Tag Archives: Chabot College

Wrapping up March 2026 with roses

Uncategorized March 29, 2026 Leave a comment

The season of roses has started as we wrap up March.

And beautiful sunrises –

I also wanted to share the Educate Elevate podcast episode on the Blue Economy. I’m very proud of this work being led by the California Community Colleges.

Check out this 30-minute video:

Good morning California.
It is March 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez Secures $1.03 Million in Federal Funding
for Río Hondo College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit

Federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez will allow Río Hondo College to advance the development of its Public Safety Scenario Training Unit (PSSTU), a facility designed to expand training for Police Academy cadets and public safety professionals. The $1.03 million in Community Project Funding will support the purchase of technology, equipment and modular furniture to create immersive training environments for cadets. The federal investment marks the second time Congresswoman Sánchez has secured funding for the project following a $963,000 Community Project Funding award in fiscal year 2024.

» Read more!

Irvine Valley College Foundation Receives $50,000 Gift from Irvine Company
to Strengthen Teacher Preparation Pathway

The Irvine Valley College Foundation has received a $50,000 gift from Irvine Company in support of the college’s Teacher Preparation Pathway (TPP), a collaborative initiative designed to create a clear, supportive route from community college to the teaching profession. The gift directly supports students pursuing careers in education by removing financial barriers, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthening program infrastructure. Notably, $10,000 of the donation establishes a new Teacher Preparation Funding Program, creating a sustainable source of support for future generations of IVC teaching students.

» Read more!

Citrus College Construction Program Leads State with Accreditation

The Citrus College Construction Management program has become the first community college in California to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), marking a significant milestone for construction education statewide. ACCE serves as the premier accrediting body for construction-related academic programs in the United States. It evaluates curriculum, faculty, facilities and student outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared for leadership and professional excellence in the construction industry. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

2025 Energy and Sustainability Award Winners Honored by California Community Colleges Board of Governors

 The California Community Colleges Board of Governors this week honored leading innovators and standout programs with the 2025 Energy and Sustainability Awards for their ongoing efforts of to achieve environmental sustainability while advancing the goals of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

Six awards were handed out at the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, March 24 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for outstanding achievements in energy and sustainability, include Riverside Community, Sonoma County Junior, and Kern Community College Districts; Shasta College; and leaders from Contra Costa Community College District and Mt. San Antonio College.

» Read more!

Here are the photos:

Kern

Santa Rosa

Contra Costa

Shasta

Mt. Sac

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Yuba College:

Day one of 2026 Weld Camp is a wrap! High school students from across the area joined us for hands-on activities showcasing what our Yuba College Manufacturing and Welding program offers. Plus, they took home a cool souvenir!

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From El Camino College:

As we close out every Women’s History Month, our campus community came together for the 29th Annual Distinguished Women Awards & Reception.

We recognize and honor the contributions these individuals have made for El Camino College and the surrounding community.

The 2026 recipients include: Cynthia Cervantes, Mia Dobbs, Dr. Edith Gutierrez, Germany Kent, Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas, Dr. Lesley Meza, Mauren Barbara O’Donnell (In Memoriam)

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From Fullerton College:

The Business and CIS Division recently hosted a successful Entrepreneurship Week, inviting students to explore how to build their own opportunities under the mentorship of entrepreneur experts. An annual event, attendees explored different activities, including workshops, networking opportunities and insightful competitions.

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From Chabot College:

Last Thursday was ROCK DA MIC! A panel and open mic event that celebrated culture and community while promoting mental wellness for all. Shoutout to the event organizers and coordinators who put together an event where students could connect and express themselves through performing arts.

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From Victor Valley College:

We want to extend a RAMFAM shoutout to the “mayor” of Victor Valley College! The one and only Robert Sewell has received a lifetime achievement award in Washington DC for his 30 years of dedicated service to student leadership at Victor Valley College! Robert serves as the long-time ASB Advisor/Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for all things in the VVC universe! Congratulations Robert!

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And check out this video promoting Cañada College’s Middle College Program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Marketing & Public Relations Earns National Recognition

Bakersfield College’s Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) team earned national recognition at the 2025 NCMPR (National Council for Marketing and Public Relations) Paragon Awards in Washington D.C., receiving Gold in the Social Media Post/Story (Still) category. The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at two-year community and technical colleges and are the only competition of their kind focused exclusively on marketing and public relations professionals in this sector.

