This week, I travelled to Washington, DC, for the 2024 Community College National Legislative Summit. We had a large delegation attend from the Chancellor’s Office and the Board of Governors: Amy Costa, Hildy Aguinaldo, Paul Medina, Casey Chang, David O’Brien, and Linda Vasquez.
I also participated virtually in the Rio Hondo Spring Inservice. The college has mobilized around the three strategic directions of Vision 2030. It was heartwarming to see their earnest focus on the various college-wide initiatives to advance the goals of Vision 2030.
I enjoyed the Grammys this year in my hotel room in DC …. when I looked to the left, I could see the Washington Monument.
I had a lot of favorite moments at the Grammys. Here are just four of them. I did not want my blog to get clogged up with only the Grammys …. although it was tempting. Check out the links at the Grammys website –
While I was gone, California experienced some severe weather. The wind damaged the trees in my backyard as it did elsewhere –
And now back at home…. while we have a break from the rain, I continue to enjoy the clouds during my sunrise and sunset walks with Neo…. here are a few pictures so you can too ….
Good morning California. It is February 10, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerro Coso Graduates 35 Students from Tehachapi California Correctional Institution
Cerro Coso Community College is proud to announce the graduation of 35 students from our Incarcerated Student Education Program at the Tehachapi California Correctional Institution. Combined, these students earned nearly 100 associate degrees.
Barstow Community College Joins Fight to End Hunger
At the heart of Barstow’s fight against hunger stands Dr. Usha Gautam, a beacon of compassion and commitment. Her leadership has ignited a wave of community collaboration, notably with the Barstow Community College Food Pantry.
Victor Valley College Hosts Community Influences to Kick Off Black History Month
Victor Valley College welcomed approximately 30 Black and African American community influencers from the Victor Valley area to a special event aimed at highlighting the college’s successful Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. In partnership with the DVL Project and Millionaire Mind Kids, the three-hour event provided an exclusive tour showcasing various career pathway training opportunities, student support services, and the essential steps for students to embark on a path of opportunity.
Allan Hancock College Students Present Research to Prestigious Biology Organization
Two Allan Hancock College students were invited to present their research project to a prestigious body of scientists and scholars in Seattle, Washington. Brianna Munoz Gonzalez and Katherine Goldstein traveled to Seattle, Washington, where the duo presented their research on native plant and bee populations to the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) during the organization’s annual meeting in January 2024.
So many great photos from colleagues in DC this week!
Paul Medina shared a few –
From Yovani Jimenez:
Attending the 2024 @CCTrustees National Legislative Summit was an absolute privilege. Advocating for our community college students and representing @KernCCD at Capitol Hill was a standout moment. Grateful for the opportunity! #NLS2024#OurTimeisNow
Today, Team @KernCCD had a productive day. We attended a meeting at the @ENERGY headquarters to discuss our KCCD @CrelKccd programs and explore further areas of collaboration.
From Larry Galizio:
Honored to learn from Congressman Jimmy Panetta, keynote speaker for our CA Delegation Breakfast.
From the FACCC:
We are pleased to collaborate with the @ASCCCNews and the Chancellor, as well as other system partners, in our advocacy endeavors within the @CalCommColleges. Here’s to effecting positive change in Washington D.C. #Advocacy#HigherEducation
*****
From San Joaquin Delta College President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:
Had a great time Friday welcoming more than 100 @StocktonUnified ag students to the Delta College farm in Manteca. @JanetARivera1 and I even got a turn in the excavator! Agriculture is our region’s heritage and it’s exciting to pass that on to the next generation
*****
And check out this interview from KRON with Merritt College President David Johnson:
Blast from the Past
My remarks from the Jean Fuller Women in Leadership Panel – March 4, 2021
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Annual Financial Aid Fest and Resource Fair
Understanding the Financial Aid process can often be overwhelming for college students. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Department at Bakersfield College hosts the annual Financial Aid Fest to educate and assist students as they navigate through the financial aid process.
On Wednesday, we held the final System Webinar for the year: Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges.
As I wrap up 6 months in my role as state chancellor, I experience this attribute of courage everywhere and anywhere I go….
I see leaders who stand unwavering in commitment to equity in success, equity in access, and equity in support fearless in the face of adversity.
I see leaders with a extraordinary ability to listen, to adapt, to learn and to drive change.
I see leaders who ignite passion and purpose, foster trust and empathy while challenging norms with determination.
It has been an amazing experience working with everyone at the chancellor’s office. We have accomplished so much this year, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!
Good morning California. It is December 9, 2023. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
CCC Faculty Selected for STEMSEAS Community College Oceanic Expedition
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) is a multiyear project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF Grants 1701174 and 1701168) to provide students with inspirational opportunities to experience life on an oceanic research vessel.
A recent voyage from Seattle, Washington, to Honolulu, Hawaii, had a STEMSEAS team entirely comprised of community college science educators – including a few from California community colleges!
Dr. Tess Weathers, an Associate Professor in Engineering at Chabot College
Roman P. de Jesus, professor of oceanography and Earth science at Fullerton College
Waverly Ray, professor of geography at San Diego Mesa College
Ohlone College Receives $400K Grant from National Science Foundation to Boost Regional Innovation
Ohlone College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant of $400,000 from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) investment. This grant recognizes Ohlone College’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening regional partnerships.
Calbright Offers Student Leadership Training With Real Life Opportunities
While all students who come to Calbright learn key technical and career skills, their career aspirations vary widely. For students who want to move into management and leadership roles, Calbright has developed a set of optional leadership programs for them while they are completing their required coursework.
Gavilan College Awarded $1.5M to Create Juvenile Justice Program
Annette Gutierrez, Director of Basic Needs; Noah Lystrup, Dean of Student Learning, Equity, Success for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Susan Sweeney, Dean of Career Education Workforce and Educational Partnerships
Gavilan was awarded $1.5 million by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, over the next five years, to create the “Gavilan College Higher Aspirations Juvenile Justice Program,” a part of the Rising Scholars Network, beginning in January 2024.
Mission College’s celebration of Kwanzaa earlier this week was a vibrant occasion that provided all with an opportunity to come together and learn about the celebration of African heritage, unity, and community.
*****
From Allan Hancock College:
Hancock police officers responded to a call of an injured bird, which turned out to be a protected Killdeer Plover. The bird was rescued and turned over to our friends at the Santa Barbara County Animal Control.
*****
Check out these pictures from Cerro Coso Community College‘s Jingle Jog:
*****
Foreign Agriculture Service Administrator Daniel Whitley visited the College of the Desert to speak with faculty, staff and students about USDA internships and careers:
Blast from the Past
Check out this video from 2017, talking about student veterans at Bakersfield College:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College and The Open Door Network Partner to Serve Vulnerable Populations
Bakersfield College Adult Education and celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony for students of The Open Door Network on December 4th.
BC opened the Outdoor Theater for the first time since COVID with the Airforce Band – thank you Mary Jo Pasek. It was a beautiful evening listening to patriotic songs and seeing our community out enjoying the college campus and programs. Here is a 1-minute glimpse of the evening. What a way to start the July 4th weekend and a new chapter in my professional life.
On July 1st, I started my new position — deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and messages from friends and colleagues. We do live in a very special community.
And on my first weekend in my new role the country celebrates new beginnings — our nation’s birthday.
I did not know that John Adams expected our yearly celebration to be on July 2? The actual vote for independence took place on that date, but the Continental Congress didn’t formally adopt the Declaration of Independence until two days later, on July 4, 1776.
In a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, he wrote:
“But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 – the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The feuding ex-presidents died within hours of one another. Thomas Jefferson died first. Historians believe John Adams’ last words were “Thomas Jefferson survives,” as he hadn’t learned of Jefferson’s death.
The tradition of setting off fireworks on July 4 goes all the way back to July 4, 1777 – one year after the signing. In Philadelphia, the festivities began with a ship blasting 13 cannons (in honor of the 13 colonies). Additional fireworks were set off by the Sons of Liberty in Boston Common.
Happy Fourth all!
July 1, 2021 a selfie in my new office
Good morning, friends… It is July 3, 2021. The sun shines bright over KCCD.
On April 19, 2021 Trustee President Romeo Agbalog publicly introduced the sixth Chancellor of KCCD.
Sonya Christian with trustees Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Romeo Agbalog, Kay Meek, Yovani Jimenez
5th Chancellor Tom Burke, 6th Chancellor Sonya Christian
As it happens, also on April 19th a helicopter named Ingenuity made the first flight ever on another world — thank you Nick Strobel for making sure I am up-to-date on celestial happenings! Earlier when the Perseverance rover that carried the Ingenuity helicopter to Mars was landing, a coded message to “Dare Mighty Things” was discovered on the parachute that delivered the rover close to the Martian terrain. Apparently the scientists and engineers at NASA are notorious pranksters and are known to hide “Easter eggs” on spacecrafts.
The phrase to “Dare Mighty Things” comes from a longer Teddy Roosevelt quote:
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure … than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”
Bill Thomas, Sonya Christian
This week, the Coyotes, the Pirates and the Renegades continue to Dare Mighty Things:
Cerro Coso Community College
Incarcerated Student Education Program (ISEP) student earns writing award
Patrick Larmour, an ISEP student, participated in the USC Underground Writing Project. His piece, “The Art of Killing Monsters,” was ranked 1st place out of 177 submissions.
The writing contest asked for a 1000 word essay on how education has positively impacted their lives. Larmour is also one of twenty-six Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) members to have his writing published in the 2019 issue of PTK’s online literary journal, Nota Bene.
Here’s an excerpt from his piece:
“I simply could not handle hating myself anymore. Something had to change. It was around this time that California began offering college inside prisons. I signed up, eager to have some distraction from my depression. Little did I know that this decision would change my life. Amazingly, each class I took seemed to teach me something new about myself.”
I’d like to take this moment to congratulate the three students selected as Cerro Coso’s Site Students of the Year: NoaLish for Eastern Sierra College Center, Morgan Green for KRV Lake Isabella, and Maya Plata for East Kern.
The ‘Site Student of the Year” awards recognize those students who have made a significant contribution to their own education as well as the campus community.
Enjoy the videos honoring these outstanding students.
“Cheers to Charity” event will benefit Cerro Coso students
Tickets are still available for the Cheers to Charity event planned for August 14 at Aviator Park in Tehachapi Airport. Cerro Coso Community College is among the Tehachapi Non-Profits that will benefit from this year’s event.
PC Receives Large Gift from MacKenzie Scott Foundation in support of “Empowering Voices”
Porterville College received a $7 million gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and her husband Dan Jewett, which will provide support for our continuing efforts to educate underserved students and communities.
In a post on her website, MacKenzie Scott identified Porterville College as one of “286 Teams Empowering Voices the World Needs to Hear”.
“Higher education is a proven pathway to opportunity, so we looked for 2- and 4-year institutions successfully educating students who come from communities that have been chronically underserved,” she wrote.
Over the next few months, Porterville College will consult with various stakeholders, about where to target this wonderful investment.
Reagen Dozier selected for national fellowship program
Reagen Dozier, the new Title V Program Director at PC, was selected for the US Department of Agriculture’s E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program.
The program’s goal is to offer experiences in policymaking and research through direct interaction with USDA agencies. Attendees met with USDA representatives over Zoom to learn about programs and create networking connections.
PC to give students additional flexibility with HyFlex Courses this fall
In order to provide equity for those students with hectic schedules and lifestyles, Porterville College is expanding opportunities for learning with a new type of course offering being made available this coming Fall Semester.
HyFlex classes offer weekly sessions in three ways. Each week, students can choose to take a HyFlex class in-person on campus, watch the lectures online with other students in a weekly live zoom meeting, or watch a recording later according to the student’s own schedule.
This HyFlex concept is being piloted in classes this Fall semester. Check out http://www.PortervilleCollege.edu for a complete list of available sections.
Bakersfield College
Gerry Haslam Honored with history award
Gerry Haslam
Gerry Haslam, one of BC’s more famous alums, was posthumously recognized as the 2021 recipient of the American Association for State and Local History Award of Excellence for Individual Achievement.
Gerry, who passed away earlier this year, wrote novels, short stories, essays, biographies, and nonfiction works about rural and small-town California in the San Joaquin Valley. He was always generous in sharing his time and talents with BC.
Jerry Ludeke sent along an email from Gerry’s wife, Jan, about the award:
“Dear Friends, It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce that Gerry has won an American Association for State and Local History Award of Excellence for Individual Achievement. We’re just sorry that he isn’t here to acknowledge it. Sincerely, Jan”
A2MEND Battle of the Field 7-on-7 and Lineman Challenge
This past weekend over 120 high school athletes were on campus to compete in the first A2MEND Battle of the Field 7-on-7 and Lineman Challenge. The competition came down to South High vs Frontier High in the finals, with Frontier winning the championship and taking home the hardware. Frontier Lineman won the lineman challenge, making it a clean sweep! Congratulations to Frontier High and all the teams that took part in the event.
Not only did this event facilitate healthy competition, but it informed the community about all the amazing things happening at BC.
Let’s hear from our favorite author and poet who contributes regularly to my blog, Dr.Jack Hernandez:
Visions
When the future is short
we have few steps left,
the seeds we have planted
have few remaining
clinging to shallow soil.
Their flowers we must see,
their bright colors
our remaining visions
sealed upon our hearts
as special gifts.
In the News
Sierra View helps train the registered nurses of tomorrow
Check out this article from the Valley Voice about Sierra View Medical Center’s Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program, which helps ensure new graduate nurses are better equipped to provide care and make clinical choices for their patients.
To date, 50 nurses have completed the program – and 35 of those came from Porterville College!
17-year-old perseveres to graduate from PC – then high school
Check out this article by Esther Avila in the Porterville Recorder about Candelaria Sanchez, who earned her Associate of Arts degree from Porterville College last December – 6 months before she graduates from Summit Collegiate High School.
“I’m a first generation (going to college) and I’m extremely proud of how far I’ve come and where I come from,” Sanchez said. “I decided that I was going to put in the effort and break those generational curses. Although it has happened in my family for generations, it does not need to continue with me — and it won’t.”
Nine graduate from Cerro Coso before high school
This article in the Tehachapi news shares the story of 9 students who earned their degrees from Cerro Coso shortly before their high school graduations. Two of the students attended the college’s Tehachapi Campus, one from the online program, and seven from the Mammoth Lakes Campus.
“Taking Cerro Coso classes really helped me get prepared for university. I am going to UC San Diego this fall, and because I was able to graduate high school with my associate’s degree, I have saved thousands of dollars by taking classes I would have had to take my first two years at college for free during high school. I genuinely feel more prepared, by taking freshman English and math classes at Cerro Coso and doing well in them, I know I can be successful at a four-year university.” – Student Isla Lackey
Looking back at the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes: where we’ve been, where we’re going
Sunday and Monday mark the 2-year anniversary of the historic earthquakes that hit the Ridgecrest area in 2019. The earthquake on July 4 had a magnitude of 6.4 The next day, another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit the area.
I wanted to share this article in the Ridgecrest Daily Independent looking back at the earthquakes and showing how the city has recovered, and is still working to recover.
Bakersfield College to offer free one-week courses that provide public health certificate
The Bakersfield Californian and KGET shared the news about BC’s new one-week courses that will allow students the chance to earn a Certificate of Achievement in Public Health.
The first courses begin July 19. Support and help to get registered is available through BC’s Student Information Desk.
Community Voices: A fond recollection of a Renaissance Man
Peggy DeStefano
Chuck Wall
Bakersfield College professor emeritus Peggy DeStefano wrote this piece in the Bakersfield Californian about her friendship with Chuck Wall. Longtime BC professor Chuck Wall, Bakersfield’s “Kindness Ambassador”, passed away on June 8.
“Chuck Wall and I gravitated to one another on the first day of the academic year at the new faculty orientation at Bakersfield College. I met Chuck, a member of the business faculty who exuded charisma and collegiality. From the outset, we shared an eclectic and expansive sense of humor and didn’t take ourselves too seriously. “
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
No Sister Left Behind shared this post on Facebook honoring outgoing KCCD Chancellor Tom Burke:
“We are truly grateful to the retiring Chancellor, Thomas J. Burke and Kern Community College District for becoming a Corporate Sponsor of the NSLB Higher Education Empowerment Program. Special added thanks to Danielle Hillard, KCCD and Vikki Coffee.“
Butterfield Charter School shared a post thanking Porterville College program technician Monica Daniels, who visited PUSD Summer School to share information with students about PC:
Carlos Medina shared this photo from the BC INDA student visit to GAF Roofing’s Shafter plant:
Good morning Bakersfield. It is August 26, 2017… a fabulous first week of classes. And a great day to be a Renegade!
Welcoming Students Back on Campus
With an over 6.5% increase in students, we knew the level of activity on campus this week would be intense… and it was intense, but it was wonderful! It’s always incredible to see the hallways filled and the campus full and alive with students excited to learn.
See our enrollment growth over the last four years
The Office of Student Life had four welcome tents around Panorama campus for staff and faculty Renegades to greet arriving students and be available to help them with campus information and student planners. The tables were at the Administration Building, AREA building, swimming pool, and outdoor theater. Student Life also had two golf carts roaming the campus offering rides and guidance to students as they walked around campus. Delano Campus also greeted students at a welcome tent at the DST Building.
Within the Student Life office, staff doubled up with student employees to help ensure that lines were minimal. Multiple activities were hosted around campus to ensure that students had something to do between classes. Student Life also created posters and banners to help provide directions. BCSGA hosted a table on the Renegade Crossroads where they were able to help students and talk about BC.
Food services increased their grab-and-go items, and I even saw Chef Sabella running the register to help move students through quickly. There was a constant flow through the Panorama Grill and Food Court.
The Counseling and Advising Center has provided a dedicated line for quick questions staffed by Counselors to ensure that students with holds or pre-requisite issues are seen in a timely manner. Dedicated workshops were being held throughout the day and assigned advisors were providing extended support to serve students till 6:30pm through the Welcome Center. Outreach and School Relations extended their open hours to assist students with their schedule needs, answer any questions, and equip all new students with student ID cards.
Public Safety had patrol officers conducting high visibility patrols in the parking lots. They, too, assisted students with questions regarding parking permits and where their classes were located on campus. We set up a right-turn-only traffic direction out the main driveway to assist students and staff to exit the campus easily onto Haley Street. This right-turn-only exit has helped in deterring congestion.
On Monday, BCSGA hosted a tie-dye event where students could design their own shirts. Then on Tuesday, they hosted an ice cream social while giving the scoop on student organizations, encouraging everyone to get involved! Wednesday’s activities featured a live band at lunch and BC bowling in the Fireside Room, and on Thursday, it was movie day featuring Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 2, with popcorn!
Who is ready for week 2?!
Viewing the eclipse on campus
One of BC’s three new Physics faculty, Dr. Timothy Plett, took his Physical Sciences B12 class outside to see the solar eclipse. Students got to use filtering glasses that allowed them to see the moon in front of the sun in high detail without harming their eyes. In the spirit of college faculty from 100 years ago, Dr. Plett instructed his class today in full regalia. Here is Professor LeBlanc providing views of the eclipse to students.
Check out Nick Strobel’s Facebook site to view great images. Here is one post from August 21st.
More screen captures from Facebook
Matt Garrett the 2017 Francis Armstrong Madsen Best Book Award
New Hydration Stations
Itzel Buenrostro
The Office of Student Life is excited to announce the addition of two new filtered Hydration Stations at the Panorama Campus. The Hydration Stations promote water conservation and healthy hydration. You can now fill up your large cups or water bottles at these two stations with the push of a button! The new stations are located in the Campus Center in the quad, and in the Gym next to vending machines near the Athletics Offices.
These additions were funded through the collaborative efforts of Kern Health Systems,Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, and the Office of Student Life. In celebration of these new additions, Student Life and BCSGA is announcing September 5th-7th as Healthy Hydration Week. We challenge each of you to utilize the Hydration Stations to fill your water bottles and stay hydrated. As a special incentive to students, Renegade Pantry Recipients who sign up for the August 31st monthly distribution will receive a free water bottle with their distribution bag. Please encourage your students to sign up for food by visiting www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/studentassistance/food.
Thank you to Kern Health Systems and Kern Schools Federal Credit Union for their assistance in accomplishing this task! Be on the lookout for more healthy habits coming soon from the Office of Student Life.
Sustainability is one of BC’s six Core Values. Here it is:
Renegade Athletics
It’s a great time to be at BC and it’s a great time for BC Athletics. Renegade Football begins in a few days and Renegade Wrestling is preparing for its first meet during the Bakersfield Duals September 9th starting at 9AM. You can check out the Wrestling Schedule for the rest of the semester on the athletics website, but two upcoming dates to mark on your calendar are Saturday, 9/9: Bakersfield Duals, 9AM and Thursday, 10/26: Victor Valley, 7PM.
Yesterday, BC Men’s Soccer hosted their home opener against Santa Monica College and The Bakersfield Californian highlighted the team in an article titled, “Renegades men’s soccer wants to take a second-year leap.” The article says, “BC also has several quality newcomers to its roster. Martinez believes one of the team’s biggest strengths is the play of midfielders Hernandez, Melendez, Luke Tovar (Stockdale High) and Danny Guerrero (East High, Taft College). ‘Everybody is very important, but our midfield group has been pushing the pace throughout our training, just making everybody better with their touch, their passing,’ Martinez said. ‘We’re very excited about the way they are playing.’” Cross Country is also preparing for a brand new year. The Californian also highlighted both the women’s and men’s teams in an article titled, “Lots of changes for BC cross country teams.” The article spotlights some upcoming hopefuls and names to keep on your radar while also mentioning there are big shoes to fill. Specifically, it was shared that the women’s team qualified for CCCAA State Championship last year, but this year “… the BC men’s team has more runners and more experience at the junior college level than its female counterpart.”
Thank you Stephen Lynch at the Bakersfield Californian for the spotlights on BC athletics.
To stay up-to-date on all things Renegade Athletics, visit gogades.com!
SGA Retreat at Cerro Coso
On Monday, August 14th, the student governments from Cerro Coso Community College and Bakersfield College met for their annual KCCD SGA Retreat in Ridgecrest. The day encompassed of various workshops and exercises to engage the officers in developing their leadership skills while bonding as a collective student voice for KCCD. Vice President of Student Services at Cerro Coso, Heather Ostash, presented to them on the importance of engaging in the participatory governance at the college, district, and state levels.
Dr. Nicky Damania engaged the officers in a team building exercise of a simulation of being trapped in an earthquake, while Pam Campbell, SGA at Cerro Coso, explored the officers’ personality types through MBTI. The morning also included a working lunch with the KCCD student Trustee Rayven Acosta-Webb as they all engaged in ways of communication across the district.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
AmeriCorps Member Placement Site
Bakersfield College received an announcement last week with notification that we have been selected to serve as an AmeriCorps member placement site from the Foundation for California Community Colleges for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Maria Wright and Yvonne Armendariz
AmeriCorps members will serve as student ambassadors in work-based learning and career exploration for students at Bakersfield College. They will help students access services, improve employability, and prepare for success in college and career.
Thank you to the Foundation for California Community Colleges for your support of BC! Here are the two BC administrators who will be the Principal Investigators for the grant: Maria Wright and Yvonne Armendariz.
Jones Gallery
This year’s BC Art Faculty Exhibition at the Wylie and May Louise Jones Gallery inside the library promises to be exciting.
Every year, our art faculty puts together an exhibition of work showcasing all of the artistic techniques and media that they can provide to our students. There will of course be traditional painting, drawing and sculpture, but there will also be photography, video and digital media projects on hand for students to see the work that their talented art professors are capable of both working in and teaching.
The Art Faculty Exhibition runs September 14th through October 13th with a special artists’ reception from 4-7 p.m. on the opening day. The Jones Gallery’s hours of operation to check out the exhibit will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.
Industrial & Transportation Technology (ITT) Completion Coaching Community
The Industrial & Transportation Technology (ITT) Pathway Completion Team started the fall semester off with a great orientation for students in this meta-major. It was the team’s first step in “clarifying the path,” the first pillar of our Guided Pathways Initiative. Approximately 50 students attended the event held on the Monday evening prior to the first week of classes.
Martin Perez, California Careers Pathway Trust Grant Program Manager, welcomed the participating students and introduced Antonio Alfaro, Career & Technical Education Advisor, who also spearheaded the Orientation planning. Antonio emphasized the need and importance of developing an educational plan. He provided a list of all the programs in the ITT Pathway and encouraged them to set up appointments with him for educational planning. Lupe Aguirre provided an overview of labor market trends within the Industrial Technology and Transportation Pathway, including career opportunities currently available. She directed them to career education services, such as job search preparation, internships, resume and cover letter critique, interview preparation and upon graduation, and referrals to employment in their field. Kim Arbolante, Writing Center Lead, introduced the students to the types of Academic Support services available and Pita Montes gave an overview of financial aid programs.
Five faculty from programs in the ITT Pathway talked about the courses in their disciplines, types of certificates and degrees available, and types of jobs students would qualify for upon completion of a program. Justin Flint represented the Auto Technology program; Manny Fernandez represented Electronics Technology; Catherine Jones described the new Occupational Safety and Risk Management program; Robert Stewart represented Manufacturing Technology; and Jason Dixon, Engineering and Industrial Technology Department Chair filled in the gaps by describing the remaining programs in the ITT Pathway. It was a great opportunity to showcase programs to students in the ITT Pathway and provide clarity about the path to success in these fields.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
A great partner — President Horace Mitchell
Mayor Karen Goh. President Sonya Christian, President Horace Mitchell
President Horace Mitchell recently announced his retirement. He has been a great partner of Bakersfield College and a valuable colleague during the last four years of my presidency. He has been a great President of our CSUB and a great collaborator.
The official announcement can be found on CSUB’s website available here.
Valley Fever Walk at Kern County Museum
Emmanuel Limaco was featured in Mayor Karen Goh’s photographs from last Saturday’s Valley Fever Walk at the Kern County Museum. The walk is the culmination of all the charity efforts taking place during Valley Fever Awareness Month, which seeks to spread the word about treatment and prevention of one of the Central Valley’s most debilitating illnesses.
All the proceeds from the Valley Fever walk go to finding a cure and raising awareness of Valley Fever, a dangerous fungal disease endemic to parts of Southwestern North America in general but the San Joaquin Valley in particular. Kern County residents have a 1-3 percent chance of contracting the disease, according to a report by KBAK/KBFX Eyewitness News. Dr. Hans Einstein, a relative of famed physicist Albert Einstein, was the foremost authority on Valley Fever and conducted most of his research at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield for almost 50 years. The Valley Fever walk, now in its sixth year, is held in his honor.
Harold Pierce of The Bakersfield Californian has been doing great coverage of Valley Fever. Congressman Kevin McCarthy has set this issue on the national agenda. Check it out http://tinyurl.com/yadesyxd
A nice note.
Last week, BC Professor, Gayle Richardson was kind enough to send me a message along with a LinkedIn article about the passion of great bosses. I often say that I’m the luckiest and happiest college president ever and it’s because of our incredible faculty, staff, and students. It’s always a treat to see what they’re up to.
Gayle was in Encinitas last week putting together a princess birthday for her granddaughter. Rapunzel came to life and told all of the girls at the party stories and sang songs with them. She ended the email by saying, “I am looking forward to working with the students in one more week and seeing everyone on campus this week.”
Agriculture professor Chris McCraw posted this fun video on Facebook.
Check our STEM team on Opening Day sporting some latest tie-dye fashions. Opening Day was filled with smiles and energy ready for the new academic year.
It’s fall 2017 and it’s a great time to be a Renegade!
Community Members connected to BC:
This week I met Dr. Jim Grimes and while we were talking he told me about his daughter Sarah Grimes who graduated from BC this past May and is now is a transfer student at UC Santa Barbara. I am always excited to hear stories about BC grads. And as it turns out Sarah’s mom Tracie is an English faculty member at BC. Renegades everywhere!
Sarah Grimes
So what about Neo?
Poor baby…… Of course, I could hardly work with him recuperating from a recent procedure. Though I have to say he’s been remarkably tolerant and gracious through it all.
He is 54 lbs now.
That’s all for now.
Until next time.
With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever
Good morning Bakersfield….it is Saturday, June 3, 2017. A great day to be a Renegade.
With Monday, May 29th, being Memorial Day, the college was closed. Facebook was active with messages honoring those who gave up their lives for the country. And later in the evening, BC’s faculty lead for student veterans sent a Memorial Day message that reverberated across the CA Community Colleges.
Chancellor Dr. Eloy Oakley, California Community College Veteran Counselors and Veteran Services Personnel,
Today is Memorial Day.
Today is the day we honor our fallen brothers and sisters.
What we do everyday is not a sacrifice. What we do is a honor. We are honored to help those who survived the fight. We get to go help those who are here with us, now. As we go back to work tomorrow, let us remember TODAY, those who gave all. Those who gave all will never be California Community College students. They will never study MLA format or do a CSEP. They will never fill out Post 9/11 GI Bill paperwork. They will not stroll into your veteran center and ask about voc rehab. They will not ask for hot coffee, or why they cant take more than 7 credits in summer school. Although we cannot help them, we can help their brothers and sisters who survived the fight.
Our bbqs are done for the day. It is late Monday night. Tomorrow is a new day. As we go back to work, let us strive to honor those who will never enter our hallowed halls by honoring the student-veterans who do. Honor them and their dependents. Our task is not easy. Some of us suffer from “Compassion fatigue.” What is demanded of us is not expected of anyone else on our campuses. Veterans suffer 22 suicides a day and we feel each one. I am proud of all of you and the work you do for our student-veterans. Let’s face it, we love all our students, but, there is something about those veterans with big bushy beards, tattoos and bad language. They tug at our hearts and they make us want to try a little bit harder. Considering what they did for us, what we do is a small price to pay.
To those of you on this list serv who lost friends or family, please know our hearts and prayers are with you tonight. From Bunker Hill to Fallujah, from Iwo Jima to the Triangle of Death, let us remember Abraham Lincoln’s words at Gettysburg, “We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place to those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. IT IS ALTOGETHER FITTING AND PROPER THAT WE SHOULD DO THIS.”
Tonight we remember. Tomorrow we do the work: It is all together fitting and proper that we should do this.
Let us remember.
Respectfully,
Paul Beckworth
History Professor
Veterans Faculty Lead
Bakersfield College
Leadership Matters Summit
It’s another great week to be a Renegade, especially in light of our recent “Leadership Matters: Re-Imagining Leadership to Sustain Transformative Change to Advance Student Success & Equity” summit that took place on campus last week on Wednesday May 24th. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be able to host this remarkable and motivating day focused on leadership. Colleges from all over California met to discuss theGuided Pathways Initiativeand how we can better accommodate and serve our community and our 2.1 million students across California.
Before I go any further, I must recognize Shawn Whalen of College Futures who has been committed to the equity and transfer agenda to community college students.
I’m so thankful that Chancellor Eloy Oakleyagreed to come to Bakersfield and launch the summit. With great passion he made it very clear why Guided Pathways is critical to the future of California Community College System in the eyes of the state legislature and how there is no other institution better positioned to help California move forward than our 113 colleges.
Here is my introduction of Chancellor Eloy Oakley
I have good news. At the head of the California Community College system, the largest higher educational system in the nation, that serves populations that are most in-need, we have a leader.
We have someone who is moving the dial on student success; someone who builds coalitions to make the impossible possible; someone who sets agendas that have national and statewide impact.
Back when it was first announced that Eloy Ortiz Oakley was our new Chancellor, I heard excitement and anticipation; that community colleges are in good hands, and to expect a lot to happen, – a lot to happen quickly, well, and sustainably, as it did at Long Beach City College under President Eloy Oakley.
We have a leader – I remember being in the audience at the senate budget committee, with the senators asking tough questions, of the $850M that has been invested in community colleges, and why we were back asking for an additional $150M for Guided Pathways. And he explained calmly, clearly and confidently that that the prior investments had laid the foundation, and that the $150M was what was needed to bring it together, to bring it to its tipping point and that the results would be exponentially better.
When he was done speaking, those legislators who were only able to see a block of marble, were able to see that angel in the marble that Eloy Oakley was attempting to free.
We have a leader – Chancellor Oakley brings incredible clarity on how to make local empowerment and systems development work together to maximize talent…to maximize resources. His college promise initiative is all about empowering colleges to create local coalitions with their high school, industry and university partners to clear pathways for students. And then with the Guided Pathways investment to develop technical assistance and systems to meet each community college where they are and to move them to greater levels of performance. Because remember, over 2 million students are counting on us.
This clarity in bringing together many worlds is exciting and promising. I will tell you dear friends that there has never, ever been a better time to be in the community college system, in California. There has never been a better time for vision, and hope, while keeping a steady eye on the realities and challenges we face.
We have a leader who with us will say with confidence, “Si se puede”.
Friends, I give you that leader, our Chancellor, Eloy Oakley.
Watch Chancellor Oakley’s Keynote Address here:
Josh Wyner of The Aspen Institute
The first session of the summit explained how leaders build urgency and college-wide ownership for change. Moderated byJosh Wyner, Executive Director of the College Excellence Program at the Aspen Institute, three leaders from three different constituencies described their communication strategies to establish urgency and share a vision for long-term and scalable change: from the trustee perspective, Bill McGinnis (trustee, Butte-Glenn Community College District); from the faculty perspective,Julie Bruno (Professor ofCommunication Studies at Sierra College and President of theAcademic Senate for California Community Colleges); and from the administration perspective, Wolde-Ab Isaac (President of Riverside City College).
Bill McGinnis, Julie Bruno, and Wolde-Ab Isaac
Angelica Garcia
The second session “Psychology of Change” moderated byAngelica Garcia, Vice President of Student Services at Skyline College, focused on the deeper level at which change leadership must be cultivated and exercised. Cleavon Smith (Professor of English at Berkeley City College), Irene Malmgren (Vice President of Instruction at Mt. SAC), and Andrea Neptune (Professor of English and Academic Senate President at Sierra College) shared how they were able to get authentic engagement and establish trust among faculty and trust that led to co-ownership for the systems change occurring at their colleges. While Guided Pathways is the integrating framework, the panelists showed how the details of creating the change depend on the particular history and culture of the college.
Panel 2 at Leadership Matters
Irene Malmgren, Cleavon Smith, and Andrea Neptune
I was thrilled that Chancellor Tom Burke stopped by to welcome the participants to the Kern Community College District and to Bakersfield College. Gregory Stoup who currently chairs the RP Group gave a fabulous, quick paced, MTV style presentation on Guided Pathways.
Glenn Roquemore, Ann Ransford, and Jennifer Johnson
Laura Hope
Laura Hope, co-director of the RP Group’s “Leading from the Middle”, gave us the wrap-up by having us share with the person next to us and then the whole gathering, the why—why guided pathways right now, why are we going on this difficult journey to move this framework forward?
Three hundred twenty attendees registered in person from over 60 different colleges and organizations, as well as a livestream audience of almost 500. BC staff and students helped ensure the summit ran smoothly.
There were many hands that worked together to make this happen. Here are a few who look care of the logistics: Tarina Perry, Christopher Glaser, John Farrand, Monika Scott, Dylan Wang, Kristin Rabe, Reese Weltman, Earl Parsons, Kristina Whitmore, Somaly Boles, Kevin Ganger, June Charles, Jennifer Marden, Tracy Hall, Mary Jo Pasek, Maria Diaz, Anita Karr, Bernadette Martinez, Arisve Pimentel, Danyel Owens, Yolanda Aguilera, Eric Sabella, Ramon Puga, Marissa Jeffers.
A special thank you to Tarina Perry for being the lead on the summit.
Thank you Laura Hope and Keren Stashower for emceeing the event.
Also a special thank you to Janet Fulks and Lesley Bonds who worked closely with me on the programming of the summit and the work with shaping the content with the speakers.
Tarina Perry
Janet Fulks
Lesley Bonds
Additional photos related to the Leadership Summit
Marie Vicario-Fisher, Sonya Christian, Angelica Suarez
Keren Stashower at Leadership Matters
The night before:
Shawn Whalen, Sonya Christian, Eloy Oakley
Criag Hayward, Josh Wyner
Gang from Cabrillo
Tarina Perry did a “thank you” pizza party at her house to all those who helped with the logistics. I popped in for a few minutes at the front end of the party.
Tarina sent me this cool picture of Marissa Jeffries at the Leadership Summit. Marissa was in charge of food.
All things Cerro Coso
This last week the Student Success and Equity Office organized their retreat at the Mammoth Center of Cerro Coso Community College. The idea to hold one of our critical summer retreats at one of KCCD’s sister campuses came up when we heard the Director of Mammoth and Bishop campuses, Deanna Campbell, of Cerro Coso present at the KCCD Leadership Academy. I covered this in my March 4, 2017 blog.
When I asked Lesley Bonds if she would like to take her team to Mammoth she promptly said yes. This office of eight touches the entire campus — both the instructional side of the house as well as the Student Affairs side.
Kristina Whitmore, Sonya Christian, Julian West, Lisa Kent, Shauna Turner, Pedro Ramirez, Keri Kennedy, Lesley Bonds, Shanell Tyus
BC’s Student Success and Equity team is remarkable. This small office is tasked with “moving the dial” on student completion. At BC we measure student completion through 4 momentum points — (1) completing college level English and Math in the first year (2) completing 12-15 credits in their program pathways in the first semester (3) completing 30 credits in their program pathway in the first year (summer-fall-spring) (4) completing an associates degree or transfer in two-years. With over 30,000 students and few staff, the challenge is always about the ratio of students to staff. The task at hand requires each individual to move large quantities in a quality way. But given that the majority of our students fall in the “at risk” category the only way to get them to be successful is through case management. Normally when we think case-management we think managing individual student cases. However, with BC does not have that luxury. So we need to “case manage” through “groups”. This require both a high touch and high tech approach.
Shauna Turner, Kristina Whitmore, Lesley Bonds, Sonya Christian, Pedro Ramirez (hidden), Julian West, Lisa Kent, Keri Kennedy, Shanell Tyus
I was so proud of this team when I hung out with them during their discussions. Talented, smart and so committed to student success. Do you understand now why I am the luckiest and happiest college president ever…
I learned that BC has a dual enrollment program in Culinary at Mammoth High School. Thanks to Deanna and Trish for connecting with Chef Pat Coyle and making this happen. The students at the high school prepared lunch for the BC team.
Deanna asked Trish what she would like her to tell the BC team and this is what Trish wrote back:
My culinary students are taking their state test this week and I expect a high passing rate. There are many restaurants in Mammoth that appreciate my students having their Food Handlers certificate. They hire my graduates before others, partly because of the hands-on training they receive and also the certificate in itself. Many of the students plan to continue in the trade by furthering their education in addition to the units they receive at MHS.
I attached a note from one of my recent graduates that I felt expressed the importance of the certificate and how it helped him.
Trish Quall with her students
Here is the email from Connor Craig to Trish:
In taking the Food Handler Training Program, not only was I able to learn proper food handling and safety regulations for food, I was able to use this certificate for my new job. Since becoming certified, I was able to skip food training programs at The Looney Bean because of the knowledge acquired through the Safety Program that I learned in Foods Class. It would also be more than likely that I will work in food services in the future, so this program will also most definitely help for jobs and careers later in life. This is a must program for all of those who wish to skip a tedious step in any kind of food handling business as well as those who wish to look professional when applying for a job in this field.
We got to meet the Cerro Coso team that is responsible for the Mammoth and Bishop campuses and were really impressed by all that they do for these remote communities that are at great distances from each other.
Kim Blackwell, James Markam, Yvonne Martin, Caroline Sanderson, Deanna Campbell
I learned from Deanna that:
Cerro Coso partners with University of Nevada in Reno since that is the closest university to the Mammoth and Bishop.
Demographics shift: Whites decreased from 80% to 45% from 2002-2003 to 2016-2017; Latino increase from 17% to 38%
14 high schools in Inyo and Mono County
Bishop campus opened in 2003 and Mammoth in 2008
Thank you Lesley for making this happen. And thank you for all that you do for BC. We are fortunate to have you.
Board meeting at Cerro Coso
Since I am on a roll bragging about our sister campus, let me briefly spotlight them through pictures the KCCD Board meeting at Cerro Coso which was on May 4, 2017.
President Jill Board receives the Shirley B. Gordon Award. This is a prestigious national award and to have one of KCCD presidents receive it is pretty cool. Congratulations Jill!
Retiree Carol Hewer and Congressman Bill Thomas were talking about the good old days when I snapped this picture.
Cerro Coso traditionally has their Scholarship Awards ceremony during lunch prior to the Board meeting. It is always a treat hearing about the lives of these amazing students.
Oliver Rosales speaking at University of Washington
It was exciting to hear that our own Oliver Rosales from the History Department was going to be speaking at the University of Washington, Walter Chapin Simpson Center for the Humanities. Rosales addressed connections between two-year colleges and PHD programs.
I always feel proud to hear of our own being recognized for their leadership in their fields. https://tinyurl.com/y76yzwcj
BC Foundation Honors Celebration
Every year before spring graduation, The Bakersfield College Foundation and the Bakersfield College Financial Aid Office host the Honors Celebration. It is the time when scholarships for the upcoming academic year are announced and academic and athletic awards are handed out for accomplishments for the year just ending.
2017 Honors Celebration
2017 Honors Celebration
This year’s event had approximately 900 participants, including BC administration, faculty and staff, and donors whose generosity has funded the scholarship program at BC, as well as over 200 scholarship and award recipients and their guests. Over 500 scholarships are dispensed each year, totaling approximately $500,000 in scholarships and awards.
Jack Hernandez will be published in the Anglican Theological Review.
Jack Hernandez
A Rule My monkish soul seeks a rule in this familiar place where windows dazzle no longer, the call of a full order or stomach receding like mother’s admonition to clean my dinner plate.
The days unfold with limited promise, my genes fulfilled mind stuffed with books instructions not to blink before strong ideas no matter how strange their eyes.
A young woman walks by a baby in each arm her days ruled like mine when flushed with time, The rule of life I seek now is a grace to light this cloistered dusk.
David Koeth’s “Thoughts on avoiding burnout in teaching”
David Koeth
Our graphic design teacher and self-proclaimed “recovering department chair,” shared some insightful thoughts on the AIGA Design Educators website. Among some of my favorite ideas: “Take care of your health,” “know the signs of burnout,” and my personal favorite, “find a ritual that relaxes you.”
Wouldn’t you get excited too if you read this opening paragraph of Nick Strobel’s column in today’s Californian?
Recently, at many gatherings where people know what I do or find out that I teach astronomy at Bakersfield College, the subject of the conversation quickly gets around to the August 2017 total solar eclipse. That was the case as well at the Bakersfield College Sterling Silver Dinner a couple of weeks back. It’s a sign that the education and public outreach campaign for this astronomical event has done a very good job. I have been looking forward to it for about 40 years since I first read about it in the World Book Encyclopedia in my boyhood home.
If you have ever been to a total solar eclipse or one where enough of the sun was covered to clearly notice a drop in the light level (say over 95% covered), you know it is a truly awesome thing to experience. That’s “awesome” in the true sense of the word—awe-inspiring, soul-stirring. If you have never been to a total solar eclipse, then a word of warning: be very careful because you can get addicted to eclipses and become one of those people who chase eclipses all over the globe. It is an excellent excuse to travel all over but it can get a bit expensive going to some remote places to witness at most a few minutes of totality.
I’ve exhibited great resistance to the lure of eclipse chasing, keeping myself to just two total solar eclipses in the past ten or so years: one in China in 2009 and another in Australia in 2012. Fortunately for us this eclipse won’t be expensive to travel to. Finding cheap lodging will be difficult, though, as hotels exercise their right under capitalism’s supply-and-demand.
The August 2017 eclipse is the first total solar eclipse visible only in the United States since 1776, yes 1776. It will also be the first since 1918 that crosses the United States from Pacific to Atlantic and the first since 1979 that is visible anywhere in the lower 48 states. Approximately 391 million people in the U.S. will be able to see the August 2017 eclipse (partial or total).
Last night part of the BC Chamber Singers had an opportunity to sing in St Francis Church in Bakersfield for their women’s bible study group called WOW (Women in Wisdom). We were honored to be asked and appreciate the generous support the Church showed towards our Australia tour next summer. I hope this is the beginning of many opportunities to perform and collaborate with them.
I am so grateful to have a choir that can meet and perform as they did last night after not seeing each other for weeks. I know I can rely on them for more than just their talents and I do grateful for that. Hearing them last night felt like healing for the soul. The pastor told us we gave a great gift to give. I believe that music itself is a very special gift and when given by this group of musicians it almost feels like magic.
And I get this text from my friend Arlene Braganza
The BC Chamber Singers did a phenomenal job at the WOW at St. Francis on Wednesday evening.
Here is a picture of Arlene Braganza and her family when they came out to BC for the Caroling and Culinary evening in December.
Lauro Braganza, Arlene Braganza, and Gemma Lauro’s sister
Here are photo’s from Jen’s post
Who gets 448 “likes” on a Facebook post….. I know
Neo
Neo had his second set of shots today. When I carried him in at 10 weeks the young woman at the front desk spontaneously blurted “what a ginormous cutie”
That’s all for now.
Until next time.
With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever
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.
The Office of Student Life had four welcome tents around Panorama campus for staff and faculty Renegades to greet arriving students and be available to help them with campus information and student planners. The tables were at the Administration Building, AREA building, swimming pool, and outdoor theater. Student Life also had two golf carts roaming the campus offering rides and guidance to students as they walked around campus. Delano Campus also greeted students at a welcome tent at the DST Building.
It’s a great time to be at BC and it’s a great time for BC Athletics. Renegade Football begins in a few days and Renegade Wrestling is preparing for its first meet during the Bakersfield Duals September 9th starting at 9AM. You can check out the Wrestling Schedule for the rest of the semester on the athletics website, but two upcoming dates to mark on your calendar are Saturday, 9/9: Bakersfield Duals, 9AM and Thursday, 10/26: Victor Valley, 7PM.
Cross Country is also preparing for a brand new year. The Californian also highlighted both the women’s and men’s teams in an article titled, “
Emmanuel Limaco was featured in Mayor Karen Goh’s photographs from last Saturday’s Valley Fever Walk at the Kern County Museum. The walk is the culmination of all the charity efforts taking place during Valley Fever Awareness Month, which seeks to spread the word about treatment and prevention of one of the Central Valley’s most debilitating illnesses.
Chancellor Dr. Eloy Oakley, California Community College Veteran Counselors and Veteran Services Personnel,
Our bbqs are done for the day. It is late Monday night. Tomorrow is a new day. As we go back to work, let us strive to honor those who will never enter our hallowed halls by honoring the student-veterans who do. Honor them and their dependents. Our task is not easy. Some of us suffer from “Compassion fatigue.” What is demanded of us is not expected of anyone else on our campuses. Veterans suffer 22 suicides a day and we feel each one. I am proud of all of you and the work you do for our student-veterans. Let’s face it, we love all our students, but, there is something about those veterans with big bushy beards, tattoos and bad language. They tug at our hearts and they make us want to try a little bit harder. Considering what they did for us, what we do is a small price to pay.
Tonight we remember. Tomorrow we do the work: It is all together fitting and proper that we should do this.
It’s another great week to be a Renegade, especially in light of our recent “Leadership Matters: Re-Imagining Leadership to Sustain Transformative Change to Advance Student Success & Equity” summit that took place on campus last week on Wednesday May 24th. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be able to host this remarkable and motivating day focused on leadership. Colleges from all over California met to discuss the
Before I go any further, I must recognize Shawn Whalen of College Futures who has been committed to the equity and transfer agenda to community college students.
Here is my introduction of Chancellor Eloy Oakley
This last week the Student Success and Equity Office organized their retreat at the Mammoth Center of Cerro Coso Community College. The idea to hold one of our critical summer retreats at one of KCCD’s sister campuses came up when we heard the Director of Mammoth and Bishop campuses, Deanna Campbell, of Cerro Coso present at the KCCD Leadership Academy. I covered this in my March 4, 2017 blog.
It was exciting to hear that our own Oliver Rosales from the History Department was going to be speaking at the University of Washington, Walter Chapin Simpson Center for the Humanities. Rosales addressed connections between two-year colleges and PHD programs.
Nick Strobel — excited about an eclipse
