I am a little sad that the Olympics are over …. until next time.
Here are a few highlights
The U.S. Women’s 4x100m relay team taking gold, with Sha’Carri Richardson’s phenomenal come-from-behind anchor leg:
United States women’s 4×100-meter relay final team pose for a photo after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
For the NBA superstars representing Team USA in the Olympics, 1992 will always be the gold standard.
That was the year that American pro players were first allowed to compete in the Games—the year the Dream Team touched down in Barcelona. Jordan, Magic, Bird and Barkley were called the greatest basketball team ever assembled.
Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler during the 1992 medal ceremony. Photo: Mike Powell/Getty Images
The 2024 version of Team USA that beat France in the gold medal game Saturday night, 98-87, isn’t the Dream Team.
That’s because it just might be better.
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The Farm Boy Who Picked Up a Spear—and Became an Olympic Hero to 1.4 Billion People
In a country with 1.4 billion people, there is nobody quite like Neeraj Chopra.
He is the farm boy who became a national hero to the world’s most populous country by picking up a sport that no one else took seriously. He is the strapping Olympian who competes with his flowing dark hair tied back in a black bandanna. And he is the man who secured a breakthrough gold for India by launching a javelin the length of a football field.
That medal was just the start. The shower of real prizes began when Chopra returned home in 2021 as his country’s first ever track-and-field Olympic champion and found some 30,000 people in his village waiting to greet him in an open car. India’s defense minister gave him a stadium. India’s largest airline gave him a year’s worth of free tickets. India’s first individual gold medalist gave him a Golden Retriever named Tokyo.
Neeraj Chopra of India is the reigning gold medalist in javelin. ILLUSTRATION: Timmy Huynh, CHRISTIAN BRUNA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock, iStock
Very much looking forward to when the 2028 Olympics come back to Los Angeles!
Good morning California. It is August 17, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of Alameda Holds STEM Pilot Program
On July 24, 2024, College of Alameda hosted Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and his team, including Northern California Regional Liaison Abel Pineda. This visit highlighted the collaborative STEM pilot program with Oakland Natives Give Back, the East Oakland Youth Development Center, and the State Superintendent’s office.
College of San Mateo’s Active Minds Chapter Wins Top Honors
College of San Mateo (CSM) is proud to announce that its Active Minds Chapter has been awarded the Chapter of the Year Award at the 2024 Active Minds Conference in Washington, D.C. This significant recognition is a testament to the chapter’s dedication and innovative approach to mental health advocacy on campus.
Hartnell College Awarded $2 Million Subaward as Part of $71 Million NOAA Regional Climate Resilience Project
Hartnell College will play a crucial role by focusing on workforce development. The college plans to build and offer non-credit certificates and related internships to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to address climate resilience effectively. These programs will prepare students and community members for careers in climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
The power of community was on full display earlier this month at Gavilan College’s second annual Scholarship Ceremony. This heartfelt event brought together generous donors and deserving scholarship recipients. This year, 133 awards were presented, totaling a remarkable $116,600 in scholarships.
In Case You Missed It
California Community Colleges Celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California
Members of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, lawmakers and students were on hand at the state Capitol this week for a formal proclamation celebrating the fourth week of September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California.
I love this time of year! Welcome Day @palomarcomets! Go Comets!
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From Mission College:
STEM students gathered for a day of exploration and support today at STEMVeniDa 2024! The event featured guidance from Mission College team members who provided resources to help students thrive throughout their academic journey
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From College of the Siskiyous:
Happy 85th to Coach Ray! The first Head Football Coach at College of the Siskiyous!
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From Santa Barbara City College:
Check out the KSBY story, “‘Through our lived experiences, we can help someone else’: How one SBCC program is reducing recidivism” here:
And check out this video from Mendocino Peninsula College, showcasing their STEM LEGO Summer Camp:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Offering Free Media Literacy Certificate Program
Bakersfield College is excited to introduce a new three-course, Media Literacy Certification Program for participants to learn how to navigate online environments ethically and confidently. The program will also provide useful tips and instruction on how to effectively utilize mass media sources, artificial intelligence tools, and online safety and privacy techniques.
July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step foot on the moon.
Since then, 10 additional astronauts have walked on the moon. Harrison Schmitt and Gene Cernan were the last to walk on the moon, as part of Apollo 17 in December 1972.