The award-winning piece, ‘Caps Off, Renegades,’ offered a deeply personal glimpse into the pride, identity, and meaning students carried with them at the 2025 commencement ceremony.

» 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

Our students bring us joy

Uncategorized March 7, 2026 Leave a comment

Last Friday, I caught the redeye to Toronto to spend the weekend with my daughter. This winter has been quite something. Storms seem to be sweeping across North America one after another.  Snow, wind, delays, and travel plans constantly shifting.

My daughter wasn’t feeling well, and it was very cold outside, so we stayed in. The fireplace was on, blankets were out, and we ended up binge-watching Monarch: The Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV. If you enjoy a little sci-fi and adventure, it’s a fun show.  The story moves across three generations, shifting back and forth between scenes of the grandparents when they were young and their grandchildren in the present.

I always listen to CBC when I am in Canada. Last weekend while I was listening, they announced the nominees for the 2026 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

One of the nominations this year was Sade. 

Here is one of my favorites:

From Toronto, I headed to Washington, DC to join our Student Senate for their inaugural federal advocacy visit. The flight to DC was delayed three hours, which, looking back, was just the beginning of the travel adventures.

Once I arrived, though, the energy from our students made it all worthwhile. The room was alive with music, dancing, and an inspiring keynote speaker. Watching our students step forward to advocate for community college students across the country was truly food for the soul.

Here I am with the keynote speaker and the President of SSCCC

Eric Mayes, Jerry Reyes, Sonya Christian

Then came the trip home. Just as our plane in DC was about to leave, it started snowing. We had already boarded and ended up sitting on the tarmac for three hours waiting to be de-iced. After that came a five-hour flight to Phoenix. By the time we landed, I had missed my connecting flight, so I spent the night in Phoenix and took the next flight the following day. Delays are part of a heavy travel schedule. I try to just settle into it and not let my nervous system get into overdrive. Try is probably the key word.

From there, it was Long Beach at 72 degrees for the A2MEND conference.

A2MEND does extraordinary work supporting the success of African American men in higher education. Being in that space with educators and students who are so deeply committed to this mission is just fantastic.

Here is a picture of folks from my Office.

Keetha Mills, Sonya Christian, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Pam Haynes, Abdumalik Buul, Linda Vasquez, Rowena Tomenang, Elaine, Aiesha Lowe

Was so happy to see folks from Kern!

Here with Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and NaTesha Johnson

And then finally… back home to my boy Neo. Check out this quick little video of him engaging with the ducks that visit our pool in the spring. Neo is very interested. The duck, on the other hand, seems completely unbothered.

And spring has arrived with flower gardens popping up in houses. I snapped these for you.

After a week of snowstorms, flights, delays, and conferences, I have to say it feels really good to wake up at home this Saturday morning and share a little bit of the week with you.

Good morning California.
It is March 7, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Barstow Community College Awarded $750,000
to Expand Rural Mental Health Services

Barstow Community College has been awarded $750,000 in federal funding to expand its Rural Mental Health Services Program and increase access to unmet mental health care needs in Barstow and surrounding rural communities. This award also builds on Barstow Community College’s recent partnership with the Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation through the Vibrant Villages Barstow initiative.

» Read more!

Carbajal Visits Ventura Collegeto
Understand Student Cost-of-living Crisis

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal visited Ventura College on Feb. 19. Carbajal’s talk was part of a tour of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to learn more about the student affordability crisis and other issues affecting residents. Sudents who got to speak to Carbajal were recommended by different departments across campus.

» Read more!

New Health Products Vending Machine Now Available
in Los Angeles Pierce College Library Courtyard

Pierce College has installed a new Health Products Vending Machine in the Library courtyard area, expanding convenient access to essential wellness resources for students. The machine provides a range of items supporting sexual health, personal health, and general health, offering students discreet and easy access to important supplies throughout the day. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Expanding credit for prior learning

Turning prior learning, work experience, military service and other credentials into college credit can save students time and money. Despite that benefit, it’s been underutilized.

