Tag Archives: Allan Hancock College

July 25, 2026

Uncategorized July 26, 2026 Leave a comment

This week was back to Sacramento for the July Board of Governors meeting.

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And a happy birthday to Louise Brown, born July 25, 1978. The first “test tube baby,” born after in vitro fertilization – one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.

Good morning California.
It is July 25, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Ana College Team MEKAH Named NASA ORBIT Finalist

Four Santa Ana College students who are members of the STEM Core program were named finalists of the NASA ORBIT challenge. NASA Orbit is a competition where university and community college students across the nation develop commercial applications of NASA patents to solve problems on earth or design next-generation technologies for space exploration. As a reward for advancing to the finalist phase, the team received $15,000 in NASA funding to further develop their project and travel to Houston, Texas for the culminating event hosted at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

» Read more!

Airplane Cabin Simulators Help Cypress College Students
Train for Real World Scenarios

Two airplane simulators now offer students hands-on training for cabin crew in the Aviation and Travel Careers department. This semester’s Passenger Services and Safety class, led by Kathleen Reiland, were the first to use the new simulated environment. The cabin trainers represent Boeing 737 and Airbus A-320 aircraft. The primary purpose of these airplane door trainers is to provide hand-on procedural training for cabin crew members in normal, abnormal, and emergency scenarios, according to ATC Department Chair Captain Ed Valdez.

» Read more!

A group of individuals sits in a mock airplane cabin while a person stands nearby, possibly giving a demonstration or lecture.

San Diego Miramar College Entrepreneurship Program
Offers Second Chance for Students at Miramar Brig

A partnership between Miramar College and the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar, is opening doors for incarcerated service members – offering not just educational opportunities, but a pathway to reinvention. Through the Rising Scholars Network, students housed at the military prison can now pursue an Associate of Science in Entrepreneurship, as part of a statewide initiative supporting currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Miramar is the only community college in California currently offering a full degree program inside a federal military correctional facility. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Human + AI: Leading the next workforce transformation

For more than a century, community colleges have responded to major economic shifts, continually redefining their role in preparing America’s workforce. They expanded during industrialization, adapted to the rise of advanced manufacturing, embraced the information age and became the nation’s primary engine for workforce development. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents the next major workforce transformation and presents a defining leadership challenge for community colleges.

Public discussion of artificial intelligence often centers on job loss. Although automation will reduce demand for some tasks, this framing is too narrow. AI is transforming the way people work by shifting routine and analytical tasks to intelligent systems while expanding the role of human expertise.

» Read more!

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How to reimagine the community college library for student success

Community colleges are serving students with increasingly diverse needs. Many students balance jobs, caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, and educational goals that rarely follow a traditional path. They are also navigating commuter lifestyles, technology gaps, challenges with basic needs, and educational systems that can feel fragmented and difficult to access.

At the same time, many campus libraries still reflect an earlier model built around physical collections and quiet study. As student expectations evolve, institutions have an opportunity to rethink what a library can be.

For community colleges, the library may be the last building on campus capable of stitching together academic support, basic needs, technology access, and a sense of belonging into one visible student success destination.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Shasta College:

One last post before we bid farewell to our international students from Soonchunhyang Univeristy. Biology class is FUN, especially when President Frank drops by and tours the completely remodeled greenhouse on campus with us!

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From Norco College:

Yesterday, we celebrated the end of another successful academic year with our classified professionals group photos!

Celebrating who we are, the invaluable work we do, the students we serve, and all our achievements from 2025–2026.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Congratulations to Hancock alumn Jamal Gragston on earning a spot in the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s prestigious National Science Foundation summer research program!

We’re incredibly proud to see Jamal building on the strong STEM foundation he developed at Hancock

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From Ohlone College:

That’s a wrap! Cheers to our Theatre and Dance Department’s Summerfest Production of Urinetown the Musical. Let’s give a round of applause to our students for putting on this fun, satirical show.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts A Series of Early College Academies

Last week, the Dual Enrollment and Early College Department at Bakersfield College hosted the Early College Launch Academy and the Early College Level Up Academy. The first event was designed to introduce new students to the program and the second to guide returning students through the ‘next steps’ of the program. The goal is to help students feel confident and prepared for their Early College journey before the start of the academic year.

