Tag Archives: Cerritos College

Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education – MLK

Uncategorized January 20, 2024 1 Comment

This past Monday, as we paused to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I re-read his piece “The Purpose of Education.”

We must remember that intelligence is not enough.
Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.
The complete education gives one not only power of concentration,
but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dressed in a cap and gown. King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 with a bachelor’s of arts degree in sociology.  
Source: The Atlantic Journal-Constitution.

I was happy to attend Bakersfield’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast Celebration and see some of my colleagues from Kern CCD. Steve Watkin, acting President of BC was honored at this event.

During the holiday season, my travels were at a minimum and I spent 3 glorious weeks doing my zoom meetings sitting by the fireplace. This week, I was back on the road starting in Sacramento then Oakland.

The Chancellor’s Office Executive Team had a 2-day work session in Sacramento, focused on Vision 2030 and ensuring we support colleges to achieve our goals.

On Tuesday evening, I participated in a panel, Leadership on the Line, with CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake. The event was hosted by the Campaign for College Opportunity.

Michele Siqueiros, Sonya Christian, Millie Garcia, Michael Drake, Jessie Ryan

On Wednesday, I presented to the Association of Community College Administrators-Association of Chief Business Officers at their annual budget meeting in Sacramento. It was fun connecting with President Claudia Habib and Chancellor Marvin Martinez.

On Thursday, I spoke at the inservice for the Peralta Community College District, in Oakland, where we discussed Vision 2030, climate and Generative AI.

Good morning California.
It is January 20, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Beloved Educator, Author Celebrates 50 Years At Citrus College

A longtime resident of La Verne, Dr. Dale Salwak first joined the Citrus College community as a full-time faculty member in 1973. Raised in a family of educators, he was a natural. In fact, he quickly developed a reputation for having an innovative and engaging classroom.

» Read more!

Skyline College Hosts Winter Research Scholars Internship Program

Starting January 2nd, the STEM division hosted 25 students as part of the Winter Research Scholars Internship program. The two-week program, which ran from Tuesday, January 2, 2024, to Friday, January 12, 2024, in Skyline College’s Fab Lab, introduced students to scientific research, topics, and skills that will help them gain further research and industry internships in STEM.

» Read more!

Cuyamaca College Opens New Queer Student Center

On November 14th, 2023, Cuyamaca College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Queer Student Center. The celebration, complete with music, food, and enthusiastic support from the community, reflected the college’s sincere commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students.

» Read More!

Glendale Community College’s Baja Program Celebrates 50 Years

Glendale Community College (GCC) has been offering field classes in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico since 1974. The program aims to expose students to a pristine and complex natural environment coupled with a unique experience in Mexican culture.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Four spring transfers share their journeys from community college to USC

USC recently posted a feature about 4 of their more than 350 spring undergraduate transfer students. Xander Singson (Los Angeles Harbor College), Jasmine Adhoot (Pasadena City College), Foris Huang (El Camino College), and Alexia Ruiz (Los Angeles City College) shared their experiences going from community colleges to USC.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Diego College of Continuing Education President Tina Maria King:

My family and I enjoyed walking with @sdcceedu in the MLK Parade along with all of our students, employees & community members. This year’s float was extra special, it was a dedication to ECC’s late Artist in Residence Rossie Wade’s “Black Family Sculpture”.

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From Cerritos College Trustee Marisa Perez:

Packed house at the @cerritoscollege @CerritosComplet Cerritos Complete info session. Glad to see so many parents and students!

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From Barstow Community College:

SPS (Special Programs & Services) hosted our first-ever collaboration event with TLSC (Teaching and Learning Support Center) today – “Jitters with Tutors”! Our goal was to introduce new and returning SPS students to the incredible services TLSC offers. From faculty-led workshops to personalized 1:1 tutoring, TLSC provides a wide range of support services.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Renegade Pantry Hosts First Farmers Market of 2024

On January 16, 2024, Bakersfield College hosted our first Renegade Nexus Farmer’s Market of the semester. This month’s market offered bananas, oranges, cabbage, red chard, chicken, and more. All items handed out were provided for free in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK). 

» 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

2023 Thanksgiving

Uncategorized November 25, 2023 Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving from the marina!

Here is a copy and paste of the email I sent to the Presidents and Chancellors of the California Community Colleges:

As I am winding down my workday and getting into Thanksgiving mode, I thought I would drop you a quick note.  I am at Marina Del Rey today where my daughter lives, enjoying the warmer temperatures, sailing boats and the other sights and sounds of the marina.

My first Thanksgiving was the fall semester, many decades ago, as a foreign student in grad school.  Since then, I have wholeheartedly embraced this American holiday full of blessings and gratitude symbolizing harmony and unity.  For me it has been an annual ritual … where permission is given to take a moment to pause, experience the richness of life, and appreciate how connected we are to each other and to this planet.

Last week we were at the League convention decompressing, catching up, and supporting each other in this cherished California Community College work.  As is the tradition with the fall League gathering, the state Chancellor gives the State of the System address, during which time, I enjoyed being able to share the message that the state of California Community Colleges is strong.  Our people have been focused on outreach, engagement and re-engagement work, coupled with retention initiatives and customized student support.  We see the positive impacts of these efforts on our students:

Alyssa Hernandez’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of dual enrollment, as she took general education classes in high school, saving both time and money on her path to a bachelor’s degree.

For justice-involved individuals like Maurice “Mo” Faulkner, education became a powerful tool for rehabilitation and a journey from a correctional facility to earning an Associate Degree for Transfer a 4.0 GPA and reduced sentence.

Adrienne Navarro’s story echoes the resilience of student veterans, as she pursues her doctorate in nursing at Duke University after starting her journey at a California Community College.

Together, we are shaping the future of higher education in California, and I am excited to continue this journey with you.

A quote from President John F. Kennedy that Barstow Community College shared:

Good morning California.
It is November 25, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Diablo Valley College Student & Team
Secure 1st Place at UC Berkeley’s Cal Hacks Competition

Saurabh (Sunny) Jayaram, a computer science student at Diablo Valley College and his teammates recently won 1st Place at UC Berkeley’s Cal Hacks 10.0, under the InterSystems Challenge, at the Metreon in San Francisco. 

» Read More!

Foothill College Welcomes NASA Astronaut
for STEM Equity Seminar Event

Earlier this month, NASA Astronaut Dr. Yvonne Darlene Cagle went to Foothill College for a “fireside chat” to discuss her academic journey, career path, and what has propelled her in her research. 
» Read more!

Check out the video below:

Sacramento City College
Names Library for Author Joan Didion

Sacramento City College will be renaming the college’s library in honor of renowned author Joan Didion. The building will now be known as the Joan Didion Learning Resource Center, in recognition of a generous $500,000 gift from Didion family and the Sacramento Historical Society (SHS). 

» Read more!

Pasadena City College students explore, commit to HBCUs at college fair

More than 110 students from Pasadena City College and local high schools were admitted to historically black colleges and universities during a traveling college fair, which featured live DJ performances, food, and remarks from actor and producer Yara Shahidi.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

PPIC: A Conversation with California’s Public Higher Education Leaders

How can California’s higher education system efficiently and effectively prepare a broad range of students to meet the challenges of the future? Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with the leaders of California’s public systems—Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges; Michael V. Drake, President, University of California; and Mildred García, Chancellor, California State University.

» Find out more and register at https://www.ppic.org/event/a-conversation-with-californias-public-higher-education-leaders-2023/.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

East Los Angeles College Music Professor Jesus “Chuy” Martinez played the sousaphone in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. He was among 400 band directors and music educators selected to march in the parade.

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From Cerritos College:

Congrats to our accounting instructor Charles Osaki! He was honored as one of L.A.’s top 100 accountants by @LABJnews Charles founded the Pathway to Success Program at Cerritos College, which supports first-generation and underrepresented college students. https://bit.ly/3SSWY2O

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From Shasta College:

We hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving! Our International students celebrated a special “International” Thanksgiving! Many thanks go to our amazing Food Services and Physical Plant teams as well as the generosity of all the staff who helped. Happy Thanksgiving, Knights!

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From Yovani Jimenez – thank you for sharing this photo of Kern CCD colleagues (including Anthony Culpepper, who is now President of LA Southwest College!)

The @ccleague annual convention was an incredible experience! Witnessing community college leaders from every corner of the state come together to support #Vision2030 and exchange ideas on innovative approaches to enhance our local educational institutions was truly inspiring.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts Vet Fest 2023

Bakersfield College hosted their annual VetFest celebration in honor of veterans on November 15th, 2023 at BC’s Panorama Campus. This event is dedicated to continuing a tradition of showing honor and gratitude to all current and past members of the Armed Forces who have given their time and risked their lives in defense of our country’s freedoms.

» 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

A moment of reflection and prayer

Uncategorized October 14, 2023 Leave a comment

This has been another difficult week on the world stage. Last Saturday, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a week of fighting and a rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people have been killed in Israel and Gaza, with many more wounded. Israel has called for the evacuation of 1.1 million people from northern Gaza.

In Hamas’ devastating attack, scores of hostages were taken from their homes and from a music festival. Some of their stories:

Omer Neutra, 21

Omer Neutra – Daily Mail

Omer’s father said that they spoke to their son on Friday afternoon, a seven hour time difference. He said that his son sounded good, but a little tired. He said he had been very busy the last two weeks with the Jewish holidays.

By midnight, they saw on a news app that their was something happening on the Southern portion of Israel and they said they immediately called him but could not get through. 

Ronen said that one of Omer’s friends showed him a video two days after the attack.

He recalled, ‘it was pretty shocking,’ he said. ‘I asked a good friend to come over and watch it. I knew it was something I wasn’t ready to watch. He wasn’t sure but thought he saw Omer in the footage.’

Doros Asher Katz, 34, and her two daughters – Raz, 5, and Aviv, 2.

Aviv Asher and Raz Asher – from Washington Post

Around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Doron Asher Katz called her husband. The 34-year-old was visiting her mother in the Nir Oz kibbutz, a communal settlement in the south of Israel, along with her two daughters, 2-year-old Aviv and 5-year-old Raz. “I got a phone call in which she was saying that they were locked down in the security room,” her husband, Yoni Asher, said in a telephone interview. Hamas militants had entered the family’s house.

Omer Wenkert, 22

Omer Wenkert – from Washington Post

Omer Wenkert traveled to the Tribe of Nova music festival on Saturday morning, just three miles from the fence that divides Israel from the Gaza Strip. About 6:30 a.m., he called his family. The night of dancing and revelry was transforming into a massacre. Wenkert, according to his uncle Ricardo Grichner, who had a family dinner with him the night before, told relatives he could hear shooting but was unable to find a way out. In a text sent shortly before 8 a.m., he said he felt scared and helpless. Then he stopped picking up his phone.

Omer Shem-Tov, 21

Omer Shem Tov – from Washington Post

When Omer Shem-Tov last spoke to his father, he was attempting to flee by car as Hamas attackers descended on the festival. Between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, they had multiple phone calls, as his father Malki Shem-Tov tried to help his son to escape. “From one call to another call, he sounded much more panicked,” Malki said. “In one of the last calls, he said that people are shooting. He said … ‘I love you.’”

There is much pain and suffering for countless innocent civilians. There is much misinformation and confusion, as well as anger and fear. It is a time to keep our loved ones close, and keep those in danger in our thoughts as we pray for peace.

Let us Pray.

*****

Good morning California.
It is October 14, 2023.
A day to bring hope and peace as Community College Champions

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mission College Student Casey Chang Named
to the California Community Colleges Board of Directors

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of Mission College student Casey Chang to the prestigious California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Chang, a resident of Pleasanton, has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, environmental conservation, and student advocacy throughout her early career.

» Read More!

Long Beach City College Earns Seal of Excelencia Recertification

Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latina/o/x student success in higher education, announced that Long Beach City College has been recertified with the prestigious Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating through data, evidence-based practices, and leadership, how it is intentionally serving Latina/o/x students.

» Read more!

Skyline College IMMERSE Scholars Participate in
S-STEM Scholars Meeting in Washington, DC

Four Skyline College IMMERSE in STEM scholars, Abigail Jean Alfonso, Leonardo Calle, Gabriel Hapin-Aranda, and Arian Villena, attended the 2023 S-STEM Scholars Meeting in Washington, DC, along with Professor Emilie Hein, who went as a mentor. IMMERSE in STEM stands for Innovative and Meaningful Mentoring to Enhance Retention, Success, and Engagement in STEM. The program is funded by the NSF S-STEM program and was established at Skyline College this past Spring 2023, welcoming its first cohort of scholars.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Undocumented Student Action Week

Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on October 16 – 20, 2023. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Community College League of California, and our statewide partners on Monday, October 16 for an in-person event at Fresno City College and daily webinars throughout the week.

» Find out more & register for events!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma:

Toured @SierraCollege and talked about current and new student housing with President @WillyDuncan and Chancellor @sonyachristian Team. Met some students and did some Q&A with students at the “Pizza With The President” lunch meeting. @CalCommColleges#housing#AffordableHousing#studentlife

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From Kern CCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg:

The national ACCT 2023 Charles Kennedy Equity Awarded to Kern Community College District!

Check out this piece from KGET about the award.

Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez shared this from the conference:

Day two at the #2023ACCT Building a Legacy National Conference! Representing our Kern Community College District at the conference. Attended workshops on legal challenges and national advocacy and connected with inspiring colleagues. Exciting insights gathered!

Cerritos CCD President/Superintendent
Jose Fierro, Assemblymember Mike Fong, Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez

*****

From Los Angeles Harbor College:

@_flemingmiddleschool_ in the house! So glad to host you at Harbor for a Campus Tour! Go Seahawks! You ARE Seahawks!

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From College of San Mateo:

Proud of our Student Volunteer Club! Our dedicated students hit the beach for the second time, making a BIG impact for their beach cleanup event!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Project HireUp Fall 2023 Graduation

Images of hope, pride and celebration were seen this past Friday, October 6th, 2023, at The Summit Sanctuary, as community members, agencies, and partners gathered for the Fall 2023 Bakersfield College – Project HireUp Graduation, celebrating the 10th cohort graduation since Spring 2020. 

» Read More!

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With prayers for peace 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CCs on the move

Uncategorized September 23, 2023 Comments: 2

What a busy week! Across the country and back.

On Saturday, headed out to Morgantown home of West Virginia University where my best friend from high school teaches in the Life Sciences department.

On Sunday headed with the team to Washington DC to elevate the visibility of the work being done at California Community colleges. The team included – Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales and Vice Chancellor of Government Relations David O’Brien; from the Board of Governors, President Amy Costa & Pamela Haynes; from the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Executive Director of Workforce Development Tim Aldinger.

Then headed to San Diego for the DEI Conference and then back home Friday night.

Here are some photos:

Morgantown visiting my friend who cooked great Kerala dishes and event packed some food for the road…. yuuum.

A delicious Kerala meal for the road
At the Kennedy Memorial, Morgantown

***

Washington DC visit

Department of Education:

Department of Energy:

Department of Labor:

Senator Alex Padilla:

A must-do photo of the Washington monument every time I visit DC:

Check out Little Amal who visited DC. Little Amal represents a fictional nine-year-old Syrian girl, representing displaced children today. The giant puppet was created by the South Africa-based Handspring Puppet Company.

“The Walk” tells Amal’s life story, her search for her mother and her flight to safety.

Check out this video from Georgetown University about it:

Goodbye for now DC

David O’Brien, Pam Haynes, Amy Costa
Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, David O’Brien, Pam Haynes at Dulles. Heading out to San Diego

*****

After a few jam-packed days in DC, we headed to San Diego for the DEIA in Action Institute.

At the conclusion of my talk, I invited the leadership at the Chancellor’s Office to come up on stage with me – John Hetts, Daisy Gonzales, Pamela Haynes, Marc LeForestier, Lizette Navarette and Aisha Lowe. Check out the photo.

John Hetts, Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, Pam Haynes, Marc LeForestier, Lizette Navarette, Aisha Lowe

What a wonderful week!

Good morning California.
It is September 23, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

CCC Presidents Selected for Aspen Presidents Fellowship

Tawny Dotson, Michael Gutierrez, Jim Limbaugh,
Claudia Lourido-Habib, and Julius Sokenu

The College Excellence Program announced the cohort of college presidents for the 2023-2024 Aspen Presidents Fellowship. Several of our California Community College Presidents were selected:

  • Tawny Dotson, Yuba College
  • Michael Gutierrez, Hartnell College
  • Jim Limbaugh, West Los Angeles College
  • Claudia Lourido-Habib, Porterville College
  • Julius Sokenu, Moorpark College

Congratulations to all!

» Read more about the 2023-2024 Presidents Fellows

Las Positas College Hosts Black College Day

Las Positas College hosted its first annual Black Family Day. “It really ties into our educational master plan, which is to be the destination campus for Black students and other students of color here in the Tri-Valley,” said LPC President Dr. Dyrell Foster.

» Check out the news coverage!

Cerritos College Hosts Event For The College Tour Episode

Cerritos College is featured in a 30-minute episode of The College Tour, an Amazon Prime streaming series. This week, Cerritos College hosted an exclusive screening of the episode at their Performing Arts Center.

» Learn more about Cerritos College on The College Tour!

Check out the video below:

San Joaquin Delta College Launches Free Public Fitness Court

Delta College celebrated the opening of a new outdoor exercise facility known as a Fitness Court, part of an initiative by National Fitness Campaign (NFC) to plan, build, and fund healthy communities across the country.

» Learn more about the fitness court!

In Case You Missed It

NANDI: Reimagining Success

The Nandi Symposium will center the voices of Black women while also creating space for all professionals and students in the California Community College System to be in community with one another. The Nandi Symposium is being brought to you in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

When: Thursday, October 5; 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Where: Westin Los Angeles Airport

For more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nandi-symposium-tickets-700528769407?aff=oddtdtcreator

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From MiraCosta College President Sunita Cooke:

@MiraCosta⁩ representing ⁦@NCAAWA⁩ Annual Gentlemen’s Gourmet scholarship fundraiser. TY to our talented chefs, volunteers, and donors! Shout out to Trustee Raye Clendening, ⁦⁦ @RepMikeLevin⁩ ⁦ @jim_desmond⁩ ⁦ @joegreen760⁩ ⁦ @satiaaustin

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From CA Assembly Member & Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon:

Yes! This is exactly why we formed the paid Community College Internship for the Assembly. This is such an important program. Community college students are incredibly diverse, and have so much to offer. Uplifting them benefits everybody.

The Assembly’s community college interns are placed in Member offices (both Republican and Democrat) to learn how the legislature functions. One of these interns, Frank Arenas, works in my office. He’s an aspiring attorney, and has been a wonderful addition to the team.

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From Lassen College:

Thank you to our amazing students and staff for representing LCC this morning at The Out of the Darkness Community Walk. This walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

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From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:

Grateful for an inspiring State of the College event at @PCollegePirates, celebrating their achievements and future vision with Dr. @PortervillePrez and the PC team. I am excited for what’s to come!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Learning Resource Center in Delano

Bakersfield College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning for the newly finished multipurpose building at BC’s Delano campus. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the college in its commitment to providing enhanced and expanded educational opportunities to students in North Kern.

» 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

To new beginnings June 2023

Uncategorized June 3, 2023 Comments: 4

On Thursday, I started my position as Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. I snapped this photo from my office … see the top of the State Capitol, the dome with the crowning ornament. You definitely know you are in Sacramento.

Check out this 12-minute video of my remarks at the Board of Governor’s meeting on Feb 23rd when they made the appointment.

Some highlights from my week:

Attended the Campaign for College Opportunity’s Excellence in Placement ceremony where Porterville College was one of the award recipients. President Claudia Habib snapped a selfie with colleagues from Kern CCD – Trustees Yovani Jimenez and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Deputy Chancellor Zav Dadabhoy.

Members of the Board of Governors
Hildy Aguinaldo, Paul Medina
Michele Siqueros, Sonya Christian, Luke Wood

A record-breaking 56 campuses were honored for implementing landmark placement policy AB 705. Congratulations to all of the well-deserving award winners!

And, a few photos from my first day at the state Chancellor’s Office.

Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, June 1, 2023
Larry Galizeo, Paul Feist, Daisy Gonzales, Joe Wyse, Sonya Christian, Lizette Navarette, Lynn Neault, Pam Luster

***

I can’t get this song out of my head:

Doc Todd passed this week at the young age of 38.  Read the story here.

After serving in the Navy, Doc Todd began pursuing a career in music and started using his artistic platform to raise awareness about veterans mental health.  His song “Not Alone” was released in 2017 and resonated with many veterans and their families, as it delves into the struggles faced by those dealing with PTSD and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support.

Good morning California.
It is June 3, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges
Our Time is Now!

Building a College Going Identity in Rural California

Mendocino College offers on-ground dual enrollment transfer and career education pathways with 18 different high schools ranging in size from 1,600 to just 10, including a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Awardee. With equitable access and support at the core, Mendocino College’s dual enrollment has grown 108% in the last 5 years. Mendocino College appreciates the opportunity to truly partner with K-12 & CSU colleagues and looks forward to further developing robust student services support with the development of the Dual Enrollment Ambassador program. Pictured is one of their annual College and Career Days, where they welcome over 500 high school students to learn about support services, majors and career opportunities.

Check out this video:

Cerritos College Recognized for
Continuing Leadership in Sustainability

Cerritos College campus photo

Cerritos College recently received the Green Award at the 2023 Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC)/CollegeBuys Purchasing Conference. Presented by ODP Business Solutions (formerly Office Depot), the award recognized the Cerritos College Purchasing Department’s commitment to sustainability for its preference towards purchasing eco-friendly products, the most out of all the California community colleges during 2022. For the full story, check out https://bit.ly/3pMERPB.

Southwestern College’s Focus on Equity

Southwestern College celebrates its position as an award-winning, nationally recognized, binational community college focused on belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion. SWC took the lead on developing AB-91 that would allow low-income students who reside in Tijuana to attend San Diego area community colleges, receive an exemption from the nonresident tuition fee, and have access to college. In addition, Southwestern College is working with High School partners to expand dual enrollment pathways, including developing an Early/Middle College High School at our San Ysidro Higher Education Center.  

» Learn more about SWC

Telling Your Story at Santa Monica College

The award-winning film and production program at Santa Monica College is your path to the bright lights of Hollywood- and so much more. Learn how these California community college students are sharing their powerful stories with the world.

Long Beach City College Commits to Dual Enrollment with Equity

R Browning High School
Long Beach City College offers Early College courses at Browning High School.

Long Beach City College (LBCC) is committed to expanding dual enrollment through an equity lens, ensuring access and success for disproportionately impacted (DI) students. In the 2022-23 academic year, LBCC offered college courses for alternative high schools and partnered with learning communities such as the Students Success Initiatives (SSI) and Male Academy to engage underrepresented students in dual enrollment. Through the Early College @ Browning model with Long Beach Unified School District, a total of 22 high school students will graduate this year with both a high school diploma and an associate degree for transfer in hospitality.

» Learn more about Early College at LBCC

In Case You Missed It

Seven New Bachelor’s Degrees
to be Offered at CA Community Colleges

The California Community Colleges has taken another step forward in giving Californians an opportunity to earn a four-year degree from a community college by approving seven new bachelor’s degree programs. This brings to the total number of bachelor’s degrees that are now offered or will soon be offered at a community college to 31.

The new programs available as a part of a bill signed by Governor Newsom in 2021 are:

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Ashanti Hands celebrated her first commencement as President of San Diego Mesa College:

Foundation CCC shared this post:

“The 15th Annual @CalCommColleges Purchasing Conference hosted by @FoundationCCC College Buys in San Diego celebrated Procurement Professional of the Year award winners Kate Carillo of @LosRiosColleges & April Marin of @canyons.“

Foundation CCC Event in San Diego

And From the Home of the Renegades…

BC to Host Drum Corps International Tour

Bakersfield College’s Golden Empire Drum & Bugle Corps announced today the details of the 7th annual presentation of RESOUND, a drum and bugle tour event bringing together some of the country’s best corps, presented by Drum Corps International. The event will take place July 11 at 7 PM inside Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium and is open to the public.

» Read more about this week at BC!

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

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