attending Ģ������Ƶ, giving them a genuine look into what his life as a student on campus looks like.

As director of diversity affairs with ASWSUTC, he said he values opportunities created on campus that directly benefit students, including a range of student resources: access services, counseling, a student pantry called Cougar Cupboard, the veteran center and being able to connect with the international student coordinator – both to see about options for studying abroad and to connect with international students. Another example is the UndocuQueer Conference that is being held this year on the Ģ������Ƶ campus.

“I am really excited to learn more about the intersections of the LGBTQ and undocumented communities and the people who are affected by them,” he said. “This will be my first time attending the conference.”

Career connections

In addition to his job in the admissions office on campus, Jacquez said there are also a variety of resources to help students connect with prestigious internships at Ģ������Ƶ and in the community.

Last spring, after participating in the campus Career Development Etiquette Dinner where students are connected to professionals for an evening of networking through dinner, he met an an internship coordinator who connected him with an internship at the National Park Service. He now works as an interpretive specialist for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

He also hopes to land another internship before he graduates, which he aims to get connected with through Ģ������Ƶ.

The connections at Ģ������Ƶ, he said, are truly what has allowed him to get involved with many of these opportunities on campus.

“I love how incredibly diverse the campus is and the fact that not everyone is a stranger, thanks to the size of Ģ������Ƶ,” he said.

For more information on the Ģ������Ƶ Digital Technology and Culture program, visit��tricities.wsu.edu/dtc.