Tag Archives: California Community College Chancellor

Celebrating Women’s History Month in California Community Colleges

Uncategorized March 29, 2025 1 Comment

Just wrapped up Board week…. Since March is Women’s History Month we have started wearing white at the March meeting….

Here is a fun photo from last year’s March Board of Governors.

At the meeting, we honored three faculty with the prestigious 2024-25 Gerald C. HAyward awards for Excellence in Education

History Instructor Stacey Marie Svilich of Feather River College, Math Professor Leila Safaralian of MiraCosta College, and Business Professor Denise Bushnell of Sierra College were honored at the March 25 Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.

Stacey Marie Svilich
Leila Safaralian
Denise Bushnell

The Hayward Award for Excellence in Education program, established in 1989 and named in honor of former California Community College Chancellor Gerald C. Hayward, are presented annually to celebrate outstanding community college faculty members for their commitment to their students, college and profession.

It is so nice to be able to celebrate our amazing faculty.

After the BOG meeting, I headed to UCLA to present at the Blue Economy Intersegmental conference.
Our community colleges are doing great work in this space. 15 community colleges are collaborating with AltaSea to develop the Blue Economy Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) certification program, with new curriculum and programs to fill the next generation of jobs focused on the ocean. The curriculum includes Regenerative Aquaculture, Ocean Renewable Energy & Clean Air, Blue Tech & Underwater Robotics, and Ecosystems Conservation and Restoration.

The picture below is with three of the five climate fellows – from left top right: Holly Bailey-Hoffman, myself, Carla Grandy, Tonya Huff, and our Vice Chancellor for Workforce Anthony Cordova.

It is always great to see Dr. Ellen Morris at climate events.

Headed back home towards the end of the week to my boy Neo.

We also had feathered visitors in the backyard. Check out the 19-sec video below.

Spring is the best time in Bakersfield.

Snapped pictures of beautiful flowers in the neighborhoods and parks on my walks with Neo –

A talented gardener must live in this house…

Good morning California.
It is March 29, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Merced College’s Innovative Ag Program Gains National Attention

Merced College’s new Agricultural Systems certificate program has received national attention, recently being featured in a national CBS News segment highlighting its innovative approach to career education. The program, which uses a competency-based education (CBE) model, allows students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery in specific skills, preparing them for in-demand jobs in the agricultural industry.

» Read more!

West Valley-Mission District Launches First-in-Nation
Universal Free Meals Program

West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) has approved the first universal free meal program at a U.S. community college—a historic initiative that will guarantee every in-person student at West Valley College and Mission College at least one free, nutritious meal each school day. Launching in Fall 2025, the program will also offer expanded support for high-need students. By investing $2.5 million annually, the District is making a long-term commitment to eradicating student hunger and ensuring that no learner has to choose between paying for textbooks or affording lunch.

» Read more!

Sierra College President Receives Statewide Award for Distinguished Community College Leadership

Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan has been honored with the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award by the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) for transformational community college leadership and significant contributions to the local community, economy, workforce, and equitable access to higher education.

» Read more!

Orange Coast College Culinary Team Wins Western Regional Competition

Orange Coast College culinary arts students won the 2025 American Culinary Federation’s Western Regional Student Team Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 15. By earning the highest point value, OCC’s Hot Food Team will represent the western region in the national championship. For the competition, the Hot Food Team was tasked with creating a four-course menu showcasing regional flavors and ingredients. They worked closely with OCC’s Horticulture Department and Marine Science Department to harvest tilapia and aquaponic lettuces used in their competition dishes.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource: At community colleges, online classes remain popular years after pandemic

More than 40% of community college classes remain online statewide as of this year, about double what it was before the pandemic, and a much higher rate of remote education than exists at the state’s four-year universities. That includes hybrid classes, which mix online and some required in-person instruction. Some colleges also offer HyFlex courses, which give students the option of attending online or in person. The vast majority of the system’s online classes, however, are taught fully online and asynchronously. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Gavilan College:

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the 25th Bach to Blues Concert! We had an incredible time celebrating 25 years of music. Your energy and support made the event truly special. All proceeds from the event went to support the Gavilan College Music Program, helping us to continue to foster the next generation of musicians!

*****

From Citrus College:

Thank you to everyone who attended our 110th Anniversary Gala, “The Magic of Citrus,” on Saturday, March 22! Hosted by the Citrus College Foundation, the event raised funds to increase scholarship opportunities, enhance academic programs and enrich the learning environment.

*****

From Modesto Junior College:

Let’s get social! Each semester Associated Students of Modesto Junior College hosts Club Rush, an event for students to learn about and join campus clubs of all kinds. This semester brought outside games, music, food, face paintings and 17 club booths ranging in interests from the arts to the sciences. Club Rush is the perfect event for incoming MJC students looking to make friends and explore their academic interests.

*****

And check out this video from San Diego City College about their recent Professional Learning Center Grand Opening:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Women in Leadership Discussion Panel

This week, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association (BCSGA) hosted Campus Stories: Voices of Female Unconventional Leaders, an inspiring event held at the Renegade Event Center. As part of a series of events celebrating Women’s History Month, the discussion panel featured six BC faculty, staff, and students and was moderated by Olivia Garcia, Professor of History at BC.

» 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

Welcome Spring 2025

Uncategorized March 22, 2025 Leave a comment

It was a sigh of relief as NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams successfully returned back to Earth after nine months in space. Their trip to space was initially expected to last a little more than a week.

The vehicle that launched them to the International Space Station back on June 5 experienced helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, and NASA determined the craft was not safe for their return trip.

As for me…..

Yesterday, I attended the celebration of life of John Stanskas. Here is a poem published by John.

The Physics of Absence, the Nature of Nothingness

I believe it is all light at the end,
these strained seconds defined by the slap-click
of clocks means nothing. An effort to bend
time, to exert control, force this habit.

of filling the space occupied by light.
The vacuum is not empty, nothingness
seethes with production, mind-flash of insight
destined to collapse. I pant to undress.

you, mirage in the dark, strain toward molecules
unclaimed, underground. I know you are here,
the crease in the mattress, a vestibule
where in absence, from nothing, you appear.

The secondhand stops in this crease of night;
matter collapses, you flash into light.

This week I visited the West Hills Prison Education Program at Pleasant Valley State Prison. President Hildy Aguinaldo and Board Member Cirian Villavicencio joined on on this college visit. 

Good morning California.
It is March 22, 2025
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Pasadena City College receives $1 million from Ballmer Group
to support wildfire community relief efforts

Pasadena City College has received a $1 million grant from Ballmer Group to support critical relief for students, faculty, staff, and community members recovering from the devastation of the recent wildfires. The grant from Ballmer Group is the largest single gift to the PCC Community Relief Fund.

» Read more!

Laney College Tiny House Ribbon Cutting

A spirit of pride and collaboration filled the air on January 28th as Laney College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the stunning Tiny House crafted by its talented Carpentry students. Under the expansive Construction Canopy, students, faculty, and community members gathered to witness the culmination of months of dedication and hard work.

» Read more!

Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College
Co-Host 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference

On March 1, Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College proudly co-hosted the 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference at San Bernardino Valley College. This milestone event was the largest yet, with 120 registered participants and five dedicated student volunteers.

» Read more!

ITE Singapore Professors Visit LACC

On March 14, LACC welcomed professors from ITE College East in Singapore to meet and get a campus tour of facilities in the Department of Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering, and the Visual and Media Arts. Professors viewed classes in action and discussed how community colleges in the US deliver education and potential collaborative opportunities between LACC and ITE.

In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: Why California must champion community college bachelor’s degrees

Cerritos College President/Superintendent Jose Fierro wrote a piece for EdSource about the importance of community college bachelor’s degrees.

