A week of discussing AI and the future of higher ed… in DC then Sunnyvale

Uncategorized July 18, 2026 Leave a comment

Hello DC

View from my room

This week I was at Jobs for the Future’s Horizons 2026 Conference in DC.

I was on a panel with Diya Wynn from Amazon Web Services, Shad Ahmed from Anthropic, and Alex Swartsel from Jobs for the Future, to discuss AI’s transformation of jobs, skills and systems. It turned out to be a fun presentation and the energy of the panel was real great.

Presenting at JFF:

A large team from the Chancellor’s Office attended the conference.

Although I had heard about Horizons for years, this was my first time participating. It quickly became clear why Horizons has become one of the nation’s premier gatherings on the future of learning and work. The conference brings together leaders from higher education, business, philanthropy, workforce development, technology, and public policy.

Here is a photo with some of our team members at JFF in DC.

Then from DC to San Francisco…

Then to Sunnyvale to join the Future U. podcast, hosted by Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn, two of the nation’s leading voices on the future of higher education. Through their podcast, writing, and research, Jeff and Michael have created thoughtful forums for exploring the forces reshaping colleges and universities. Our discussion took place at the Google campus. The panel represented the UCs, CSUs, and the California Community Colleges.

Blast from the past …. 6 years ago on this day …. July 18, 2020 – BC faculty & staff always engaged in “good trouble”

BC faculty & staff always engaged in “good trouble”

Good morning California.
It is July 18, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mission College Partners with Samuel Merritt Expanding Nursing Pathways

Mission College and Samuel Merritt University (SMU) have announced a new Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP) that will allow eligible Mission College Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and LVN-to-RN students to begin Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) coursework through Samuel Merritt University while completing their associate degree requirements at Mission College.

» Read more!

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon Secures Funding for Peralta FabLabs

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon returned to her roots with a message of perseverance and possibility during a visit to the digital fabrication laboratories at Laney College and College of Alameda. While visiting, she announced a combined $250,000 investment to support innovation, student success, and workforce development across the two campuses.

» Read more!

Fresno City College Architecture Students
Sweep AIA San Joaquin Student Design Awards

The annual student design competition challenged local aspiring architects to design a “Community Hub” in Fresno’s historic Chinatown, focusing heavily on urban revitalization. The rigorous competition drew 46 total entries from standout regional architecture programs, including California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), College of the Sequoias (COS), and Fresno City College, which submitted 13 student entries.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California opens AI-Ready micro-credential pilot with AWS and public colleges

California is launching AI-Ready California this month, a free micro-credential pilot that will give 500 students and jobseekers in the San Diego area foundational training in AI literacy, responsible use and workforce readiness.

The program was announced by the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency and developed with the Governor’s Innovation Council, California Community Colleges, the California State University system, Amazon Web Services, Instructure and support from the James Irvine Foundation.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

Mike Muñoz hosted our Long Beach College Promise Summer Retreat today. As academic partners in the Promise, our CEOs came together to set our shared vision for serving students this year—our first official meeting with LBUSD Superintendent David Zaid and CSULB President Loren J. Blanchard together.

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From Feather River College:

Love seeing FRC graduates making immediate impacts in the local community.

Plumas Underburn Cooperative welcomes new manager

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From Evergreen Valley College:

EVC Nursing hit a streak of 7-in-a-row of perfect NCLEX pass rates on their first attempt at becoming registered nurses. The latest group of graduates, 12 in total, give EVC Nursing 72 perfect scores over the past year.

Another 25 Spring graduates are preparing to take the test over the next two months. Over the past seven quarters, 107 EVC graduates have passed on their first attempt.

Over the two years, the rate is 99.2 percent, with 127 of 128 passing on the first attempt.

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From Clovis Community College:

President Armstrong at the Golden Charter Academy ribbon cutting where she will proudly serve as a new board member.

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From Southwestern College:

Congratulations to The SWC Sun for being named Best College Media Newspaper by the San Diego Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists!

Shout out to our student journalists, faculty, and alumni for continuing to tell stories that inform, inspire, and make an impact!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Celebrating Bridge to BC

Check out this video from KGET – “Look Who’s Talking BC: Bridge to BC Helps Students Start Strong and Prepares Future Teachers.”

Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Professor and Faculty Chair of BC’s Department of Education, started the Bridge to BC program back in 2014 with just 140 students. Over the past 12 years, it has grown to more than 18,000 students. I remember all the planning that went into this “start up” operation the second year I was president. The slogan was “make it happen.” Kimberly did just that!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Measure J: 10-year anniversary. Thank you Kern County voters.

Uncategorized July 11, 2026 Comments: 2

At 1:45 pm, on July 14, 2016, the Kern Community College District Board decided to place a bond measure on the November ballot. The voters voted “yes on Measure J.” Thank you!

#DareMightyThings

I submitted a 550-word opinion piece which was published today in the Community Voices section of today’s Bakersfield Californian.

https://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community-voices/community-voices-celebrating-an-investment-in-the-community/article_4dcbd062-0ca6-4c3c-af04-1f5865322b83.html#:~:text=Sonya%20Christian%20is%20a%20fierce,and%20educate%20the%20future%20workforce.

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Did you see about the woman who rowed solo from California to Hawaii?

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, made the 2,400 mile journey from Monterey to Honolulu in just 43 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes and 59 seconds – breaking both the previous women’s record (86 days) and men’s record (52 days) for the crossing.

Hundreds gathered in the harbor to cheer her on as she finally made it ashore, and many more followed along with her journey on social media.

Check out this piece from Hawaii News Now talking about her experience:

Good morning California.
It is July 11, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Barstow Community College Purchases Property
to Create New CTE Workforce Training Center

Barstow Community College (BCC) has completed the purchase of the former Rite Aid building at the corner of Barstow Road and Rimrock Road and plans to transform it into a new Career Technical Education (CTE) Workforce Training Center. The facility will serve as a training hub preparing local residents for high-wage careers. The new facility will house five hands-on Career Technical Education labs with capacity for up to 25 learners per lab, enabling hundreds of residents to train each year.

» Read more!

Porterville College Celebrates the Next Generation
of Women in STEM with Innovative Program

Porterville College, AAUW Porterville, and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce  officially celebrated the InnovateHER STEM Program, a collaborative initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of young women in science, technology, engineering, and math. On June 22, community members, local leaders, and families gathered at Porterville College (PC) for a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the success of the 2nd Annual InnovateHER STEM Summer Camp. The day was filled with inspiration, featuring powerful words from sponsor organizations, local dignitaries, and a special awards ceremony honoring some of the wonderful students who have participated in the program.

» Read more!

California Volunteers wildfire recovery grant provides opportunities
for Pasadena City College students and the community

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor has awarded Pasadena City College more than a half a million dollars to create a new Wildfire Recovery College Corps chapter on its campus. The award from California Volunteers creates the state’s first College Corps chapters dedicated specifically to rebuilding communities ravaged by the Eaton and the Palisades fires in January of 2025.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Tuition to be permanently free at San Mateo County Community College District

The San Mateo County Community College District has made its free tuition program permanent following a signature from Gov. Gavin Newsom, The Daily Journal reported. 

Senate Bill 968, signed into law by the governor, disregarded the 2028 sunset date for the Free College pilot program. The legislation enables the community college district to eliminate tuition by using property tax revenue, The Journal reported. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Mission College:

On Tuesday, June 2, students, faculty, and staff from Los Angeles Mission College participated in the Student AI Showcase at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Pacific Design Center as part of the National AI Campus Project.

Los Angeles Mission College presented eight research posters demonstrating applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomedical sciences and astrophysics. Research topics included planetary debris disk identification, cancer cell segmentation and classification, optimization of deep learning models for biomedical imaging, AI-assisted analysis of urothelial cell images, and neural network hyperparameter optimization.

The showcase featured student research from Los Angeles Mission College and Pierce College and provided participants with an opportunity to present their work to faculty, researchers, industry partners, family members, and the community.

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From Modesto Junior College:

MJC Student Services employees were honored during the annual Student Services Celebration, an end‑of‑year gathering dedicated to recognizing the commitment of counselors, student workers, administrators, and classified professionals who support student success at Modesto Junior College.

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

More highlights from A Taste of the District!

Our Advanced Culinary Arts students showcased their talent with a seven-course tasting menu inspired by SDCCE’s seven campuses.

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From Woodland Community College:

Our Upward Bound students are making the most of their summer!

These 9th–12th grade scholars are taking college courses at the Colusa County Campus while participating in tutoring and academic enrichment to prepare for next year’s high school classes. With support from tutors and peer mentors, they’re building the skills and confidence to succeed in college and beyond!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts First Ever Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway Pinning Ceremony

In October last year, Bakersfield College announced the launch of an exciting new initiative in collaboration with Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), Morehouse School of Medicine, Kern High School District, KCSOS, and More in Common Alliance that creates a streamlined pathway for students from Kern County to pursue careers in medicine.

Recently, BC hosted the first ever pinning ceremony welcoming the first cohort for the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway. Eight scholars were welcomed into the program and received a ceremonial pin and certificate. Dr. Kevin Smith, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affiliations, welcomed each student to the program. “Tonight’s pinning ceremony marks the official beginning of each scholar’s journey through the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway,” he said, “The pin represents commitment, service, academic excellence, and a promise to use education to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy,

Your Chancellor,
-sonya 

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Happy 250 America from all of us at the California Community Colleges – July 4, 2026

Uncategorized July 4, 2026 Comments: 4

250 years!

Long enough for a nation to reinvent itself again and again.

What has been a forever … a constant… is the story of possibility.

America’s belief that a person’s future should not be determined by where they were born, what resources they inherited, or the circumstances they faced along the way. It is the enduring idea that the American Dream should be within reach for everyone.

Few institutions embody that ideal more fully than community colleges.

Community colleges are a uniquely American invention. They were created on a simple premise:

Higher education should not be reserved for a select few. It should be readily available to all who seek to learn, grow, and contribute.

As we navigate an era shaped by artificial intelligence, climate challenges, economic transformation, and rapid social change, community colleges continue to stand at the intersection of opportunity and hope. Yes, we prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and perhaps more importantly, we also help them develop the judgment, resilience, and civic responsibility needed to strengthen the communities they call home.

America’s 250th is an invitation to recommit ourselves to the values that have always moved our nation forward: opportunity, service, innovation, and the belief that every person has something to contribute.

Across California’s 116 community colleges, I see those values alive every day.

I see them in the student veteran walking into a classroom after military service.

I see them in the working parent taking evening classes after a full day of work.

I see them in the first-generation college student who dares to imagine a future different from the one they inherited.

I see them in the California Community College faculty member, the classified professional and the administrator who refuses to give up on a single student.

I see them in communities that continue to believe that education remains one of the most powerful forces for individual opportunity and collective progress.

If the first 250 years of the American story were about expanding the boundaries of freedom and opportunity, then let the next 250 years be about ensuring that opportunity reaches every community, every family, and every learner.

The American experiment remains unfinished, renewed by each generation through learning, innovation, and service. Every day, across California Community Colleges, in classrooms, laboratories, apprenticeships, libraries, learning centers, and online, millions of students are writing the next chapter of that story.

As we celebrate 250 years, may we have the wisdom to learn from the past, the courage to meet the challenges of the present, and the imagination to build a future worthy of those who come after us.

That is the work before us.

That is the promise of education.

That is the mission of the California Community Colleges.

Our time is now.

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Join the California Community Colleges in marking America’s 250th Anniversary and celebrating the students, graduates, and communities building California and the nation at https://www.cccco.edu/America250 –

https://www.cccco.edu/America250

and check out the video below:

Blast from the past

July 4, 2020

July 4, 2020 — Celebrating Independence Day from our homes

I also wanted to share these two Substack interviews from the California Learning Lab Director, Lark Park.

First, interview with Anna Mills from College of Marin. She’s a leader in integration of AI in education.

» Check out the interview!

The second interview is with Dr. Michelle Pacansky-Brock, who is leading efforts for equitable, AI-informed teaching practices across the California community colleges.

» Check out the interview!

Good morning California.
It is July 4, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College breaks ground on milestone Child Development Center Expansion

Marking a monumental step forward for local families and future educators, Cerritos College officially broke ground on the expansion of its award-winning Child Development Center (CDC). The event celebrated a major community investment aimed at tackling the center’s hundreds-long waiting list, expanding high-quality early childhood education, and providing critical, hands-on training for the next generation of educators.

» Read more!

Hartnell College Expands Nursing Partnership with Salinas Valley Health

Hartnell College and Salinas Valley Health marked National Nurses Day with the announcement of a major expansion of their more than 20-year partnership, aimed at strengthening the regional nursing workforce and increasing access to healthcare careers for local students.  The expansion includes a 1.5 million, three-year investment from Salinas Valley Health, building on a previous $3 million contribution to support Hartnell College’s nursing program and expand hands-on clinical training. As part of the effort, nursing student capacity at Hartnell College will increase by 50%, from 50 to 75 students annually.

» Read more!

Irvine Valley College Black Student Success Scholars
Explore HBCUs Across Texas and Louisiana

Fifteen students in IVC’s Black Student Success Scholars (BSSS) program recently took part in a multi-day tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Texas and Louisiana. Throughout the experience, students explored transfer opportunities, learned about academic programs, and experienced the culture and traditions of HBCU campuses firsthand. The group visited schools including Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Grambling State University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Newsom’s final education budget, by the numbers

In his eighth and final budget, the tax gods continued to smile upon Gov. Gavin Newsom, enabling him to cement funding for signature programs he started while salving grumbling districts that are wincing over the financial impacts of declining enrollment.

If, as many predict, stock market turbulence tied to AI stock upends nearly a decade of rising revenues for schools, it won’t be on Newsom’s watch. 

On Monday, the Legislature passed the main budget bill that Newsom and legislators negotiated. Most of the key details for TK-12 schools are in the accompanying legislation, Assembly Bill 126, whose passage is all but certain on Thursday, the final day before lawmakers’ summer recess. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Lake Tahoe Community College:

Congratulations to the 91 graduates of LTCC’s Rising Scholars Program, which supports students who are currently or formerly incarcerated, on parole or probation, or otherwise justice-impacted as they pursue higher education and brighter futures.

This record-breaking class earned 176 degrees and 175 certificates. Among the graduates were some of California’s first students to earn an Associate of Science in Forestry while incarcerated through LTCC’s partnership with Growlersburg Conservation Camp.

The evening also marked the final Rising Scholars graduation for Program Director Shane Reynolds. For the past 11 years, his belief in the power of education, second chances, and student potential has transformed countless lives. The community he helped build and the opportunities he created will continue to shape futures for years to come.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. And thank you to Growlersburg Conservation Camp and Shane for believing in the power of education and making these milestones possible.

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From De Anza College:

Congratulations to De Anza’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter for their incredible performance at the FBLA National Leadership Conference! The team earned six first, second and third-place placements. More than 1,300 students competed at the conference.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Congratulations to Hancock student Leticia Mendez on being selected for REACH’s inaugural Space Vandenberg Summer Internship Program! Way to represent Hancock, Leticia! We can’t wait to see all you accomplish this summer.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Renegade Athletic Complex Receives Project Achievement Award from CMAA

The Renegade Athletic Complex (RAC) recently received a Project Achievement Award from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Southern California Chapter. Each year the CMAA SoCal Chapter recognizes creativity and architectural achievement in construction projects in their region. The awards committee reviews hundreds of applications and selects the “projects that serve as an example to the industry and true pinnacles of excellence and innovation*.” Bakersfield College received the award during the organization’s Annual Awards Gala which took place in Los Angeles last month.

Marcos Rodriguez, Executive Director of Facilities and Operations at BC, attended the GALA and played a part in the RAC receiving the award. “The CMAA is the premier construction management group for Southern California,” he said, “and we were probably the only ones recognized in Kern County. It’s nice to receive recognition and it generates a sense of accomplishment.” Headed by the local contractor SC Anderson, the project was already in progress when Mr. Rodriguez came to BC in 2021, and he was happy to keep things moving forward. “There are lot of things that go into a project that you would not consider, “he said, “and it takes a team to bring across the finish line – and we like to highlight what we have accomplished here.”

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Wrapping up June 2026

Uncategorized June 28, 2026 Leave a comment

As the World Cup continues, I’ve loved seeing the displays of sportsmanship and unity.

Take this video from before the Colombia-Congo match. A Congolese fan was alone among a group of Colombia fans – during the Congo’s national anthem, they listened respectfully and then cheered with him when it was finished:

Scotland’s supporters had a great time making friends in Boston – even the Red Sox mascot got in on the fun:

Japanese fans have been going viral for cleaning the stands after the matches:

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As for me, I was back in San Diego this week for a Dual Enrollment event:

You know what I am about to say ….. what is there not to love about San Diego.

Then back home to my boy Neo

Blast from the past….last year today, I was in San Diego.

Check out my blog post from June 18, 2025.

Closing out June 2025

Good morning California.
It is June 27, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Riverside City College Hosts 4th Annual Supporting Successful Reentry Conference

Riverside City College (RCC), in partnership with colleges across the Inland Empire and Desert Region, hosted the 4th Annual Supporting Successful Reentry Conference in April. The event brought together students, educators, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders committed to supporting justice-impacted individuals and advancing equitable reentry pathways. The conference featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops focused on education, mental health, and career pathways.

» Read more!

Taft College Places at Least 35 Students in Paid Summer Internships

Taft College has launched its fourth consecutive summer of paid healthcare internships, continuing a successful and growing partnership with Kern County healthcare providers to prepare the region’s future workforce. Through collaboration with education leaders at Adventist Health, Mercy Hospitals, and new partner Kern Health Systems, Taft College has placed more than 35 students in competitive, six-week paid internships this summer.

» Read more!

Sunny Futures Campaign Raises Nearly $500,000
to Support Future MiraCosta College Students

More than 300 students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, donors, and community leaders gathered on June 13 at MiraCosta College’s Oceanside Campus to celebrate the extraordinary career and lasting impact of retiring Superintendent/President Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke. The celebration concluded with a fund-the-need event benefiting the Sunny Futures Fund, inviting attendees to continue Dr. Cooke’s legacy by investing in the next generation of students. Guests also participated in opportunity drawings and special fundraising activities, including a donation from Southwest Airlines of four round-trip tickets to any destination served by the airline. By the end of the evening, almost $500,000 had been raised to support future MiraCosta students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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California gave every student in prison a laptop.
How community colleges are using them

Across California, every incarcerated individual taking a college course now has a tool those of us on the outside take for granted: a laptop. 

In the past three years, the prison system spent $23.2 million to distribute 30,000 laptops to all incarcerated students. Almost half of those went to the 13,000 inmates enrolled in community college, who are increasingly doing their coursework online. 

The growth of online learning marks a shift away from correspondence courses, where inmates receive assignments in physical packets, fill them out, and mail them back to colleges, with limited feedback. While some community colleges still offer those types of courses, the laptops are starting to replace the packets.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Mission College:

On Wednesday, May 13, Los Angeles Mission College celebrated the opening of its new Student-Parent Hub with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by campus and District leadership, community partners, student-parents, and faculty & staff.

The Student-Parent Hub was created to support parenting students by providing a welcoming space where they can study, access resources, and spend time with their children while on campus. The space connects student-parents with support services and information designed to help them balance their academic and family responsibilities.

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From Long Beach City College:

New LBCC students are setting sail with Viking Summer Voyage!

This 8-day summer bridge program helps students start their first year with confidence through campus connections, first-year guidance, and resources designed to support their success.

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From Fullerton College:

Fullerton College students in the fashion department and Baile Folklorico club recently hosted an impactful fashion show paying homage to traditional regional Mexican dance, music and fashion.

A successful turnout, students walked the runway to highlight Mexican American diaspora fashion, social movements and culture. We love to see our students’ visions come to life!

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From Irvine Valley College:

Lasers! The future is rising at IVC!

Today, we celebrated the topping out of our future Student Union by signing the final steel beam before it was lifted into place, a long-standing construction tradition symbolizing progress and an exciting milestone for our campus.

The Student Union will become a new hub for students, featuring a spacious cafeteria, modern bookstore, multipurpose spaces, ASIVC, Student Life & Equity, and more.

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And check out this video from San Diego City College’s Juneteenth flag raising ceremony:

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and Joy.

Your Chancellor,
– sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Healing someone else’s world

Uncategorized June 20, 2026 Comments: 2

Russia’s recent wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine has struck not only residential areas and infrastructure but also sites of deep religious and cultural significance. Among the locations damaged was the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an 11th-century monastery complex and one of the holiest sites in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The attack damaged the complex’s iconic Dormition Cathedral and sparked a fire, prompting widespread condemnation from Ukrainian officials and international organizations.

The strike has renewed concerns about the broader toll of the war on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, more than 500 cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Here is a video from The New York Times as Dormiton Cathedral burned – https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000010967495/russia-kyiv-attack-orthodox-cathedral.html

My daughter, Eisha Christian, was in Kyiv with a medical team from Sick Kids. Right now as I am writing this blog, she is on a flight from Warsaw to Toronto after finishing two weeks in Lviv and Kyiv in Ukraine.

There she is in the picture below … looking through a surgical microscope, her hands healing someone else’s world.

Here is a post from Pope Leo XIV urging for an end to this war:

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This week I traveled to Baltimore for the CCC HBCU pathway.

Pam Haynes, Walter Kimbrough, Arynn Settle, Sonya Christian

A view of Baltimore –

Another –

And at night –

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And what a treat! The ducklings have finally arrived… waited for so many days.

See if you can spot one of the ducklings trying to fly up to the mother from the pool.

Good morning California.
It is June 20, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Columbia College Participates in Regional “Every Drop Counts” Project Advancing Interdisciplinary Research on Impact of Microplastics in Water

Columbia College is participating in the collaborative initiative Every Drop Counts, a Central Valley–based project focused on investigating the impact of microplastics in water systems and their effects on biological processes. As part of the project, students studied macrophages—immune cells responsible for removing foreign particles—to better understand how microplastics interact with living systems in the Central Valley.  Student teams from Columbia College, Modesto Junior College (MJC), the University of California, Merced (UC Merced), and California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS) presented their research findings at UC Merced on April 15, 2026, and at CSUS on April 18, 2026.

» Read more!

Napa Valley College Opens Hospitality Training Center

On June 2, Napa Valley College held a ribbon cutting for the Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center, the final part of the new Napa Valley College (NVC) Wine Education Complex. The newest building in the complex features a demonstration tasting bar, a space designed to simulate hospitality and tasting-room scenarios, as well as flexible event space for training, lectures and special events. 

» Read more!

Foothill College Hosts Research and Service Leadership Symposium 2026 

On May 21, students from Foothill and a variety of other schools filled the campus to showcase their research at the 9th annual Research and Service Leadership Symposium. This yearly event is meant to provide a space for students to create and showcase either individual or group research projects in any kind of field, from the creative arts to the sciences, with the ultimate goal of expanding learning beyond the classroom and celebrating student passion and curiosity.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California’s Career Passport to connect qualified workers to employment, with or without a four-year degree

California is continuing its push to open more doors to good-paying jobs by building the California Career Passport – a digital tool designed to better connect workers with employers based on skills, not just degrees.

When implemented, this tool will help more Californians move into in-demand careers and strengthen a workforce that reflects the full range of talent across the state. The Career Passport pilot will involve real users as part of a structured evaluation phase. The four selected vendors will participate in testing that will generate direct user feedback and technical performance data to inform final vendor selection. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible procurement that evaluates solutions based on how they perform in real-world conditions, with real Californians. The pilot demonstration will run from June 17, 2026 to August 24, 2026.

» Read more!

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Building Momentum Towards Transfer: EdInsights’ Researchers Partner with Sacramento City College to Identify Supports for Student Success

EdInsights collaborated with Sacramento City College to design and conduct a study following the academic journeys of over 10,000 first-time students. Sacramento City College, a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, serves over 21,000 students, with nearly 30 percent being first-generation college students. The composition of Sacramento City College’s student body underpins the importance of understanding the experiences of students from various disproportionately impacted groups. 

College and district leaders and EdInsights researchers worked together to identify research questions and connect the analysis to ongoing institutional priorities and strategic planning related to transfer and equitable student success. Together, we identified factors that we suspected could be linked to transfer momentum attainment, including demographic and educational characteristics.

» Read more!   

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

This week, we welcomed proud Oxnard native and 11-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Julian Gooden to campus.

Students from the Global Empathy Training Academy gathered in our STEM Center to watch Julian’s Emmy Award-winning documentary, “Above the Tide,” followed by an engaging Q&A session where Julian shared insights about his career, creative process, and journey in the film industry. The event was also attended by OC Acting President Cynthia Herrera, MC President Julius Sokenu, other college and district leaders, and community partners from the Ventura County Office of Education.

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From Ohlone College:

Cheers to the Ohlone College Deaf Center for hosting our Student Recognition Celebration!

Our Deaf Center honored our graduates, recognized the #ASL Club officers, celebrated university transfers, acknowledged the Deaf-Centered Interpreting Preparation Program (DCIPP), and celebrated the accomplishments of our students. Cheers to bright futures for our Deaf Center students!

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From Copper Mountain College:

What an incredible day at the annual Judge Bert Swift Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the athletic programs at Copper Mountain College!

Because of the generosity of our players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, we raised significant funds to help support our student-athletes and the future of CMC athletics. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this event such a success.

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From Gavilan College:

Three MESA students represented the college at the Spring 2026 Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Atlanta, Georgia. Through this experience, they connected with researchers, universities, and industry professionals, while exploring opportunities in STEM fields.

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And check out this video highlighting Mt. San Antonio College’s aircraft maintenance program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Recognized for Educational Excellence at Beautiful Bakersfield Awards

Bakersfield College received the Educational Excellence Award at this year’s Beautiful Bakersfield Awards ceremony. The annual event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses for their contributions in 2025. The Educational Excellence Award recognizes ‘educators, projects, or institutions advancing educational opportunities and achievement across all levels in the community’.*

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog