Tag Archives: College of Marin

CA CCs make people who can be easily overlooked vivid, unique, and compelling.

Woke up this morning to Scott Simon remembering Ina Jaffee who passed away. Take a 2-min listen about this great reporter.

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/02/nx-s1-5060096/opinion-remembering-weekend-editions-own

Scott Simon (top right) and Ina Jaffe (center left) pose for a picture with other NPR Chicago Bureau staff.
Kevin Horan/Jacki Lyden

Here is an excerpt:

She made people who can be easily overlooked and lumped together as “seniors,” vivid, unique, and compelling. Jaffe used her skills and stagecraft to bring us stories that will play on in our hearts.

*****

I have been tracking the medal tally for the Olympics ….. At this time the US is fifth with respect to the number of gold medals and first in terms of overall medals.

This is my go to site to keep up with the latest tally https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/medals

This week, the US Women’s Gymnastics Team defended their gold medal.

Just two days later, Simone won her second women’s All-Around gold medal, while teammate Suni Lee, who took gold in Tokyo, earned a bronze. At the last Olympics, Simone Biles withdrew from competition, and at that time, it seemed her gymnastics days were over.

The GOAT.

Check out this article from the New York Times.

And Suni Lee – since her All-Around title at the Tokyo Olympics, she was diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases that sidelined her training. She was able to stage a comeback for this Olympics.

Both these young women displayed amazing strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The US Men’s team also medaled, taking the bronze and ending their 16-year drought.

Meanwhile, swimmer Katie Ledecky won her record-breaking 13th Olympic medal in the women’s 4x200M freestyle relay. She joins Michael Phelps, as the only swimmers to win 13 Olympic medals. She is now the most decorated American female Olympian.

I actually watched the Ledecky 1500 live, a rare treat given my crazy schedule. Pretty darn incredible.

I also went to the movies after a very long hiatus. My daughter was visiting before her big trip and we saw Deadpool and Wolverine – yes, an odd combination.

I am a big Wolverine fan … well who isn’t…. also a big fan of Hugh Jackman…. well, who isn’t. And Hugh Jackman playing Wolverine – absolutely a moment that takes your breath away 🙂

And then there is Deadpool – I enjoy the Ryan Reynolds portrayal of Deadpool with sharp, irreverent, sarcastic and witty banter with the head flips to the side to speak directly to the audience. I also enjoy the playful commentary on superhero tropes and pop culture references with the Reynolds charisma and mischievous charm. But the sprinkling of regular doses of crude humor .. not so much 🙂

Would I recommend the movie? Absolutely.

Let me know if you saw the movie and what you think of it….

Check out the trailer


Good morning California.
It is August 3, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Porterville College Hosts Jump Start Academies

The Porterville College Career Education Division hosted three Summer Jump Start Academies this past month, giving Porterville area high school students a first-hand look at some of the career pathways available at PC. These Summer Jump Start Academies were designed as stand-alone four week project-based internship programs focused on in-demand careers in Tulare County. They provide a curriculum designed specifically for incoming Central Valley high school seniors (current juniors) with an interest in learning more about careers in Hospitality, Technology, Health and Safety. The classes run from 8 am until 1 p.m., 4 days a week, and the students get paid to participate in most cases.

» Read more:


LA Southwest College Dual Enrollment Graduate
Featured on Telemundo, La Opinión

Elias Cruz is an extraordinary graduating senior from Stella High Charter Academy who earned two associate degrees as part of the dual enrollment program with LASC. This fall, he will be the first in his family to attend college. 

» Read more!


Sandia Donates Advanced Manufacturing Machines to Las Positas College

Sandia National Laboratories recently donated two cutting-edge manufacturing machines complete with full attachments to the advanced manufacturing and transportation program at Las Positas College. The donation was part of a broader movement to adapt to the new economic challenges facing the United States.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

At Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney’s Restaurant, Ingredients and Compassion for the Community Are Locally Sourced

Patrick Mulvaney is president of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Check out this feature about the restaurant he owns with his wife, Bobbin:

For Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney, the long-married couple whose restaurant Mulvaney’s B&L is on the top of almost everyone’s fine-dining list in the Capital Region, two words seem to coexist as a single mission statement: nourish and nurture.

“If you own a restaurant and you love what you do, you become part of the community,” Patrick says over an intimate twilight dinner for three: the Mulvaneys and a very fortunate magazine writer. It’s a Tuesday, one of the industry’s traditionally least-populated nights. But the Mulvaneys’ restaurant — a onetime City of Sacramento firehouse and later a building-and-loan institution (hence the B&L in its title) — is bustling. It usually is; thousands of people have frequented Mulvaney’s B&L since it opened in 2005.

» Read the article!

*****

New Report Highlights Promising Practices
to Close the Equity Gap Among Adult Learners

The California Community Colleges and the California Department of Education released a new report that offers specific practices to better meet adult students’ needs and close persistent equity achievement gaps. The California Adult Education Program (CAEP) is the largest adult education system in the nation serving 481,200 students.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

This week, Proyecto Éxito hosted the Éxito Summer Academy at Camp Whittier in Santa Barbara. Students bonded while learning about career and transfer opportunities as well as building community among one another.

