Were you up at 4:00 a.m. this morning? I was. And look what I found. Jupiter and Venus, millions of miles apart, seem as if they are ready to touch – conjoin. But while they’ll come close again in 12 months’ time, 2039 is the expected date of the next closest conjunction.
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This week, an article that BC adjunct art professor Diego Monterrubio shared from The Business Journal caught my eye
“FROM JALISCO TO FRESNO: ‘WOVEN SKY’ ART PROJECT PLANNED FOR FULTON STREET“
“In the town of Etzatlán in the Mexican state of Jalisco, brightly colored fabrics hang above the streets — a “Woven Sky” art project covering almost 97,000 square feet, woven by the hands of 199 craftswomen and one male artisan.
Later this year, Fresno will be the first city in the U.S. to have this type of art project — an example of international connections being facilitated in the Central Valley.”
The Etzatlán project came from the vision of two women – Lorena Ron and her mother, Paloma – in 2017. By 2019, there were 200 women participating in the project, and it was declared the world’s largest crochet canopy by the Guinness Book of World Records.
To bring a similar project to Fresno, members of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation visited Jalisco, where they also promoted opportunities for economic growth and sought ways to strengthen the relationship between the regions.
The Fresno project will cover two blocks from Fresno Avenue to Tulare Avenue in mid-September.
It is remarkable to me that this idea from two ladies in a small town – Etzatlán had a population of 14,697 in 2020 – has become a symbol of international cooperation and sharing of culture and ideas.
It reminded me of a quote from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who passed away this March:
There is no shortage of worthwhile work to be done and … no surplus of seasons in which to achieve it.
– Madeleine Albright
President Bill Clinton on the passing of Madeleine Albright.
Good morning, friends.
It is April 30, 2022.
The sun shines bright over KernCCD.
This week, the Pirates, the Coyotes, and the Renegades continue to
#DareMightyThings
Porterville College
PC receives award for Excellence in Equitable Student Placement
We are very excited to announce that Porterville College has been named a 2022 Champion for Excelling in Equitable Course Placement in Campuswide Math Enrollment & Latinx Math Enrollment by the Campaign for College Opportunity.
Porterville College President Dr. Claudia Habib was delighted to hear the news of this honor. “At PC, we are committed to removing obstacles for students by advancing transfer-level course enrollment. This prestigious award recognizes our achievement of 100% enrollment of students directly into transfer level Math and English courses.”
Very special thanks are also extended to Melissa Long for her tireless work in spearheading AB705 efforts across campus for the last several years. She will be representing PC, and accepting this award on our behalf, on Thursday May 12th at the Campaign for College Opportunity’s inaugural award installation ceremony.
Thank you to all of our Faculty and Staff for their hard work and dedication to the success of our students. Their incredible efforts are an inspiration that make college dreams a reality for thousands of students each year.
Congratulations to this year’s PC Foundation Scholarship & Award Recipients
On, Friday, April 22nd, the Porterville College Foundation held its 53RD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS CEREMONY.
The annual scholarship ceremony is a mainstay event that has long offered a personal touch that students, donors, faculty, and staff have come to look forward to each year. We were pleased that this year’s event marked the return to an in-person format – with the ceremony being held inside the Porterville College Gym.
PC Athlete Cheyenne Ausborn signs letter of intent
Congratulations to PC Softball Athlete Cheyenne Ausborn for signing her letter of intent to play softball for William Woods University in the fall! We’re proud to see yet another PC Athlete sign with a 4-year school. Great job Cheyenne, GO PIRATES!
Cerro Coso Community College
Andrew Cole Hired to Take Over Coyote Volleyball
The Cerro Coso Athletic Department is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Andrew Cole to take the reins of Cerro Coso Women’s Volleyball. The Coyotes are excited to bring in a volleyball coach with the extensive knowledge in the sport that Coach Cole will provide. Cole is replacing long time Head Coach, Kim Young, who has stepped down from the position earlier this spring. Coach Young has been at the helm since the program was reinstated in 2014, during which time she was able to build a program that showed continued improvement leading into the COVID-19 year. Coach Cole will now be charged with putting the program back on track and leading the Coyotes into the future.
