I started my week in San Diego. Out on my evening walk by the waterfront, I heard a stunning voice performing REM’s Losing my Religion.
Sit back close your eyes and play this song. A little over 4 minutes.
Is her voice and the song lingering in your mind and heart? That’s exactly what happened to me. So yes—this is officially my song of the week.
The song has always been one of my favorites. It came out the same year I moved to the U.S., and I’ve loved it ever since. Hearing Amber Rubarth singing it live was hypnotic. It drew me to the amphitheater which was packed with people. I stood outside mesmerized listening and watching the sunset over the water.
Rubarth was the opening act to Gypsy King … of course I love their sound as well. More on that later.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
San Diego – what’s not to like?
On Tuesday, I visited Glendale Community College.
We began in the stunning Science Building, a space that feels both state-of-the-art and inviting. I made sure to keep my distance from the vivarium, home to the snakes. From there, we checked out their biotechnology lab where students did research projects on DNA sequencing. The organic chemistry lab impressed us with its sophisticated expensive equipment.
Then came a personal first for me: stepping into their Dreamscape Learn virtual reality lab. The 3D immersion was unlike anything I’ve experienced. It pulled me in emotionally and intellectually.
We wrapped up with a Persian lunch prepared by their culinary program that was delicious (I definitely ate more than I planned), paired with a showcase of their professional development work.
I’m grateful that Board members Hildy Aguinaldo, Bill Rawlings, Pam Haynes, and Adrienne Brown, could join. Also happy that Craig Hayward was also able to come.
Good morning California. It is August 16, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Chaffey College’s The Breeze Wins $10,000 Chronicle of Philanthropy Grant
Chaffey College journalism students have received investigative journalism experience, training and even some cash for their work after the Chronicle of Philanthropy awarded The Breeze $10,000 to report on Chaffey’s Mackenzie Scott gift. It’s a yearlong fellowship aimed at bolstering coverage of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Four news outlets including Riverside’s Black Voice News received $30,000 grants to improve coverage of nonprofits, foundations and other groups.
Los Angeles Valley College Awarded a $1.4 Million TRIO Student Support Services Grant
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Los Angeles Valley College a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $1,430,545 million to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. This award marks the continuation of 25 years of TRIO SSS services on our campus. Since 2000, the program has served thousands of students, helping them stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.
San Bernardino Valley College Partners with VARP to Expand Access to Higher Education for Justice-Impacted Individuals
San Bernardino Valley College has launched a transformative partnership with VARP, Inc., a leading nonprofit provider of substance abuse recovery services, to expand college access for individuals impacted by the justice system. Through this collaboration, SBVC’s Rising Scholars program is working hand-in-hand with VARP to support prospective students with academic advising, enrollment assistance, and pathways into high-demand programs such as aviation, welding, and HVAC.
From High School to Higher Ed: Options Middle College High School Opens Doors at Southwestern College
In a bold move to transform lives and broaden access to higher education, Southwestern College (SWC) has welcomed Options Middle College High School (Options MCHS) to its Chula Vista campus. This collaboration with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is designed to uplift students who have often felt overlooked or underestimated, helping them discover that college is well within their reach.
The Student Achievement Dashboards pull from three data sources: institutionally reported annual data, federally reported IPEDS data and a new ROI metric developed in partnership with the College Futures Foundation. The metric uses a Price-to-Earnings Premium (PEP) model to assess how long it takes students to recoup their educational investment by examining the relationship between net costs and earnings premiums, according to ACCJC.
Today marked the final day of GWC’s first-ever STEM XP summer program! Students wrapped up the week with a Shark Tank-style simulation, pitching ideas like new GWC App features and parking lot upgrades to a panel of campus faculty and staff. The judges were blown away by the creativity, problem-solving, and presentation skills each team brought to the table.
*****
From College of San Mateo:
Swifties have TS12. Bulldogs have F25. 12 tracks. One campus. Zero skips. What song are you streaming first this semester? Welcome to CSM, Bulldogs!
*****
From Porterville College:
College Promise Days kick-off with a day of full of making new connections!
*****
From Santiago Canyon College:
Over 1,000 @OrangeUnifiedCA students joined us this summer for College for Kids! Hands-on learning, new skills, and a taste of college life—all at SCC. Proud to partner with OUSD to inspire the next generation.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Hosts ‘Bridge to BC’
“Bridge to BC” is a one-day, in-person, first-year experience course designed to help first-time and returning college students prepare academically, socially, and personally as they transition to college. Under the leadership of Faculty Director Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Education Advisor Kris Herrera, Program Manager Tim Lafondez, dozens of student peer mentors, educational advisors, and faculty come together to create an intensive and supportive learning community.
The Bridge in-person day includes a full campus tour highlighting all of BC’s academic, personal, and career resources. Classroom activities include topics such as learning strategies to identify and navigate barriers to success, setting SMART goals, learning to navigate the BC website, the student portal, STARFISH, and Canvas. Students also research their career and educational pathways and network with peers. They meet one-on-one with an education advisor to review their upcoming schedule, discuss their major, and review their educational goals. Lunch and hands-on classroom activities are always fun and interactive!
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.
Loved this statement from Trustee Bill Thomas
“This is the official getting-underway,” trustee Bill Thomas said of the two approved motions. “We’re beginning the reconstruction of Bakersfield College. If (the college) was a ship, I would have broken a bottle of champagne on it.”
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce did a phenomenal job with the State of the City event. Thank you Chamber staff. You rock!
Carla Musser
Nick Ortiz
Bakersfield College attended in full force — Trustee Bill Thomas, Trustee Romeo Agbalog, Chancellor Tom Burke, Vice Chancellor John Means, Karen Thompson — Chair of the BC Foundation, Tom Gelder — Exec Director of the Foundation, Heather Penella — Foundation Manager, Norma Rojas-Mora — Director of Community Relations, Tamara Baker — Manager Community Relations, Endee Grijalva — Manager, Jaime Lopez — Manager.
The luncheon was extremely informative, as Mayor Goh discussed branding efforts taking place in Bakersfield to promote our city to outsiders as a great place to live, work and play. I was struck, yet again, by the homelessness issues in our community and am proud of the work being done by Louis Gill and the Homeless Shelter. Karen Goh also highlighted education, workforce development and economic development in the State of the City.
Thank you Mayor Karen Goh for also highlighting our recent history making graduation of firsts of 2018 in BC’s Baccalaureate Class of Industrial Automation, Wonderful Early College, and the first graduate to receive a degree in Public Health.
City Manager Alan Tandy updated us on the Thomas Road Improvement Project and recognized Congressman Bill Thomas for bringing in the resources to us from Washington DC. Tandy then spoke about a proposed Public Safety & Vital Services Measure that will appear on the November 6 ballot.
The measure would increase sales tax by one percent, which would LOCALLY fund community priorities, such as increasing a public safety presence in our community.
Todos Somos BC!
So happy to have Norma Rojas Mora as part of the BC Team. Check out this 5-minute video. Todos Somos BC!
Next Friday, the BC Golden Empire Drum Corps will perform at RESOUND! This competition brings international talent to our Memorial Stadium and you don’t want to miss it. Tickets are available now at Vallitix.
And if you weren’t convinced already that you have to see these talented men and women on the field, take a moment to watch the video below about BC’s team attending the DCI World Championships this year. Read the full article at www.DCI.org.
$1 Million investment by Assembly Member Rudy Salas
The excitement continues from last week’s announcement by Assembly Member Rudy Salas. Watch this short video that I did not post last week.
It was incredible to see this on the front page of The Delano Record with photography from the fabulous Felix Adamo. Did you know Felix is a Renegade? Last December I had an opportunity to share lunch with Felix and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and I shared it in my blog back then. While at BC, Felix had an early love for photography and was involved with both the Renegade RIP and the BC Raconteur.
Special thanks to Tamara Baker for the article. If you haven’t picked up a copy of The Record, you can see the article online.
You also don’t want to miss Tamara’s Community Voices Piece titled “We are valley strong.”
The BC-NRCS internship is a 6 week program generously sponsored by BC-MESA supporters such as AERA Energy and Chevron. There is a rigorous competitive process for selecting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students through essays, and interviews that intern Jose Mercado-Solis said “was totally worth it.” Four students were selected this year and three attended the first session which ended July 6th. Those three students, Julius Ntui, Dung Vo and Jose Mercado-Solis presented to the group their experiences and projects during the 6 weeks.
While the students had different favorite projects and different least favorite aspects of the experience, like poor Dung was “attacked by foxtails” and had to throw away her socks, they were all thankful for the experience as a recurring theme in each of the presentations. They were able to apply knowledge from classes at BC to real situations with local farmers, helping them use resources for the betterment of the farmer and the environment. They got to experience what their chosen career will really be like. They were thrilled to be treated like employees and enjoyed the camaraderie they experienced with the knowledgeable employees at NRCS and the physical exertion of being in the field. They all had a lot of fun and were very thankful to the MESA staff and their mentors.
MESA provides academic support to educationally disadvantaged students so they can excel in math and sciences and graduate with degrees in engineering, science and technology. The MESA program goal is to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged community college students who transfer to four-year institutions and earn degree in math science, engineering or computer science fields.
These experiences are so important for our students and I enjoy hearing the wonderful things our students are doing. Each of the interns plans to go on to a 4-year college. Julius, a recent graduate in Civil Engineering, will be attending Howard University in the fall; Dung, plans to extend her studies to other areas of Engineering and hopes to transfer to University of California, Berkeley in the future; and Jose is transferring to CSU Long Beach for Chemical Engineering. I am so thankful to our STEM sponsors like AERA and Chevron for giving these opportunities to our students.
2018 CCCSAA Professional Development Conference
Our Director of Student Life, Dr. Nicky Damania, hosted the 2018 CCCSAA Professional Development Conference from Wednesday, June 20th to Friday, June 22nd at Riverside City College. This is the third year that he was the professional development conference chair for the California Community College Student Affairs Association (CCCSAA), which has been a California professional association that focuses on networking, student and professional development, and advocating for the field of Student Affairs and Student Leadership within the California Community College system. CCCSAA also promotes and advances public two-year post-secondary education and stimulates effective working relationships in the field.
This year’s conference was in partnership with American Student Association of Community Colleges (ASACC), a national association for student government advisors. Attendees at the conference underwent a rigorous Advisor Training Certification Program that built on their current set of skills and developed other skills as well. At this conference, there were advisors and administrators from 52 California Community Colleges and six colleagues from other states. With the funding assistance of BCSGA, Dr. Damania was able to bring along five student organization’s advisors to participate in the program: Jordan Rude, Assistant Professor of Psychology, David Riess, Professor of Psychology, Andrew Bond, Associate Professor of English, Heidi Forsythe, Adjunct Faculty in Communication, and Pearl Urena, Educational Advisor in Counseling for Pre-Law. Each of the advisors will be presenting throughout the year to educate other student organization advisors. At the end of the program, each of them received an advisor completion certificate from ASACC.
Jobspeaker Workshop at BCSW
On Wednesday, a Jobspeaker workshop was held at BC SouthWest. Rosa Perez and Jessica McGrath are shown in the photo below with checkout prizes for the students and attendees.
Studies show that students who work on campus are more likely to persist with their studies and through their hands-on work experience, students become better acquainted with faculty, staff, and their ultimate career goals.
Bon Voyage Concert
Before the BC Chamber Singers took their seats on the plane to jet off to their once-in-a-lifetime experience, we gathered for some music and celebration of talent at the Bon Voyage concert last weekend. Friends and families packed the indoor theater alongside supporters like Cindy Collier, Kate Pluta, Trustee Kyle Carter, Kim McAbee, Deborah Rosenthal and more.
Sharon Thomas, Bill Thomas
Kyle Carter and Kim McABee
Monty Byrom, Sonya Christian
Isabel Stierle and Rob Parsons
Love Monty Byrom supporting our music program at BC. Really very special!
Check out Imagine
Love Monty Byrom doing Hallelujah
The last song for the evening, BC Chamber singers’ signature piece, Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Featured guests, Monty Byrom and Lydia Ranger.
Chamber Singers take Australia
After multiple buses and planes, the BC Chamber Singers have landed in Australia. #BCtakesAustralia is the hashtag on social media
In the words of the talented Dr. Jennifer Garrett,
“Today has been unbelievably amazing. I don’t think I can explain it! We began with singing on the radio and then traveled to Rainforest Station. We first went on an army duck through the rainforest which I could have done 4 more times! Our guide pointed out plants, water dragons, a tree called a stinging tree that literally stings you, and the best part was actually going into the water and the vehicle turning into a boat! Unbelievable! I have more video to show them my WiFi can post!
Then we had an aboriginal experience where a man demonstrated how to throw Spears. Next everyone learned actually tried to throw a boomerang! Some were incredible at it. Then we learned how to play the didgeridoo which was amazing! And we saw some aboriginal dancing and again heard the didgeridoo. If all that wasn’t amazing enough we also experienced kangaroos right next to us and were able to pet them!!! We also saw other Australian animals including wallaby, Tasmanian devil, cassowary, and more. But the best part was holding and taking a picture with a koala!!!! It was on my list. “Must do’s” in Australia. I only wish I could have held it a little longer.
Then we went to Kuranda for lunch and were able to go into shops. It truly has been an unforgettable day and it’s only 3 pm. Now we have the opportunity to do an exchange concert with a local choir, “Soul Song” and as we boarded the bus the Chamber Singers were saying. “I’m ready to sing now!” What a day!!!” #bctakesaustralia
The next stop on their tour was to perform with the Sydney University Madrigal Society at a local church. #WeareBC
Express Enrollment at BC!
Maddie Janssen at KGET interviewed BC’s Manuel Muralles, Educational Advisor early in the morning on Tuesday to share details about BC’s Express Enrollment event. Watch the clip on the KGET website. I’ve heard the event was another success and Ashlea Ward from BC’s Outreach team shared with me that it was great to see students leave fully enrolled with a personalized set of classes for fall. If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling at BC, there is no better time than now. The next Express Enrollment event is scheduled to take place on August 7th at the Panorama campus. Learn more here!
Bachelors Degree Conference
Craig Hayward, Michele Bresso, Michelle Pena, and Manny Fernandez attended the Bachelor’s Degree Conference at Cypress College this past week. While there, they discussed the Interim Evaluation of Baccalaureate Degree Pilot programs and the Legislative Analyst Report.
2018 Curriculum Institute
Bakersfield College was at the annual Curriculum Institute at Riverside this week. Here is the team at dinner.
BC’s Curriculum Chair, Jennifer Johnson presented at this year’s Curriculum Institute. Michelle Pena shared with me that Jennifer covered important issues such as creating Guided Pathways, e-catalogs, Ed planning, and assessment. Thank you Michelle Pena for the picture!
Richard Goode, Porterville; Carrie Edwards, Cerritos College; Jennifer Johnson, Bakersfield College; and Patrick Backes, College of the Canyons.
Janet Fulks presenting at the Curriculum Institute with Ginni May
And then there is the group that really does the curriculum work at the colleges — the Curriculum Specialists. They are so into protecting every detail of the curriculum that they christened Friday of the Institute “Curriculum is my happy place” and wore t-shirts to prove it. At BC we have the amazing Sharon Bush.
(Left to right) Amy Nelson (college of the desert), Nancy Dayton (Berkley), Herbert Cortex (Hartnell), Dixie Krimm (imperial), Jojie Magbuhat (college of desert), Kristina Heilgeist (San Bernardino), Liz Locke (Barstow), Sharon Bush (Bakersfield College), Kaylene Thomas (Santa Barbara), Marwin Luminaries (Fullerton).
Today I salute all curriculum specialists in the 114 California Community College. We could not do it without you.
Public Health Rocks at BC and in Kern County!
Public Health professor, Sarah Baron recently visited the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and said on her blog, “I kept envisioning public health in Kern County and the powerful ideas we have discussed at our Hackathons and in our Bakersfield College Public Health Science classes in the Southern Central Valley.”
The weekend long event focuses on students identifying public health challenges and creating solutions for a healthier community. This past year, by the end of the competition, the teams had 11 projects submitted and community partners expressed interest in funding the student’s ideas!
The Public Health program at BC is thriving because of events like the Hackathon, creative and invested students, and inspirational faculty. This past graduation, we celebrated history-in-the-making with many programs including the Baccalaureate degree, Wonderful Ag graduates, and Public Health too!
Public Health professionals are the leaders and ambassadors to healthy futures. It’s a science and an art, but most of all – it’s a necessity to the future of Kern County.
Just this week, the Kern County Health Department released an app called Safe Diner which helps the public locate and navigate to healthy restaurants. The Bakersfield.com article mentions Kern County Public Health Director, Matt Constantine who taught last semester at BC and works alongside Professor Baron to support the future Public Health professionals. Matt also had a Community Voices piece on Thursday where he highlights the Certified Healthy program and said, “Unfortunately, in Kern County we suffer from some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the state. Kern County residents have the highest rates of death due to diabetes than any other of the 57 counties in California. One-third of Kern County children and more than 67 percent of Kern County adults are overweight or obese and obesity is one of the greatest risk factors for developing chronic diseases. With wide open spaces that provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation and the rich variety of locally grown produce, we can change those numbers.”
BC professors, like Sarah Baron know our current Renegades pursuing a Public Health degree will play a key part in changing those statistics.
She closes her most recent blog post by encouraging her students to “…dream big and know that everything is in your reach. Where you have a passion and commitment the world will open it’s doors. Here are a couple of photos for you to begin planting that seed. My path never has been a straight arrow, look….you never know the places you will go!”
Sarah Baron
Sarah Baron
Congratulations from BC, ASACC, and CCCSAA
The American Student Association of Community Colleges (ASACC) in collaboration with the California Community College Student Affairs Association (CCCSAA) recently offered its Certified Advisors Training program at Riverside Community College.
BC Professors David Riess and Jordan Rude participated in the three day training program and achieved the Advisor I Certification. The training provides in depth coverage of topics critical to those advising student leadership groups including conflict resolution, managing liability, and building strong teams.
The American Student Association of Community Colleges is a national organization founded in 1984 that promotes development of student leaders in three areas: leadership, citizenship and advocacy. The summer conference focuses on the professionals that serve students this year, there were over 80 participants. To learn more about ASACC, visit www.asacc.org.
David Reiss
Jordan Rude
Renegade Athletics
During the 2017-18 academic year Renegade athletics had 34 student-athletes sign letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at various schools across the country. BC faculty, staff, and administration are extremely proud of these student-athletes as they have put in a tremendous amount of work, both in the classroom and in their sport, to better themselves. They have been representatives of Bakersfield College and good ambassadors in our community, throughout the state and now to the country. Below is a list by sport of the student-athletes and the school they signed with.
Baseball: Taylor Burns, University of Hawaii; Chris Diaz, Hawaii Pacific; Brycin Hernandez, Cal State Bakersfield; Josh Hernandez, Briar Cliff University; Kyle Willem, Campbell University; Hudson Hartley, San Francisco State; Konner Dodge, Hope International; and Walker Frayne, Simpson College
Softball: Alexis Solis, University of St. Mary
Football: Tyrell Eddington, Eastern Michigan University; Jeffrey Jones, University of New Mexico; Brandon Jones, University of Texas El Paso; Ernest Harris, Sam Houston State; Justin Holmes, Dakota State; Matt Hubble, Kansas Weslyan; Stevan Thornton, New Mexico Highlands; Cesar DeLeon- Northwest Oklahoma; Malik Barkley, University of Cumberland; Mason Grantz, Humbodt State; and Brock Holloway, Dordt College
Women’s Soccer: Sabrina Murillo, Texas A&M Texarcana; Jackie Padilla, Texas A&M Texarcana; and Odalys Espinoza,West Virginia Tech
Basketball: Tucker Eeinegenburg, Western Washington; and Henry Galinato, Benedictine College
Men’s Golf: Titus Goodman, Vanguard University
Women’s Golf: Brandi Borjon, Cal State Bakersfield
Volleyball: Haley Sanchez, University of Oklahoma; Alex Paris, Niagara University; and Brooke Horack, Maramount University.
Wrestling: Esteban Corona, Jamestown College; Pedro Corona, Jamestown College; Zavion Roberson, Jamestown College; and Ramiro Macias, Jamestown College.
Also, save the date for Renegade Football Media day on Thursday, August 9th at 11am outside Memorial Stadium. The event will provide a preview of the upcoming football season and is free to the public.
Football season tickets are on sale. Prices range from $25 to $60 and can be purchased on-line at Vallitix.com, by calling 1 (888) 825-5484 or in-person at the Bakersfield College business office. The Renegades will scrimmage Antelope Valley on Wednesday, August 22nd at 6 PM in Memorial Stadium. The scrimmage is free and open to the public. This will be your first chance to get a look at your 2018 BC football team!
Together we are building …A Better BC!
Things are heating up at the BC Panorama Campus with Measure J construction projects!
We will be hosting a Local Contractor Outreach Seminar here at the Bakersfield College campus on July 24. This will be an informative outreach seminar for local contractors on the Panorama campus, and is directed towards local contractors who are interested in potentially working on upcoming Measure J projects at Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso Community College, and Porterville College. More information and details can be found on the BC website.
Please help us spread the word that P16 parking lot on the corner of Haley and University will provide FREE parking to students for the entire 2018-2019 Academic Year in an effort to accommodate more students during the Measure J construction period.