*****

From Coastline College:

Coastline College makes waves at California Community Colleges 11th Veterans Symposium, sharing and showcasing its own veteran services best practices with Veteran Centers from across the state.

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From College of Marin:

In the spring, College of Marin (COM) was proud to celebrate the second cohort of Certified Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide students who completed over 200 hours of training in eleven weeks. Alumni from cohort one offered these emerging professionals great advice ahead of their official completion saying: “ask questions, work hard, believe in yourself, and don’t give up!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Performing Arts Announces Afrocuban Folkloric Percussion Concert

Bakersfield College’s Performing Arts Department has announced details for a special concert presented by students and musicians in the Afrocuban Folkloric Percussion summer class. The concert will present traditional Afrocuban music telling the stories of Yoruba folklore. This unique opportunity will take place Sunday, August 4 at 2:00 PM in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.

» 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

A week of beautiful beaches and sunsets

Made a thing out of watching the Oscars last Sunday …. so fun!

And then there was Ryan Gosling

Check it out.

The entire evening was wonderful, culminating with Al Pacino announcing the award for Best Picture (which went to Oppenheimer). He walked up to “Speak Softly, Love,” from “The Godfather” – which I love.

*****

At home, I enjoyed some quality time with Neo, and lovely walks

And managed to snap this photo of a duck in the pool!

*****

I traveled to So Cal this week – LA for President Gebru’s investiture and then to San Diego where I gave the McFarlane Lecture for the SDSU Alumni CCLEAD Alumni Group and then the Community College League of California’s annual CEO Symposium.

The LA City College Choir did a wonderful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing.

I so love San Diego and brought back a little beach scene for you.

Good morning California.
It is March 16, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Merced College Driving Innovations in Agricultural Education
for the Valley and Beyond

Artificial intelligence, automation, electric vehicles, and robotics are reshaping the landscape of agriculture, as evidenced by the AgTechX Summit held at Merced College on March 7. Agricultural professionals, local farmers, and leaders at Merced College shared cutting-edge technology, discussed the future of the industry, and highlighted Merced College’s pivotal role in agricultural education, showcasing a new AgTEC Innovation Center currently in development.

» Read more!


College of Marin Library Receives Insight Into Diversity Magazine’s
2024 LEAD Award

The College of Marin (COM) Library received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions, and community outreach.

» Read more!


Contra Costa College Hosts 12th Annual Dreamers Conference

The 12th Annual Dreamers Conference was a free event for undocumented students and allies in the Contra Costa Community College District (4cd). The conference provided information, resources, and support for dreamers to succeed in their academic and career goals.

» Learn more!


Coastline Community College Submits Competency-Based Education Direct Assessment Application to the Department of Education

Coastline College has officially submitted their Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education (CBE) application to the Department of Education. This significant step forward aligns with Coastline’s commitment to providing flexible, high-quality education that meets the needs of their diverse student body. Coastline College is the first community college to submit their application as part of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office’s CBE Pilot project.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

2024 Systemwide Webinars

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office next Systemwide Webinar is set for Wednesday, April 3, from 9-10 am. Please join us for Our Time is Now! Advancing California’s Economy Through Community Colleges.

» Register today!

*****

Student Housing Virtual Forum –
The True Price Tag: Calculating the 24-Hour Cost of Student Housing

The Chancellor’s Office is hosting a series of virtual and in-person professional development events to support California Community Colleges student housing programs. This Student Housing Virtual Forum will feature a panel of student housing professionals who will be discussing the total cost of ownership of operating student housing, providing tools to calculate the lifetime costs of housing operations and the challenges and considerations for transitioning to 24/7 operations. Panelists will engage with virtual attendees and there will be a chance to answer questions.

The next virtual forum is Tuesday, April 9 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

» Register today!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Jose City College:

On Pi Day, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for SJCC’s MESA Center, which supports educationally and economically disadvantaged students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) transfer pipeline.

*****

From LA City College:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the investiture of President Dr. Gebru at #LACC! Dr. Gebru’s leadership promises a future of excellence & community impact. Together, we’re embarking on a journey towards an even brighter future for our college and community.

*****

From Clovis Community College:

And more fabulous photos from the President’s Luncheon w/Dr. Kim E. Armstrong. We truly appreciate everyone’s support. @scccd @DrGoldsmith777 @cccwelcomecenter #GoCrush#ThankfulForStudents Link to photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBgQbH

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And I’d like to extend my well-wishes to this group of CCC students in Barcelona:

A cohort of Citrus College students – as well as students from other Southern California Foothills Consortium Colleges – are currently learning in Barcelona!


Blast from the Past

It’s been four years since the Covid-19 pandemic shut down our colleges – and much of our world. I’d like to share the message I sent out to our Bakersfield College community on March 17, 2020:


And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Welcomes New President, Dr. Jerry Fliger

Bakersfield College is proud to welcome Dr. Jerry Fliger as its new President. Dr. Fliger’s appointment by KCCD comes after a comprehensive nationwide search, spearheaded by a committee of faculty, students, and alumni, aimed at finding a visionary leader capable of navigating the complex challenges facing higher education today.

» 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

CA Community Colleges – Serious work with a light touch

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?

*****

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.

*****

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.

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/

*****

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!

*****

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

*****

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.”

*****

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!

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

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