More spring flowers this week! Do you know what these are?
And of course, April brings roses.
And snapdragon –
…and Neo taking in the fragrances.
I started my week in San Diego for ASU-GSV.
Great time with colleagues over a great meal.
I love San Diego
Good morning California.
It is April 12, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
College of San Mateo Honors Project Student KyiLei Aye
Makes Her Mark in Computational Biology
Honors Project learning community student KyiLei Aye has made extraordinary strides at College of San Mateo (CSM). This fall, KyiLei received a prestigious internship at Stanford University’s Winetraub Lab, where she worked on cutting-edge computational biology research. Her exceptional contributions earned her recognition as a co-author on a published scholarly paper—a significant milestone for any aspiring researcher. She was joined in this achievement by fellow CSM and CORE student Emilie Manning, who also served as a co-autho
Chaffey Celebrates Disabled Community at Awareness Fair
Chaffey College held their annual Disability Awareness Fair on March 13. The event drew hundreds of people to learn more about services available to disabled students on and off campus, grab some free food and listen to music. Jacob Peck, director of DPS, says that with less than 22 percent of disabled college students nationwide asking for services to support them in their studies, events like this are very critical. Students often choose not to seek help to avoid being stigmatized.
College of the Canyons Bachelor Program Honored With Award
Even though the College of the Canyons Bachelor of Science in Building Performance (BSBP) program launched in January 2025, it is already making waves in the design world. A team representing the college’s BSBP program was recently honored with the California Building Energy Modeling (CalBEM) Foundational Step Forward award.
Brother 2 Brother Summit at Lemoore College
Inspires Young Men with Star-Studded Event
West Hills Community College District hosted the 2025 Brother 2 Brother: Unity in Diversity Summit last month at Lemoore College, bringing together high school juniors, seniors, and college students from throughout the Central Valley for a day of empowerment, mentorship and inspiration. The summit provided a unique opportunity for young men to connect with mentors, gain valuable insights into higher education and career pathways, and leave motivated to pursue their goals.
In Case You Missed It
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EdSource: Districts should target funds to foster youth
to improve progress, report says
California’s foster care students have improved their high school graduation rates since 2013, but have barely improved, or even lost ground, in rates of suspension, attendance and prompt college enrollment, according to a new report.
And, in the 10 districts with the most foster students, only a fraction of 1% of the targeted money was directly spent on that group. The report, by WestEd, a nonpartisan education research agency, attributed the discrepancy to a disconnect between the administrators who drew up the spending plans and the staff who work directly with students, the report found.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
Cirian Villavicencio and Rowena Tomaneng at the APAHE Conference:
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From Gavilan College:
At Gavilan College on April 3rd, the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag was raised during a campus ceremony. Students, staff and community members gathered for the event. Special thanks to facilities and media staff, Carina Cisneros and Julia Leonardo for organizing the event. Resources were provided by Bill Wilson Center, South County Pride, The LGBTQ Youth Space and LGBTQ Wellness. At Gavilan College, we remain committed to unity, inclusion and pride for all.
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From Cañada College:
On Wednesday 4/9, our International Student Center, Cultural Center, STAR Transfer Pathway Program, and student leaders hosted the second annual Eid al-Fitr celebration to mark the end of the month of Ramadan. Community members and students across the district were invited to join in this joyous celebration by sharing delicious halal food, including beef and chicken shawerma, rice, pita, falafel, hummus, baklava, and authentic Arabic tea and coffee.
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From Calbright College:
We’re at Day 2 of The AI Show @ ASU+GSV in San Diego, celebrating our President, Ajita Talwalker Menon, just honored by the conference as one of the 2025 Leading Women in AI. What an incredible group of trailblazers!
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From Ohlone College:
Our Super Saturday Fremont event was a success! Last Saturday, our Ohlone College community welcomed prospective students to campus with application workshops, broadcasting and library tours, and more!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Renegade Motorsports Team Competes in March Meets Drag Race
Recently, the Bakersfield College Renegade Motorsports team participated in the March Meets Drag Race held at Famoso Dragstrip just north of Bakersfield. The tradition-rich, three-day event brings together drag racing legends and devoted fans, and serves as a start to the 2025 NHRA Heritage Series Season.
Twelve Bakersfield College Automotive students participated as crew members on the Top Fuel Dragster teams as part of a program sponsored by the Jim McLennen Foundation, Famoso Dragstrip, and NHRA. The program was started eight years ago when Bob McLennen wanted to honor his father by starting a program that introduced students to drag racing. He reached out to the BC Automotive Faculty and the team began participating soon after. The Renegade Motorsports team is excited to be a part of a program that gives students invaluable hands-on automotive experience.
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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
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Tagged: #CACCsOurTimeisNow, #NuestroTiempoEsAhora, #OurTimeisNow, Bakersfield College, California Commumity Colleges, California Community College Chancellor, California Community College Chancellor Sonya Christian, California Community College Chancellor's Office, Dare Might Things, Kern Community College District, Nuestro Tiempo Es Ahora, Our time is now, Sonya Christian
Great photos and informative update, Sonya.
Best wishes.
George
Sent from my iPhone
George R. Boggs, Ph.D.
Superintendent/ President Emeritus, Palomar College
President and CEO Emeritus, American Association of Community Colleges
Chair, Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors
315 Sycamore Creek Lane
San Marcos, CA 92069
gboggs@palomar.edu
george.r.boggs@gmail.com
760.846.4454 (mobile)
760.761.0744 (home)
So happy to see your comment George!
Awesome Sonya! Thanks for the continued positive communication.
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