California cannot rely on four-year universities alone to meet its growing workforce needs. Expanding community college bachelor’s degree programs will strengthen industries, create more opportunities and solidify California’s leadership in workforce innovation. It’s time for policymakers, industry leaders and educators to support these programs and invest in the future of our state.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cerro Coso Community College:

What an honor it was to host the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón, for an intimate and moving poetry reading at Cerro Coso! Ada’s words filled the room with inspiration, hope, and love, as she shared the stories behind her poems before delivering a truly engaging reading. As the first Latina U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada’s journey resonated deeply—especially with one audience member who felt truly seen by her words.

*****

From College of the Desert:

Students came together for an interactive anatomy and physiology study session, strengthening their knowledge with support from in-person tutoring. Thanks to a collaborative grant with OneFuture, College of the Desert is expanding tutoring opportunities to help students succeed!

*****

From Rio Hondo College:

Río Hondo Police Academy honored the achievements of 45 police cadets during the Basic Police Academy Class No. 217 graduation ceremony. The graduates represent 18 different law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, marking the culmination of six months of rigorous training.

*****

And check out this video about how Chevron’s donation to Taft College is helping MESA students:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Foundation Partners
with Amazon and The Wonderful Company

The Bakersfield College Foundation has committed $1.37 million to expand workforce training through a powerful partnership with Amazon and The Wonderful Company. As one of just five institutions nationwide selected to offer Amazon’s Reliability and Maintenance Engineering (RME) program, Bakersfield College is set to strengthen career education and workforce development in Kern County.

The RME program will provide students with industry-recognized certifications and direct career pathways in advanced industrial maintenance, meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in Kern County’s expanding industrial sector.

» 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

March 15, 2025 – Redefining the Ides of March

Uncategorized March 15, 2025 Leave a comment

Today is March 15th – The ides of March.

Since my high school readings included Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the Ides of March got defined with an ominous tone….. Every year, on March 15th, I feel a shudder. And then promptly proceed to redefine the day as a fabulous spring day.

The geraniums this morning did it for me!

The term “Ides of March” as I understand it, had a neutral meaning in the Roman calendar, referring to March 15, which was simply a standard way of marking the middle of the month (the “Ides” typically fell on the 15th in March, May, July, and October, and on the 13th in other months). It was traditionally associated with religious observances and debt payments in ancient Rome.

However, its meaning dramatically changed after the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15th. Caesar had been warned by a soothsayer to Beware the Ides of March, as famously dramatized in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Over time, the phrase has taken on a more general meaning, often used to suggest looming disaster.

On another note ….. Did you catch the lunar eclipse this week? It was the first total lunar eclipse in 2 years.

The Griffith Observatory live streamed the entire event –

As for me …..

This week was a whirlwind of meetings – I spent time with team members preparing for the upcoming budget hearings, working on the LA Rebuild project, and other key priorities.

A team of us from the Chancellor’s Office did visit Pasadena City College where the president gave a moving presentation about how the college brought together the community to help with the LA Fires and now with the recovery. I am so proud of Pasadena City College.
Unfortunately, I did not snap any photos for you.

The California Community Colleges continue doing great work for our students, our communities, and our planet.

Good morning California.
It is March 15, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Newly Expanded Veterans Resource Center Opens at San Diego Miramar College

Over a hundred people took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at San Diego Miramar College. The ceremony featured guest speakers, the Mira Mesa High School Junior Air Force ROTC color guard, and a performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Band from Miramar Corp Air Station Miramar.

» Read more!

TRIO Day at Moreno Valley College Celebrates Access, Opportunity, and Success

Moreno Valley College hosted its sixth annual National TRIO Day on Feb. 22, celebrating opportunity, empowerment, and access to higher education. The event, which drew hundreds of students, families, and community partners, highlighted MVC’s commitment to ensuring underserved students are not only given access but also supported in achieving their goals. Hands-on STEM activities, workshops, and a resource fair provided students with inspiration and tangible pathways to success.

» Read more!

Palomar College Expands Offerings to Include Incarcerated Military Students

Palomar College offers a wide range of academic courses at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  Recently, the schedule of courses was expanded to include coursework for those incarcerated in the brig at Camp Pendleton. Trusting its 53 year relationship with Palomar College, the Camp Pendleton brig leadership initiated a proposal designed to align with their rehabilitation program for the incarcerated population on base.  This initiated the planning for increased educational opportunities and the first classes.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Community Colleges Reimagine Their Role to Transform Whole Communities

Community colleges have always been the open door of higher education—focusing on students and employers who might not otherwise get served. In recent years, as the accountability push in higher education evolved, that’s translated to an increasing focus not just on getting students to the finish line but beyond it into good jobs. Now, the leading community college reform organization, Achieving the Dream, is taking that a step further—focusing on how community colleges can not only be an engine for success for students, but for entire communities. 

» Read more!

*****

Registration Open for 2025 Blue Economy and
Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit

Register now for the 2025 Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit, on Wednesday, March 26 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center.

This groundbreaking event offers a unique platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, to address the pressing environmental challenges and opportunities ahead, while shaping the future of the Blue Economy and its workforce.

» Learn more & Register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Contra Costa College:

Color, joy, and celebration! Our International Student Club hosted its third annual HOLI event today, bringing the campus together for a vibrant festival of color

*****

From American River College:

President Cardoza in Hispanic Outlook Magazine talking about ARC! https://bit.ly/3FyNPHN

“As Cardoza focuses on building a campus culture ‘where every student can see themselves succeed,’ she offers those students who were once like her specific advice for a strong future: ‘Find your community. Find those who are going to be your biggest cheerleaders, those who believe in you.‘”

*****

From Antelope Valley College:

Antelope Valley College, in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), held a graduation ceremony recently on Yard A at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County, hosted through the New Horizon Adult School program.

Fifteen students earned associate degrees from AVC, while an additional nine students received associate degrees from other California community colleges. High school diploma and GED recipients, along with those who completed vocational certificates, were also celebrated during the ceremony.

*****

And check out this video from Copper Mountain College:

Copper Mountain College Auto Club students participated in the 2025 King of the Hammers event, gaining valuable hands-on experience working on off-road vehicles during the event.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Hidden Figures Author Margot Lee Shetterly
Inspires Bakersfield College Community

Bakersfield College recently welcomed Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures, to its Panorama campus in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. The event drew an overwhelming turnout, with the Renegade Event Center filled to near capacity. Students, faculty, and community members were all present, eager to hear Shetterly’s insights, inspirations, and current projects.

Shetterly started the conversation by discussing the three “no longer hidden figures” of her novel: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson. A central theme of Shetterly’s talk was the idea that ordinary people are capable of achieving extraordinary things. She emphasized that the women of Hidden Figures were not household names, nor were they widely recognized as pioneers in their time, but it was because of their dedication, intellect, and perseverance that they were able to make history. She encouraged BC students to recognize their own potential, reminding them that greatness is achieved through hard work, passion, and the willingness to challenge barriers.

» 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

California Community College Students on the move – March in March

Uncategorized March 8, 2025 Leave a comment

Spring is in bloom! A friend shared this pic with me, with a text –

“Flowering Plum Trees are in bloom. When there’s a slight breeze the flower petals  sometimes fall off as if there are snow flakes.”

I started my week in San Francisco, presenting at the CISOA conference on Monday – the annual conference for the Chief Technology Officers of the California Community Colleges.

Monday afternoon, I dropped by for the student March in March event. Here are some photos.

The fabulous Linda Vasquez selfie.

With Board of Governors Member Cirian Villavicencio

With Ivan Hernandez – SSCCC President

On Thursday, I spoke at the A2MEND Conference with Board of Governors member Pam Haynes.

Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Ebony Jeffries
Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Don Daves-Rougeaux

And with a group of students from Southwestern College:

Good morning California.
It is March 8, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

The Human Library® Returns to Cuesta College

Cuesta College, in collaboration with the Cuesta College Library, Cuesta College Student Health Services, and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, is proud to announce the return of The Human Library® to its San Luis Obispo campus on March 5.