During the free one-day events, students learned about dual and concurrent enrollment, financial aid resources, campus resources, student responsibilities, navigating college tools, and much more. Students also got to participate in a variety of interactive activities and workshops all designed to engage attendees while sharing important details about the Early College Program.

» 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!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

May 2026 is a wrap

Uncategorized May 31, 2026 Leave a comment

The funnest part of my week was coming across this duck sitting with her eggs in the InShape parking lot.

Two days later the duck and the set up were gone. But this note was remaining.

Over the long weekend, I saw The Devil Wears Prada 2. So fun…

And of course, my favorite was Lady Gaga’s performance:

Wanna check out my blog post from May 31, 2025…. Click here: https://sonyachristianblog.com/2025/05/31/wrapping-up-may-2025-strong/

Good morning California.
It is May 30, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Early College Program Helps OAHS Students Graduate
with College Degrees from Allan Hancock College

This spring, a group of Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) seniors will achieve something few high school students can claim: graduating with associate degrees from Allan Hancock College while completing high school.  The students are part of the first cohort in Orcutt Academy’s Early College Cadre (ECC) program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while earning high school diplomas. This year, 26 students from the program are expected to participate in Hancock’s commencement ceremony on May 22, marking the culmination of four years of rigorous academic work. 

» Read more!

Removing Barriers, Expanding Access: Southwestern College
Advances Zero Textbook Cost Initiative

Through its Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Initiative, Southwestern College is working to ensure that all students have free, immediate access to instructional materials on the first day of class, eliminating one of the most common financial barriers to success. WC is expanding ZTC pathways across disciplines. Programs in development include Sociology, Economics, Geology, Math, Chemistry, Social Work & Human Services, Asian American Studies, and more.

» Read more!

Folsom Lake College and Sutter Health Celebrate New Instructional Healthcare Hub
at Rancho Cordova Center

Folsom Lake College and Sutter Health recently celebrated the completion of a new, state-of-the-art Instructional Healthcare Hub at the college’s Rancho Cordova Center. Made possible by a generous $2.5 million investment from Sutter Health, the newly upgraded facility features four modernized career education classrooms equipped with advanced medical technology.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Silicon Valley to get its first two-year degree focused on AI

As artificial intelligence continues to make waves in higher education, changing the way students are learning and forcing educators to rethink traditional assessments amid cheating concerns, Silicon Valley is about to get its first two-year degree in AI.

De Anza College’s new Associate in Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence will be available this fall, along with six new AI-focused credentials and more than 20 additional new degree and certificate programs, the school announced this week.

» Read more!

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The Chronicle of Higher Education: Nonwhite Students Now Represent
the Largest Share of U.S. College Enrollment

Nonwhite students now make up the largest share of American universities’ enrollment — though the diversity on campuses varies widely by institution, according to The Chronicle‘s updated database with the latest enrollment figures (from the fall of 2024). Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral institutions have grown more diverse over time, but associate institutions are still the only group to be majority nonwhite.

For the first time since The Chronicle started its database in 2018, the share of nonwhite students is slightly greater than the share of white students (49.7 percent). Minority students represent 50.3 percent of enrollment and nearly 8.9 million students. These percentages are calculated from the total enrollment where a student’s race is known, which does not include students who did not report their race or nonresident students.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

LBCC was honored to have U.S. Senator Adam Schiff on campus today to meet with our students and take their questions on a wide range of subjects. Our students stepped up, shared their views, and engaged in meaningful dialogue.

Thank you, Senator Schiff, for showing up for our students and our community.

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From American River College:

Co-hosted by the Electronics Technologies and Welding departments, the Solar Contest on May 9 challenged student teams to race head-to-head constructing professional ground-mount solar systems. This electrifying event showcased a powerful blend of grit, technical gear, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Following an intensive morning of building and a celebratory community lunch, the student “heroes” received awards for their precision and technical skill. The students’ tireless energy made the day a success.