Updated Mission Statement Poster on Campus
Aaron Kidwell from BC’s M&O team and Dylan Wang, from the Graphic Design crew visited most of the campus this week posting fresh new copies of the BC Mission Statement, Vision, and Core Values in each building and facility.
Aaron Kidwell
Get to know Gina Herrera, Art Faculty
Photo from VoyageLA
Adjunct Art Faculty, Gina Herrera was highlighted in a recent article by VoyageLA. The piece gives some incredible insight into Professor Herrera, her background, and that her military service made higher education possible for her. She talked about her recent projects, interests, and pursuits.
“I am interested in developing proposals to engage the local community to use the things that we all throw away to raise our collective conscience, to bring awareness and healing to the way we choose to engage with the Earth,” she said.
And added, “I also think there are interesting ways to look at the way culture can inform the creative process. My Tesuque and Latina heritage and my experiences as a Veteran echo through my work … and offer a contemporary, rather than historical opportunity to consider the perspective of First Peoples.” Read the full piece today at VoyageLA.com.
BC SouthWest Bike Racks
Fernando Lara has shared that the new bike racks have gone up at Bakersfield College SouthWest! He said, “Now our faculty and students have a spot to secure their rigs!”
And while I wasn’t quite sure if anyone was biking to college during the summer weather, Fernando was quick to share that Adjunct Faculty Esmeralda Chapa cycled 9.7 miles one-way daily to teach her COMM B1 course at BC SouthWest location. Talk about dedication!
Esmeralda Chapa
FIELD Graduation at EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School
The Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development (FIELD) was founded in 1978 by Farmworker Leader Cesar E. Chavez and is dedicated to strengthening America’s agricultural and rural communities through the Core Values of Opportunity, Excellence, Integrity, Innovation and Si Se Puede.
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Corny Rodriguez shared some front row photos from the event with me and it was great to see some familiar faces on stage including David Villarino, Nora Dominguez, Mark Martinez, and Delano Mayor Grace Vallejo.
We are BC!
That’s all for now.
Until next time.
With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever
Let’s read what Jean Marbella has to say about Rob Hiaasen….. Hiaasen, 59, as a writer, was drawn to quirky stories, and had a unique way of telling them, with wry asides and internal and imagined dialogues. For more, read…
Wendi Winters: A prolific writer who chronicled her community
Let’s see what Yvonne Wenger said about Wendi Winters .. After a career in fashion and public relations in New York City, the 65-year-old mother of four moved to Maryland 20 years ago and began stringing for the Annapolis news organization. She soon built a reputation as a prolific freelance reporter and well-known community resource. For more, read…
Gerald Fischman: Clever and quirky voice of a community newspaper
Let’s see what Erin Cox wrote about Gerald Fischman…..Fischman, 61, had worked at the paper since 1992. His quirky, low-key demeanor belied a biting sense of humor that charmed his colleagues. See more..
John McNamara (Mac): Sports reporting was his dream job
Let’s see what Andrea McDaniels wrote about John McNamara in the Capital Gazette…
McNamara, 56, who went by “Mac,” was remembered by his colleagues for his flexibility, concise writing and extensive knowledge of regional sports. He had a razor wit … see more at
Rebecca Smith: Recent hire loved spending time with family
Let’s see what Jessica Anderson wrote about Rebecca Smith …Smith (34) was a recent hire at the Capital Gazette but had already proved herself a valuable asset. For more, read..
It is our duty as Americans to support and defend the press. It is essential to our freedom. To make the press the enemy is no different than to make the military or law enforcement our enemy, or to make education the enemy, or any of the values and institutions that make us free….. and makes us a great country.
So this morning, in the wake of this tragedy, I am particularly grateful for the press. Let us take a moment to recognize those in the press doing what is essential to preserve our freedom. Join me in thanking them and in support of our local press.
In our very own Bakersfield Californian
This morning the Bakersfield Californian featured many Bakersfield College faces in the Bakersfield Life Magazine, including Asha Chandy who was the Associate Campaign Manager to Nicole Parra for Measure J was featured as one of the top 20 people under 40 to watch. And she is only 26!
And here she is with Nicole Parra during the Measure J campaign.
Kathy Rosellini, Asha Chandy
Nicole Parra
Dining Divas with Tamara Baker and Olivia Garcia
Summer is getting hot and we are really blazing trails at BC! In my June 16th Blog I mentioned waking to BC’s record enrollment rates on the front page of the Bakersfield Californian. This week, Reyna Harvey of KBAK highlighted BC’s record-breaking summer enrollment.
The article reports that BC has enrolled 2,000 more students into summer school than they had last year, as well as serving over 33,000 students in the 2017-18 academic year. Manny Mourtzanos is quoted in the article talking about the baccalaureate program and the ways that we’ve expanded enrollment via online courses, dual and concurrent enrollment and offering classes at Delano, Arvin, Wasco and BC Southwest. Read Reyna’s article Enrollment Rates Soar at Bakersfield College.
Sounds of Summer
For the second year, BC was treated to a musical night with the US Air Force Band of the Golden West. They played for a packed Indoor Theater crowd on Tuesday night, performing a mix of traditional military music, American show-tunes and original compositions inspired by music from around the world.
The group, based out of Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, is the only active duty Air Force band on the West Coast. They’ve performed at gubernatorial inaugurations, sporting events and led off the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, according to their website.
Airman First Class Cagdas Donmezer conducting
Dick Taylor, director of the Kern County Veterans Service Department, introduced the Air Force Band of the Golden West and talked about the deep respect and admiration that the people of Kern County have for the armed services.
Dick Taylor who made this happen. Thank you!
The Color Guard for Tehachapi Composite Squadron 46 brought out the flags for the band’s performance of the national anthem.
Color Guard for Tehachapi Composite Squadron 46
Color Guard for Tehachapi Composite Squadron 46 preparing to enter the stage
Color Guard for Tehachapi Composite Squadron 46 holding flags for the National Anthem
Here is a short splice of the national anthem
Once the performance began, Master Sergeant Jeremy Laukhuf served as the master of ceremonies between songs, emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in everything that the military does.
Master Sergeant Jeremy Laukhuf Master of Ceremonies
The US Air Force Band of the Golden West has performed previously at BC, and they never disappoint with their tight-knit arrangements led by conductor Rafael F. Toro-Quinones, whether they’re performing the sweeping Americana of John Williams’ “The Cowboys” or the somber folk song “Shenandoah”.
The group even performed a Latin-inspired original composition written by Technical Sergeant Marco Munoz which featured a prolific percussion solo by Staff Sergeant Freddie Cruz.
Staff Sergeant Freddie Cruz
For this year’s program, the US Air Force Band of the Golden West is honoring the 100th birthday of legendary American composer Leonard Bernstein with several compositions from his legendary musicals “West Side Story” and “Wonderful Town”, which were beautifully sung by Staff Sergeant Michelle Doolittle.
Staff Sergeant Michelle Doolittle
Staff Sergeant Michelle Doolittle
Staff Sergeant Michelle Doolittle
The band’s performance of Bernstein’s “Slava! A Political Overture” was conducted by Airman First Class Cagdas Donmezer, a Turkish immigrant who had just earned his American citizenship about three weeks ago and primarily plays keyboard for the group.
Airman First Class Cagdas Donmezer conducting “Slava! A Political Overture”
Airman First Class Cagdas Donmezer
At the end of the concert, Captain Quinones presented a special commemorative coin to Mary Jo Pasek for organizing the event and arranging for a special dinner to be prepared for the group by our Food Service Department.
Captain Quinones presenting a special commemorative coin to Mary Jo Pasek
Commemorative coins were also presented to Dick Taylor and Michael Stone, the Bakersfield City School District’s Coordinator of the Visual and Performing Arts who conducted a composition with the group.
Captain Quinones presenting a special commemorative coin to Michael Stone
Michael Stone, the Bakersfield City School District’s Coordinator of the Visual and Performing Arts, guest conducting the band.
Dick Taylor helps Captain Quinones don a BC veterans services shirt.
Check out America the Beautiful
I was so pleased by the turnout for this year’s US Air Force Band of the Golden West performance, and I’d like to thank Mary Jo Pasek for organizing this event, and Chef Stefanie and the food services crew for preparing the dinner for our honored guests. We had many Renegades and friends of Bakersfield College join us for this musical treat!
My favorite piece from the evening was when they played the Armed Services Medley honoring each branch of the US Military and those in the audience who served stood up and were recognized during their part of the medley.
Here are some familiar faces:
Paul Beckworth and others being recognized as veterans
Cathy Abernathy, Sonya Christian
John Heffner, Sonya Christian
Andrea Thorson, Billie Jo Rice and Janet Tarjan
Paul Beckworth, Nicky Damania and Craig Hayward
It’s always nice to see Mayor Goh
A part of the Renegade family…
Mayor Goh and friends
From Mayor Goh’s Facebook pictures
CDC Early Registration
Speaking of encouraging student success, it is also important that we offer services that assist students with challenges to their studies. For some students, having children becomes a challenge when they need to find daycare while they study. The Child Development Center at Bakersfield College (CDC) offers a student service with the primary goal of providing a comprehensive child development program that serves student families and their children.
This amazing center provides the time and support to assist student families in achieving their chosen academic/career goals. The CDC demonstration laboratory classrooms offer a model of best practices in early childhood education while providing students with learning opportunities through observation and on-floor interactions with young children and their families.
All teachers are professionally trained in the field of Early Childhood Education, and are certified through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Placement in the program is made according to state priorities and date of application and is designed for income eligible families who are enrolled in college courses leading to a specific career/professional goal.
Make sure our students know about this fantastic resource. See the CDC Fall Registration Flier for more information on fall’s enrollment for the Child Development Center. Applications are being accepted now.
Bon Voyage Concert
Hope to see you at today’s Bon Voyage concert at 4:00 p.m.
Certifiable Partnerships in Safety
On Tuesday, BC’s Public Safety Senior Officer Matthew Rodriguez taught a First Aid/CPR/AED certification class at the BC Southwest Campus. Matthew taught and certified five BC and Fresno Pacific University (FPU) staff members. I am so pleased that both Bakersfield College and Fresno Pacific University staff and employees got together and asked for this class. Their request shows how lucky I am to be a President where our staff finds safety important and looks to collaborate with FPU for this educational partnership.
Afterwards, I heard that Matthew did a wonderful job!
Prior to the start of each semester, BC’s Public Safety trains all of our new Cadets in the First Aid/CPR/AED training certification course. This program is part of BC’s Public Safety Department’s commitment to enhancing safety through education and prevention.
You know the Public Safety Moto: If you See Something, Say Something, Do Something! Check out these new signs from Public Safety
BC Alumnus Newest Fire Chief
Public safety in our community is so important and BC strives to improve safety not only on campus, but in the community at large. As you know, we offer many programs in public safety at BC including the Fire Technology program. I was so excited to see an article in the Californian by Joseph Luiz reporting Anthony Galazaga, a Bakersfield College Fire Technology graduate and 26-year veteran of the Bakersfield Fire Department, will be taking over as the city’s newest fire chief.