Only about 11% of adult learners, for example, have benefited from prior learning assessment (PLA) – also referred to as credit for prior learning (CPL) – according to a 2020 report from the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

There are a lot of different reasons for that, says Beth Doyle, CAEL’s chief of higher education strategy and impact: It’s not talked about or promoted broadly at the college level, and processes may be burdensome for students – and for colleges.

Though there are resources and guidance available, such as the American Council on Education’s (ACE) learner evaluations and the Competency-Based Education Network’s (CBEN) learning model, each college has to develop its own policies and processes – and get faculty and staff on board.

Doyle is seeing a positive shift, though, as colleges move toward more and better use of PLA. 

“Institutions are getting more sophisticated in how to assess,” she says.

» Read more!

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Coalinga College ‘Farm of the Future’ explores agave
as sustainable crop for West Side farmers

Water is a valuable resource for farmers across the Central Valley.

The Farm of the Future at Coalinga College is no exception.

“You know, the restrictions of water allocations are severe, and we’ve got to continue to look for ways to keep West Side farmers in agriculture, and whether that be through alternative or experimental crops,” Director of Coalinga College’s Farm of the Future Seth Yocum said.

Yocum says they are currently growing pistachios – a crop known to require a large amount of water. Because of that, many other acres of land have been left uncultivated to conserve water use.

But recently, thanks to a donation from Wolf Farms, a new crop has been added. It’s one that requires drastically less water to grow: agave.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

College of the Sequoias shared this pic of their students who attended A2MEND:

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From Woodland Community College:

Thank you to all the students who stopped by and made a sodalicious Italian sodas!

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From College of Marin:

What an unforgettable day for our campus community!

We were proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Dr. David Wain Coon Center for Student Success and it was amazing to see students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members come together for this special moment.

The CSS is a welcoming new hub that brings academic resources, student support services, wellness programs, and community spaces together in one place. Watching everyone explore the building, connect with services, and celebrate made the day truly meaningful.

A special thank you to Dr. David Wain Coon, former COM President and Superintendent, Jonathan Eldridge, current COM President and Superintendent, Dana Emerson, Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Affairs, and Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner, for helping us mark this important milestone.

*****

And I loved these beautiful pictures of flowers on Chabot College’s campus –

Spring is slowly approaching at Chabot. The campus is blooming with fresh colors and that new-season energy we’ve all been waiting for. There’s something about walking through these flowers that makes everything feel like we’re entering the next chapter

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted the annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. This exciting event brings together young women from high schools from across Kern County to learn more about engineering and STEM career fields. The day is filled with a variety of activities, including engineering panels, professional development workshops, a keynote speaker, and more.

Sara Sullivan, Program Manager of the California Renewable Energy Lab at Kern CCD and one of the event coordinators, talked about the importance of the event, “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day is important because it expands access and opportunity for young women who may not otherwise see engineering as an attainable career,” she said, “The event highlights the importance of diversity in STEM fields and aims to motivate young women to imagine themselves in technical careers.”

» 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

Moments that take our breath away – New Orleans

Uncategorized October 25, 2025 Leave a comment

Hello New Orleans!

At the ACCT Leadership Congress this week. My first visit to New Orleans. Absolutely fell in love with the city.

Here we are at the famous Cafe du Monde

Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian

Cafe du Monde is known for its cafe au lait and beignets. It’s the oldest coffee shop in New Orleans, first opening in 1862!

The shop has a simple menu, largely unchanged since it first opened – dark-roasted coffee with chicory, beignets, milk and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, fresh-squeezed orange juice. In more recent times, soda and iced coffee have been added.

Beautiful sunrise over the Mississippi –

With student Board Member Maria Blaze – an amazing young woman.

On Thursday night, wandered through the French Quarter. The energy was palpable… sound of live jazz spilling into the streets, the light of gas lamps, balconies draped in ironwork, and people all around having a great time.

Then there was St. Louis Cathedral facing Jackson Square. Way more beautiful in person than all the pictures you may have seen. Supposedly, it is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the United States, with its first church on the site dating to 1718. 

Growing up, mom always told us: “Whenever you enter a church for the first time, close your eyes and make three wishes.” It was a quiet ritual, passed down like a family secret. I remember doing it as a child, standing next to her and it has become a habit that traveled with me across time. So even though the church was closed, I sank into the familiar ritual.

St. Louis Cathedral, is a must see if you visit New Orleans.