NASA is again working toward a moon landing, with the Artemis program. Artemis 2, which will launch no earlier than September 25, will take 4 astronauts on a flyby of the moon. Artemis 3, planned for 2026, will be the first American crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.
Good morning California. It is July 20, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
San Diego Mesa College Installs Accessible Wellness Vending Machine
San Diego Mesa College recently introduced a Wellness Vending Machine stocked with reduced cost and free essential items. The vending machine, created by San Diego company Dotstash, brings equity and affordability in the health space to students and the greater Mesa College community. The installation is part of The Wellness Vending Machine Pilot Program.
Lemoore College Breaks Ground: New Visual Arts & Applied Sciences Building
Lemoore College unveils the ambitious beginnings of a transformative project to enhance its academic landscape: the construction of the new Visual Arts & Applied Sciences (VAAS) building. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the college’s endeavor to enrich its facilities and academic offerings, signaling a forward-thinking approach to education.
Evergreen Valley College Hosts High School Students at TRiO Upward Bound Program
This summer, EVC’s TRiO Upward Bound program has hosted high school students. They have been immersed in the experience of going to college by taking a sociology class (and earning college credit) and building friendships across a few of our area high schools. President Denise Noldon and Vice Presidents Matais Pouncil and Howard Willis spoke before them. All three were in the TRiO program and later worked for TRiO and their respective campuses. Chancellor Beatriz Chaidez also spoke to the EVC students.
CalChamber Advocacy: Local Workforce Development and Economic Mobility Have Extensive Community College Underpinnings
Through diverse and innovative workforce development programs and initiatives, California Community Colleges are directly shaping the future of the state’s workforce by addressing industry needs, bridging skill gaps and providing students with practical training and opportunities for economic advancement and career success.
Cheering on Coach Oeding as he leads the U.S. Women’s Water Polo team in Paris!
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From Lake Tahoe Community College:
LTCC students and Washoe Tribe members earned their S212 Sawyer Certifications in a recent wildland fire course, mastering safe chainsaw operation and clearing downed trees from the meadow trail.
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From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:
It was wonderful to hear about the growth, successes, and future plans of the @Bakersfield_Cal during the State of the City Luncheon hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. A special thank you to the City Council and Bakersfield city staff for steering the city in the right direction. I am excited for the present and future of Bakersfield on its path to becoming the 8th largest city in California.
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From El Camino College:
Today, the ECC Men’s Soccer Team was presented their 2023 state and national championship rings! We’re proud of our scholar athletes and all they have accomplished.
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And check out College of San Mateo’s episode of The College Tour:
Blast from the Past
From back in 2021, my remarks from BC’s Educators for Peace virtual event:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC and The Wonderful Company Collaboration Receives Golden (VR) Goggles Award
A unique educational collaboration between Bakersfield College and The Wonderful Company was the recent recipient of the 2024 Golden (VR) Goggles Award, an award that recognizes innovative and transformative uses of VR training in the logistics industry. Through the collaboration, a program was developed that features forklift training simulators that utilize virtual reality software to teach proper operation and safety techniques.
This week, we had the Board of Governors retreat. Thank you so much to the Santa Monica Team team for your hospitality!
I also spoke at the ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) Summit at the College of the Canyons:
Last weekend I was in Cabo … loved waking up to this:
Beautiful Cabo:
Desert Rose:
At home, too, it’s a season of roses:
It’s also commencement season – with exercises for some of our community colleges happening this weekend!
Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take, But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away
Good morning California. It is May 4, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Chico State, Northern Community Colleges Streamline Transfer Process
Chico State President Steve Perez and leadership from Butte College, College of the Siskiyous, Feather River College, Lassen Community College, Shasta College, Woodland Community College and Yuba College signed Memoranda of Understanding to formalize dual admission and streamlined transfer for students interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree at Chico State. This guaranteed admission and accompanying support mechanisms lay the groundwork to simplify and ease transfer students’ pathways to pursue four-year degrees, credentials, and further education within their region.
Celebrating College of San Mateo’s HSI Status and Black Excellence
On April 22, 2024, as part of California Community College’s Black Student Success Week, CSM’s Title V Grant team hosted an event to celebrate their designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) while spotlighting Black excellence in higher education.
Calbright College Launches Project Management Program
This spring, Calbright College launched its new Project Management program. This skills-based program will serve as an entry point into project management-based careers, which have an expected job growth rate of 10.5% over the next decade and can span multiple industries.
San Joaquin Delta College Invites Public to View “Eyes of Science”
San Joaquin Delta College is the only community college in the U.S. to offer training in electron microscopy. With magnification of 100,000 times or greater, these powerful microscopes are known as the “eyes of science” because they are used for critical research in many scientific fields. Graduates of Delta’s electron microscopy program have landed high-paying, in-demand jobs at laboratories across the country. SJDC recently held an open house showcasing their electron microscopy program.
Expanding Horizons: How California’s Community Colleges are Shaping the Future of Education
In a recent episode of the Capstone Conversation, hosted by Jared Asch, a special three-part series on community colleges and local education was kicked off with Tom Epstein, a member of the California Community College Board of Governors. The series explores the unique roles and innovative programs within the California community college system, emphasizing their efforts in local education and community engagement.
Wishing a Happy 21st birthday to Board of Governors member Casey Chang! Casey celebrated this milestone with her fellow BOG colleagues during a retreat.
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From Moorpark College:
Jamaal Brown hosted an exhilarating trivia-style Black History quiz competition at Moorpark College. The Black 365 Knowledge Bowl, a fast-paced, buzzer-beating event challenged participants to answer a series of questions related to African American history. The spirited contest crowned the Black 365 Knowledge Bowl Champ and was an inspirational celebration of Black history and achievements. The hour-long event was designed to entertain and inform attendees with rich historical content and stories of prominent Black individuals.
Winner of the Black 365 Knowledge Bowl: Student -Wren Grant. Special recognition to Tristin Fowler Counseling Service Specialist (Black Student Success) for organizing and implementing this event.
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From Reedley College:
2024 STEM Conference! Over 500 students from our local elementary, middle and high schools on our campus today. Lots of workshops and a lot of fun!
Blast from the Past
As we begin commencement season, I wanted to share my Welcome Remarks from the Bakersfield College 2021 Virtual Commencement:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Receives Generous Donation of 2023 Lincoln Aviator Thanks To Jim Burke Ford
Bakersfield College’s Automotive Technology Program has received a generous donation of a 2023 Lincoln Aviator from local dealership, Jim Burke Ford Lincoln. This contribution marks a significant enhancement to the College’s training fleet, providing students with hands-on experience with the latest in automotive technology.
Enjoyed connecting with the legendary George Boggs to write a piece titled Proactive Access.
Here is an excerpt:
Since their founding, our community colleges have been innovative and responsive in providing postsecondary education to millions of Californians, but in Spring 2020, they were faced with a serious challenge to their open access mission. Colleges were forced to close to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Colleges shifted almost overnight to classes and services online, but many students didn’t have access to computers or high-speed Internet. As colleges struggled to find ways to keep students enrolled, institutions distributed laptop computers to students and set up Internet hotspots in college parking lots. College leaders understood that access was more than just providing an open door. It meant finding ways to proactively support students.
Had fun attending the Colegas Annual Conference themed, “Raices de Excelencia: La Cultura Cura” in Long Beach. Here is a selfie of the all of us who attended from the Chancellor’s Office Ebony Jeffries, Siria Martinez, Lizette Navarette.
Presented to the Cradle to Career Data System Board of Directors with Ben Chida.
Wrapped up my week at Cypress College for the North Orange County Community College District’s Focus on the Future event, where I presented on Vision 2030. Was happy to connect with State Senator Josh Newman who is a huge supporter of community colleges.
The NOCCCD’s Focus on the Future was designed to provide district employees and other educators with a high-level view of the future of education.
A fireside chat with NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland hosting a question-and-answer session with state Senator Newman on workforce development and partnership.
President Joanna Schilling along with Jolena Grande, member of the Board of Governors took Senator Newman and I on a tour of the college’s baccalaureate program in Funeral Service, and the new baccalaureate in Dental Hygiene.
Good morning California. It is November 4, 2023. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Champions of Higher Education
This week the Campaign for College Opportunity revealed this year’s Champions of Higher Education – exemplary and committed California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that are leading the state in conferring the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling ADT earners on guaranteed pathways to a bachelor’s degree, and intentionally working to support Latinx and Black students on their path to a degree.
This year’s community college honorees include:
Champions of Higher Education
Bakersfield College
Berkeley City College
Citrus College
Clovis Community College
East Los Angeles College
Evergreen Valley College
Grossmont College
Madera College
Mission College
Moorpark College
Mt. San Antonio College
San Joaquin Delta College
2023 Equity Champions
Bakersfield College
Berkeley City College
Citrus College
College of San Mateo
College of the Desert
Crafton Hills College
Evergreen Valley College
Glendale Community College
Long Beach City College
West Valley College
Honorees will be celebrated on November 14th at 10 am on Zoom.
Rio Hondo College Partners with Summer Research Program to Empower STEM Students
Approximately 20 Río Hondo College students recently dove into the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – working in labs, conducting research projects and presenting their findings – through the College’s first-year partnership with Cal Poly Pomona’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program.
Fullerton, Cypress Colleges Join California Virtual Campus Exchange
Earlier this month, Fullerton College and Cypress College became the 49th & 50th colleges to join the California Virtual Campus Exchange as teaching colleges. The program provides access to online courses for students at community colleges across the state.
2023 California Community Colleges Distinguished Alumni
The Community College League of California announced honorees for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jimmy Panetta (Monterey Peninsula College), Advaith Thampi (Irvine Valley College) and Blas Villalobos (Long Beach City College) were selected this year. They will be honored at the League’s Annual Convention later this month.
KQED: Chancellor Sonya Christian Has Big Plans for California Community Colleges
This week, I was thrilled to speak with Mina Kim on KQED. We discussed plans to address declining enrollment, ease transfers from community college to the UC and Cal State systems and create more community college baccalaureate degree programs.
PPIC: Making the Most of State Investments in Dual Enrollment
Daniel Payares-Montoya & Mary Severance spoke with Dr. Sandra Fuentes, Interim Dean of Early College at Reedley College, discussing how dual enrollment can help historically underserved students success in college.
I also think career exploration and internship opportunities are huge. We partner with community businesses to offer internships in aeronautics, agriculture, manufacturing, welding, and so on. Historically, many students would not look for internships until they were completing their junior or senior year in college. And many of our students have changed majors three to five times. We’re hoping that offering internships tied to dual enrollment will help students align their pathways a lot sooner.
Thank you to @chaffeycollege for having me as one of the keynote panelist for the Black and Brown Minds & Mattering, 2nd Annual Conference. A Celebration of Black and Latino Culture. I am so proud of the work thats being done to uplift BIPOC students and employee voices. As an Afro-Latina my advocacy and leadership is predicated on the continuous growth and understanding of how to best engage and support our communities.
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From Madera Community College:
Please join us in wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our President, Dr. Ángel Reyna!
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From Diablo Valley College:
Happy Friday! We would like to end the week with a couple of pictures of our beautiful campus. Next time you are on campus, stop by the lake between the Student Union and Music Building and just relax. This a great place to gather your thoughts and to end a busy week. #ourbeautifulcampus#pictureoftheday
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Receives First Electric Vehicle Charging Station Provided by Grant Funded By Kern COG
Bakersfield College is thrilled to announce the installation of the first of four off-grid electric vehicle charging stations, known as the EVEN Recharge Hub, as part of a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG). This delivery underscores Bakersfield College’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future Electric Vehicle Technicians in the State of California.
This has been another difficult week on the world stage. Last Saturday, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a week of fighting and a rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people have been killed in Israel and Gaza, with many more wounded. Israel has called for the evacuation of 1.1 million people from northern Gaza.
In Hamas’ devastating attack, scores of hostages were taken from their homes and from a music festival. Some of their stories:
Omer Neutra, 21
Omer Neutra – Daily Mail
Omer’s father said that they spoke to their son on Friday afternoon, a seven hour time difference. He said that his son sounded good, but a little tired. He said he had been very busy the last two weeks with the Jewish holidays.
By midnight, they saw on a news app that their was something happening on the Southern portion of Israel and they said they immediately called him but could not get through.
Ronen said that one of Omer’s friends showed him a video two days after the attack.
He recalled, ‘it was pretty shocking,’ he said. ‘I asked a good friend to come over and watch it. I knew it was something I wasn’t ready to watch. He wasn’t sure but thought he saw Omer in the footage.’
Doros Asher Katz, 34, and her two daughters – Raz, 5, and Aviv, 2.
Aviv Asher and Raz Asher – from Washington Post
Around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Doron Asher Katz called her husband. The 34-year-old was visiting her mother in the Nir Oz kibbutz, a communal settlement in the south of Israel, along with her two daughters, 2-year-old Aviv and 5-year-old Raz. “I got a phone call in which she was saying that they were locked down in the security room,” her husband, Yoni Asher, said in a telephone interview. Hamas militants had entered the family’s house.
Omer Wenkert, 22
Omer Wenkert – from Washington Post
Omer Wenkert traveled to the Tribe of Nova music festival on Saturday morning, just three miles from the fence that divides Israel from the Gaza Strip. About 6:30 a.m., he called his family. The night of dancing and revelry was transforming into a massacre. Wenkert, according to his uncle Ricardo Grichner, who had a family dinner with him the night before, told relatives he could hear shooting but was unable to find a way out. In a text sent shortly before 8 a.m., he said he felt scared and helpless. Then he stopped picking up his phone.
Omer Shem-Tov, 21
Omer Shem Tov – from Washington Post
When Omer Shem-Tov last spoke to his father, he was attempting to flee by car as Hamas attackers descended on the festival. Between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, they had multiple phone calls, as his father Malki Shem-Tov tried to help his son to escape. “From one call to another call, he sounded much more panicked,” Malki said. “In one of the last calls, he said that people are shooting. He said … ‘I love you.’”
There is much pain and suffering for countless innocent civilians. There is much misinformation and confusion, as well as anger and fear. It is a time to keep our loved ones close, and keep those in danger in our thoughts as we pray for peace.
Let us Pray.
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Good morning California. It is October 14, 2023. A day to bring hope and peace as Community College Champions
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Mission College Student Casey Chang Named to the California Community Colleges Board of Directors
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of Mission College student Casey Chang to the prestigious California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Chang, a resident of Pleasanton, has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, environmental conservation, and student advocacy throughout her early career.
Long Beach City College Earns Seal of Excelencia Recertification
Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latina/o/x student success in higher education, announced that Long Beach City College has been recertified with the prestigious Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating through data, evidence-based practices, and leadership, how it is intentionally serving Latina/o/x students.
Skyline College IMMERSE Scholars Participate in S-STEM Scholars Meeting in Washington, DC
Four Skyline CollegeIMMERSE in STEM scholars, Abigail Jean Alfonso, Leonardo Calle, Gabriel Hapin-Aranda, and Arian Villena, attended the 2023 S-STEM Scholars Meeting in Washington, DC, along with Professor Emilie Hein, who went as a mentor. IMMERSE in STEM stands for Innovative and Meaningful Mentoring to Enhance Retention, Success, and Engagement in STEM. The program is funded by the NSF S-STEM program and was established at Skyline College this past Spring 2023, welcoming its first cohort of scholars.
Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on October 16 – 20, 2023. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Community College League of California, and our statewide partners on Monday, October 16 for an in-person event at Fresno City College and daily webinars throughout the week.
Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez shared this from the conference:
Day two at the #2023ACCT Building a Legacy National Conference! Representing our Kern Community College District at the conference. Attended workshops on legal challenges and national advocacy and connected with inspiring colleagues. Exciting insights gathered!
Cerritos CCD President/Superintendent Jose Fierro, Assemblymember Mike Fong, Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez
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From Los Angeles Harbor College:
@_flemingmiddleschool_ in the house! So glad to host you at Harbor for a Campus Tour! Go Seahawks! You ARE Seahawks!
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From College of San Mateo:
Proud of our Student Volunteer Club! Our dedicated students hit the beach for the second time, making a BIG impact for their beach cleanup event!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Project HireUp Fall 2023 Graduation
Images of hope, pride and celebration were seen this past Friday, October 6th, 2023, at The Summit Sanctuary, as community members, agencies, and partners gathered for the Fall 2023 Bakersfield College – Project HireUp Graduation, celebrating the 10th cohort graduation since Spring 2020.
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.
This a great place to gather your thoughts and to end a busy week. 
