What does it mean to be a Clark College Alumni?
Once a Penguin, always a Penguin. Whether you earned a degree or certificate, did Running Start, transferred to another college, completed a workforce training program, or took just one class, you are part of the Penguin Nation and a Clark College alumni.
Clark alumni are students, graduates, parents, professionals, community leaders, artists, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners whose experiences at Clark continue to shape their lives and strengthen Southwest Washington.
Update your contact information to stay up to date on all things Penguin Nation!
Events
Clark College alumni are invited to stay involved through events that bring Penguins together across campus and the community.
Join us for Penguin Huddles, where alumni and industry partners connect with students and one another; Pop-Up Mentoring opportunities, where alumni share career advice and encouragement with current students; and college community events that celebrate learning, creativity, and connection at Clark.
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Giving
Your support helps current and future Penguins access the resources they need to succeed. Gifts to Clark College Foundation support scholarships, emergency grants, student success programs, workforce training, basic needs resources, and innovative opportunities across the college.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps open doors for students and strengthens the Clark community.
Alumni Benefits
Clark College alumni enjoy access to a growing list of benefits designed to keep Penguins connected to campus and the community. Offerings may include access to the Thompson Fitness Center on campus, opportunities to attend special events and programming, and exclusive discounts. Alumni also receive updates and invitations to arts, cultural, and community experiences. New benefits are added regularly to expand ways for alumni to stay engaged.
Want to learn more about all the benefits of being a Clark alumni? Reach out to
Stephanie Mattocks-Lopez
Alumni Relations & Community Engagement Manager
smattocks-lopez@supportclark.org
Volunteering
Clark alumni make a difference by sharing their time, experience, and connections. Volunteer opportunities may include preparing food boxes in the Penguin Pantry, mentoring students, supporting events, speaking with classes or programs, serving on committees, or helping build connections between Clark and the broader community.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, reach out to
Stephanie Mattocks-Lopez
Alumni Relations & Community Engagement Manager
smattocks-lopez@supportclark.org
Stay Connected
Keep up with alumni stories, campus news, upcoming events, and ways to get involved by signing up for the Penguin Nation Newsletter.
It’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected to Clark College, celebrate fellow Penguins, and find opportunities to support the next generation of students.
Alumni Spotlight
Michelle Vazquez
Class of 2018, General AA
“I enrolled at Clark College with the simple goal of earning my associate degree. What I found there was more than coursework — I found encouragement, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose… My education deepened my understanding of how systems impact families and how advocacy can create meaningful, community-level change.”
Michelle currently serves as the Executive Director of Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo, a community-based nonprofit focused on culturally specific food access, local agriculture, and food sovereignty in rural Southwest Washington.
Andrew Watts
Class of 2004, General AA
“I enrolled at Clark College and noticed a tryout sign for the basketball team. I decided to try out, made the team, and that decision changed my life. Through the program, I found structure, accountability, and a sense of belonging, and I was honored to be voted team captain in 2004. I went on to graduate from Clark College and build a successful career in healthcare administration. Clark College played a foundational role in shaping who I am today”
Andrew currently serves as the Clinic Manager for Orthopedics, Podiatry, and Sports Medicine at The Vancouver Clinic.
Sorya Baxter
Class of 2020, General AA through Running Start
“Being able to learn about the philanthropy that the Clark College Foundation does planted a seed for my current passion for fundraising and nonprofit work…Having Corey and the Foundation believe in me increased my confidence immensely and further solidified my passion and appreciation for Clark College and the Clark College Foundation.”
Sorya currently works on the development team for APANO, a Portland-based nonprofit working to empower, develop, and support the Asian community through advocacy, cultural work, and community development.