BC’s Fire Tech Graduation
Joseph’s article features quotes about Battalion Chief Galazaga from City Manager Alan Tandy and current chief Doug Greener, who retires at the end of June. “I’ve been able to work alongside the finest firefighting force these past 26 years and now I get to lead them,” Galazaga said.
Galazaga earned his associate’s degree in fire technology from BC before getting a bachelors in fire science from Columbia University. He’s been working in the Bakersfield Fire Department since 1992 and is currently working on his master’s degree in business administration at Columbia Southern while being involved with organizations such as the Kern American Red Cross, Youth Leadership Bakersfield, and the Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation.
Upon taking office as the new chief, Galazaga aims to develop a five-year strategic plan that includes increasing funding for the department while implementing a progressive new recruitment strategy to get young people interested in firefighting.
I feel honored to know that such an exciting leader in our community started on his path at our campus, and it’s another important footnote in the storied history of BC’s fire technology program. The program, initially referred to as fire science, was established in 1956 by Bakersfield Fire Department Chief Phil Pifer and Norman Harris, BC’s coordinator of technical and vocational education, according to the Fire Technology History website. The curriculum was designed specifically for Bakersfield city firefighters in mind, featuring on-the-job training with all types of firefighting equipment the department used at that time. The program would eventually expand into a training service for all Kern County fire agencies.
Beaty, football coach; Chief Phil Pifer (seated); Robert Padock assistant chief, and Norman Harris, coordinator of technical vocational education at Bakersfield College (right), meet to plan college and on-the-job training for city fire department trainees.
I wish Chief Galazaga the best of luck in his new position as chief, and I thank him for choosing Bakersfield College to begin his life’s journey. Read Joseph Luiz’s Bakersfield Californian article City Announces New Fire Chief.
BC Students on Telemundo
Bakersfield College’s MEChA and LUPE students talk about the World Cup, their student organizations and community involvement in these segments with Telemundo’s Nancy Preciado.
While our enrollment rates are growing, it is so important that we concentrate on encouraging all of our students to be successful. At President’s Cabinet this week, Dr. Steven Waller presented how he worked with his Meta-major Completion Coaching Team to support and encourage student success. Thank you Corny for snapping this picture.
CTE Dean’s Meeting
Corny snapped this picture too…..Dr. Michele Bresso attending the district-wide CTE meeting led by Associate Vice Chancellor Cindy Collier.
Together we are building…A Better BC –
We are on the last leg of the parking lot renovations. Starting on Monday, July 2, parking lots 3 and 4 on Mount Vernon and Panorama will reopen. On that day, the following parking lots and roads will be closed until August 3:
Red and White Way **M&O recommends that drop-offs occur at the round-about located off the driveway east of the PAC building, north of the FA building
Parking Lot 2 (staff parking off the main entrance from Haley Street) **M&O recommends that staff park in Parking Lot 3 located on the corner of Panorama and Mount Vernon. I will be car pooling next week. I suggest you do as well.
Parking Lot 1(visitor parking near Administration building) **Visitor parking will be moved to Parking Lot 3 located on the corner of Panorama and Mount Vernon
The main entrance off of Haley Street
The road west of the Library and Public Safety
The road north of M&O, south of Public Safety
Parking Lot 12 (Public Safety & Levinson) ** M&O recommends that staff park in other parking lots in that area (P14, P13, P15, P11, P9)
Parking lot 5 (by the Industrial Technology building and auto shops) and the driveway leading to INDT & auto shops **M&O recommends that staff park in Parking Lot 4 located off of Church Way & Mount Vernon
As always, visit A Better BC for updated campus maps and construction updates.
Doing the Right Thing
I am in the process of doing the final read through of BC’s Accreditation Self Study document and I am coming across great gems. For example, Board Policy 7E, states that “we endeavor always to do what is right and just, even when no one is watching.” Nick Strobel explains that policy is implemented by recognizing the dignity of all persons and fulfilling our obligations to others using fair and honest means.
It’s important for us to go above and beyond the legal requirement to ensure that we’re treating everyone in our community with the respect and autonomy they deserve. We expect our students to be honest and ethical in their academics, so it’s only right that we hold ourselves to the same rigorous standard. This philosophy has helped cement Bakersfield College’s reputation as one of the most respected institutions of higher learning in the Central Valley. We are BC!
Opportunity Institute
Chelsea Esquibias, Program Director for the Inmate Scholars Program spoke on a panel with Laura Hope, Executive Vice Chancellor for Educational Services for the California Community Colleges and Rebecca Silbert, Director, Renewing Communities Initiative for the Opportunity Institute for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), at last week’s statewide principal’s meeting. They discussed the partnership between the California Community College System and CDCR. They discussed the thriving partnership, current student success outcomes, and building a successful program. The Inmate Scholars Program provides students the opportunity to earn an Associate Degree for Transfer while incarcerated. Studies show that recidivism (rate of return to prison) is dramatically reduced through education and positively impacts future generations of those incarcerated. Bakersfield College’s program serves ten local prisons and students have achieved exceptional grades and outcomes.
Missed Opportunities
I want to share with you this wonderful essay that a faculty member shared with me.
My husband once announced that history can be defined as “missed opportunities”. I never replied to the comment because I tried to rationalize it as very pessimistic in nature. For years this idea weighed heavy as I looked back. What might have been if a different path in my half-century of opportunities had been chosen?
During the year I frequently fantasize about teaching art or coaching track. The precursor is that chemistry is not an easy subject for most students. It is also very different from other subjects, including math and the remaining sciences. Teaching chemistry can be challenging and often feels sadistic in nature. Students that register for the pre-professional track have prestigious goals and they are aware they must succeed in the course if they are to be successful by their standards.
Most community college students in the sciences will be transferring or entering the nursing program. Therefore, the second semester of the year can be inundated with requests for letters of recommendations. Former students may even contact professors if they are applying to graduate school. Individual students inevitably ask for multiple recommendations; each institution demanding different requirements. This is the behind-the-scenes work of a professor. The hours are never recorded and the quality of work is never evaluated. Feedback is not even offered when recommendations are submitted. At best, periodically a student will announce an acceptance. Nonetheless, there is always a holistic sense of scrupulous dedication.
Recently, a student approached me because she had been accepted to The University of Virginia for a summer research internship. An overwhelming flow of emotions permeated my body. It was not just the excitement for her or the relief that my letter had been productive. It was the realization that the sorrow of my “missed history” had been erased. Virginia is a beautiful state full of horses. I have always dreamed of living there. I even applied to work at Virginia Technical University but when offered an interview had to cancel because I was sick. My decision to cancel has always haunted me. What if I had gone to the interview?
Within the same week a second student informed me of his acceptance to Stanford University for the summer. Yes, another “missed opportunity”. The closest I got to attending Stanford was throwing a college party with Michigan and Stanford men swim teams. I always regret not running for Stanford. Instead, I stayed back in my home state for a boyfriend and ran for Michigan. The student’s acceptance this summer may be the closest I come to attending Stanford. Admittingly, at my age I am learning to allow their tribulations to erase my trials.
My current assignment is to complete a meticulous recommendation form for a student applying to Duke. This endeavor is inflicting emotional responses of memories. My belated grandfather used to brag that I was attending Duke for graduate school. I never even applied to Duke. At best I visited and experienced the pure beauty of the antiquated buildings. I corrected grandpa a couple of times but promptly decided to abandon the attempts and allow him to be proud. If my student is not accepted to Duke, the mere process of this task is fulfilling a purpose. The opportunities of choices are really left for the next generation. The ability to live vicariously through our students is important for professors to strive forward and find purpose in our history of “missed opportunity”. With an improved perspective of history, I thank each student for the letters and forms they have requested.
Fun Photos #Summer2018
The Executive Office Admins
And then there is Monika Scott driving the BC golf cart. I will let you figure out this picture.
Summer Bridge 2018
Had dinner with our fabulous SGA President James Tompkin prior to the Airforce Band concert.
Sonya Christian, Craig Hayward, Jonathan Schultz, James Tompkins, Nicky Damania
With one of our great faculty counselors
Fun picture from this week at a retreat with the Foundation and Community Relations Team.
Last week I had fun seeing all the summertime dog pictures. I don’t think that pleased the Renegade cat lovers. My inbox got flooded with cat pictures. So here are some photos from our proud cat owners:
Michele Bresso’s purebred Maine Coon, Maddie
Monika Scott’s Feline Family
Monika Scott’s Cat, Wall-E
Monika Scott’s Cat Stitch
Monika Scott’s cat, Eve
Tracy Lovelace’s four-legged fur-babies
Tracy Lovelace’s cat, PawPaw
Tracy Lovelace’s cat, Harriet Louise
Tracy Lovelace’s cat, Violet
Nicky Demania’s Kitty Kids with a story
Our Director of Student Life, Dr. Nicky Damania, has four cats. His love for cats grew when his parents would not allow them to have any pets, but one day he brought home a full white cat, with one green eye, and one blue eye, and his mom fell in love with that cat, named Aspen.
Now, he has two gray tuxedo boys, which he flew over from Colorado to Bakersfield this past spring. He also has two girls (one full black and the other one gray and white) that he inherited from Dean Grace Commiso who asked him to Cat-sit for a couple of months, which was over a year ago.
Nicky Damania’s cat Cleo (short for CleoCatra)
Nicky Damania’s Cat Spaz (short for Spastic)
The skinny tuxedo male cat is the oldest of 11 years. His name is Skitz, which is short for schizophrenia. Skits came to Nicky, in 2008, back in Colorado when a fellow friend said she was going to get rid of Skitz because Skitz licks the hair on the top of her head for hours, while she sleeps at night.
The fluffier tuxedo male cat is nine years old and called Spaz, short for Spaztastic, literally fell into his hands back in October 2009. They found Spaz as a little kitten inside a golf cart. Public Safety Officers tried to get the kitten out, but had no luck. As soon as Nicky went in to grab the little kitten, the kitten fell right into his hands.
Nicky Damania’s cat Kiki (short for Kiki)
Nicky Damania’s cat Skitz (short for Schizophrenia)
The two female cats came together and have found a place within Nicky’s heart. Cleo, the gray and white cat, is short for CleoCatra. The other black cat is named Kiki. Together they are probably the most laziest cats you have ever seen, but they are also the sweetest.
The four cats have definitely grown attached to each other and care for each other, except during mealtimes, then it’s kitty wars.
That’s all for now.
Until next time.
With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever
It is Saturday, June 23, 2018 and a great day to be a Renegade.
Sonya Christian and Neo in Marina Del Rey
This last week, I found my mind drifting to the passing of two celebrities, Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade and the difficult and tragic circumstances that led to their passing.
Anthony Bourdain, photo from IMDb.com
Designer Kate Spade In Boston, photo from Time.com
The world has infinite beauty, but there are millions who struggle with darkness and unable to see the world around them. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can block out life’s joys, both large and small. Those afflicted can believe they don’t deserve the things that make them happy, or believe that others cannot understand their struggles.
Anthony Bourdain brought an unpretentious, engaging and culturally respectful perspective on the world’s food and people to American television viewers. Kate Spade revolutionized New York fashion in the 1990s with her line of functional, yet sophisticated handbags. These individuals were two of the most admired professionals in their respective fields, yet each of them decided to take their own life after a lifetime battle with depression.
Someone close who passed last January after a brief bout with flu and pneumonia had an email signature that says it well: “Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”
It’s an important reminder to be kind and supportive, and even more so when we do recognize that someone might be suffering from depression. If you suffer from depression, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline has volunteers in Bakersfield working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help. Call 1-800-273-8255 to get confidential support today. If talking on the phone makes you uncomfortable, you can text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line. Every life is precious, and there is someone who cares and is willing to help.
Today, Pope Francis tweeted
And then there is music…..
William Congreve an English playwright and poet begins The Mourning Bride in 1967 with the quote
Music has charm to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or to bend a knotted oak
I invite you to three incredible music events at Bakersfield College.
June 26, 2018 (Tuesday) at 7:00 p.m. — The US AirforceBand of the Golden West will be performing at Bakersfield College once again. Seeing this extremely talented band is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’d love everyone in the community to be a part of it. Tue, 06/26/2018 – 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Location: Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center (Indoor Theater)
June 30, 2018 — Bon Voyage Concert with BC Chamber Singers, Dr. Jennifer Garrett, Monty Byrom and Lydia Ranger.Please come out to the Bon Voyage Concert on June 30 in the Indoor Theater. The concert begins at 4:00 p.m. and doors will open at 3:30 p.m. You do not need to get tickets in advance as this is a donation only show. The concert will feature the music they will perform in Cairns and will also have special guests, Monty Byrom and Lydia Ranger.
July 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Memorial Stadium — 4th Annual Resound Drum Corps Competition
The Bakersfield College Golden Empire Drum & Bugle Corps presents the 4th Annual “Resound” Drum Corps International (DCI) contest! The competition will take place Friday, July 20th at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium on the Bakersfield College campus.
On Wednesday, the Child Development Center unveiled their brand-new playground to the public, and the children in the program got the chance to play in it for the first time.
The playground was funded by the Head Start program of the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) for our two-year Early Head Start classrooms. The new facility will function as an outdoor classroom that allows the toddlers to directly engage with their learning. Six of our teachers and associate teachers have completed the first level of outdoor classroom training, with a second level of outdoor classroom workshops planned for the next few weeks.
“Young children learn through direct first-hand experience using all of their five senses,” Child Development Center Director Sue Vaughn said in announcing the new playground.
Liz Rozell, Vice President of Instruction thanked CAPK for funding the playground, and all of our staff who played a part in making outdoor learning a possibility for the children in our Early Head Start classrooms. Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg took a short break from retirement for a ribbon-cutting and to invite children to participate in their new space, which has books and toys, plants the children can water, and musical instruments.
“When people come together for the benefit of children, great things happen,” Nan said.
Yolanda Gonzales, the Director of Head Start and State Child Development for CAPK, thanked the child development staff at Bakersfield College for their dedication to getting children started on the right path to a successful education.
“This would not be possible without the staff who have made a commitment,” Gonzales said. “It takes a team to achieve the outcomes that are so evident here.”
Thanks to Sue Vaughn and the staff at BC’s Child Development Center, as well as CAPK, for making children’s dreams come true with this new playground. During the celebration, Sue also gave recognition to BC’s Bill Potter and Jim Coggins for all that they contributed to making this project a reality.
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Tony Cordova
STEM Camps at BC with partners Chevron and Project Lead the Way
The Californian highlighted the guitar building and electrical engineering workshops with photos and video, in addition to workshops that have already taken place on 3D printing and mobile app development. Over the coming weeks, students will be attending workshops on architecture and design and automation technology. The classes are offered free of charge with funding from Chevron and Project Lead the Way.
Yadira Guerrero, the Program Manager of Engineering at Bakersfield College, organized the camps and is quoted in the article speaking about her passion for bringing hands-on STEM education to young people. “We’re hoping to inspire students and ignite a love for hands-on learning that maybe they don’t get the chance to do a lot of in school,” she said. “We’re hoping the academy will inspire them to want to go to college.”
I’d like to thank the Bakersfield Californian for featuring our Summer STEM Camps on their Wednesday front page, and I’d like to thank Yadira Guerrero, Chevron and Project Lead the Way for making the camps a reality. Thank you Adam Alvidrez and Carla Musser of Chevron for supporting Stem education and Bakersfield College.
Don’t forget to check out the media piece created by Joseph and Diana. It’s a #MustSee!
Wonderful Summer Camps Continue
Last week we shared with you some information and pictures from the first of two Summer Agriculture Camps coordinated by BC Staff and funded by Wonderful Company. These students are exposed to all the exciting things that Bakersfield College has to offer and have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals discovering the many opportunities that exist in our community.
If you remember back to our most recent graduation ceremony, one of the most special things we experienced was the graduation of over 30 Wonderful Prep students with their Associates Degree for Transfer.
The students for the second camp are recruited from Wonderful Prep Academy in Delano, and, like our recent Wonderful graduates will have the opportunity to enroll in Dual Enrollment courses, allowing them to graduate high school with an Associates degree even before receiving their high school diploma.
A highlight of this week’s activities was researching, designing, and creating the marketing for various products. It all begins with research!
And then perfect product development. This part looks tasty. 🙂
Then for the creative design and implementation!
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There were also sessions to learn about water pumps and welding. Check out these hands on activities!
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This is a crucial moment for them as many will be starting high school in a year, and the exposure to agriculture and the careers within the industry can open their eyes to fields of study they may not have thought of otherwise. It’s also crucial for their families.
Here are some photos of Wonderful College Prep Academy students presenting to family and friends during the week’s culminating event.
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During the event, we take wellness seriously. Here are some photos of the physical exercise activities!
Again a shout out to our dedicated staff in charge of making this opportunity happen, starting with Raquel Lopez, Program Manager, who oversees and coordinates the camp with the support of Jaime Lopez, Program Manager. Thanks also to our Lead Agriculture faculty Heather Baltis and Jim Selgrath, with support from, Jesse Oropeza as the lead mentor, Christopher McCraw and his leadership class, as well as the peer mentors. None of this could be possible without the support of our Delano Campus Support Staff and Director, Abel Guzman.
Summer Bridge
Isabel Castaneda and Kimberly Bligh
Summer Bridge to BC is a fun, intensive freshmen orientation day where students engage with faculty and staff, tour the BC campus with experienced and knowledgeable mentors, and participate in activities that orient them to the freshman experience. They also learn practical skills that enable college success such as effective communication, time management, GRIT, and more. By the end of the day, participants become knowledgeable in campus student/academic services and other resources available for FREE to ultimately clarify and facilitate their Career and Learning Pathway success.
Summer Bridge has educational advisors on call each day from Outreach, Career and Technical Education, Financial Aid, STEM, General Counseling, and more! The Bridge advising team is led by the Title V Grant lead advisor, Isabel Castaneda. Advisors not only carefully pre-screen schedules for each and every student who enrolls in Summer Bridge, they also pair up on the day of each Bridge and work side-by-side with every student along with our outstanding Bridge peer mentors to ensure students leave the same day with the correct courses, locations, and units for their Learning and Career pathways success. Students also receive one -on-one time with our fabulous Financial Aid staff to make sure their financial aid forms are all in order.
Numerous engaging, hands-on activities and discussions make the day fun and memorable, and provide students opportunities to bond with fellow students, staff, and faculty before classes start for fall! It should be no surprise that our BC Summer Bridge students have higher success and retention rates, PLUS complete more units in their first year, AND are more likely to enroll in college level math and English than students who do not attend this one-of-a -kind Freshmen Orientation Day. There are sections still open in the Summer 2018 schedule. See Academic Development B55.
On August 14th, 5-8 PM, Summer Bridge is hosting a FAMILY Bridge to BC Night that will be a Career and Learning Pathways Open House Showcase and will close with our annual New Student Convocation. The Convocation is a spectacular family and BC Staff celebration that welcomes new students to BC! Watch the BC website for more information about how to sign up for this event soon!
Express Enrollment
The Outreach Department supported and registered 135 students for classes in one day during Tuesday’s express enrollment event. On Tuesday morning, Scott Sheahen of KERO Channel 23 highlighted the event, which handles application, placement and enrollment in one five-hour session. Tuesday’s enrollment also had a special component to get home-schooled students ready for classes at BC.
The next One-Day Express Enrollment event is on July 10th starting at 8 a.m. in the Welcome Center, so if you or someone you know needs help with the enrollment and registration process, then come by and we’ll make you a Renegade in one day!
Norma Rojas-Mora
BC welcomed Norma Rojas-Mora to campus as Director of Communications and Community Relations on Monday.
Telemundo invited Norma on air to share about her new role at BC. Norma emphasized her continued commitment to the community through her transition and in the importance of education both on a personal and community level. She spoke about how Bakersfield College is committed to opening its doors and access to the entire community, which can be seen in our rural outreach. Check it out at Telemundo online.
Norma Rojas-Mora
A Better BC Update
Pardon the pun, but we are trucking right along on the parking lot renovations! The parking lot on Mount Vernon and Panorama, and Parking Lot 4 on Mount Vernon and Church Avenue is scheduled to be opened on July 2. Following the opening, renovations will continue on other lots and roads throughout campus.
Starting July 2nd, closures include Red and White Way, Haley St. Entrance and staff/guest parking outside of the Administration building.
It’s exciting to watch the World Cup action, and a good reminder of the upcoming Summer Soccer Camps at BC!
The BC Men’s and Women’s soccer programs are hosting a summer soccer camp for boys and girls ages 7-17. Sessions will run from Monday July 16 through Thursday July 19, 9am-12pm.
The cost is only $145 per participant for the week, and even better, there are group discounts available. To learn more or sign up, contact Scott Dameron at sdameron@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Fun Renegade Photos — #Summer2018
BC Team at eLumen Conference
Craig Hayward’s tweet
Tweet at the same conference from Wayne Skipper of Concentric Sky
Spotted on Facebook. Coach Casey Goodman being inducted to the 2018 University of Louisiana at Monroe Hall of Fame Class. #GoGades #WeAreBC
I want to remember to give special thanks to the BC Food Service team. Every day during our BC Summer Camps, and as always(!), they are on it! Thank you Chef Stephanie and crew for such attention to all who come to the Home of the Renegades.
A great photo of Grace Commiso’s Rocky on Facebook: While studying looked over and saw Rocky sprawled out on the floor…..How’s your Friday? Apparently his has been rough. #thelifeofpets.
Neo on the beach in Marina Del Rey #Summer2018
Heather Penella in Utah
Found on Facebook that Paul Beckworth and family are heading to the beach.
Tweet from Tamara Baker our new Manager for Community Relations
It is a great time to be at BC!
That’s all for now.
Until next time.
With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever
Good morning Bakersfield. It is Saturday, April 14, 2018 …a quiet cool morning …a great week to be a Renegade!
Renegade Talks
Renegade Talks 2018 Lineup
Based on the popular TED Talks of “Ideas Worth Sharing”, Renegade Talks bring together BC faculty and students to deliver short, innovative, subject-based presentations. This year, the lineup was fabulous including:
“Rolling the Dice” by Chris Cruz-Boone, Professor of Communication
“Black Masculine Identity” by Julian James West
“Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum: A Fork in the Academic Road” by Joe Saldivar, Professor of Biology
“Twelve Seconds” by Amber Smithson, BC Student
“Manners and Today’s Society” by Teena Bensusen, BC Student
“The Burden of Freedom” by Daniel Mechem, Veteran and BC Student
Indoor Theater filling up before the show
If you were not able to attend, videos are being edited. Keep your eye out for them in my blog next week and on BC’s YouTube! For now, here are two teasers from Joe Saldivar and Julian West.
Todd Coston and Andrea Thorson
Special thank you to two leaders at BC who chair and coordinate this event, Andrea Thorson and Todd Coston. See the photos at BC’s Smugmug.
Welcoming the KCCD Trustees to Campus
On Thursday, BC leadership welcomed the KCCD Board of Trustees to campus for their monthly Board Meeting and we started the afternoon with a luncheon provided by BC Food Services and Chef Eric Sabella.
Liz Rozell gave an informative presentation regarding the Industrial Automation Program and introduced one of our upcoming graduates of the first Baccalaureate Class in 2018 – Richard Van Horne. He spoke highly of the program and how he earned a Political Science degree from BC and was inspired to return upon the news of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation. Richard shared that he receives offers for internships, being approached by local industries and said he’s getting his degree at a fraction of the cost of friends who attend other 4-year institutions.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation Student, Richard Van Horne
The Board Meeting then took place in The Norman Levan Center with one highlight being our Emeritus and Retiree Recognition. I had the honor of introducing them, so I’d like to share each of them one more time, highlighting their service.
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg , Vice-President, Instruction – 35 years, 6 months Nan is the best coach that I know, the best arbitrator of disputes, the best diplomat, the best cheerleader for students, the most articulate person for issues of equity…… and always kind and generous with her time. Today, we have the opportunity to give our voice of thanks to her years of humble service; we have the opportunity to make visible her focused work behind the scenes that has greatly shaped our community, and so many lives; and we have the opportunity to recognize this tireless and true champion of education.
Katherine Pluta, Dean of Instruction – 32 years, 5 months
Kate provided 32 years of dedicated service to Bakersfield College. She has served many leadership roles including, Division Chair, President of the Senate, President of CCA and recently, Dean of Instruction. And if you look at major initiatives over the years, Assessment and Student Learning Outcomes, Strategic Planning, the Integration of Accreditation into the work of the college, you will see that Kate has been in the forefront. She has been a loyal friend to BC and a friend to me. Kate, you will be missed.
Gilbert Merjil, Groundsworker II – 31 years, 2 months
Gilbert Merjil was a groundskeeper and irrigation specialist for the campus. Although a quiet worker, behind the scenes he took care to ensure we could be proud of our campus grounds. In particular, Gilbert kept the campus green and looking good thorough one of our states worst droughts all while reducing campus water usage. Gilbert resolutely guarded BC’s lawns and sprinklers and was known to chase down vendors who may have driven over the lawn.
Andrea Garrison Professor, Biology 28 years, 8 months May 11, 2018
Professor Garrison has been a cornerstone to motivating the faculty of the College to being excellent teachers. She is respected for her leading the faculty through challenging times. As a true Biologist, she created awareness of important issues in respecting our environment as we function as a College, and she created and organized the club for students to incorporate their faith into their education. When the College started Guided Pathways, she was one of the first faculty to embrace this effort and used that to encourage her students in class to know their pathways and be prepared in all ways for the expectations of learning after transfer. Andrea has been the President of CCA and a winner of the Levinson Leadership Award.
Odella Johnson Professor, Academic Development 24 years, 10 months
Odella Johnson will be remembered for her passion for students, her passion for equity and her leadership both on campus and in the community. Odella participated as a member of the Black faculty, served as faculty advisor to the BSU, served as Director of the Educational Advancement Program (EAP), Director of the Assessment Center, served as ACDV Department Chair, Director Equity and Inclusion and on many college wide and district committees. Prof Odella Johnson thank you for 24 years of service to Bakersfield College.
Susan McQuerrey Professor, ELS 25 years, 10 months
Susan McQuerrey has been a valued member of the EMLS Department and the Bakersfield College community since 1988, when she started as an adjunct. She was hire full-time in 1992. She has served on many committees including as co-chair of the Curriculum Committee and president of the Academic Senate. She also served as the department chair for the English/ESL Department before the two departments split. Her students love and respect her with comments like, “Very respectful; highly recommended,” and “She is a good professor. Very strict, but for our own good. Love her.” Certainly, Susan’s professionalism, experience, and love for teaching will be sorely missed at Bakersfield College.
Jimmy (Smitty) Smith, Skilled Craftsworker, M&O Technician 17 years, 3 months
Smitty as we called him served BC for nearly 20 years as the skilled craftsman and locksmith. He was always eager to assist and made sure it was done the “right way”. His myriad skill sets and care will be hard to replace!. In his role as locksmith, Smitty had a big job to ensure faculty and staff had access to all of the buildings as needed. Smitty was instrumental in helping transition our campus to the new key card system.
Dennis Spencer, Electronics Technician – 10 years, 2 months
Dennis was originally hired as the phone technician. As technology changed and phone systems moved towards voice-over IP technology, Dennis was able to transition and oversee maintenance of campus elevators, fire alarms, and small electronic equipment. He personally oversaw the audio equipment set-up for all administrative events. Dennis always has a great story to share and was the eyes and ears of the campus. Dennis provided personal attention to ensure we had what was needed and ensured every detail was covered when helping out regardless of the projects – from the phones, to computers to the fire alarm system, to large events.
BC’s esteemed retirees
Student Employee Appreciation Week
Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Workforce. This week is National Student Employee Appreciation week, and with close to 500 students employed each year at Bakersfield College there is much to celebrate. The Office of Student Employment in FACE 16 coordinated this fabulous event, that recognized our Student Employees hard work throughout the year. Students were provided a token of appreciation in addition to resources that will help tie their experience on campus to their future careers. For students seeking on-campus opportunities please send them to the Student Employment Lab (FACE 9) where they can schedule an appointment with a job development specialist, apply for on-campus employment through Jobspeaker, search off-campus jobs, create a resume or print career related materials for free. Special thanks to Stephanie Baltazar for spearheading this incredible program for our students.
Inaugural English Student Colloquium
The English Department hosted its first English Department Student Colloquium in the Levan Center on Friday, April 13, 2018. The Colloquium held an essay contest from which three finalists were selected to present at the Colloquium and compete for awards generously donated by the Levan Center. The English Colloquium Committee was pleased with the many well-written submissions they received from Bakersfield College students.
The three finalists, Steven Ledesma, Sarai James, and Brian Melgar, presented their essays vying for the first prize of $1500, with second and third place receiving $500. All three finalists also received an invitation to the BC Donor Dinner.
The English Colloquium, an educational seminar where participants come together to discuss their work, was given an “American Idol” twist. The three finalists each had a chance to perform on stage by presenting their essay, and the judges (a.k.a. committee members) sat on the edges of their seats critiquing the would-be stars. After the presentations, the judges adjourned for discussion and subsequently announced first place winner of the $1500 prize – Brian Melgar. Second place – $500 – Steven Ledesma and third place – Sarai Jaime.
Brian Melgar, Sarai Jaime, Steven Ledesma.
Special thank you Rae Ann Kumelos for leading this Inaugural English Colloquium and to the committee members: Keri Wolf, Richard Marquez, Cynthia Powell, Jennifer Jett, Denise Mitchell, Alicia Skipper, Jason Spitzer, Justin Bell, Jeremy Casabella, Tiffany Wong, and Kaitlin Hulsey. I would also like to thank Anna Poetker and Reggie Williams for lending their colloquium organization knowledge, experience and advice to the English Colloquium Committee. Thank you Eric Sabella for the delicious refreshments and Kristen Rabe for technical support. Thank you Eric Carillo for creating such a beautiful green event poster that Rae Ann believes brought the rain to turn the hills of Bakersfield green. A large thank you Jack Hernandez and the Levan Center for the support and making the English Colloquium possible.
Eric Carrillo’s Poster
A very special guest showed up to the Colloquium — Rae Ann’s father, Laddie Kumelos. She was very proud to tell us that he began teaching English 70 years ago. She certainly did not fall far from the tree as she continues to teach English at BC. She joked that when she wrote him letters while away at school, he would return them, marked up with red ink.
Rae Ann’s dad (tan shirt on the right) in the audience awaiting the start of presentations. And looks like he is texting!
We joke about the red ink of an English teacher, but writing is extremely important for a better workforce and for a better community. Communicating through the written word, understanding it, interpreting what those before us have written enriches our lives, educates us on the past, helps us educate others, and allows us to share our ideas. Events like the English Student Colloquium encourage students to further engage in communicating ideas and strengthening their writing skills. It also gives us an opportunity to see what our students have learned and how they have grown from their education at BC. The three finalists certainly shine as examples of this. I look forward to next year’s English Colloquium. See all the photos at BC’s Smugmug.
The finalists drawing the presentation order from the “golden chalice”
Korean Culture Day
The students in BC’s Korean Culture Club organized an all-day event on Monday in the Fireside Room and cafeteria celebrating the richness of Korean culture. English professor Andrew Bond helped organize the 2nd Annual Korean Culture Festival, which featured Korean music, food, and a performance by the Long Beach-based K-pop dance troupe, The Last Bite.
Sonia Silva, a representative from CSUB’s International Students and Programs office, was on hand to provide future Cal State transfers with information about study abroad opportunities at the university. See more photos on BC’s Smugmug!
Korean Dancers at BC
Faculty working on assessment of Student Learning
On Monday, I stopped by L160 to talk to Nick Strobel and found faculty hanging out and working on assessment of student learning long after the workshop had ended. Just wonderful! In the picture you see Di Hoffman, the outgoing faculty chair, and Brent Wilson, the incoming chair. David Neville on the far right was Assessment Chair before Di, so in one photo we have three generations of Assessment Committee chairs. Here the beautiful woman in the Renegade Red shirt if Sandy Davis, faculty in nursing.
Di Hoffman, Sandy Davis, Brent Wilson, David Neville
BC team at Banner Ellucian Conference
The BC team was at the Ellucian annual conference in San Diego, examining configuration options and models for the upcoming Banner 9 upgrade. I am told that one of the more significant Banner upgrades will go into effect this summer.
Dena Rhoades, Jennifer Achan, Morgan Bohnsack, Michelle Pena, Zav Dadabhoy, Mark Osea, DJ Vanderwerff, Somaly Boles, Ashlea Ward
Watch for workshops and information from the BC Banner team leads: Jennifer Achan and Michelle Pena.
Also caught this photo posted by Tonya Davis, Vice Chancellor of HR on twitter,
AAMP Open House
On April 6, 2018, the Bakersfield College African American Mentor Program (A.A.M.P.) had a packed house for its second annual AAMP Open House. With nearly 200 African American high school students, BC was able to make a significant contribution to preparing African-American students for college before they even arrive on a college campus.
AAMP Open House 2018 attendees
We kicked off the event with an address from our most distinguished keynote, LaMeka Ross. LaMeka faced trials and tribulations early on in her life, with the loss of her father at a young age. Despite the adversity she overcame her obstacles and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration. LaMeka is now working in Human Resources Business Partner Role for Aera Energy. She serves as a living testament to the possibility of enduring and overcoming adversity and to reach success.
The overall theme of the event was to encourage students to exceed academic expectations. Students were split into 2 groups; one group consisted of all seniors while the other was all non-seniors. The senior high school students went to learn about the Umoja ASTEP Program here at Bakersfield College; they got to hear the experiences of prior Umoja students and meet the esteemed faculty that make it all possible. Afterwards, students were able to apply to the program, be accepted, and actually register for the program at the event.
The non-seniors were learning from three amazing workshops that exposed them to their options of dual enrollment, the importance of math, and STEM careers. The entire event was inspirational as students prepared for the transition to college, we planted seeds of encouragement and hope, and we educated students on the opportunities that college can offer.
Thank you to Julian West, Paula Parks, and the whole AAMP team.
Open House 2018 Julian West
AAMP Paula Parks Presenting
Congratulations 2018 KCCD Leadership Academy
The Kern Community College District is committed to supporting professional development that informs employees’ leadership abilities. Each year, the Leadership Academy works to develop classified, faculty and management employees to prepare for leadership roles at every level of the organization.
Through experiential learning opportunities from September through April, the KCCD Leadership Academy offers employees the opportunity to interact with district executives, KCCD trustees, state-level education leaders and others. Participants generate a greater understanding of our geographically expansive district and build cross-district relationships with coworkers.
On behalf of the entire BC community, congratulations to this year’s Leadership Academy participants! And for those of you who have not participated, applications are out for the 2018-2019 cohort. Apply now.
Heather Barajas is currently a Department Assistant III in Human Resources at the Bakersfield College Campus. She has worked at BC for four years and loves being able to see her work/committee participation in action by just simply taking a walk around the campus. As a participant of the KCCD Leadership Academy she enjoyed it because it pushed her out of her comfort zone and gave her more insight of how the district and colleges operate together, in addition to getting to know other people from her campus and the other colleges.
Keith Ford is the Associate Athletic Director at Bakersfield College who has been with BC for almost 3 years. He is involved with campus-wide initiatives and serves on committees including facilities and safety committees. His goal is to one day serve as the Bakersfield College Athletic Director to be able to provide the best opportunities to the student-athletes to achieve their goals, whether it is in athletics, academics or life in general.
Michael McClenic is a program manager at Bakersfield College where he serves students on probation. He started his career at BC in 2015 as an adjunct instructor and seven months later took on the role of Program Manager, Probation and Early Alert. As a participant of the KCCD Leadership Academy he enjoyed the opportunity to meet, interact with and learn from people from other colleges in the district. His takeaway are the words of our esteemed Chancellor – -”What happened in Sacramento, stays in Sacramento”.
Mindy Wilmot is faculty/reference librarian for Bakersfield College. She is finishing up her fourth year (and just received tenure). As a Leadership Academy participant she enjoyed her time learning more about her school and district, as well as getting to work with colleagues from the three campuses. She considered the Legislative Conference to Sacramento the highlight of the academy.
Mike Barrett is a System Support Specialist working at the Bishop and Mammoth Lakes campuses of Cerro Coso Community College. He lives in Bishop California and work at the Bishop and Mammoth Lakes campuses – that’s like a win-win-win-win! He really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the KCCD Leadership Academy. Having had a chance to tour all of our campuses and see first-hand some of the different challenges each college has in providing educational opportunities for their service areas. He believes our colleges and the district office work well together and is really happy to be a part of such a great team.
Nikki Gardepe is an Assessment Assistant at Cerro Coso Community College. She has been at Cerre Coso for four years. She coordinates student assessment testing activities critical to student academic performance and placement. She knows what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes trying to deal with the sometime complex education system and finds it rewarding when she can truly help others.
Stephanie Olmedo-Hinde is the current Counselor and Coordinator for Porterville College’s Disability Resource Center. She has worked for the KCCD for 16 years. She comes from a family of KCCD employees, her father Robert Olmedo worked for Porterville College for 12 years and her mother, Perla Olmedo, worked for Porterville College for 35 years. “What I loved most about the leadership academy was the lifelong connections I made with my colleagues from BC, CC, and District Office. My team was full of the best people I’ve ever met and we worked together so well, I love knowing they have my back and I absolutely have theirs”
Steven Alexander is the Director of IT Security and has been with KCCD for almost two years. He lives in Bakersfield with his wife and three children. His favorite experience in the leadership academy was traveling to Sacramento to meet with our state legislators and advocate for our district.
Cammie Ehret-Stevens is a native of Bakersfield and joined the Kern Community College District in July 2011 as the Purchasing Coordinator/Analyst. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California Coast University and a Public Procurement Certification from NLPA. In her free time she enjoys camping and traveling abroad. Cammie recently completed the KCCD Leadership Academy in April 2018, where she gained insight to the district and established multiple networking connections.
KCCD in Oregon
A team from Porterville College, Cerro Coso Communty College, Bakersfield College and the District Officer were in Oregon along with staff from Kern High School District and Delano. We have been scaling up rapidly in KCCD with Dual Enrollment and this trip will help systematize some of our processes. Don’t you see Cindy Collier leading this systems development? This is what Cindy does!
Gearing up for Summer Bridge
I’ve been told that 30 out of the 34 scheduled summer bridge sessions are FULL! That is over 1,350 enrollments! I was overjoyed to see the number of faculty and staff who signed up for some dates to mentor at this year’s Summer Bridge, but we have lots of room left!
Thank you to the advisors and counselors that will be helping us throughout the summer! And Allison Burch, Angela Bono, Bill Chapman, Bonnie Hammond, Brent Wilson, Brian Sivesind, Bryan Hirayama, Bryan Russell, Catherine Starling, Cherilyn Haworth, Chris Cruz-Boone, Christian Zoller, Christina Touchstone, Daniel Gomes, Debra B. Strong, Diana Cason, Dinorah Castro, Don Brady, Eddie Rangle, Eleonora Hicks, Elvira Martinez, Emily Poole, Erica Menchaca, Erineo Garcia, Faith Bradham, Gilbert Ayuk, Glenn Samples, Gurpreet Grewal, Heather Pennella, Helen Medrano, Isaac K. Vannasone, James McGarrah, Jeannie Parent, Jessica Wojtysiak, Kaureen Brady, Keri Wolf, Kim Arbolante, Lisa Harding, Lisa Rogers, Marcelyn Allen, Mathew Garrett, Michael Fragoso, Michelle Hart, Mindy Wilmot, Neeley Hatridge, Olivia Garcia, Sara Wallace, Silvet Holcomb, Stephanie Vega, Stephen Tavoni, Sue Vaughn, Talita Pruett, Teresa McAllister, Tina Posey, Tina Zito, Tracie Grimes, Travis Steele, Vayron Martinez, Veronica Lucas, Wade Ellis, and Yvonne Armendariz. #WeareBC!
Transfer Pathway Advising
Khushnur Dadabhoy, Director of Transfer Pathways, and Grace Commiso, Dean of Counseling, leading the ed advisors and other key team members in a strategy session on transfer pathway advising.
Khushbur Dadabhoy and Grace Commiso lead the presentation
We are BC Treats
Dean Manny Mourtzanos sent 3 boxes of We Are BC donuts to counseling to lift spirits in our big sprint for registration.
Bernadette Martinez with a box of treats
Sarah and John from Dunkin Donuts
John Lyon is the Manager/Owner of the Dunkin Donuts location who made these. Sarah is the young woman who created them. Thank you John and Sarah!
Loved these photos of Manny De Los Santos indulging in the treat. We are BC!
Levan Humanities Review
The 2018 issue of the Levan Humanities Review is published! This years issue has thoughtful, engaging pieces, including the Sufi concept of divine love, the meaning of public, including Confederate, statues, Father Garces, and Gerald Haslam’s essay on the valley and his life as a writer. The editors invite you to enjoy this issue, which will contribute to our daily search for wisdom and our understanding of how the humanities help us in that search.
I loved browsing the copy which was delivered to me this week and seeing contributions from Faith Bradham, Olivia Garcia, Matthew Garrett, and Catherine Abbey Hodges, a professor from Porterville College.
Thank you to the Editorial Board including Dr. Portia Choi, Lily Hirsch, Dr. Rae Ann Kumelos, Erin Miller, Nick Strobel, and Reggie Williams.
On April 11-12th, our Office of Institutional Effectiveness team including Craig Hayward, Karen Snow, David Buitron, Alma Livingston, and Nicole Griffin attended the 2018 RP Conference, the largest gathering of institutional researchers and planners in the California Community College System.
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Craig Hayward at the RP Conference
Craig Hayward, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, presented during multiple sessions on a range of topics such as student outcomes and policy changes with AB 705, tips and tools for identifying disproportionate impact, and shared how BC’s new program mapper can help clarify the path. Alma Livingston, Research Analyst, also presented with Craig Hayward on how academic advising and CCSSE data benchmarks can guide student engagement and success outcomes, while Karen Snow, Research Analyst, gave a poster presentation on how CATEMA is an integrative tool that will advance student equity. So proud of the OIE team. #WeAreBC
Karen Snow at the RP Conference
It’s a great day any time we get to share and learn ideas for best practices among a group of amazing CA Community Colleges! The tools and information learned at the event will positively impact how institutional research, planning, and effectiveness can positively transform our institution for student success.
Alma, Nicole, and David from BC’s OIE
UC and CCC sign agreement to boost transfers
Chancellor Eloy Oakley at BC, May 2017
Exciting news from the University of California and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office this week. The UC President Janet Napolitano and CA Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines goals and details of how the community colleges and the UC’s will work together in “Enhancing Student Transfer.” The goals are to guarantee admission for all California Community College Transfer students to the University of California campuses. For details on how our ADT’s could work to our students’ advantage in guarantying acceptance at a UC and how TAGs will be effected, I encourage you to read the University of California’s Article.
KCMEA Jazz Day
Speaking of why I am the luckiest and happiest college president ever! BC had the privilege of hosting the third annual KCMEA Jazz Day on Thursday. Our very own Kris Tiner, Director of the Jazz Studies Program, and member of Kern County Music Educators’ Association has been working hard over the last four months to organize and produce this annual event in between his regular faculty duties.
The Highland High Jazz Band performs in the Indoor Theater on April 12th.
With 10 high school ensembles, 3 junior high groups, and a showcase performance by the BC Jazz Ensemble, it was a festival of music and peer sharing in the Simonsen Performing Arts Center, but as Kris said “the focus of Jazz Day is education.”
Taft High School Jazz Ensemble performs in the Indoor Theater
Unlike many competitive festivals, students who participate in Jazz Day have the opportunity to interact directly with expert clinicians and Bakersfield College music faculty. Each group receives a private half-hour clinic in the band room where they polish and refine their performance, and then they play their set on the Indoor Theater stage. Their performances are professionally recorded and additional clinicians give written feedback. Students are immersed in great music throughout the day – sharing, listening, and learning together!
Head clinician Adam Benjamin works with students from Mira Monte High School
You can see why I am so lucky and happy to be the president of a college with such great faculty so involved in the community and furthering education throughout the county.
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This year’s head clinician was Adam Benjamin, a Grammy-nominated pianist with the band Kneebody, and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. Benjamin performed with the BC Faculty Jazz Ensemble and gave a masterclass where he treated the audience to an incredible solo piano performance.
BC Faculty Jazz Ensemble with pianist Adam Benjamin (photo by Pete LeGrant)
Afterward, the BC Jazz Ensemble took the stage to perform a selection of tunes from their “BC Jazz plays The Beatles” concert coming up on April 23. Read this great article about the KMCEA Jazz Day, Kris’ observations on the state music education, and all of the support from Bakersfield College faculty and administration in Matt Munoz’ Bakersfield Californian Article MATT MUNOZ: KCMEA helps touts music education and all that jazz.
Basketball Academy at BC!
I was extremely excited to hear our first session of the BC Basketball Academy had 46 participants. We had past and present Renegades coaching, high school coaches who played or had children play for me and Several BC alumni who brought their children, which is what the RENEGADE SPIRIT is all about.
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Coach Dahl’s opening message was that we celebrate mistakes because that means you are learning and you have to be uncomfortable to truly become great. The camp ended with a great message from Stig Jantz about the importance of hard work, doing your job and serving others.
Joint EOPS and MESA Student Educational Excursion
EOPS and MESA students kicked off their spring break by visiting UC Davis, UC Berkeley and San Jose State. EOPS and MESA collaborated to identify students interested in STEM majors who are participating in both programs to provide them with a 3-day Educational Excursion. The purpose of this collaboration is to encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue STEM majors. BC alumni currently attending each of the respective campuses greeted the EOPS and MESA students. They provided personal tours and highlighted STEM facilities, majors, support services such as EOP and MESA, and shared their respective experience as transfer students.
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At UC Davis, BC alumni, Emily Schoenborn shared her experience as a transfer student and provided helpful tips to help prepare students for the UC application process as well as the transition. During the visit to UC Berkeley, BC Alumni, Colton Nichelson and Janell Orazco welcomed our EOPS/MESA students and provided a personalized campus tour, shared the benefits of being a student at UC Berkeley, and challenged their peers to go beyond their comfort zone. The final excursion stop was at San Jose State University where BC Alumni, Jose Sanchez, dedicated his Sunday morning to highlight his campus and provided insight on the transfer process as well as the importance of internships. As the students made their way back to the parking lot, BC Alumni, Vu Nguyen and Andrea Hernandez, spotted our BC students. They also briefly, shared their experience in relocating and preparing for transfer. Students who attended the trip were appreciative of the experience and returned highly motivated and encouraged. Special thanks to EOPS and MESA staff for coordinating this successful educational trip.
EOPS Priority Registration Festival
The EOPS department conducted their Registration Festival during first day priority registration on April 4th from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Prior to this day, pre-registration workshops were conducted to provide additional assistance on course registration planning to students. The majority of the students served under the EOPS, CARE, and CalWORKs programs were prepared to register since they already had their courses mapped out on their Comprehensive Student Educational Plan, which is closely monitored and updated by the EOPS Faculty Counselors during each of their three counseling contacts requirement.
There was a constant flow of students from the beginning through the end of the Registration Festival. Although many of their students were prepared to register on their own, the Registration Festival was offered to EOPS students wanting help with registration from counselors and peer mentors.
Seen on Media both social and traditional
Our Chamber Singers received an extra special surprise when the 1965 BC Choir came out to surprise them with a donation to their Australia Tour.
Our faculty are the best — check out the video snippet of Olivia Garcia being interviewd
I saw Olivia Garcia, History Faculty quoted in a news coverage on KERO. Always great to see our faculty contributing to the community.
Gadfly Cafe
Professor of Philosophy, Reggie Williams hosted the Gadfly Café with the topic, “What is beauty?”
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The hour long, round table discussion was packed with students, faculty and staff from all ages and backgrounds with most not afraid to voice their opinions when called on.
Reggieopened of the conversation with a question: “What is beauty and what does it mean to you?” Thank you Reggie for providing these enriching opportunities for discussion and exploration.
Spring Fling
The postponed Spring fling Carnival was well worth the wait. You may remember it was postponed because of the beautiful rain we had a few weeks ago. It was great to see Renegades and their families come out for the carnival fun.
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Central California World Language Project
Last Saturday, April 11 was the last CCWLP workshop for this academic year. Central California World Language Project offers this program to the foreign language teachers of Kern County to assist them in keeping current in their field. This academic year, we had 58 participants. Bakersfield College is proud to be the host institution for this project.
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Celebrating Pam Boyles
Professor Pam Boyles was inducted into the North High Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 7, 2018. It was a great event and I wish I got the video of Pam’s speech from Andrea to publish it on my blog. Pam’s remarks were from the heart and recognized various coaches who had shaped her life include Coach Pam Kelley.
There was a “Pam Fan Club” group from BC that sat together at the event to celebrate this amazing woman…a great athlete, a great teacher, a great leader,….and an amazing grandma 🙂
Let’s read about Pam (Ash) Boyles, North High class of 1983. Love the pitcture!
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Sandi Taylor, Andrea Thorson, Keith Ford
Ann Tatum, Sonya Christian, Pam Boyles, Kate Pluta
Coach Casey Goodman putting BC Softball on the map
It was a treat heading to our softball game against Alan Hancock. BC won 5-1 and it was a delight waking up in the morning and seeing Jon Mettus’ article header BC Softball cements dominance at top of Conference. Yes! Check out the article herehttps://tinyurl.com/y7f572yu
The BC College community came out in full force to support the team including Trustee Romeo Agbalog whom you see in the picture below. We had the KCCD Board of Trustees meeting on campus earlier in the day and President of the Board, Trustee Kay Meek, congratulated the Softball Team.
I stayed for two innings and then headed out and ran into Pam Boyles and Robert Boyles heading in to support our students. And then ran into Coach Scott Damron (Womens Soccer) and Coach Vayron Martinez (Mens Soccer) heading in. I am the luckiest and happiest college president ever!
Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference
The Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference is this Thursday, April 19th at the Rabobank Arena. Buy your tickets today http://bakersfieldwomen.org/
Norma Rojas Mora and I were on Univision promoting the conference. Here is a photo of us with Ofelia Aguirre.
While I was browsing my news feed this week, an article caught my eye titled “Three stories that exemplify the healing power of a pet” on USA Today. I was surprised to see it features BC student, Alex Knaak and his adopted Chihuahua, Loki.
Please comment and share with me any stories you have of your loved pets. I/We would love to read them!
Btw, what did you get your pet on Pets Day, April 11 2018?
That’s all for now.
Until next time.
With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever
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.
The luncheon was extremely informative, as Mayor Goh discussed branding efforts taking place in Bakersfield to promote our city to outsiders as a great place to live, work and play. I was struck, yet again, by the homelessness issues in our community and am proud of the work being done by Louis Gill and the Homeless Shelter. Karen Goh also highlighted education, workforce development and economic development in the State of the City.
City Manager Alan Tandy updated us on the Thomas Road Improvement Project and recognized Congressman Bill Thomas for bringing in the resources to us from Washington DC. Tandy then spoke about a proposed Public Safety & Vital Services Measure that will appear on the November 6 ballot.
The BC-NRCS internship is a 6 week program generously sponsored by BC-MESA supporters such as AERA Energy and Chevron. There is a rigorous competitive process for selecting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students through essays, and interviews that intern Jose Mercado-Solis said “was totally worth it.” Four students were selected this year and three attended the first session which ended July 6
Then we had an aboriginal experience where a man demonstrated how to throw Spears. Next everyone learned actually tried to throw a boomerang! Some were incredible at it. Then we learned how to play the didgeridoo which was amazing! And we saw some aboriginal dancing and again heard the didgeridoo. If all that wasn’t amazing enough we also experienced kangaroos right next to us and were able to pet them!!! We also saw other Australian animals including wallaby, Tasmanian devil, cassowary, and more. But the best part was holding and taking a picture with a koala!!!! It was on my list. “Must do’s” in Australia. I only wish I could have held it a little longer.
Things are heating up at the BC Panorama Campus with Measure J construction projects!
Gilbert Merjil, Groundsworker II – 31 years, 2 months
Andrea Garrison Professor, Biology 28 years, 8 months May 11, 2018
Odella Johnson Professor, Academic Development 24 years, 10 months
Susan McQuerrey Professor, ELS 25 years, 10 months
Jimmy (Smitty) Smith, Skilled Craftsworker, M&O Technician 17 years, 3 months
Dennis Spencer, Electronics Technician – 10 years, 2 months
The English Department hosted its first English Department Student Colloquium in the Levan Center on Friday, April 13, 2018. The Colloquium held an essay contest from which three finalists were selected to present at the Colloquium and compete for awards generously donated by the Levan Center. The English Colloquium Committee was pleased with the many well-written submissions they received from Bakersfield College students.
The 2018 issue of the Levan Humanities Review is published! This years issue has thoughtful, engaging pieces, including the Sufi concept of divine love, the meaning of public, including Confederate, statues, Father Garces, and Gerald Haslam’s essay on the valley and his life as a writer. The editors invite you to enjoy this issue, which will contribute to our daily search for wisdom and our understanding of how the humanities help us in that search.
My life changed forever in an amazing way the day I adopted Neo. 
