On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched the Apple Computer. It was almost exactly one year after Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft – on April 4, 1975. Why do I mention it? I am reading the Bill Gates memoir Source Code – first in a trilogy.
50 years of computer innovation – it’s amazing how far we have come and how these two companies are still at the forefront. And of course now we have AI …. that is all I hear everywhere I turn.
Diving into the world of technology is getting me excited for this fall’s Futures Summit – Educational Innovation in a Digital Era. It will be held September 9-11 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
Check out the trailer 🙂
Good morning California.
It is April 5, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Los Medanos College Students to Present Research at National Conference
Ten students from Los Medanos College (LMC) will present their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This is the second time LMC research has risen to warrant national exposure in a field dominated by four-year universities. LMC was among the first community colleges to adopt STEM course-based research in 2014 and was one of the first members of the National Science Foundation-funded for the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative in 2015.
Hundreds participate in first-ever LPC Run for Higher Education fundraiser
Las Positas kicked off its first LPC Run for Higher Education at 9 a.m. on March 29. The community event featured a 5k run and a 1-mile fun walk and welcomed everyone in the Tri-Valley area to participate. LPC’s fun run saw more than 200 participants, with all proceeds benefiting Las Positas’ student health and wellness programs. Student government President Angelo Mercado said they were hoping for 100-150 participants but were shocked to see more than 200.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech College Breaks Ground
on Future Design & Media Arts Building
On March 17, 2025, LATTC held a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming Design & Media Arts (DMA) Building. LATTC’s future Design & Media Arts Building will be the new home of DMA programs like Digital Media, Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Sign Graphics, Tailoring, and Visual Communications.
From Grossmont College to the Super Bowl:
Alumnus David Haile’s Journey to the Big Stage
When David Haile first stepped into a dance class at Grossmont College, he had no idea it would lead him to the biggest stage in the world. Haile grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and never envisioned a career in dance. Besides dancing in his bedroom growing up, dance wasn’t even part of his life until he took a hip-hop choreography class at Grossmont College in 2017. Encouraged by a classmate, he signed up for the course taught by Melissa Adao, a faculty member who quickly became a mentor.
Now, the Grossmont College alumnus has danced at Coachella, toured internationally, and most recently, performed alongside Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl halftime show.
In Case You Missed It
California Community Colleges to HBCU Transfer Summit
Registration is now open for the California Community Colleges to HBCU Transfer Summit, June 24th – June 28th in New Orleans, LA. The summit is an unparalleled event designed to foster enduring connections between California Community College counselors, staff, administrators, and representatives from partner Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Modesto Junior College:
Modesto Junior College hosted Governor Gavin Newsom this morning for the announcement of his Master Plan for Career Education. The press conference took place at the Regional Fire Training Center where #MJC Fire Academy and EMT courses and hands-on training activities are held. Officials from Modesto Junior College, City of Modesto, Stanislaus State, UC Merced, Merced College, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Northern San Joaquin K-16 Collaborative, CA State Assembly and more were invited to a round table discussion on career pathways in career technical education. The Governor’s plan is focused on creating easier access points to education for students in CTE fields, providing college credit for professional experience and achievement, and allowing high school students to explore technical career paths through dual enrollment opportunities.
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From Citrus College:
Congratulations to our architecture and engineering students for their ongoing efforts to build a second solar shower to help people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Two years ago, Citrus College students worked with other groups including Hillside LA and Cal State LA to build a solar-powered mobile shower trailer to help those in need. Led by instructor Tommy Reyes, a new group of Citrus College students is taking what they’ve learned in the classroom and applying it to the real-world challenge of converting a trailer originally meant for hauling off-road vehicles.
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From Santa Ana College:
A few photos from today’s Midterm Motivation and Start Up! Thank you to everyone who came out to the event. We hope you were able to take a mental health break before midterms and connect with friends and SMC resources.
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From Cerritos College:
Inspiring stories were shared at Latinas: Unexplored Pathways! An ironworker and an entrepreneur—Alejandra Rosales and Claudia Ximena Benavides Ulloa—discussed career, family, and resilience in a powerful fireside chat moderated by Atalie Oliva from our Apprenticeship program. Thank you to all who joined!
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And check out this video from West Los Angeles College’s Microforest Planting Day:
And From the Home of the Renegades
NASSSP Hosts Women’s Celebration Event
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Bakersfield College Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) hosted a Women’s Celebration in the Outdoor Theater. The event aimed to uplift, honor, and empower women from all backgrounds, recognizing their contributions, resilience, and achievements. Attendees gathered to celebrate the strength and diversity of women through cultural performances, inspiring speeches, and community engagement, fostering a shared sense of unity and appreciation for the vital role women play in society.
Johnny Nieto, the Program Manager of NASSSP, opened the event with a warm welcome to guests and a meaningful land acknowledgment, honoring the history and significance of the land. Following his remarks, he welcomed Christina Contreras, an Educational Advisor, to the stage. She introduced NASSSP, shared its mission, and highlighted the program’s dedication to supporting Native American students in their personal and academic journeys.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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
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My professional career began with Lotus 1-2-3 and Word Perfect and then Microsoft was smart enough to combine those into a single application that could easily be shared with the entire office