If you have not heard the name Steve Flores, well…. let me introduce you to him. He is the energy, vision and spirit of the Media Music Jam, and he did the impossible….. he got me to say “yes” to being a participant in this year’s Media Music Jam.
Thank you Manny De Los Santos for putting together this 1-minute video.
This year’s SOLD OUT event raised $71,320 and still counting for the Kern County Cancer Fund. Over the past six years, they’ve raised $442,447 to help families pay medical expenses related to their cancer treatment.
Thanks to Heather Foss and Manny De Los Santos, who supported me as I partnered with Robert Price on his rendition of “Let’s Work Together,” and line danced with Lyle Martin and Robert Rodriguez to Rachelle Murcia performing “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” while the talented Cindy Zimmer did a fabulous job on the violin
Heather Foss & Donny
Paulina & Manny De Los Santos
Sonya Christian
Ready for performance night
Lyle Martin, Sonya Christian, Robert Rodriguez
Robert Price in action singing Let’s Work Together
Manny De Los Santos, SonyaChristian and Heather Foss
KGET and The Bakersfield Californian covered the event and provided additional information on the history of this tremendous event.
Welcoming Our first Cougar-Renegade Class of 2023!
This last Wednesday, Bakersfield College hosted thirty of our incoming McFarland Early College students. These students are a small group of the 280 freshmen that will begin their college pathway at McFarland High School this Fall.
The group started their day with a welcome breakfast hosted by Outreach and Dual Enrollment Director Steve Watkin. Our Early College Program Manager Kylie Swanson then introduced them to becoming a Renegade, dual enrollment, and what their next four years would look like as they pursued an associate degree for transfer while they were in high school.
Students were given a choice of four different summer courses to visit—and these 14-year-old students fit right in! While they were a little shy at first, the Early College students loved the opportunity to see what a college class is like and to participate in the course discussions. After their course visits, the team gathered again for a tour of our beautiful campus.
Welding instructor Jeremy Staat gives our newest Renegades an up close look at our Welding program McFarland High School will have a strong Welding Early College program that will prepare students to complete Welding degrees and/or enter the workforce here in Kern County.
Following their tour, I had the pleasure of hosting this amazing group of students for lunch. I invited some very special guests to join me in welcoming our newest Renegades to the family — Senator Jean Fuller, Trustee Romeo Agbalog, Superintendent Aaron Resendez, and Principal Justin Derrick all gave the students advice and encouragement as they embark as trailblazers for secondary and higher education in the United States.
A lovely lunch with my newest Renegades!
Students being encouraged and welcomed by our amazing retired state Senator Dr. Jean Fuller.
Trustee Romeo Agbalog shares his passions and what he had to overcome as he connected with our students to inspire them to never give up.
President Sonya Christian, Principal Justin Derrick
Each student was then interviewed by one of our distinguished guests. When asked what three words describe how he felt when he thought about starting college this Fall as a high school freshman, young Isaiah said he felt “nervous, but excited and READY!” Fellow student Melina stated, “I am excited to be a Renegade. I am starting college at 14-years-old, and I am going to keep going until I get a master’s degree.” Our video team captured these interviews, and I can’t wait to share the final project with you! It will be amazing to track these students along their journey to Associate Degree completion four years from now.
The students then had another opportunity to sit in on college courses, including a special tour of our photography studios where Kris Stallworth gave the students a hands-on lesson in creating photo-grams.
Early College Student – Class of 2023
Early College Student – Class of 2023
As we closed out the day there was a growing sense of excitement for their future at BC, and I can’t wait to welcome these students back to BC each year leading up to Spring 2023 when I will proudly be able to hand them their degrees on our commencement stage.
They are McFarland Cougars. They are Bakersfield College Renegades. They are our Cougar Renegades, Class of 2023.
Lesley Bonds recognized as a 20 Under 40 person to watch in Bakersfield
The Bakersfield Life’s magazine’s Mark Nessia hosted the event recognizing the 20 young individuals under 40 recognized for their leadership and service to our community. Our amazing Lesley Bonds was selected to be in this group.
North High Connections. Jessica Mathews, Jennifer Williams-Cordova, Jack Bertrand
BC Hosts Kern EDC Board Meeting
BC hosted Kern Economic Development Corporation’s last board meeting of the year here at the BC campus. BC strongly supports Kern EDC’s mission to stimulate and diversify Kern County’s economy. When Measure J was on the ballot in 2016, Kern EDC endorsed the measure for its economic development benefits, which was unusual for an organization that doesn’t usually adopt a position on ballot measures.
Dr. Jean Fuller and Mike Giacomini
Jennifer Serratt and Trustee Romeo Agbalog
Dave Howlett and Cheryl Scott
Supervisor Maggard and Steve Renock
Richard Chapman and David Womack
Dr. Jean Fuller, Wayne Kress, Arvin Mayor Jose Gurrola, and Chancellor Tom Burke
Mike Giacomini gave attendees a quick update on the Measure J projects, and Dr. Jean Fuller presented on the new Early College program. It was great to provide our prominent community members with updates and information on all of the great things happening at BC. I can’t wait to host them again in the future!
Mike Giacomini presenting to the board
Dr. Jean Fuller presenting to the board
Dr. Jean Fuller highlighting the Early College program.
Jack Scott Fundraising Institute
A team from Bakersfield College had the opportunity to attend the Jack Scott Fundraising Institute this week, held at the beautiful Claremont Graduate University. The two-and-a-half day conference kicked off with remarks from the California Community College District Chancellor, Dr. Eloy Oakley, on Wednesday evening. Dr. Oakley discussed the future of community college funding in California, large employer partnerships with community colleges, and the need to help students with cost-of-living expenses, including housing and medical costs. Wednesday evening concluded with a reception for the 40 attendees at the home of Claremont President, Dr. Len Jessup.
Heather Penella, Chancellor Eloy Oakley, Norma Rojas Mora
Tom gelder, DeLacy Ganley, Heather Penella, Jack Scott, Norma Rojas-Mora, Pendleton Armistead
Thursday had a full day of interactive presentations covering topics ranging from visionary leadership, fundraising trends and strengthening business and corporate partnerships. Friday concluded with sessions highlighting the importance of strategic planning and skills on bringing plans to reality. Tom Gelder, Norma Rojas-Mora and Heather Pennella had the opportunity to make impactful connections with conference faculty and attendees alike.
Community Voices: BC’s Core Values Help Us Be better
BC’s Nick Strobel had a published piece in the Community Voices section of The Bakersfield Californian on Saturday, discussing BC’s core values and strategic directions and how they can transform lives for the better. Be sure to check it out!
Summer Bridge
Summer Bridge continues to orient incoming freshmen with its awesome Summer Bridge program, a first-year student success course. Chancellor Burke even dropped by to see the program, and meet the newest Renegades. If you know of a student who would benefit from this program, please visit the website to sign up for a session!
BC staff at Summer Bridge
BC staff at Summer Bridge
Isabel Castaneda, Chancellor Tom Burke and Kimberly Bligh
Students at the Summer Bridge session
Chancellor Burke at a Summer Bridge session
BC Scholarship in Memory of Stephanie Marie Gonzalez
Rich McCrow reached out to me this week about a scholarship opportunity in memory of the amazing Stephanie Marie Gonzalez. The Criminology/Criminal Justice team created a scholarship through the BC Foundation in her memory to assist Bakersfield College Criminal Justice & Corrections students with their education.
In memory of Stephanie Marie Gonzalez
Stephanie was a BC alumni and a Kern County juvenile correctional officer at Juvenile Hall for 15 years until she passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 35. Stephanie passed away in 2017, but her spirit lives on here at BC. She was an exceptional student and beloved by all Criminology faculty.
If you would like to contribute to this scholarship in Stephanie’s memory, please go to SupportBC.org or call the Bakersfield College Foundation at 661-395-4800.
Olivia Garcia recognized
Mark Nessia recognized Olivia Garcia in his article in the Bakersfield Life Magazine.
Olivia and Sonya
Olivia and Corny
Fun Photos:
2019 Bakersfield Young Professionals (BYP) Summit: Chesi Womack sent over a photos from last week’s 2019 BYP Summit, a great event for young professionals in our community. The speakers focused on emotional intelligence, decision making, stress management and leadership. Chelsi said, “It was a very informative and inspiring event to be a part of!” I love seeing our Renegades in the community!
Chelsi Womack, Tiffany Simpson and Yolanda Aguilera
Photo from Facebook. Pam Boyles, the runner on the beach 2011
Manny Mourtzanos: The Artist
Manny Mourtzanos sent over to me his latest artistic creations featuring Billie Jo Rice, Bill Moseley and myself at the new BC SouthWest construction site at CSU Bakersfield, along with the infamous Kit Foxes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? 🙂
Athletics on the Radio
Brandon Urry, our athletics communications manager, was on the radio this week with Danny Morrison of 103.9 The Beat and Fernando Ambriz of 92.5 La Campesina to talk about our athletics departments recent #19 CCCAA NATYCAA ranking (up from #31 the year before!), Memorial Stadium construction and the many summer sports camps/clinics happening at BC over the summer. We are excited for another big year of Renegade Athletics!
Brandon Urry and Danny Morrison
Brandon Urry and Fernando Abriz
President’s Cabinet Retreat
On Tuesday, President’s Cabinet met to discuss goals and work plans for the 2019-2020 academic year. This group is composed of direct reports to the President of Bakersfield College, as well as other members who serve at the discretion of the president. President’s Cabinet provides a forum for vetting decisions prior to implementation.
Attendees at the President’s Cabinet Retreat
Bill Potter and Mike Giacomini
President’s Cabinet members at the retreat
Corny Rodriguez, Bill Moseley, and Manny Mourtzanos
Manny Mourtzanos presenting
Corny Rodriguez presenting
Exec Office Retreat
The Executive Office held its retreat earlier this week, with myself, the three Vice Presidents and our Exec Office staff. It’s always a fun time with this group!
President Christian trying her hand at the wheel
Zav Dadabhoy speaking at the retreat
Chris Glaser, Billie Jo Rice, Mike Giacomini, and Jennifer Serratt
Jordaun Bennett spinning the wheel
Catherine Rangel spinning the wheel
Tarina Perry at the wheel
Chris Glaser’s turn!
Chris Glaser, Jordaun Bennett, and Catherine Rangel
Early College Retreat
We held our very first Early College retreat this week and I’m excited to see what the future holds for this amazing team!
President Christian, Abel Guzman, Steve Watkin and Michelle Pena
Kylie Swanson and Ashlea Ward
Abel Guzman, President Christian, Michelle Pena and Steve Watkin
Exec Office Birthday Celebration
The Exec Office celebrated birthdays this week, namely Chris Glaser, Somaly Boles, Jennifer Serratt, Brenda Gamlowski and Mike Giacomini. Happy birthday everyone!!!
Chris Glaser, Somaly Boles, Jennifer Serratt, Brenda Gamlowski, Mike GiacominiLunch celebration in the Exec office
Good morning, Bakersfield.
It is Saturday, June 22, 2019… A great day to be a Renegade.
STEM Camp
Throughout the months of June and July, Bakersfield College faculty are getting high school and middle school students interested in STEM with the Summer STEM Camps sponsored by Chevron and Project Lead the Way. There are 7 camps over the summer centered around interesting STEM projects. Each participating student applied to the free camps with an application and essay back in May.
Manny Fernandez with Drone Programming STEM Camp students.STEM Camp students working on mobile app development.
Students in the first three camps learn about digital fabrication (3D Printing), mobile app development, and programming drones. Last week, the students created guitars from cigar boxes in camp. Upcoming projects in the STEM camps include learning to design and build a tiny house, and exploring and designing alternative sources of energy. This is a fun and engaging method to entice students to consider STEM fields of study.
Klint Rigby taking a break.Darren Willis instructing campers.Digital fabrication STEM CampKlint Rigby showing his cigar box guitar
All of the camps are held on our Panorama Campus, except the last, Alternative Energy/Solar, which will be held at the Weill Institute location. I’d like to thank Martin Perez, Program Manager, Klint Rigby, Department Chair, and everyone with the Industrial Technology Department, as well as Chevron and Project Lead the Way for providing this amazing opportunity for potential future students.
Roy Allard and Manny Fernandez congratulate campers.
2019 Energy and Ag Academy
The 2019 Energy and Ag Academy kicked off their first session at Bakersfield College on Saturday, June 15th. This five-session academy is hosted at Bakersfield College and introduces students to local professionals, careers, and other features from these industries in the Energy and Ag fields. This year over 60 students have been accepted into the program.
Students in the Energy and Ag AcademyBC Dean of Instruction, Corny Rodriguez, welcoming the students to BC
The academy brings awareness to Kern County’s largest industries and teaches how they provide resources for both the community and the world. The academy includes speakers in the Energy and Ag industries, financial scholarships, field trips to local energy and ag facilities, leadership opportunities, student ambassadors for Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, volunteer opportunities in the community and meeting with elected officials. The academy – presented by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the KCHCC Business Education Foundation – is sponsored by Area Energy, Bakersfield College, California Resources Corporation, Chevron, and Kern Energy Foundation.
John Ocana from California Resources Corp., discussing produced water for beneficial reuse.Dave Susko discussing the myths and truths of fracking
Wonderful Academy Ag Camp 2019
You may have seen a large group of very young students around campus over the last two weeks and wondered who they were. These incoming 8th grade students have been participating in one of two weeklong summer camps at Bakersfield College in partnership with the Wonderful Company. These students came from middle schools in our rural communities, including Wasco, Shafter, Delano and other surrounding areas. They were exposed to all the exciting things Bakersfield College’s Agriculture department has to offer.
With days full of activities, students created stationary holders in our welding facilities and a water filtration system in our Horticulture Lab, learning about the different materials that can be used to filter water. Students also created a product marketing plan for a unique product.The students were given the option to use a variety of ingredients such as tajin, cocoa powder, cinnamon powder, lime juice, and cayenne pepper to create their unique product – then they had to create a branding strategy. Students created t-shirts, hats, and other marketing materials using their own logo designs and a printing press. In addition to creating different products, students connected with industry professionals discovering the many related opportunities that exist in our community.
I would like to thank our dedicated staff involved in making this happen: Raquel Lopez, Program Manager overseeing the program with the support of Manuel Muralles; Heather Baltis and Jim Selgrath, lead Agriculture faculty: Jesse Oropeza, lead mentor who was with the group 24/7 and his leadership team of peer mentors. I would also like to thank Abel Guzman, Delano Campus Executive Director, Carolina Madrigal, Delano Site Office Coordinator, and all the support staff without whom none of this would have been possible.
New Renegades get Oriented
The Outreach and School Relations Department welcomed a group of 64 new students into the Renegade family at an orientation event in the Levan Center on Tuesday.
The incoming students learned all about BC’s curriculum, counseling opportunities, and academic support services to help them properly navigate their college journey. Representatives from Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance were also on hand to talk about resources they have to support homeless and low-income students.
Josie Guillen
I’d like to thank the Outreach team, Steve Watkin, Nicolette Castruita, Cecilia Gabaldon, Asshlea Ward, Angela Williams, Jo Ann Acosta, Debi Anderson, Savannah Andrews, Josie Guillen, and Manuel Muralles for putting together this informative orientation event to welcome new Renegades and for their efforts in reaching out to schools and the larger community.
HBCU Tour Continued
Last week I shared pictures from the first two days of Umoja’s HBCU Tour by Umoja Coordinator Dr. Paula Parks and four outstanding students interested in transferring to a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Georgia and Alabama. The grant-funded tour included visiting cultural and historic sites, with Heritage Empowered as the tour operator. Dr. Parks has sent more pictures and descriptions of the exciting and rewarding tour that I would like to share with you:
“Day three, we went to Talladega College, which is an hour outside of Birmingham, Alabama”.
“A very special part of our visit was reconnecting with BC transfer student and Umoja participant, Tonysha Miles, who will graduate in December. Of Talladega, she said, ‘I love it here. All the resources I need are here.’”
Dr. Parks standing next to Tonysha on the far right.
Mr. Lon Weind, who conducted the tour, touted the family feel and caring professors. He also shared some history with the students in showing them a door on campus that led to a stop of the Underground Railroad, a network of tunnels and pathways that the enslaved used to escape North to freedom.
On the campus of Tuskegee University is the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, which highlights the accomplishments of the segregated fighter pilot unit during World War II. They became the most victorious and decorated squad.
Tuskegee is 45 minutes outside of Birmingham.
Tuskegee University was founded by Booker T. Washington – former slave, educator, and civil rights leader. This statue honors his accomplishments.
Kerry Jones, who conducted the tour of the beautiful campus discussed the eight undergraduate colleges and graduate programs they offer, the availability of scholarships, and the caring professors.
Kierra Littles was impressed: “My favorite school was Tuskegee because of the community feel and their English program. I also liked it because they always have different activities on campus.”
Alabama State University, which is in Montgomery, Alabama, was front and center during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-56. The sculpture means no matter what African Americans went through, they made it, and today’s students are encouraged to persevere and make it as well.
The tour guide touted their campus life, including the football team as well as internship and research opportunities.
View of the campus including the sculpture.
In Montgomery, students saw the site of a slave market, a sad reminder of a time in our American history.
The last stop before flying out was the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It put America’s civil rights movement in the context of people around the world struggling for human rights.
Dujour Sams summed up the experience: “I recognize how great of an opportunity it is to be part of a trip like this. . I felt empowered by visiting the schools as well as the historical sites we visited.”
What a wonderful experience! Thank you Dr. Parks for taking Umoja students on this HBCU tour and for sharing photos with me. A tour like this makes such an impression on our students, giving them cultural experiences and inspiring them to achieve their dreams. Faculty like you that dedicate so much time and effort toward enriching students’ education experience at BC is why I am the luckiest and happiest college president ever!
Leadership Bakersfield Graduation Gala
“What you do has far greater impact than what you say.” Steven Covey
For the past 10 months 32 strangers came together and made our community a little bit better. Among those 32 strangers were Brandon Ury, Endee Grijalva and Heidi Forsythe. They have now joined the ranks of Bakersfield’s Top Community Leaders as the class of 2019’s Leadership Bakersfield. Leadership Bakersfield (LB) has been running for the past 32 years bringing individuals from across the city and challenging them to step out of their comfort zone to be a part of a greater good in the community. Potential participants are interviewed and selected to be a part of a ten-month commitment to a team of strangers who will work together to strengthen and improve the community while developing their leadership qualities. Each month LB participants dedicated one entire day where they learned about their own individual leadership style, studied local issues, personally interacted with top leaders who make things happen in our community and discovered new reasons why Bakersfield is a great place to live.
Heidi Forsythe and Helen Acosta
Brandon Ury served on Team 1 where they empowered Project 180 to realign their mission and scope as a grassroot organization. They also focused on bringing awareness and solidarity to victims of senseless acts of violence by unveiling a park bench at Laurel Park. Their park bench dedication also led them to raise funds for a local children’s school choir. Their project was an act of kindness and unity in a predominantly high-crime rate community.
Endee’s Team 2 focused on a newer nonprofit organization located on Union, south of California Ave known as Dream Center Bakersfield – not to be confused with The Dream Center of Kern County that serves foster youth. Dream Center Bakersfield serves all individuals who may be dealing with homelessness, drug abuse, violence, sex trafficking – the list is endless. Team two however, focused on the services provided to the children. The team met regularly for several months to revitalize the children’s center by painting a beautiful mural with the hope of brightening the lives of children dealing with issues out of their control. They did an amazing job of turning the children’s center into a brighter beacon of hope for the little lives that often go unnoticed.
Endee Grijalva and Heidi Forsythe
Heidi’s Team 3 took on a similar goal but focused on revitalizing the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault’s Resource Center located in downtown Bakersfield. Team 3’s goal was to beautify the center as a means of brightening up the lives of not only the participants but the staff as well. The team put two coats of paint on over 5400 sq. feet of wall space, improved their curb appeal as well as the conference room and children’s library by changing décor and adding donated furniture and children’s books.
Every act of kindness has an impact we may never fully know. A conversation on a bench park can lead to a peace treaty among rivals, a painted mural in a children’s center can ease the stress and pain of a child and even brighter walls can improve the quality of work for those who ease other’s pain. Leadership Bakersfield is a great opportunity to grow leadership skills but more importantly to become a greater community. Applications for the class of 2020 are currently being accepted. Will you step up to the challenge? #BuildingCathedrals
Jaime Lopez, Mayor Karen Goh, Endee Grijalva, Tamara Baker, Heidi Forsythe, & Helen Acosta
2019 BYP Summit
BC was out in full force at the 2019 BYP (Bakersfield Young Professionals) Summit on Thursday. We were happy to sponsor such a great event, one that encourages and fosters young professionals in our community. Our very own Heather Pennella spoke about engaging BC Alumni and getting to know their connection with the college. If you have a BC story that you’d like to share, please visit BC Foundation’s Your Story and help us with our Alumni Outreach program!
BC is proud to sponsor the 2019 BYP Summit!
Robin Paggi of WorkLogic speaking on Emotional Intelligence
Panel of local executives Amy Travis of CASA, Brad Bryan of Houchin Community Blood Bank, Ariana Joven of Kern County Farm Bureau, Nick Ortiz of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, and David Milazzo speaking about the importance of leadership
Heather Pennella presenting on BC’s Alumni Outreach Program
Nancy Solis-Vargas of CSUB, Nick Ortiz of the GBCC, and our own Heather PennellaMargarita Rodriguez, Thalia Solorio, Endee Grijalva, Kim Collins, Samantha Guillory, Lupe AguirreL to R: Lupe Aguirre, Earl Parsons, Ashlea Ward, Endee Grijalva, Tamara Baker, Heather Pennella, Benny Balderrama, Leah Prendez, Yoli Aguilera, Courtney Carter, & Tiffany Simpson
BC staff at the 2019 BYP Summit
Bitwise Industries Coming to Bakersfield
There was great energy and excitement in the room at The Padre Hotel on Wednesday, June 19 as co-founders of Bitwise Industries, Irma Olguin and Jake Soberal, hosted a joint virtual announcement in Fresno and Bakersfield. Community leaders including Mayor Karen Goh, JP and Ingrid Lake, Morgan Clayton, Teresa Hitchcock, KEDC representatives Cheryl Scott and Richard Chapman, and the Greater Bakersfield Chamber’s President/CEO Nick Ortiz were among those present for the event. Bitwise Industries announced its expansion to Bakersfield as a result of a $27 million investment from Kapor Capitol and the New Voices Fund. This aligns with Bitwise Industry’s vision of taking opportunities to places who may not have it.
Bitwise Industries was founded in 2013 by Irma L. Olguin, Jr., and Jake A. Soberal with the goal of activating human potential for the technology industry in Fresno, CA. It operates three lines of business that sustain and support this objective. Geekwise Academy trains people to code, with a focus on marginalized groups, to give them the skills for today’s job market. Bitwise’s commercial real estate provides a physical home for aspiring technologists, fast growing technology companies, and many mission-aligned companies that hire out of Geekwise Academy; all of which contribute to the ongoing downtown revitalization efforts of the cities where Bitwise is based.Their Shift3 Technologies is a custom software development shop that pairs senior talent with entry-level programmers from Geekwise Academy to build and deliver top quality software solutions to clients around the world.
Virtual Announcement led by BitWise CoFounders Irma Holguin and Jake Soberal
Bitwise has produced more than 1,000 new software developers, attracted over 200 technology companies to its facilities, contributed to the creation of thousands of jobs in the region, and turned 250,000 sq. ft. of previously blighted downtown buildings in Fresno into desirable commercial real estate.
BitWise Post Announcement Reception
Bitwise will be acquiring a facility in downtown Bakersfield for the expansion and has expressed a commitment to ensuring our local community thrives. Bakersfield College is proud to be a partner in education and looks forward to expanding tech opportunities to our students and the community as a whole.
Emails to Share: BC Faculty Prepare Research Student
I received this wonderful email in regards to one of our students, Sarai Jaime. This reflects the quality education our faculty provide and I am proud to showcase the success of Sarai Jaime . We are BC!
Kenward Vaughn
One of our students is doing REU research at Ole Miss and will be going to Davis in the fall. I did not have her in my class but I became a mentor to her when she did volunteer work at the middle school with me. Now that she is with peers from other colleges I asked her if she feels we prepared her.
This was her response:
Yes, most definitely! Recently, we had a lecture where a professor presented his research (synthesizing dyes for solar cells) and he asked who had taken organic chemistry. About 10 of my peers raised their hands, including myself, and then he asked how many would synthesize the molecule he was showing (DPP17). It was an enormous organic molecule and I was the only one who’s hand was raised. I was able to raise my hand because Dr. Vaughan challenged his organic class in the second semester in a similar way. Dr. Vaughan would give us a staring material and a couple of steps and we would have to fill in the rest. This prepared me to not be afraid of synthesizing giant molecules and instead ask “what’s the starting material?” Of course, I wouldn’t have made to organic without my gen. Chem. professor, Dr. Da Silva and Dr. Copper, who taught me how to think like a scientist and approach problems differently than most people. The same can be said about all of my math professors; particularly my calculus professors Professor Starr and Professor Head. They, similar to my Chem. professors, taught me to apply what I know because the easiest path to a problem is often the correct one. I’ve had various professors in both the sciences and mathematics and they have all contributed to me being able to not be afraid of tackling problems that seem difficult and sometimes even impossible to solve at first glance. The lessons I have learn from my BC professors will transcend my summer internship and be present in my upper division courses at UC Davis and eventually at grad school when I pursue my PhD.
Becky Head
Donna Starr
Wayne Cooper, Sonya Christian
Ximena Da Silva, Sonya Christian
Community Voices: Let’s not judge…
I just shared with you an email from Deborah Rosenthal about a student she mentored. When I asked for permission to publish her email and for pictures, she humbly refused any praise for herself as she was “just a mentor” not one of the professors that Sarai was praising. Now I can commend Professor Rosenthal for an excellent article published in the Bakersfield Californian Community Voices. She makes an excellent point about bias and judgements that continue in our community. Her article reminds us all not to judge people by their looks and the role of teachers as mentors. Professor Rosenthal’s influence and dedication as a mentor is evident in her continued contact with a student during the summer break. Be inspired and mentored by Deborah by reading her article “Let’s not judge a person by their looks.”
Emails to Share:
I was so pleased to receive this email from Heidi Forsythe:
Subject: Good News!
I teach off campus (Inmate Scholar’s Program) and only find myself on the main campus when I need to pick up copies. Today, I was on campus for a lengthy period of time which happen to be my lunch. As I decided how to efficiently use my time (while I waited for my copies) and plug in some exercise I chose to walk (climb my way) to the huddle where I met Christina Rodriguez. This is where the good news comes in. Christina Rodriguez was the very cheerful food server who gladly took my order. As I thanked her for her excellent customer service she replied with great pleasure that she loves her job and the institution. She also mentioned that she is a graduate of BC. While she is currently looking for full-time work within her field as an Administrative Assistant she expressed how happy she was working for the institution. She was very genuine in her remarks and expressed much gratitude for the opportunity to work for Bakersfield College. I was truly impressed with Ms. Rodriguez that I told her I would share the news with you and she was ecstatic.
It was so exciting to hear her brag about our amazing school. She is a true example of the phrase, We are BC.
Kind Regards,
Heidi Forsythe
And when I shared this with Christina, she replied with a delightful email:
Dear BC President Sonya Christian,
I’m honored to receive an email from you. I am very proud to be working at Bakersfield College Food Services Department as a permanent employee. I enjoy coming to work and making a difference there when servicing our customers with a smile no matter how their day is going. Bakersfield College is my second home just as it was for my mom, Theresa Rodriguez who worked there 26 years in the Food Service Department.
I graduated with an AA degree in Administrative Office Assistant and planned to make a career here. Bakersfield College is an amazing place to work at and I enjoy every second of it. I want to express to you how much I appreciate my job, the people I work with and serving our BC students, faculty and the community. I hope as they leave I made their day. Thank you for taking the time to read this and hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Christina Rodriguez
Christina Rodriguez
Thank you Heidi for recognizing a valuable member of our team and thank you Christina for you dedication and bringing a smile to everyone on campus. We are BC!
Fun Photos: Inmate Education Team
Inmate Education Team
That’s all for now.
Until next time.
With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya- the luckiest and happiest college president ever
At the end of our second day of the annual Admin Council Retreat, we surprised our fabulous Vice President of Instruction Liz Rozell with a gathering to recognize and celebrate her time at BC as she enters into retirement. Liz has bold vision, contagious energy, unrivaled work ethic, and …that gorgeous smile! Liz stepped up to be VP at a very crucial point at BC when we were in the middle of implementing Guided Pathways, AB 705, curriculum review, accreditation, development of new instructional programs, BC-Southwest, the growth of dual enrollment, inmate scholars and more.
Liz Rozell being honored for her retirement at 2019 Closing Day
On Friday evening, I enjoyed cheering for Senator Jean Fuller and Grimm Family Educational Foundation CEO Barbara Grimm Marshall as they were inducted into the Bakersfield City School District Hall of Fame. At the BC table we had Kern Community College District Trustees Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Romeo Agbalog, his wife, Lilly Perez Agbalog, and Bakersfield College employees Steve Watkin, Kylie Swanson, Norma Rojas-Mora and Michele Bresso — celebrating the service of Jean and Barbara, partners in BC’s Early College Program that enables high school students to earn simultaneous college degrees. Jean Fuller, a BC alumna, challenged Hall of Fame audience members on the spot to contact local high schools and ensure they are participating in Early College. We are BC!
L to R: Lily Perez-Agbalog, Trustee Agbalog, Norma Rojas-Mora, Michele Bresso, Jean Fuller, Sharlet Briggs, Kylie Swanson, Trustee Gomez-Heitzeberg, and Steve Watkin
Plaque for Jean Fuller and BCSD Hall of Fame
Jean Fuller speaking at BCSD Hall of Fame
Kylie Swanson and Jean Fuller
Trustee Nan Gomez Heitzeberg, Lily Perez-Agbalog and Trustee Romeo Agbalog
Trustee Romeo Agbalog, Jean Fuller, Trustee Nan Gomez Heitzeberg
Sonya Christian, Jean Fuller, and Sharlet Briggs
Special thanks as well to the Bakersfield Californian for their coverage last April when inductees were first announced.
Admin Council Retreat – Day Two
2019 Bakersfield College Administrative Council
On Tuesday the college administrative council gathered for the second part of our summer retreat.
Todd Coston organized different sessions on: Dealing with Difficult People and Having Hard Conversations by Stephanie Baltazar and Brett Redd, How to Facilitate Team Building and Effective Meeting Facilitation by Manny Mourtzanos and Steve Watkins, and Best Practices for Running a Screening Committee & Conducting Classified Staff Evaluations by Todd Coston and Monika Scott. Thanks to all who participated in these retreats.
Billie Jo Rice and Liz Rozell presenting on our administrative reorganization. Thank you Fernando Lara for this picture that captures the transition from one VP to the next.
Tamara Baker turns to share with the group how her team completed the group activity.
Eileen Pierce, Abel Guzman, Tommy Tunson, and Angelica Perez work on a team building activity.
Dean of Instruction, Manny Mourtzanos speaks to the room full of BC’s managers
The talented and fearless Manny De Los Santos taking the admin council group picture
Umoja Community students went on a tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Georgia and Alabama. Umoja Coordinator Dr. Paula Parks selected four outstanding students who are interested in transferring to an HBCU. The grant-funded tour included visiting cultural and historic sites, with Heritage Empowered as the tour operator.
On the same block was the Center, Dr. King’s childhood home, and the visitors’ center.
The steps include Dr. King’s words: “We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream”
The exhibits included influences on Dr. Martin Luther King, such as Mahatma Gandhi, who led a successful nonviolent movement in India.
The students and Dr. Parks. At the very back is where Dr. and Mrs. King are buried.
Freedom walk
At the historic Ebenezer Baptist church where Dr. King preached alongside his father.
Earl Parsons poem published to local literary journal
Earl Parsons from MPR recently had a poem published that he wrote about local candy company, Dewar’s, mascot. Congrats Earl! Here’s the poem:
Currently we have 15 (!) Measure J projects underway here at BC. Check out the photos below to see the construction happening at the Campus Center, Veterans Resource Center, and Memorial Stadium. I’m so proud of the work that we are doing here to upgrade our campus for our students and community.
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
VRC Construction
VRC ConstructionVRC ConstructionCampus Center Construction
New Scoreboard at the Pool
The new BC Pool scoreboard
We have a new scoreboard at the BC pool! Thank you to M&O for coordinating this and helping to continually beautify and update our campus!
Kern EDC 31st Annual Dinner
BC’s Tom Gelder, Heather Pennella, Norma Rojas-Mora and Tamara Baker attended this year’s Kern EDC Annual Dinner held at JEH Ranch. It was a great chance to catch up with fellow community leaders and show support for economic development in our region. Not to mention, the river looked exceptionally beautiful this year with all of the rainfall that we’ve had!
Kern EDC Dinner Program
Kern River and JEH Ranch
Tom Gelder and Rick Kreiser
Heather Pennella, Lori Kreiser and Karen King
Tom Gelder, Rick Kreiser, Lori Kreise and Heather Pennella
Tamara Baker and Jenifer Pitcher
Arvin Chief of Police Scot Kimble, his wife, Norma Rojas Mora and Pawan Gill
Patty Canessa and Norma Rojas-Mora
Student Deployment Spotlight
In a past blog post, I talked about BC student Elaine Moreno’s deployment to Baghdad. We have created a page on the BC website dedicated to Elaine’s story while she is overseas, where we will post updates as we receive them from Elaine. Make sure to keep up on the web link below to see Elaine in action!
Flex week is coming up and the only thing missing is you!
Fall Flex week is just around the corner and we want to make sure that you are prepared. We are gearing up for Flex week workshops August 19th-21st and we have a wide variety of sessions to meet your professional development needs. Sessions run from 8:00 am to 4:30 all three days and range from Active Listening to creating your own escape room in Canvas. Whether you are a faculty member looking to improve your technology skills or a staff member who wants to understand data, we have something for everyone.
Brandon Urry presenting at Spring 2019’s Flex Week
Below are just some of the workshops being offered, along with a brief description. For a full list of workshops, check out Upcoming Workshops.
Canvas possesses a little known utility for individualizing instruction called Mastery Paths. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use mastery paths and use it to build an escape room.
How often do we stop to actively listen within our daily communication exchanges? In today’s society, it is easy to be inundated with words, noise, and impersonal communication distracting us from the real meaning of messages and stories. It is always the right time to actively participate in listening. This workshop will focus on best practices to actively listen to your students, your colleagues and yourself throughout the semester.
Are you wanting to create Badges to incentivize your students in your class? Are you wanting to track your students’ progress through your course modules…or maybe just create friendly competition? If yes, come to this session where Matt Jones will show you how to set up a badging account, link it to your Canvas Course, and Create Badges.
The goal of this workshop is to introduce grants to the novice and to (hopefully) inspire the veteran grant writer. Grants can be a mystery, where do you find these elusive things called grants? How do you know if you should even apply? What do all these terms mean? What is my timeline? In this interactive workshop Michelle hopes to dispel a few of the mysteries and ease your mind on applying. Michelle Miller-Galaz, is the Director for Grants and Resources at KCCD.
Join us for a presentation on Jobspeaker the online and mobile platform to connect BC students to employment on and off campus. Learn about the benefits to students and how you can help promote in your area.
Fun Photo: Professor Scratchy
Our own Krista Moreland and her cat, Professor Scratchy both could not wait for the summer term to begin at BC. Krista said, “Professor Scratchy is ready to help out!”
Renegade Athletics Up Eleven Spots in Latest CCCAA/NATYCAA Standings
Renegade Athletics has finished the 2018-2019 academic year with a #19 finish in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) and National Association of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Cup Standings. Out of all SoCal schools, the Renegades finished 12th. The ranking moves them up 11 spots from the 2017-18 spot of being tied for #30, and the year before that (2016-17) of being tied for #50. Congrats to our athletics department coaches and staff!!
Renegade Volleyball to Host Five Camps This Summer
Renegade Volleyball is excited to announce the dates for their 2019 summer volleyball camps.
There will be a total of four camps intended for 8th-12th graders with a minimum level of experience. There will also be a coaches clinic.
Camp #1 will focus on setting and run July 22-23 from 2pm-4pm each day.
Camps #2 will focus on attacking and run July 2223 from 5pm-7pm each day.
Camp #3 will focus on serving, SR passing and defense and run July 25-26 from 2pm-4pm each day.
Camps #4 will focus on attacking and run from July 24-25 from 5pm-7pm each day.
The Coaches Clinic will take place on Saturday, July 27th from 9am-2pm and focus on building a championship caliber team through vision, goals, athlete behaviors, team chemistry, technical skills and on-court demonstrations.
More Renegade Student Athletes Moving On To The Next Level
With the five Renegades who signed this week, we now have a total of 36 student athletes who will be continuing their careers at the four-year level. The four this week include:
Kylee Fahy from Renegade Softball is headed to Texas A&M Texarkana
Jacob Whitby and Derek Crawford are headed to Cal State Bakersfield for Track & Field this coming year
Zach Williams and Ryan Dickerson will be playing baseball at Campbell University and William Jewell College, respectively
Congrats to all our hard-working Renegade student athletes and wishing you much success in your futures! Go Gades!
Good morning, Bakersfield.
It is Saturday, June 8, 2019… A great day to be a Renegade.
BC’s Dual Enrollment Wins Big at Beautiful Bakersfield Awards
On Saturday, June 1, Jamie Swetalla from Aera announced that the Bakersfield College Dual Enrollment team were winners of the Beautiful Bakersfield award in the Education category that recognizes efforts that promote or benefit education at all levels. Hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, the annual awards gala was attended by more than 700 people at the Rabobank Theater and Convention Center. The Dual Enrollment program was selected from among nine finalists. The Bakersfield College Performing Arts Department was also one of ten finalists in the Arts and Culture category.
Before the awards were announced, the Bakersfield College team enjoyed an opportunity for group photos at a reception with other community partners. Nick Ortiz of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce gave introductions, with welcoming comments provided by Karen Goh, Bakersfield City Mayor and Michael George of Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. After dinner, the awards were announced by sponsors in a wide range of categories recognizing the efforts of nonprofits, corporations, small business and individuals in improving the quality of life in Bakersfield.
Steve Watkin accepted the Education award on behalf of Bakersfield College, and also provided an interview to KGET following acceptance of the award.
Bakersfield College at the 2019 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Gala
L to R: Kris Tiner, Heather Pennella, Nicky Damania, and Steve Watkin
Bakersfield College accepting the Education award for the Dual Enrollment program
The Beautiful Bakersfield Award for Education
Thank you Anna Laven for pulling together the BC proposal, and thank you to Steve Watkin and his team!
BC at the Board of Governors Meeting
On May 20th, Bakersfield College was well represented at the Board of Governors monthly meeting. Pedro L. Ramirez, EOP&S Adjunct Counselor spoke on behalf of Bakersfield College about all the work that has been done to help support our more than 1,000 AB540 students on campus. His presentation included impressive data on increases in AB540 enrollment over the last four years, an increase in CCPG (bogw) Awards, and an increase in Overall Units passed.
In his comments to the Board and Chancellor Oakley Ramirez highlighted how the recommendations from the statewide Dreamers report actually connects directly to the Guided Pathways work, and Supplemental Funding via the SCFF, and he thanked the Board of Governors and Chancellor Oakley for their continued support for AB540 students. The Statewide Dreamers Report provide information on equity and access for students across the state and provides guidelines for statewide institutional practices that will help support students. The complete report and executive summary can be found at https://foundationccc.org/What-We-Do/Equity/Dreamers-Project This project was made possible with the support from the James Irvine Foundation and a Collaborative effort between CCCCO, Immigrants Rising, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.
Summer Bridge is Off and Running!
With the 2018-19 academic year wrapped up, the focus is on getting students ready for summer and fall.
Our amazing staff for the Summer Bridge program
Summer Bridge to BC program held an interactive day-long orientation that gives incoming freshmen the opportunity to engage with faculty one-on-one and in group settings while touring the BC campus with experienced student mentors. Thank you to Kimberly Bligh and her team for always doing such a great job with this program. We are BC!
BC Students Win Jazz Scholarships
On May 28 the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop held its annual scholarship awards presentation at Temblor Brewing Company. For over 13 years the nonprofit Bakersfield Jazz Workshop has supported the education of jazz students, advancement of jazz musicians, enrichment of jazz enjoyment for the general public, and promoted jazz in our community. This year, music majors in the new Jazz Studies program at Bakersfield College swept the top three awards, and a total of four BC students were awarded scholarships: Izzy Foster (Larry Totten Memorial Award), Marina Martinez (BJW Discretionary Award), Abigail Wilson (Kerry B. Pierce Memorial Award), and Tony Stone (BJW Scholarship). Congratulations to our students for their outstanding talent and dedication to furthering their musical studies!
BC jazz students and alumni L-R: Marina Martinez, Izzy Foster, Juan Buenrostro, Josh Faria, Abigail Wilson, Tony Stone
BC at California Community College (CCC) Health & Wellness/Each Mind Matters
We are so proud of BC students Mataalofa (Lofa) Hubbard and Annette Brasher who were chosen to represent Bakersfield College as Student Wellness Ambassadors for California Community College (CCC) Health & Wellness/Each Mind Matters. Hubbard is President, and Brasher Treasurer of the BC Student Health and Wellness Advisory Club on campus (S.H.W.A.C.). Other S.H.W.A.C. officers include Josephs Morris (Vice-President), and Pamela Harris (Inter Club Counsel Rep.).
Josephs Morris, Paulina Bascos and Paulina Lee
Mataalofa Hubbard
S.H.W.A.C. helps with the Health & Wellness promotion events for the BC Student Health & Wellness Services and they’ve done an outstanding job this year with Raymond Purcell, MSN, NP, SHWS Director as their advisor.
Josephs Morris and Mataalofa Hubbard
Mataalofa Hubbard and Vicente Lopez
Creating a Sustainable Campus Through Landscaping
Our amazing M&O department has a lot of projects going on this summer, including installing artificial turf at the Panorama and Haley corner of campus with the BC monument. This area looks so beautiful, and I love that we will be conserving water by using this turf. One of our core values at BC is sustainability, as is evident in how the college is run, as well as the physical upgrades we make to campus facilities Director of Facilities Bill Potter has done a great job of helping to create a sustainable landscape on the BC campus, as evident in the xeriscape (drought tolerant) flower beds.
Removal of the grass at the corner of Panorama and Haley
The new artificial turf at the corner of Panorama and Haley
Xeriscape landscaping at the entrance at Christmas Tree Lane
Xeriscape landscaping near the Library
BC In the News: “BC to bring several Career and Technical Education programs fully online next year”
BC was featured in The Bakersfield Californian this week in a great article by Ema Sasic about our CTE programs being offered online next year. Making college more accessible to students is one of our main goals here at Bakersfield College. In partnership with the California State Online Education Initiative and the California Virtual Campus, we have received a $500,000 grant to bring between five and 10 programs online within the next year.
Fun Photos
President’s Cabinet
BC’s President’s Cabinet is made up of key staff members who work hard, but who also like to have some fun! I feel so lucky to work with such a great team!
L to R: Zav Dadabhoy, Dan Hall, Steve Watkin, Jessica Wojtysiak, Manny Mourtzanos, Norma Rojas-Mora, Sandi Taylor, Abel Guzman, Bill Moseley, Mike Giacomini, BIllie Jo Rice, Sonya Christian, Corny Rodriguez, Tony Cordova, Liz Rozell, Todd Coston, Bill Potter, Jennifer Serratt, Tom Gelder, Michelle Pena, Lora Larkin, Craig Hayward, and Steve Waller
Todd the Rule Breaker
Tamara Baker snapped this shot of Todd Coston at the Classified Appreciation event where he was channeling his inner bad boy. Love it!
Congrats to Ashlea Ward!
Anna Laven posted on her facebook page that our very own Ashlea Ward in the Outreach Department earned her Master’s Degree. Congrats Ashlea!
Academic Technology Retreat
Bill Moseley posted this great pic of his team in Academic Technology at their retreat earlier this year with the comment “All set for another year of innovation!”
L to R: Matt Jones, David Greenfield, Bill Moseley, Pamela Rivers, Anita Karr, Tracy Lovelace
Congrats to Renegade Golfer Matt Sakowski!
Sophomore Renegade Golfer, Matthew Sakowski (Garces HS) has signed to continue his academic and golf career at Benedictine University Mesa this coming fall. Matt was a key piece to this springs men’s golf team advancing to the CCCAA SoCal Regionals for the first time since the early 2000’s. Wishing you much success at the next level!
Wes Coble Named Coach of the Women’s Golf Program
Our current Renegade Men’s Golf Coach Wes Coble has also been named the Women’s Golf Coach. Coble will take over for former women’s golf coach Jacque Servadio who served for two years in the role. Servadio steps away from the position to have more time to focus on running Kern River Golf Course, where she has served as director since 2018. BC athletics wishes Jacque all the best in directing the Kern River Golf Course and will always welcome her as a member of the Renegade Athletics family.
2019 BC Basketball Academy Dates Announced
Coach Paula Dahl and the Bakersfield College Women’s Basketball program are excited to announce the summer 2019 BC Basketball Academies. The first, the BC Basketball Academy, will run from Monday, July 22nd through Thursday July 25th from 10:30am-1:00pm each day. It will be co-ed for kids ages 9-18 and cost $60/ camper or $100 for two siblings. To register for this academy click this link: https://bit.ly/2WsvnIL. The second, the Elite BC Basketball Academy will run from Monday, July 29th through Thursday August 1st from 10:30am-1:00pm each day. This session is for female players from 7th to 12th grade and will cost $65/camper and $55/extra sibling. Team discounts are available. To register for this academy click this link: https://bit.ly/2YQ3Sqa. For further questions, contact Coach Dahl at pdahl@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Tennis Announces Creation of Junior Tennis Circuit
Men’s and Women’s Head Tennis Coach Noel Dalton announced this week the creation of the Bakersfield Junior Tennis Circuit. The circuit is intended to empower junior tennis players and parents in order to increase player’s skill level and help them learn and enjoy the game. The first 40 participants to register will receive a complimentary membership to the Junior Tennis Circuit. The new circuit will kick-off with an Opening Day on June 15th at the Bakersfield College Tennis Courts. Participants may play in other affiliated tournaments in Fresno and other cities. Players will have the ability to earn Universal Tennis Rating points since the tournaments is UTR certified. To register for the circuit, visit: https://urlzs.com/PquGS or contact Bakersfield Junior Tennis Circuit Director and BC Head Tennis Coach, Noel Dalton at 661-332-9579 or by email at noel.dalton@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Memorial Day started in 1868 as Decoration Day, a remembrance of those who died during the Civil War. Over the years, cities and states designated it as a legal holiday, and in 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as a national holiday to take place on the last Monday of May every year.
Every Memorial Day, a special ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery, where the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Locally, Bakersfield’s oldest traditional Memorial Day celebration takes place at Union Cemetery, this year featuring speeches by Kevin McCarthy and local veteran Bill Glaspie, who fought the Nazis on the beaches of Normandy 75 years ago on D-Day. The Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary held their sixth-annual Thousand Flags event, and Tehachapi celebrated with a parade and ceremony through downtown. KERO provided a list of local Memorial Day events on their website.
Congressman Kevin McCarthy with Paul Beckworth and guests at the Union Cemetery on Memorial Day.
At BC, we are proud of our veteran students and have a particular duty to support them through their education. We’re reaffirming that commitment to our local veterans with the construction of the new Vernon Valenzuela Veterans Resource Center, the first Measure J project, slated for completion this fall.
We remember the sacrifices made and lives lost defending the freedom and sovereignty of the United States. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
I’d like to share this quote from James A. Garfield at that first Memorial Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868.
“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue.”
Emails Worth Sharing
I’d also like to share this email that our Director of Veterans Services Paul Beckworth sent on Monday. Our duty to support veterans goes much deeper than academic support, as Paul’s words of encouragement for our veterans make clear. Thank you for all that you do Paul, and thank you to those who have served our country.
“Hello Region V Veteran Services colleagues,
Today, May 27, 2019, is Memorial Day.
The vast majority celebrate it as the unofficial start of summer. Many Americans honor the day and the dead, in a variety of heartfelt ways. However, there is a much smaller group whose acknowledgement of the day goes deeper than most. It is personal, it is emotional, and it is visceral. While today we remember the fallen, we must keep in the mind the ones who were left behind; their families and fellow warriors. There are people I know who wish to be left alone today and others who do not want to left alone for fear of what their emotions might lead them to. Sometimes, people remember with laughter and tears, while others do so with the bottle and with tears.
For those who lost comrades, or family or best friends, please do not go to those dark places inside you. If you do go there do not stay there. We need you, here, with us. We know the 22 a day suicide rate among veterans. It is terrible. Do not be a part of the 22. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Depression is serious. It is a weight the likes of which cannot be described, only experienced. If your arm is hurt, you go the doctor. If your head/heart hurts, go to a doctor. There is no shame in it. It is often said that the soldier is not the only one who goes to war. The family does, too, in its’ own way.
Those of you who work closely with veterans may not have lost a loved one, but assisting veterans for years can take a toll, especially for counselors and advisors. Who counsels the counselors? Seriously. There are several of you who have worked with veterans for many years now. Make sure to take care of yourselves. Go to veteran-specific conferences, sit in the hotel lobbies and have venting sessions with your colleagues from across the state. Let iron sharpen iron. Get help just like we tells our veterans to do. I am pretty sure most of you have walked a veteran to your on-campus mental health professional at least once. If you need to take a walk to one yourself, please take it. We need you, here. Your military-affiliated students need you, here.
While today can be very emotional, one of the best ways we can honor the fallen is to take care of our minds, bodies, and spirits. In this way we can continue the work ahead of us, making them proud.”
Paul Beckworth, May 27, 2019 Memorial Day
BC Friends in Sacramento
Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) hosted its 2019 Latina Action Day in Sacramento on Wednesday, May 22. Our own Nicole Parra facilitated a panel discussion, and I was thrilled to see BC students impromptu participation. Evelyn Torres, a Studio Arts, Graphic Design & Communications major volunteered to be the voice of millennials on the panel.
Nicole Parra and panelists at the 25th Annual Latina Action Day.
The panel on California’s Present and Future Workforce examined the challenges and opportunities the state is facing as we look to filling workforce needs. The conversation regarding career education included an informative discussion of the value of apprenticeship programs, and the role community colleges in meeting workforce needs. Evelyn shared a student perspective on the importance of providing opportunities for all students, including those who need short term training leading to employment.
Evelyn Torres alongside panelists discussing education and workforce needs.
Thank you Norma Rojas Mora for your work in Sacramento.
Rural Initiatives Classified and Support Staff Appreciation Celebration
Last week, the Rural Initiatives classified and support staff were recognized by the management team in a surprise celebration of Classified Appreciation week. This celebration brought together members of the RI team that serve a region that extends from Arvin to Delano. I’m grateful for the focused dedication and passion for serving our rural students. Thank you Rural Initiatives Classified and Support Staff for everything you do for our Bakersfield College Rural Renegades. Also thanks to our RI Management team, especially Jaime Lopez for coordinating such a special celebration.
Carolina Madrigal and Rural Initiatives Classified and Support Staff at the celebration.
Public Safety Officers Matthew Rodriguez and Linda Morgan
Kim Collins, Academic Liaison (left) and Monica Huyck, Tutoring Services Team Leader
Group photo of the Rural Initiatives Classified and Support Staff
North Kern Adult Education team (From left to right) Jaime Lopez, Jesus Jimenez, Kim Collins, and Thalia Solorio
Manuel Muralles and Carolina Madrigal
Administrative Council Retreat: Day 1
This last Thursday we had the first day of our annual summer retreat with our college-wide administrative council. BC Food Services provided a fantastic breakfast spread and a delicious salad bar later in the day for the lunch. I opened the session with an overview of our college strategic plan and highlighting the fact that we now have 37,000 students! Our administrative council fanned out across campus in teams as they completed in a scavenger hunt.
Attendees preparing for Day 1 of the Administrative Council Retreat.
Members of our college Program Review Committee briefed the council on best practices for conducting their program reviews for this coming year and Manny Mourtzanos provided a training on aligning work plans to direct us as embark on a new year. It was a great retreat and great work that we will regroup on to finish up on a second day in early June.
Umoja’s End of the Year Celebration
This week, Umoja held its end of the year celebration to acknowledge its graduates and mentors. Students joined together to celebrate their academic success and celebrate their mentors who dedicated time and energy to support their scholarly journey at BC. Thank you to Dr. Paula Parks for sending over these photos, and for your dedication to our students. If you’d like to learn more about Umoja, make sure to check out their website!
BC Umoja students and graduatesAustyn William, graduate and Umoja’s first SI leaderGraduate Jade Slack with Dr. Parks, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Rosas, Umoja’s first counselor.Graduate Kim Evans with Dr. Park and Jonathan Ward.TiYante Patterson, who is transferring to Morgan State in the fall.Emcee Korrie Edwards, who is also the outgoing Umoja Club president.Dr. Park and Mr. Ward preparing a ritual for the Umoja community.Some of the 2018-2019 graduates with Joe Coughlin, who acknowledged the graduates with Coconut Joe’s gift card and cash. Thanks for your continued support, Joe!Some of the Umoja students who graduated from BC. The tee-shirts show that as they become BC alum, they are always part of Umoja.Some of the awesome, dedicated Umoja mentorsThe audience sang the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Conexiones Rurales Dreamers Conference
The Conexiones Rurales Dreamers Conference on Friday, May 17th at the Delano Campus allowed our Rural Renegades to learn about several topics including programs and services offered by our college and other local institutions. This opportunity was funded by the Catalyst grant received by Bakersfield College. Thank you to our Conexiones Estudiantiles/LUPE student organization, their advisors and the Rural Initiatives team, especially Jesus Oropeza, Jessica Garcia, and Jaime Lopez for bringing these fantastic opportunities to our rural communities.
Conexiones Estudiantiles LUPE student panel sharing their stories with Conexiones Rurales students.Rural Initiatives Executive Director Abel Guzman speaking to students.
From left, Octavio Barajas, Marivel Servin, Manuel Rosas
Conexiones Estudiantiles LUPE students and their advisors.
Conexiones Rurales and Conexiones Estudiantiles students with BC Faculty and Staff
BC Cheerleaders at the New Kids On the Block Remix Tape Concert
Wow! Does BC know how to pump up the crowd, or what?! Also, what an amazing throwback to have the New Kids On the Block perform here in Bakersfield! They definitely have “the right stuff.”
The Bakersfield College Cheerleaders on stage with New Kids on the Block!
I want to thank Cheer Coach Heather Foss for making possible this phenomenal experience for our students. It’s hard to describe the energy of the packed Rabobank and and the pride I felt in seeing our students on stage.
Thank you Manny de Los Santos for capturing this video. You are the very best!!!!!!
Cooking a Healthy Meal with Chef Alex Gomez
This week our Executive office team demonstrated their culinary skills at our Wellness & Professional Development Session: Cooking a Healthy Meal with Chef Alex Gomez. The team learned cooking and cutting techniques, and were given recipes to prepare — then eat! We enjoyed Cauliflower Tacos, Cilantro Rice, and Grilled Zucchini.
The Exec team preparing delicious and healthy meals.
Sharon Bush, President Christian, Billie Jo Rice and Mike Giacomini
Chef Alex Gomez and Jennifer Serratt
Sharon Bush, President Christian, Billie Jo Rice diligently following the recipe.
Sonya Christian, Billie Jo Rice and Mike Giacomini preparing their healthy dishes.
The Executive Office has a standing Wellness Initiative that began a couple years ago, as well as a new Training/Professional Development Initiative that began last year. Chris Glaser and Tarina Perry worked with Chef Alex for help in meeting goals for both initiatives and did he ever deliver! The training was clear and engaging, the menu healthy, and the food delicious. We worked in teams to prepare the meal, and then enjoyed our meal together as we discussed our takeaways from the day. Thank you to Chef Alex and Chef Suzanne Tangeman for working with our team on this, and thank you to Chris and Tarina for organizing the activities!
Chefs Suzanne Tangeman and Alex Gomez
With Billie Jo Rice and Liz Rozell
Chef Gomez teaching Liz and me secrets of the trade.
Chef Suzanne Tangeman, Chef Alex Gomez, Billie Jo Rice & Christian Flores-Castaneda
Progress on Memorial Stadium
The renovation of the Memorial Stadium track and football field is moving along nicely. The work will be completed in time for this fall’s football season. We are all excited to see the finished product! Also, thank you to Brandon Urry for capturing these photos.
Photos that make me happy
Monika Scott and Nicky Damania at Aladdin
Family weekend at Lake Arrowhead
Memorial Day weekend with family at a cabin in Lake Arrowhead.
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