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From Los Angeles Southwest College:

Congratulations to all of our Cougars and their families who were recognized as Dean’s and Presidential Scholars! We loved celebrating you and your incredible accomplishments on May 7th. Your hard work, dedication, and achievements make us proud, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do next. Go Cougars!

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From Victor Valley College:

Some of our favorite highlights from FAME (Fine Arts, Animation & Music Experience) this past month at VVC!

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From Las Positas College:

Over 30 employers and tons of students joined us for last month’s Spring Job and Internship Fair here on campus. exploring internships, and taking steps toward future careers!

The fair brought students together with opportunities for paid internships and full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles. Thank you to everyone who came out to network and make those connections.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Announces New Administrative Appointees

Recently, Bakersfield College announced new appointees to three key administrative positions – Vice President of Instruction, Athletic Director, and President. Each candidate was selected after an extensive nationwide search, interview process, and public forum where staff and community members could ask questions and provide feedback. BC is proud to welcome each new addition to its leadership team and look forward to the future they will help build.

Dr. Stacey Pfluger, President of Bakersfield College

Dr. Jessica Wojtysiak, Vice President of Instruction

Lynn Kennedy, Athletic Director and Dean of Instruction for Kinesiology and Athletics

» 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

May 16, 2026

Uncategorized May 17, 2026 Leave a comment

Was in San Francisco this week – and here’s a video from my first Waymo ride!

Good morning California.
It is May 16, 2026
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerro Coso Community College Celebrates First CDL Graduate

Cerro Coso Community College proudly celebrates Gavin Hopkins, the first student to complete the college’s new Commercial Driver License (CDL) program, earning his Class A Driver’s License on February 25, 2026. Hopkins successfully passed his licensure examination on his first attempt after completing the college’s two-course non-credit training series. The program is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the high-demand trucking industry through comprehensive instruction that combines classroom theory and hands-on driving experience.

» Read more!

College of the Redwoods to Launch Flexible 8-Week Course Pilot in Fall 2026

College of the Redwoods is rethinking the traditional college schedule with the launch of a new 8-week course pilot program set to begin in fall 2026. The initiative aims to increase flexibility, improve student success, and expand access to higher education. The pilot emerged from a grant-funded initiative supported by Achieving the Dream and the California Community College Foundation, with a directive to explore shorter course formats. From there, the college had the flexibility to design a model that best serves its students.

» Read more!

Coastline College’s ECHO Conference Unites California Educators
Around Equity and Student Success

Coastline College’s ECHO Conference (Equity-Centered Holistic Outcomes in Education), formerly known as the Teaching for Equity Symposium, was a great success, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders from across California. The event focused on collaboration, dialogue, and advancing equity in education. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Hope, Growing in Kinship: Advancing Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging,” invited participants to explore how equity-minded practices can foster community, opportunity, and transformation.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Adult Learners Are the New Norm

As institutions nationwide navigate the enrollment cliff, new research from the University of Kansas and Florida International University suggests that older, working and commuting students may exhibit characteristics linked to stronger persistence and completion—suggesting ways that colleges can engage with adult learners.

The study examined institutional data from the 2023–24 academic year at a large, four-year Hispanic-serving research institution in the southeastern U.S., including for more than 7,000 undergraduates in the engineering and computing programs.

Researchers found that students older than 25, those working full-time, commuters and students with dependents demonstrated better academic outcomes, including retention, six-year graduation rates and cumulative GPA. The findings suggest that characteristics often viewed as barriers may not necessarily hinder student success.

» Read more!

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9.9 Million Students Now Eligible for Pell Grants, According to New GAO Findings

A total of 9.9 million students were eligible for Pell Grants in 2024-25 – 6% more than the prior year, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office, or GAO. The report also found that 31% more students were eligible for the maximum award of $7,395 that year, and that much of the rise in eligibility rates took place for students with household incomes of $60,001-$125,000.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

Spring Extravaganza hit different this year – music, food, games, and just good vibes all around. Everyone outside and actually enjoying campus life! Now this is what spring supposed to feel like.

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From Allan Hancock College:

A huge thank you to Chumash Casino Resort for donating more than 600 men’s and women’s suits to Hancock’s Career Closet. These gently used professional clothes will help students show up confidently for job interviews, internships, and new career opportunities.

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From Norco College:

Check out these moments from last week’s Yoga Health session! May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Remember, you are important. Your mental health is crucial. Let’s come together to prioritize our well-being!

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From Shasta College:

Really excited to attend the Scholarship Award Ceremony and celebrate the accomplishments of our Knights who were awarded scholarships to help their academic pursuits! Thanks to the Shasta College Foundation, we were able to give out $904,303 to deserving students. Congrats!

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From Ohlone College:

Hip-hip-hooray! Cheers to our Ohlone College MEChA and Puente graduates for walking the stage at this year’s MEChA/Puente Graduation. We celebrate our #Latinx students for reaching this important milestone and for their dedication to participating in MEChA and Puente.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Industrial Automation Students at BC Showcase Their Senior Projects

The Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College recently hosted their Senior Project Open House. The event took place in the robotics lab in the Science and Engineering building on BC’s Panorama Campus. The students proudly displayed their projects and were ready to answer questions while putting their projects into action. The senior projects are part of the requirements to receive a bachelor’s degree in the Industrial Automation program.

The public event attracted students, staff, and community members eager to see the senior projects. The projects focused on a wide variety of subject areas including agriculture, robotics, industrial processes, and more. There were more than a dozen projects on display and each one represented a culmination of an entire semester of planning, preparation, and work.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

2026 Sterling Silver on March 14th

Uncategorized March 22, 2026 Leave a comment

But before I jump into my week, let me start with Sterling Silver, last Saturday, March 14th. It was wonderful seeing friends and colleagues.

With Kate Pluta, Nick Strobel and Janet Tarjan:

It was great connecting with Ravi and Naina Patel. I got to know the two of them very well when we worked on the Peace Gardens at BC and the Regenerative Farm project. The won the philanthropist of the year award at this year’s Sterling Silver.

Talking about the Patels, here is a blast from the past….

In 2020 the Pease Garden was established. Here is a 10-min video where the committee introduced this project to the campus. The speakers in this video include — Sonya Christian, Krista Moreland, Emma McNellis, Naina Patel, Lisa Elzy Watson, Hansa Patel, and Neeraj Rama.

And Corny Rodriguez was recognized with the Sterling Silver Service award. A

Always happy to see Mayor Karen Goh.

Talking about Corny, here is a blast from the past…..

Check out this video celebrating Corny on his retirement:

Back to Sterling Silver. Here is a photo with Romeo Agbalog, Kay Meek & Jean Fuller:

Was so happy that Jean Fuller was able to make it. Here is throwback to when Jean was recognized with the Service award.

Here is the video of Kylie introducing Jean Fuller and her work with Early College.

And another selfie with Kate, Nick & Janet –

Thankful that Janet snapped these pictures.

Here is one with Rudy Salas.

Rudy Salas brought significant resources to Bakersfield College when he was in the Assembly. He received the 2020 Sterling Silver Service Award. Check out this blast from the past. A 3-min video.

And with Yovani Jimenez

And with Norma Rojas-Mora and Gabby Gonzalez

Now, let’s move to this week…. started in Sacramento…

Spring has sprung in Sacramento. Snapped photos of azalea on my walk back with a friend from Zocalos.

More flowers –

And calla lilies –

And dogwood in bloom –

Closed out my week in San Diego.

What’s not to love about San Diego

And at night –

And the icing on the cake – when I met up with Daisy Gonzales and we did our usual walk by the waterfront.

Then it was off to the CEO symposium. Here’s a pic with Anthony Culpepper and Rowena Tomaneng:

This week was also the Rising Scholars Program Convening.

Rising Scholars now spans 104 colleges, supports students in 147 correctional facilities, and connects them to 90 on campus programs that help them continue their education after release.

Chelsea Esquibias, senior advisor at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, started the event with a welcome and network address.

Board of Governors Member and Former President Pamela Haynes held a fireside chat moderated by Assistant Vice Chancellor Erin Larson, with panelists Tyee Griffith, program coordinator at the Prison Education Project and Matthew Caddell, Student Government President/Student Trustee at Chaffey College.

Michael Redding, deputy cabinet secretary and senior advisor for public safety at the Office of the Governor, gave the keynote address on ‘Public Safety and Higher Education.’

Good morning California.
It is March 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cloverlane Foundation Funds New “Jaws of Life”
for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

 A generous donation is helping Allan Hancock College strengthen hands-on training for the next generation of firefighters.   The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a $25,000 donation from Cloverlane Foundation to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art “Jaws of Life” extrication system for use in the college’s fire academy, along with other essential equipment for fire academy students.

» Read more!

Rep. Juan Vargas secures additional $500K in funding
for San Diego College of Continuing Education

U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) has secured $500,000 in federal funding for critical utility and water infrastructure improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education.  The investment will upgrade critical campus infrastructure, strengthening SDCCE’s ability to provide hands-on workforce training to approximately 30,000 adult learners each year.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College Opens New Building MM to Help Students Build the Future

Long Beach City College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus to celebrate the grand opening of the new Building MM complex. The facility supports the city’s growing Space Beach sector and serves as the new home for the Architecture, Anthropology, Carpentry, Horticulture, HVAC, and Plant Science programs, preparing students for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and construction industries expanding across the region.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

He was an undocumented immigrant. Now he runs LA’s community colleges

When Alberto Román was a boy growing up in the Mexican state of Durango, his father was often far from home. Most times, he’d be gone for months.

Román’s father, Javier, had a third-grade education. And when work was scarce in Mexico, he’d venture north to the United Sates and take whatever job he could find.

Román missed his father terribly, and he relished the time alone with him. When his father would return to Mexico, they’d hike to a majestic statue of the revolutionary Pancho Villa, where Román and his father could also look out at their city.

Román did not know it then but, soon, that view would become a memory. When he was eight, his father returned; but, this time, Javier took his son, his daughter, and his wife with him back to the U.S. The family settled in Rialto, in California’s Inland Empire. Suddenly, Román had a new home and new challenges to contend with.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s Rising Scholars program is partnering with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on an initiative to revitalize the Elmwood Men’s Library, supporting education, personal growth, and second chances for incarcerated students. Last week marked a major milestone as decades-old furniture was replaced and new furniture donated by Mission College was installed.

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From Ventura College:

From galaxies to black holes, Ventura College welcomed a full crowd for an inspiring two-day astronomy experience.

We honored 100 years of science at VC with stargazing, interactive space simulations, and a vibrant evening of discovery for all ages

Dr. Cameron Hummels from CalTech lectured on black holes as part of the American Astronomical Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program, a nationally recognized initiative that brings leading astronomers to colleges across the country.

Thank you to the Ventura County Astronomical Society for setting up the all the telescopes for the star watching party.

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From Ohlone College:

This year’s #WomenInSTEM Dinner was one for the books! Thank you to Ohlone College MESA and our Society of Women Engineers student club for connecting women leaders in #STEM with our Renegades. Cheers to bright futures and #WomensHistoryMonth

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From Mt. San Jacinto College:

Enjoying pizza slices and conversations with the president!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Beach Volleyball Makes History with First-Ever Home Matches

Bakersfield College’s beach volleyball program made history on Friday, March 6, hosting its first-ever home matches on the college’s newly constructed beach volleyball courts. The Renegades rose to the occasion, defeating Cuesta College 3-2 and Glendale 4-1 to sweep the day.

The milestone marked a significant moment for BC athletics, with the new courts giving the program a permanent home to compete and grow. The wins extended what has been a strong start to the season. BC has now won five straight and sits at 8-4 overall on the season.

All home events this season are free and open to the public.

» Follow results and see upcoming schedules!

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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