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take,
But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away

Wrapped up the evening sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River watching the river boats.

And back home to Neo and our walks.

Good morning California.
It is October 25, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

East Los Angeles College Students’ Lives Transformed
Through Campus Essentials Donation

Thanks to the kindness of a recent donor, students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) received a tremendous boost to their well-being and academic success. On Friday, September 12, the ELAC Foundation, Basic Needs Center, Athletic Department, and Associated Student Union (ASU) teamed up for a shopping trip to Costco. With the generous donation, they were able to stock up on food, snacks, and basic needs items that will make a real difference for our students on campus. 

» Read more!

Mt. San Jacinto College’s Erik Ozolins Receives
National Award for Excellence in Honors Education

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly announces that Erik Ozolins, Co-Director of the Honors Enrichment Program and Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Ron Brandolini Award for Excellence at a Two-Year Institution from the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education.

» Read more!

First Ohlone College AA Degree Awarded at Elmwood Correctional Facility

Ohlone College’s Rising Scholars Program reached a historic milestone on September 18, 2025, when a student at Elmwood Correctional Facility became the first to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. The degree, awarded with the highest honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA, reflects both academic excellence and the transformative power of education behind bars.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Making Gains in Gateway English and ESL through Dual Enrollment

In California and across the country, interest has surged in expanding access to dual enrollment (DE)—the opportunity to take college courses while in high school. Informed by abundant evidence of associated stronger high school and college outcomes, the state has enacted legislation to remove logistical hurdles and include historically underserved student populations. In the past few years, California has invested nearly $700 million to support K–12 and community college districts in these efforts. Moreover, system-level agreements and initiatives—including the Master Plan for Career Education, the CCC Roadmap, the UC and CSU Compacts, and the Golden State Pathways Program—increasingly promote increased access to DE and the completion of at least 12 college credits during high school.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Southwest College:

Los Angeles Southwest College proudly spent the past month honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. Guided by an enthusiastic Planning Committee and embraced by students, faculty, staff, and neighbors, the celebration brought learning, joy, and cultural pride to every corner of campus.

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From Chabot College:

Tuesday we celebrated the groundbreaking for our new football stadium and track renovation!  We are very excited for the transformation thanks to the Measure A bond program. It will feature a new turf field, a reconfigured regulation track, upgraded bleachers, accessible pathways ad more! 

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From College of the Desert:

COD Cares… And It Shows! Students in our Culinary Catering class prepared a delicious breakfast buffet to thank our hardworking Maintenance and Operations team. Our M&O team keeps our campuses looking beautiful and running smoothly. Thank you to our M&O team for all that they do and shoutout to our culinary students for serving a delicious meal!

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From Irvine Valley College:

Today, we marked IVC’s official 40th birthday with sweet treats, orange soda, and a special plaque dedication honoring the legacy of the orange trees that once surrounded our campus. While the original trees are no longer standing, their spirit continues to inspire us—a proud reminder of the roots that shaped our earliest days. Here’s to our heritage that planted the seeds—and the bold possibilities ahead!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theater Program Celebrates Record-Breaking Success
at 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival

The Bakersfield College Theater Program hosted the 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center throughout the first two weeks of October. This year’s festival featured two Shakespearean productions – the beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Professor Brian Sivesind and his wife Ellie Sivesind; and the romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well, directed by Professor Cody Ganger.

The Shakespeare Festival has always been a well-attended event, but the 2025 offering was truly a box office smash! By the festival’s conclusion, it achieved record-breaking attendance and sales, making it the most successful event in the last five years. Much Ado About Nothing was the single best-selling production in that time period. It is the first performance to sell more than 600 tickets, with a total of 667 sold.

» 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

With love from Paris

Uncategorized July 12, 2025 Leave a comment

This week our nation again grieves together as we face the unimaginable loss following devastating floods in Texas. The death toll has topped 121, with many still missing.

The New York Times has put together a touching tribute to the victims – many of whom were young children at an overnight camp.

Let us pray …..

***

A bit more from my time in Paris….

I loved – the language the people, the food, and the walking… yes the walking mostly.
Not a powerwalk for exercise but the strolls by the Seine. It is hard to imagine how old
the buildings are, some dating back to the 1200a like Notre-Dame and the Sainte-
Chapelle. Enjoyed Montmartre that had the extremes of Moulin Rouge at the base and
the Sacre-Coeur Basilica perched at the very top.

The Eiffel Tower –

And at night –

The main purpose for the trip was actually to visit Lourdes. My mom, who passed away in 2019 had made a vow to visit Lourdes and this trip was a pilgrimage to honor that vow.

The story of Lourdes is centered around a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a 14-year old girl – Bernadette.

The grotto is breathtaking.  Listening to the Gregorian chant in the night and seeing everything lit is soft lights was profoundly spiritual.  Whether you’re a devout Catholic or not, it’s impossible not to feel something in this place.

The Grotto
Grotto and Church from a distance
Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Always delightful to hang out with my daughter.

After an amazing trip, it was a mad dash back to Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is July 12, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Ohlone College Students to Perform Original Musical
at the World’s Largest Arts Festival in Edinburgh

In a bold and creative leap onto the international stage, Ohlone College is proud to announce that 27 students from its Theatre & Dance program will travel to Scotland this summer to debut an original musical, Blind Fury: The Untold Story of the Queen of Hearts, at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Running from August 1 to August 5, the performance marks a milestone for the college and its award-winning Theatre & Dance Department, led by Director of Theatre, Michael Navarra. The group will stage four performances of the musical at Nicolson Square, located in the heart of Edinburgh.

» Read more!


Irvine Valley College Speech Wins
Double Gold Sweepstakes at Nationals

After being named the 1st Place Community College at the NOF Online National Championships, and 1st Place in limited entry at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament, IVC Speech tested their skills at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, Virginia from April 5–13. IVC Speech was awarded the Gold in debate sweepstakes, the Bronze in individual event sweepstakes, and the coveted Gold in overall sweepstakes in the Wheeler Division.

» Read More!

Long Beach City College Announces New
Associate Degree in Urban Planning

Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona. The program was developed in consultation with the Long Beach Community Design Center, a non-profit comprised of leading area urban planners, architects, and representatives from Cal Poly Pomona.

» Read More!

In Case You Missed It

Inside HigherEd: Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities
for Noncitizen Students

International and undocumented students face restrictions on work opportunities while enrolled because of their legal standing in the U.S. Students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status have greater opportunities to engage, but securing work can still be a challenge.

In addition, financial obligations can limit students’ ability to participate in campus activities, particularly for low-income students who need to work for pay.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Antelope Valley College:

“I have a deeper understanding and respect for the mothers, fathers, and even grandparents who come to AVC seeking an education.”

When Karen Ramos and Joshua Torres walked across the commencement stage at Antelope Valley College this spring, it marked more than just the end of a chapter; it was a shared milestone.

The mother-and-son duo not only earned their associate degrees together, but both were also awarded scholarships from the Antelope Valley College Foundation to help them pursue the next steps in their academic journeys.

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From Crafton Hills College:

Mascot Reveal!!!!!! Celebrating our amazing Marketing Intern and Mascot, Morgan, on her graduation and transfer! Congratulations on all your accomplishments! We’re wishing her the happiest birthday and all the best in her next chapter. Thank you for everything you brought to the team!

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From American River College:

Exciting things are coming to Natomas! Our ARC team had the chance to tour the ARC Natomas Center STEAM building, set to open in spring 2026. This new space will bring expanded opportunities for Natomas students — including brand new science labs and more capacity for dual enrollment classes.

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From Chabot College:

Sweet, smart, and Chabot proud! Celebrating #NationalSugarCookieDay the only way we know how – with Gladiator spirit and lots of icing on top.

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And check out this video from Mt. San Antonio College about their 2025 Dance Artist In Residence, Benita Blake:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts 8th Annual RESOUND at Memorial Stadium

On July 8th, Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 8th annual RESOUND: A Drum Corps International Tour Event at Memorial Stadium. With over 750 tickets sold and hundreds more participants in attendance, the event brought together an enthusiastic crowd to witness the power and precision of four DCI Open Class drum corps, including the 5-time world champions Blue Devils B and Bakersfield College’s own Golden Empire.

» 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

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Winter Solstice 2024

Uncategorized December 21, 2024 1 Comment

A 9-minute read

Today is the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter. I love the winter solstice, doesn’t everyone? My reason is because the days start getting longer and I diligently jot down the sunrise and sunset times on my calendar.

Let’s read a beautiful poem by Susan Cooper – The Shortest Day

So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen,
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing, behind us — listen!
All the long echoes sing the same delight
This shortest day
As promise wakens in the sleeping land.
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends, and hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year, and every year.
Welcome Yule!

A few more holiday wishes from around the California Community Colleges:

Foothill-DeAnza CCD:

Chabot College:

Merritt College:

Laney College:

Victor Valley College:

Riverside City College:

Good morning California.
It is December 21, 2024. Happy Winter Solstice
A good day to be a Community College Champion

Continuing my look back at old blog posts – this week we’ll revisit 2017-2020.

2017

February 25, 2017: Renegades everywhere…. transforming lives

Bakersfield College was honored as the Veteran Support Organization of the Year at the 7th Annual Military Order of the Purple Heart Dinner, held Saturday, February 19th, at the Doubletree Hotel in Bakersfield.  Dr. Zav Dadabhoy accepted the award on behalf of Bakersfield College.

» Read more!

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August 20, 2017: Saying Hello to Fall 2017

On Thursday, August 17th, we celebrated our Opening Day – a time where faculty and staff come together to review all we’ve accomplished and the things we look forward to accomplishing this year.  This year, the indoor theater was packed and Jennifer Marden needed to organize an overflow room.  And plz note that there are three reds in the planning team — Jennifer Marden, Monika Scott, and Kristin Rabe!

» Read more!

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October 14, 2017: Our 60th Homecoming at 1801 Panorama

This year marks the 60th Homecoming celebration at 1801 Panorama Drive. I hope you’ll come out and show your unique Renegade pride in celebration of 114 years of BC transforming lives in Kern County.

On campus, we’ve been celebrating Homecoming all week. When I arrived on campus on Monday morning, I was greeted with Renegade decorations and school spirit everywhere. We kicked off with an office decoration contest hosted by The Office of Student Life. This year there was a tie between two areas: the shared area of the Marketing & Public Relations and Institutional Effectiveness departments, and the Extended Study Area. Congratulations!!

» Read more!

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December 9, 2017: Finals Week for Fall 2017 is a Wrap!

On Thursday evening, we celebrated the momentous occasion of the 100th Graduating Class of the BC Associate Degree Nursing Program.

Did you know the Nursing program at Bakersfield College is the 6th oldest RN program in the state? An article in one of the BC Archives newsletters says, “It all started in 1951 when a vocational nursing program was initiated in cooperation with Kern General Hospital (now Kern Medical Center). Its first group of nurses graduated in 1952.”

» Read more!

2018

January 28, 2018: Kern County Unites to Support Women

Last weekend marked the first Women’s March of Kern County and the second Women’s March across the nation. It was great to see our community and country come together, standing united. Our diverse community of all genders, races, ethnicity, and faiths came together. 

» Read more!

*****

June 9, 2018: Student Success is Wonderful News!

Bakersfield College recently received Strong Workforce Stars Gold recognition for the Radiologic Technology program. Students who participate in this program boost their earnings by 329%; 100% of them attain the regional living wage, and 100% of students get a job in their field of study.

» Read more!

*****

July 14, 2018: We are BC! And We are Valley Strong!

Woke up this morning to Bakersfield College making the front page of The Bakersfield Californian, above the fold. A good day to be a Renegade! Joseph Luiz of The Bakersfield Californian covered the launch of the implementation of Measure J with some level of detail.

» Read more!

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October 21, 2018: BC Renegades March for Humankindness

Renegades are on the front lines of marching for humankindness as seen in the cover photo on this Bakersfield Californian Article, “March aims to celebrate diversity, spread kindness” by Joseph Luiz. Photographer Alex Horvath captured Mayor Karen Goh with Assembly Member Vince Fong and Robin Mangarin Scott leading the way followed by the charge of BC Renegades. The walk, held on Thursday afternoon at CSUB, celebrated diversity and what unites our community as kind and caring. Robin Mangarin emceed the short program which included speakers Raji Brar, Dr. Matab Singh, and two young girls who started a local organization called Kind Girls Make Strong Women.

» Read more!

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November 3, 2018: BC in community, having fun, and caring for each other

As I wrote in last week’s blog, BC was out in the vineyards of Kern County this week. In partnership with the Central Valley Farm workers Foundation, Bakersfield College Rural Initiatives team and outreach advisors visited 20 farmworker crews at local vineyards throughout North and South Kern to promote higher education. The team was able to reach over 1200 farmworkers, planting a seed of hope for higher education. Over 150 workers have requested follow-up services to begin their matriculation.

» Read more!

2019

February 23, 2019: The Dawn of a New Era in Education

Bakersfield College and McFarland High School are making education history with the Early College program, and we decided to celebrate the first chapter of that history with a launch event in the McFarland High gym last week on Wednesday night.

» Read more!

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April 13, 2019: Spring Into Action!

On Thursday, April 4, Rolling Stone journalist and New York Times bestselling author Eric Schlosser gave a series of presentations at BC about the development of “Fast Food Nation” and his other books.

Schlosser was the person most recently featured in BC’s Distinguished Speakers series for the 2018-19 academic year, which has brought other notable speakers such as Temple Grandin, Clementine Wamariya, and Christina Sommers to campus.

» Read more!

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July 20, 2019: Recognition & Gratitude — One Proud Renegade Prez

Bakersfield College had a phenomenal week of celebrating the diligent, committed, and focused work of BC faculty, staff, and students. The talent at BC is truly exceptional and the work ethic one of a kind. We are BC!

On Monday morning we started with a crowd of approximately 200 packing the Wylie and May Louise Jones Gallery on the Panorama Campus for a press event where Assembly Member Rudy Salas presented Bakersfield College with a check for $1 million from the state legislature for the second consecutive year. 

» Read more!

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September 28, 2019: BC: Creating Partnerships to Better Kern

The Launchpad is Bakersfield College’s new entrepreneurship center developed to provide a system of connected resources and support for local entrepreneurs to help increase the number of new businesses in our community and to assist small businesses to grow.

» Read more!

2020

January 26, 2020: BC – An Uplifting Space for All

The Office of Student Life (OSL) and the Bakersfield College Student Government Association (BCSGA) are kicking off the Spring 2020 semester in spectacular fashion as part of Welcome Week, which actually stretches across two weeks, January 22-31.

To make sure that our Renegades’ first day of classes runs smoothly, they’ve been hosting Welcome Tents at the Administration Building, Outdoor Theater and the Gym Huddle to pass out maps, help students find their classes, and provide information about what is going on during the first two weeks of school.

» Read more!

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April 18, 2020: A Week of Roses Speaks Hope

Our third-semester students joined the battle last week and began working as COVID-19 screeners at Bakersfield Heart Hospital. Thank you to all our nursing students who are working on the front lines of the pandemic to protect us all. 

Another big thank you to our classified staff and their families, who have been making Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of cloth face masks and caps. Thank you to BC staff Venessa Reyes and Robin Patterson, and their mothers Corrine Reyes and Vivian Patterson, for working hard to meet the national shortage of PPE. Over 170 masks have been distributed to students and faculty to keep them safe as they provide patient care.

» Read more!

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September 19, 2020: Finding Our Path to Peace

This week, 354 students from Kern High School District attended their first course from our new KHSD Early College Pathways program. About one third of these students are incoming 9th grade students who are beginning a pathway that will lead to the completion of one of the following associate degrees: Industrial Automation AS, Psychology AA-T, Administration of Justice AS-T, and Public Health AS-T. The rest of the students are 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who are getting a head start on their college education and will graduate from high school with between 9 and 45 college credits. 

» Read more!

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December 12, 2020: BC discusses the Future of Learning and more

The second week of our ACCJC conference featuring leaders in education, civics and policy wrapped up on Dec. 7 and 8, with hundreds of participants from across the state tuning in to #OccupyLearning. The conference was spread out over four days, with two one-hour sessions each day.

For the first session on Day 3, December 7, we had Deb Bushway, President and CEO of Northwestern Health Sciences University, to talk about competency-based education with Vice Chancellor Aisha Lowe and our BC facilitator Erica Menchaca. For the second session of Day 3, Concentric Sky CEO Wayne Skipper engaged in a discussion with Bill Moseley about Badgr, micro-credentialing, and its implementation within guided pathways.

» 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 joy and hope, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog