This week was a sober week of reflection and prayer…

Monday marked the 22nd anniversary of the horrific September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the crashed jet in Pennsylvania, left 2,996 dead. The events of that day forever changed the global landscape, plunging the US in to a war on terror – the main phase lasting nearly two decades.

Last weekend, Mediterranean Storm Daniel passed through eastern Libya, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding that resulted in large-scale destruction. Two dams in Libya’s northeast collapsed, with the eastern city of Derna hit hardest. Libya’s Red Crescent organization estimates that 11,300 people have died, and the city’s mayor says the death toll could reach 20,000.

Last Friday night, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco, killing at least 2,946 people and injuring at least 5,674 more. The 6.8 magnitude quake is the deadliest earthquake in Morocco since 1960, when a 5.9 magnitude quake killed at least 12,000.

I remember my visit to Morocco and Marrakesh. I rode the Marrakesh train and sat on the platform between the cars in the open air.

There are times when the pain and tragedies we see and remember become almost overwhelming. I remember Mr. Rodgers’ reassuring advice for children when terrible things happen – “look for the helpers.”

Often Community Colleges become the helpers…often during emergencies… places of love and strength and support as we navigate difficult times.

Good morning California.
It is September 16, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

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From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

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Cañada Fashion Student Crowned Judges’ Winner at Comic-Con

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ECHO Music Series to bring world class classical musicians to Cuyamaca College

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San Diego Mesa College Included In Generation Hope’s
Inaugural FamilyU Seal List

Generation Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all student parents have the opportunities to succeed and experience economic mobility, announced today that San Diego Mesa College is among one of fourteen colleges chosen in its inaugural FamilyU Seal recipients. The FamilyU Seal program is a national certification for higher education institutions making significant strides in intentionally serving parenting students.

» Read more about FamilyU Seal!

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In Case You Missed It

Community Voices: The Constitution binds us together;
now let’s work for a future where the Union is more perfect

Nick Strobel wrote this piece for The Bakersfield Californian – since tomorrow is Constitution Day, I wanted to share it with you:

“We establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty not just for ourselves but also for our Posterity. The intention is that when we act, we should work toward what is good for future generations. Those future generations are not just our children or grandchildren but includes those people we will not know because they will be born long after our own lives are through.”

» Read the article

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Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Constance Carroll:

“The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities has just concluded its 2-day meeting, with Chair Dr. Jill Biden & Co-chairs Lady Gaga and Bruce Cohen. Santa Rosa JC President Angelica Garcia is also on the Committee. What a great experience!“

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From Wendy Brill-Wynkoop:

I am continuing to be impressed by this board of outstanding @CalCommColleges educators and @FACCC staff who are committed to our students. Thank you for your hard work and service. #trusteducators

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From Reedley College:

We had an awesome time showcasing our campus to prospective students at Fresno Area College Night! Thanks to everyone who dropped by! #FutureTigers #GoTigers

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From the Michelson 20MM Foundation:

Thank you to Hildegarde Aguinaldo, VP of the @CalCommColleges Board of Gov for sharing her experience and for reaffirming the CCC’s commitment to supporting student parents through the bold framework of Vision2030 under the leadership of @sonyachristian #studentparentsummit

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Check out this video from Moorpark College for HSI Week 2023:

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And From the Home of the Renegades

One Book Kickoff Event Held at BC

On Wednesday, September 13, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association and Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) partnered with the Kern County One Book Project to host the annual One Book Kick Off Event. Each year, BC hosts the kickoff event to highlight the One Book Primary Title choice, and this year we highlighted Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig.

» Read more about the One Book Kickoff!

» And check out this Faculty Spotlight on Faith Bradham

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I leave you this week with a few photos of Neo contemplating life:

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

Tagged: #CACCsOurTimeisNow, #NeotheGolden, #NuestroTiempoEsAhora, #OurTimeisNow, Bakersfield College, California Community College Chancellor, Canada College, Cuyamaca College, FACCC, Hildy Aguinaldo, Kern County One Book, Michelson 20MM Foundation, Moorpark College, Neo, Nuestro Tiempo Es Ahora, our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work, Our time is now, Rebekah Taussig, Reedley College, San Diego Mesa College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonya Christian, Wendy Brill-Wynkoop