Originating in Denmark over two decades ago, The Human Library® is a global movement designed to challenge stereotypes and biases through open and meaningful conversations. The event creates a safe and inclusive space where topics are discussed openly between the human books and their readers, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and foster deeper understanding. 

» Read more!

Peralta CCD Hosts Event With House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

On February 21, 2025, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in partnership with the Peralta Community College District hosted a forum dedicated to civic engagement, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to discuss the vital importance of defending democratic principles in today’s challenging political climate. 

» Read more!

Mt. San Antonio College Turf Teams Sweep Contest

Mt. SAC Turf Teams recently mowed the competition at the annual Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) contest, taking first, second and third place and beating out major universities. Three teams of four competed in the Student Challenge, a two-hour exam testing knowledge of the sports turf industry, covered subjects as diverse as Turfgrass Identification, Selection and Morphology, Soil Management, Soil Fertility, Water Management, Drainage, Turfgrass Mathematics, Pest Identification and Management, and both turf and non-turf Sports Field Management. 

» Read more!

Mendocino College Announces the Purchase of Property
for Future Student Housing

Mendocino College is pleased to announce the purchase of a property at the corner of Perkins and Main Streets in downtown Ukiah, marking the first phase of a multi-year initiative to develop future student housing. This project aims to increase the availability of affordable housing for students and support the local community.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Victor Valley College:

Victor Valley College’s inaugural Community Education — Paint Night Experience in VVC Performing Arts Center Black Box Room was a sold-out success! It was incredible to watch our lead instructor, Theresa Shellcroft, guide and inspire participants as they brought their unique Desert Sunset masterpieces to life.

*****

From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

What an amazing afternoon we had celebrating Women’s History Month! We came together to share inspiring affirmations, create uplifting messages, and take home a beautiful flower. Thank you to everyone who joined us in spreading joy and empowerment!

*****

From Madera Community College:

On February 25, we held another CAMP Seminar for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) 2024-25 Cohort at Madera Community College! This event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with CAMP students. They received essential information regarding academic advising, CSU/UC transfer requirements, financial aid, health services, psychological services, and tutoring resources available on campus.

*****

From Imperial Valley College:

Step right up! We’re all set inside the Preble Building at the California Mid-Winter Fair, ready to hear your big ideas for Imperial Valley College’s future.

*****

From Rio Hondo College:

This weekend, we hosted the LA Regional Science Olympiad Tournament, where Division B & C teams from across LA County showcased their STEM skills! Congrats to those advancing to the State Tournament in April! Thanks to Ryan Wong & all the volunteers!

*****

And check out this video from Evergreen Valley College –

McTate Stroman, a staff member at Evergreen Valley College, whose hometown of Altadena was devastated by the Los Angeles Fires, wrote and recited this poem. McTate also curated an art exhibit in his hometown.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Students Travel to Arizona for Theatre Arts Festival

Recently, twenty-seven BC Theatre students traveled to Mesa, Arizona to participate in the Region 7/Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) at Mesa Community College. This Festival is a celebration of the work in Theatre Arts that college students in these regions have done throughout the year, as well as a place to audition and compete for scholarships, gain knowledge and skills through workshops, see plays, and network with students from other schools.

Three BC students – Riss Halbwachs, Savanna Lux, and Jesse Magdaleno – and their partners advanced to the Semi-Final Round of the Irene Ryan auditions, which is a huge accomplishment! Out of hundreds of preliminary participants, only sixty make it to the Semi-Final Round. Then, Jesse Magdaleno and his partner Nathan Armendariz made it to the Final Round of the audition– the top fifteen participants of the entire festival. This is the first time a BC student has made it to the Final Round of the Irene Ryans.

» 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

Inspiring Community College Success Stories and Events

Uncategorized March 1, 2025 1 Comment

Another week of travel. Not as crazy as the previous week…

Board Retreat on Tuesday at Santa Barbara City College. Beautiful location and great retreat. Then to El Camino College to sign a transfer pathway agreement with Coppin University. I forgot to snap pictures for you.

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And here is an older 10-sec video of the classic Bessie run to Eisha – on the beach at the Marina.

*****

Last night, we were treated a rare Planetary Parade as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune – and the moon – were aligned in the night sky just after dusk. While it’s relatively common for groups of 3-5 planets to appear, all of these seven being involved is rare. The next time we’ll be treated to such an alignment won’t be until 2040!

In India, the Mahakumbha Mela was celebrated …. a religious gathering recognizing the planetary movements that symbolize cosmic order, purification, and spiritual transcendence. It reflects the integration of astronomy, mythology, and spirituality in Indian traditions.

Good morning California.
It is March 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Barbara City College Awarded Grant from Uplift Central Coast Coalition

 Santa Barbara City College, the SBCC Foundation, and Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara have been awarded a Catalyst Pre Development Phase grant from the Uplift Central Coast Coalition through the State’s California Jobs First program. The two-year initiative, “The Ocean Collective: A Consortium to Develop a Diverse and Climate-Resilient Blue Economy for the Central Coast,” will support the design of new facilities at SBCC and the creation of a workforce training pipeline that engages area high schools, community colleges, universities and blue economy employers.

» Read More!

Formerly Incarcerated Long Beach City College Student Rebuilds His Life Through Art and Education

Formerly incarcerated LBCC student, Francisco Baldonado has rebuilt his life through art, education, and is now a featured artist in the new exhibit “Hope Restored: Justice Scholars Student Exhibition,” which opened on Feb. 13.  Baldonado is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Fine Art and a teaching credential at the age of 45, but none of it would have been possible without the help of the Justice Scholars, a program that raises awareness for formerly incarcerated students so that they are capable of getting a further education.

» Read more!

Recycled Water Connection at LA Southwest College
Sets Precedent for Sustainability Efforts

A new recycled water irrigation system at the Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) campus marks an impactful stride toward sustainability and a significant reduction of potable water use. West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), announces the completion of a transformative recycled water connection that will provide irrigation to approximately 20 acres of landscaping across the LASC campus. 

» Read more!

Irvine Valley College Model UN Team Wins National Awards

IVC’s Model United Nations team won two Outstanding Delegation awards at the National Model UN Conference held in Washington, D.C. (NMUN DC) last fall. The awards mark a decade of excellence for the IVC MUN team, now winning the top award at NMUN DC 10 years in a row. IVC was the only community college, out of the 35 schools in attendance, to win two top awards. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Did you see the story last week about a Bay Area college student who won $100,000 at the NBA All-Star Game?

Jaren Barajas is a student at Los Medanos College. YouTuber MrBeast hosted a challenge – sink one bucket from half-court before Oakland native Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks could make three.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

We recently welcomed counselors to campus for another inspiring 805 Industry Day. This annual event introduces our K-12 partners to career education programs, helping to ensure grade and high school students are aware of career pathways at Oxnard College. The event wrapped up at our public safety campus, where our guests got to tour facilities and network with our faculty and staff.

*****

From Skyline College:

The Automotive Department hosted Driving the Future this week to introduce high school students to the Automotive Career Program at Skyline College. Students heard from guest speakers, toured the department, and then enjoyed a catered lunch afterwards. Huge thanks to everyone who participated and helped inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.

*****

From Folsom Lake College:

FLC “Comunidad” Student Club participated in its first international community service event at the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico! FLC student and Veteran John Locke said it perfectly, ” It’s so rad to help others.”

*****

From Shasta College:

Congratulations to our seven Shasta College MESA students who have been selected to participate in a special NASA program! The NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) activity is comprised of three missions designed to challenge and build student knowledge and skills by focusing on NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways.

*****

And check out this video from Monterey Peninsula College’s Family STEM Day:

Blast from the Past

Getting my COVID-19 vaccination back in 2021, when I was president of Bakersfield College. Check out this 53-sec video. It’s kinda fun.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Industrial Automation Hosts 2025 Career Fair

It was an exciting day for the Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College as they recently hosted their 2025 Career Fair. Held in the Renegade Event Center, the gathering gave attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and internships in the industrial automation industry.

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog