(Patterns in Nature with Rod Ray, Ph.D., will explore the phenomenon of how surprisingly ordered designs on Earth are shaped by energy from the sun | Photo courtesy of COCC)
COCC Scholar Event Explores Science of Sun-Powered Patterns
Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) Chandler Lecture Series will examine the physics and wonder of Patterns in Nature at 6pm on Tuesday, April 25, a free presentation by researcher Rod Ray, Ph.D., former CEO of Bend Research, in Wille Hall on the Bend campus. Register for the in-person program or sign up to receive a recorded version at cocc.edu/foundation/cls.
Extraordinary environmental patterns on Earth — from intricate snowflakes to symmetrical cloud formations — are the result of the sun’s power returning back to space through dissipating heat and light. Patterns in Nature will explore the phenomenon of how these surprisingly ordered designs are shaped in the process.
Ray’s career with Bend Research Inc., a technology development company, spanned 30 years. He helped the company innovate as it grew steadily and gained a contract with Pfizer, and, ultimately, he developed into the company’s leader, helming its diversification and eventual sale to global pharmaceutical technology and manufacturing company Lonza in 2014.
Ray serves as a consultant and board member for various pharmaceutical and technological companies. He holds 23 U.S. patents and teaches thermodynamics and leadership at Oregon State University – Cascades. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University and his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Colorado.
The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the Nancy Ray Zahl nursing scholarship, a scholarship Rod Ray established at the COCC Foundation in honor of his mother, a former faculty member at the college.
The Nancy R. Chandler Lecture Series of the COCC Foundation brings renowned speakers, lecturers and experts to the region to deliver broad-based programming on a diverse range of educational and topical subjects. The program was established in 1985 by the late Robert W. Chandler Sr. to honor his wife Nancy.
For more information, contact Charlotte Gilbride, coordinator for the Chandler Lecture Series, at 541-383-7257 or cgilbride@cocc.edu.
In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact Caitlyn Gardner at 541-383-7237. For accommodation because of other disability, such as hearing impairment, contact disability services at 541-383-7583.
COCC Latinx Fiesta a Fun Cultural Celebration
Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) Latinx Club is hosting its annual Latinx Fiesta Celebración from 12-4pm on Saturday, April 15, at the Coats Campus Center on the college’s Bend campus.
The family-friendly event will feature a silent auction, photo booth, games, activities, dancers and music, with lunch included. Free to attend, but a donation of $10 to support COCC Latinx scholarships is suggested. Latinx Club students will run the event’s music programming and announcements.
“We’ll have an activity table with Loteria rounds, a traditional bingo-style game,” said Jacqueline Ruggieri, Latinx program coordinator at COCC. “And another activity table with flores de papel, paper flower-making. We’ll also have a group game of musical chairs at some point and finish with a piñata made by a local Latina artist. We welcome all to join us.”
For more information, contact Jacqueline Ruggieri at latinx@cocc.edu or 541-318-3726.
In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact Caitlyn Gardner at 541-383-7237. For accommodation because of other disability, such as hearing impairment, contact disability services at 541-383-7583.
