Tag Archives: Chancellor Christian

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

Uncategorized January 20, 2024 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Beloved Educator, Author Celebrates 50 Years At Citrus College

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

» Read more!

Skyline College Hosts Winter Research Scholars Internship Program

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

» Read more!

Cuyamaca College Opens New Queer Student Center

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

» Read More!

Glendale Community College’s Baja Program Celebrates 50 Years

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

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Four spring transfers share their journeys from community college to USC

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

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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

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

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From Cerritos College Trustee Marisa Perez:

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

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From Barstow Community College:

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

And From the Home of the Renegades

Renegade Pantry Hosts First Farmers Market of 2024

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

» Read More!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

2023 Thanksgiving

Uncategorized November 25, 2023 Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving from the marina!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

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

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

» Read More!

Foothill College Welcomes NASA Astronaut
for STEM Equity Seminar Event

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

Check out the video below:

Sacramento City College
Names Library for Author Joan Didion

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

» Read more!

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

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

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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

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

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

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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

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From Cerritos College:

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

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From Shasta College:

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

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

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

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts Vet Fest 2023

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

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA Community Colleges – Serious work with a light touch

Uncategorized August 5, 2023 1 Comment

Last Saturday, I saw Oppenheimer … an excellent movie… I believe one of Christopher Nolan’s very best. I have a low tolerance for long movies. This one is 3 hours… and I was immersed in each and every moment.

Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer.

Christopher Nolan is a highly acclaimed filmmaker known for his unique storytelling style, intricate narratives, and visually stunning films. The phrase “non-linear storytelling” is ofter used by film critics to describe his work. Nolan’s films often delve into complex philosophical themes and human psychology. Existential questions, the nature of reality, time, and identity are recurring motifs in his work.

He was born on July 30, 1970, in London, England. Nolan’s work has left a significant impact on the film industry, and his films have achieved both critical and commercial success.

Watch the trailer… very powerful. The movie, even more so. Definitely a must see.

Btw, did you recognize the high profile star cast? Were you able to pick out Robert Downey Jr?

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On Sunday, I caught Bakersfield College’s performance of The Addams Family Musical. It was spectacular. Brian Sivesind, this was truly a remarkable feat. Thank you!

I loved these photos that Brian shared on Facebook:

The orchestra was fantastic. Thank you Scott Dirkse! We have a remarkable lineup of talent in our Performing Arts program at Bakersfield College

And check out this photo from Yovani Jimenez of some of the KCCD trustees and supporters attending the show:

Dr. Bill and Sharon Baker, Senator Emeritus Jean Fuller and Russell Fuller, Trustee Christina Scrivner and her two daughters, Trustee Yovani Jimenez. Not in the photo, but in attendance was President of the Board, Trustee Romeo Agbalog.

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This week I spent time in Sacramento, with an apprenticeship meeting co-hosted by the Labor Agency and the Chancellor’s Office. Together we are hoping to convert our California Community College apprenticeship experiences into Apprenticeship Pathways. And thank you Secretary Stewart Knox for your partnership. Stay tuned for more to come.

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Talking about apprenticeships, check out this blog post from March 2023. It is only a 6-minute read. https://workforceandeconomicmobility.com/2023/03/10/earn-and-learn-expanding-work-based-learning-opportunities/

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On Wednesday, we had a well-attended – 1200 attendees! – webinar to roll out Vision 2030. I was joined by some amazing presenters:

Cassandra Flandre-Nguyen, President SSCCC. Our student was absolutely fantastic. After her presentation, and when I came back on, the only word that I kept repeating was “wow.”

Andra Hoffman, President, CCCT

Julianna Barnes, President, CEO Board and Chair, League Board

Manuel Payan, CSEA

Manuel Velez, Vice President, ASCCC

Lizette Navarette, Executive Vice Chancellor

Good morning California.
It is August 5, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Calbright College Granted Accreditation Through
Distance Education Accrediting Commission

On Friday, July 28, Calbright College was granted initial accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), more than a year ahead of the April 1, 2025 deadline outlined in the College’s founding legislation. 

» Learn more about Calbright’s accreditation!

RCCD Celebrates Closing Celebration for Inaugural Cohort 1 of Californians for All, College Corps Program

The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated the closing celebration for the inaugural Cohort 1 of the Californians For All, College Corps Program. The program was initiated with an inspiring introduction from Director Darci Manzo Piron, who highlighted the significance of College Corps as a pioneering state-sponsored service and career development program.

» Read more about the program!

Santa Barbara Summer Bridge Programs Offer Jumpstart to College

This summer two of Santa Barbara City College’s innovative programs welcomed local students to experience college-level coursework and gain confidence and motivation to seek higher education in their lives.

» Read more about SBCC Summer Bridge!

College of Marin hosts 10,000 Degrees summits

10,000 Degrees, a San Rafael-based organization dedicated to empowering students to enter and graduate college in Marin and seven other Bay Area counties, held its annual ‘College Opportunities Summit’ on August 1, and the ‘High School Readiness Summit’ on August 3 at College of Marin, Kentfield Campus.

» Learn more!

In Case You Missed It

Community College League: Sierra College Student Trustee
to Attend Yale University

The Community College League of California did a feature on SierraCollege’s 22-23 student trustee Maya Moseley to chat about her experience as a student trustee and her acceptance into Yale.

Sierra College student Maya Moseley had no idea that her community college journey would end with a Yale acceptance. But let’s rewind— how did she end up there?

» Read the feature!

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EdSource: What to know about bachelor’s degrees at California Community Colleges | Quick Guide

EdSource’s Michael Burke wrote this quick guide to bachelor’s degrees at California Community Colleges.

The relatively low price tag of a community college baccalaureate degree is also attractive to many students. (Specific details about the costs can be found later in this guide.) When the Legislative Analyst’s Office conducted an analysis of existing community college baccalaureate programs, “the most common benefit” they heard from students was the low cost of the programs. “Many had considered enrolling in private programs offering the same degree, but were hesitant to do so because of the cost,” the LAO wrote.

» Read the article!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Rowena Tomaneng posted this from the AACC Board Retreat in Washington, DC:

Day 2 #AACC Board Retreat, DC– great dialogue w/#NasserPaydar, Asst. Secretary for Postsecondary Education @usedgov, on Impact of SCOTUS decision on Affirmative Action on #CommunityColleges! Honored to rep @CalCommColleges at the national level w/#SunnyCooke #MichaelGuitterez

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From Dr. Julius Sokenu at Moorkpark College:

“We are incredibly grateful for Assemblywoman @jacquiirwin for a $500,000 donation to the construction of The @Moorpark College Amphitheater. Thank you for supporting our shared vision to bring greater opportunities for culture and the arts to our community.”

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From Evergreen College:

Did you catch us on @liveinthebaytv this week??
Thank you @kron4news for the feature and for spotlighting our amazing school and staff, Professor Dr. Peter Miskin!

Check it out at https://www.kron4.com/live-in-the-bay/sponsored-enroll-in-evergreen-valley-college/.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Exciting things await at BC this fall; celebrating 110 years of excellence

Bakersfield College is buzzing with excitement for the start of a new academic year. This year, however, is extra special as we celebrate a momentous milestone — BC’s 110th anniversary of serving the community since our founding in 1913.

» Read more about this week at Bakersfield College!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog