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.
*****
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!
*****
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
*****
From College of the Siskiyous:
Happy 85th to Coach Ray! The first Head Football Coach at College of the Siskiyous!
*****
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.
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
I started my week at the Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.
I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful and restful Easter weekend.
Good morning California. It is March 30, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Six New Bachelor’s Degree Programs Approved for California Community Colleges
As part of a continued effort to enhance accessibility to four-year degrees, California Community Colleges will soon offer six new bachelor’s degrees programs, bringing the total number of bachelor’s degree programs that are now offered, or soon to be available, within the system to 39.
The new programs are Respiratory Care at Antelope Valley College, Paramedicine at College of the Siskiyous, Dental Hygiene at Cypress College and Oxnard College, Paralegal Studies at Santa Ana College and Respiratory Care Therapist at Victor Valley College.
Hartnell College Unveils El Mercado to Combat Student Food Insecurity
Hartnell College proudly announces the grand opening of El Mercado, an on-campus market set to launch on April 1, 2024. Developed by the Hartnell College SOUL Center (Office of Basic Needs), El Mercado is an innovative initiative designed to provide students with free, easy access to essential groceries, personal care items, and basic necessities throughout the year.
College of Alameda Launches its Rising Scholars Initiative for Student Success
College of Alameda’s Rising Scholars initiative kicked off with its first meeting in early February, bringing together college members and various community partners to launch a program aimed at supporting student academic success.
Chaffey College’s Unity in Community Draws Hundreds
More than 200 students, faculty and staff members gathered for Chaffey College’s “Unity in Community” event Jan. 31, enjoying an afternoon of food, music and program information.
The event featured eight groups including Prism and the Lavender Coalition – supporting the undocumented and LGBTQIA+ community – as well as Umoja, Puente, the Center for Culture and Social Justice, Rising Scholars, the ethnic studies program and the Veterans Resource Center.
EdSource: California’s new cradle-to-career system can illuminate student pathways
California recently took a big step toward making data available in tangible, easy-to-access ways. The new California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C) connects the dots from early and K-12 education, to higher education and the workforce. It’s a new, longitudinal data system that can enable people to make more informed decisions about their lives. As early as 2024, Californians will have access to C2C’s first planned dashboard.
California Competes, Ed Trust West Announce New Digital Hub for Student Parent Success
California Competes and Ed Trust West launched a new digital hub for student parents. The website brings together resources, advocacy efforts & engagement opportunities aimed at empowering student parents statewide.
Yesterday we hosted our second annual Big Time. Thank you to our Native American Center, and Student Services for creating this event and space for our students and community.
*****
From BOG Member Paul Medina:
Meet Lorenzo Valdez-Larios. He is a student at LA Pierce College. Although he isn’t officially in student government, he loves helping out with many activities such as this @piercecollegeaso sponsored Block Party.
Fun fact: I never met Lorenzo until yesterday. He recognized me from my Instagram page and we struck up a conversation.
Next to me is Dean Will Marmolejo. I first met him a few weeks ago at a Vision 2030 event on dual enrollment at LA Southwest College.
He is a well liked leader on campus and loves to champion student centered issues. I’m glad that @pierce_college has good people like Lorenzo and Dean Will.
*****
From Mt. San Jacinto College:
Last night, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held its induction ceremony to recognize the outstanding students of Mt. San Jacinto College! Welcome the new members of the chapter and organization.
*****
Blast from the Past
Check out this video from Bakersfield College’s 2016 Chicano Commencement – less than 5 minutes.
And From the Home of the Renegades
The 2024 Bakersfield College Garden Fest
Get ready for one of the community’s favorite events of the year! Bakersfield College’s Garden Fest will take place Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Attendees can take part in various gardening seminars where experts will share tricks and tips to cultivate your green thumb, browse various plants and decor items for home and garden, and splurge at one of the food trucks.
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.