An experienced volleyball coach, Mr. Cole joined the Ohio State University (OSU) Final Four Team in 2005. Upon reaching graduate school, Mr. Cole had the opportunity to serve as a graduate assistant coach for the Loyola-Chicago women’s volleyball program between 2007 to 2008, where he oversaw student progress and became well versed in scouting reports and other tasks. He also started as a Middle School volleyball coach at Glen Hills Middle School.
Having continually progressed in the field of athletics over the subsequent course of his career, Mr. Cole went on to work as an assistant coach for the Rote Raben Professional Volleyball Club in Germany, where he helped lead the team to third place at the Under 20 German National Championships. Mr. Cole also highlighted his expertise as the assistant coach for the Lewis University Flyers women’s volleyball program in Illinois, which he helped lead to victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament and place 14th in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) ranking. Additionally, he served as an assistant coach for the Northwood University Timberwolves in Michigan, which held a record of 21 wins and 11 losses.
Honoring his accomplishments thus far, Mr. Cole was notably recognized among the Top 30 Under 30 list by the AVCA in 2011 and is a 2017 inductee of the Nicolet High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
Please help us in welcoming Coach Cole to the Coyote family. #MakeYourMark!
Cerro Coso is offering two new Child Development classes!
CHDV C156 (CRN) – Introduction to Dual Language in Early Childhood
This course explores cultural and linguistic responsiveness in early childhood settings with emphasis on the importance of the child’s home language. It provides a historical overview of dual language programs in the United States. Special attention is given to building a foundation for understanding theories of language development and child development through the context of dual language learners. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
CHDV C256 (Spring 2023) – Strategies and Curriculum for Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood
Prerequisite: CHDV C156
This course includes principles and strategies for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, building strong connections with families, classroom environments, curriculum, and authentic assessment. Students explore strategies to effectively support all dual language learners in an early childhood setting from infancy through preschool. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
One of the goals in Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids is supporting the development of dual language learners who represent 60 percent of California’s young children. Enroll today: be ready for tomorrow!
If you need registration support, please contact the CC Counseling Office at 760-384-6219 and schedule an appointment with a counselor.
Apply Now: www.cerrocoso.edu/apply
Cerro Coso serves as “Enchanted Garden” for BHS Prom
On Saturday, April 23, Burroughs students participated in the first prom in three years. The long-awaited evening was held outside in the Cerro Coso Community College courtyard, with food and seating available inside.
The “Enchanted Garden” setup was beautiful, and students were able to help themselves to a variety of snacks and drinks throughout the dance.
About 10:15 pm, the coronation took place. Each couple made their way in front of the crowd as Counselor Dave Vigneault introduced them. Once everyone had been announced, 2021 Prom Queen Sierra Wood and Top Three Court Members Nicholas Baca came to crown the new king and queen seniors Max Pogge and Gia Croos Peterson.
Overall, the dance was incredibly well put together, and it was a great way to come back from the last few years without.
Even the weather cooperated.
“We couldn’t have asked for a nicer night!” enthused ASB advisor Laura Larson.
Piece written by Grace Lormand, staff writer of The Blockbuster Blast student newspaper of Burroughs High School.
Bakersfield College
BC honored as a 2021 Tree Campus Higher Education Award Recipient
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Bakersfield College with a 2021 Tree Campus Higher Education designation for its commitment to maintaining healthy trees on campus and engaging students and staff in this effort. BC is the second community college in California to earn the recognition.
Marcos Rodriguez, BC’s executive director of facilities and operations, said the work that has gone into planting trees on campus will become a beacon in the community and across the state. “Bakersfield College has worked hard to beautify its campus in recent years and we appreciate this honor recognizing our efforts. Trees play a critical role in providing shade, visual appeal and a healthy environment on campus,” said Rodriguez, “As we have embarked on major upgrades to our facilities and new construction thanks to Measure J, we have prioritized sustainable practices and ensured green space and trees are a valued asset on campus.”
Bakersfield College will celebrate this honor with three upcoming events:
- Friday, April 29, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., National Arbor Day Celebration on the Campus Center lawn
- Saturday, April 30, 8 a.m. to noon, Tree Foundation of Kern Tree Planting event at Bakersfield College campus
- Tuesday, May 4, 2 p.m., Recognition of BC as Tree Campus Higher Education
Here are some photos from Friday’s event:
Bakersfield College Recognized as Statewide Champion of Equitable Enrollment
Bakersfield College has been named a 2022 Champion for Excelling in Equitable Course Placement in Black English Enrollment by The Campaign for College Opportunity. The letter of notification commended Bakersfield College for successfully supporting 100% of Black students to enroll directly into transfer level English coursework. Bakersfield College is proud to be one of 40 Community Colleges being recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity for working to eliminate remedial courses and ensuring students enroll and succeed in college-level curriculum.
Through a variety of innovative efforts, including the expansion of transfer pathways, the development of the Pathways Program Mapper, supporting affinity groups, and the Early College program, Bakersfield College has made substantial headway in moving the dial closer to statewide goal attainment levels and efficiency.
Norman Levan Faculty Colloquium: The Secret to Umoja’s Success Featuring Dr. Paula Parks
The Norman Levan Faculty Colloquium Steering Committee invites you to the next Normal Levan Faculty Colloquium. They will be honoring Dr. Paula Parks, Professor of English, for her leadership as director of Umoja African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence, as well as for her impact on the success of African-American students.
The Levan Center for the Humanities provides unique opportunities for community college faculty to engage in and promote their scholarly research. Come celebrate Dr. Parks’ accomplishments and show your support for our BC faculty member.
BC Performing Arts Department Presents Combined Concert
The Bakersfield College Performing Arts Department has announced the details of their upcoming Combined Concert, featuring the Choral, Concert Band, Jazz, and Orchestra ensembles. BC’s highly talented music students will perform on Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00 PM in the Bakersfield College Edward Simonsen Outdoor Theatre. Admission is free!
Bakersfield College music students and faculty will bring together some of their award-winning ensembles to highlight this semester’s best works. The presentation will feature performances by the Chamber Singers, College Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and the BC/CSUB Joint Orchestra. Pieces will include inspiring and uplifting choral music, fun twists on film music favorites, rousing fanfares, and string orchestra classics.
New Simulation Center for Nursing & Allied Health Near Completion
Simulation is a teaching methodology used in Nursing and Allied Health programs that provides students an opportunity to practice patient care in a safe environment. If they make a mistake in patient care during simulation, they can discuss it with the group and faculty during the debrief. This gives the opportunity for the student and the other participants to reflect on why the mistake was made and how to prevent it in the clinical setting with real patients. This new state-of-the-art simulation center has been the vision of Executive Dean, Carla Gard, for over four years and it is almost completed due to support from our administrative team at the college.
Pictured above are Professor Nancy Mai and Jesus Aquire. Nancy Mai is BC’s certified simulation faculty and will be training several students in the new training facility when it is complete. Jesus Aquire, a former BC student, just received his VN license and is currently training to be a simulation technician.
When the project is complete, we are assured there will be a grand opening ceremony that everyone will be welcome to attend!
Renegade Athletics
Last weekend, Women’s Softball head coach Casey Goodman won her 100th game as a Renegade against Southwestern, 8-0 and she didn’t stop there. She won her 101st game shortly after over Allan Hancock, 10-0.
Also during last weekend, several alumni came together to honor Renegade Baseball Coach Tim Painton. He coached his final home game Thursday, April 28th vs College of the Canyons.
Congratulations and thank you Tim, for all your hard work and for being such a valued member of our Athletics department. You have inspired and supported countless athletes and coaches. Happiness in your retirement!!
In the News
CityServe, Bakersfield College welcome community to reopen Educational Collaborative
Perry Smith wrote this front page article for The Bakersfield Californian about the reopening of the Educational Collaborative.
“Having that Project HireUp model as the anchor is crucial as we expand and grow the program, because we want to continue to invest in things like welding and construction, culinary (program) and starting all those kinds of things,” [Eric] Simpson [director of the CityServe Educational Collaborative] said. “We want to grow those opportunities.”
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
Trustees Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Yovani Jimenez represented the Kern CCD at the 2022 Annual Trustees Conference this weekend in Dana Point.
Cerro Coso Community College President Sean Hancock shared this post celebrating Access Program awardees:
Porterville College’s Mo Mosley was named to the 2022 All-Central Valley Conference First Team:
Isabel Castaneda shared this photo of her with Reggie Bolton:
PC President Claudia Habib shared this from the Rotary District 5230 Year-End Celebration:
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That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!
The future is bright at KernCCD.
-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor
#KCCDDaringMightyThings
Tagged: Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso College, Kern Community College District, Porterville College, Sonya Christian
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