Good morning Bakersfield. It is Saturday, September 26, 2020…a great day to be a Renegade.
Another Jack Hernandez:
The Heart’s Hymn
We walk through this valley shadowed with smoke, walk by those masked concealing all but eyes watching out for invisible death.
Our hurried silence smothers laughter, we smile to ourselves, smoke however dark cannot quell the light of the heart’s hymn to life.
Beautiful Bakersfield Award
Bakersfield College is proud to be a pillar in this community, serving as an engine for economic and social mobility for tens of thousands of students and their families. We are honored to be nominated for the 2020 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards. Thank you Greater Bakersfield Chamber for the exciting nomination.
HEAL Webinar Launches
Bakersfield College’s Rural Health Equity And Learning (HEAL) Collaborative hosted a webinar on Tuesday, focusing on the Central Valley in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The afternoon gave public health leaders an opportunity to discuss advancing strategies around the mental health of vulnerable communities, the barriers faced by migrant workers, contact tracing for disease control, and the need to reshape public health infrastructure.
Dr. Kathleen Murphy, one of our featured speakers, also wrote this article calling for a “second public health revolution.”
Dr. Kathleen Murphy
She wrote about the need for equity and a focus on human health and well-being in our federal laws. Human health should be a determining factor in every aspect of legislation – she notes that even housing policies, school districts or road design can have a profound impact on our ability to live a healthy life, but impact on health is often not considered.
Dr. Murphy and Dr. Pollack Porter, who co-wrote the article, call for a Congressional Health Office to help guide legislation toward promoting public health, and to look for any unintended negative consequences proposed laws could have on our public health.
Dr. Kathleen Murphy and I
COVID Testing at BC
Bakersfield College is continuing our commitment to provide high quality support services to the community.
Alongside Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Public Health Services Dept. and the #KernCoLatinoCOVIDTaskForce, BC held free COVID-19 testing this past week on the Panorama campus.
Thank you to all who participated in making this happen for the community.
Opening Day 2020: A Better BC
On Day 3 of our Opening Day Celebration, Maintenance & Operations Executive Director Bill Potter and I shared an update on our Measure J construction projects on campus.
For more videos from our Opening Day 2020 celebration, visit the Opening Day website.
This week, Bill also presented updates on our Measure J projects to the Kern Economic Development Corporation.
Umoja Club speaker provides budgeting advice to students
Umoja Club students and a picture of Alana
Financial aid just dropped — money that must last students the rest of the semester. Budget Coach Alana Herbert offered tips and strategies to students in the Umoja Club.
Alana, who is a college counselor at KIPP So Cal, shared information on budgeting, saving, credit scores, and investing.
Alana called budgets a “conscious spending plan,” and she advised students to check in with their plan on a regular basis using whatever system works. The idea is that “every dollar has a purpose,” she said.
With the app, students created the sample budget of a student who had monthly income from a part-time job and a one-time financial aid payment that had to last three months. The student had school, housing, transportation, and personal care expenses. Umoja students considered the fixed expenses as well as the flexible expenses and devised a plan to set aside funds for emergencies.
Alana advised students to use the 50/20/30 formula with 50% needs, 20% wants, 30% saving.
Some of Alana’s tips on sticking to a budget
The Umoja Club has activities the first and third Thursdays of every month. Officers include Blake Burton, Sha’ron Bradley, Alexis Brown, Zariyah Hall, Aaron Beal, and Tahnjanique Teague. The Club advisor is Umoja Coordinator Dr. Paula L. Parks.
BC-SW Building Update
This week I received an email from Lee Caldwell with photos of construction of BC Southwest. The project is coming along and looks great!
Early College Website gets a facelift
Our Early College department has been hard at work to revamp and simplify their website. The finished product was rolled out this past week.
Visitors of the website can find information on what Early College is and what options high school students who want to take college courses have. The team worked to simplify the concurrent enrollment process and provide up-to-date information on the programs, pathways, and courses available through each high school partner. Stop by and take a look when you have time!
Suzanne Tangeman, Faculty Chair of the Food & Nutrition Program, shared these photos of our culinary arts students. Some of our hands-on courses are returning to campus, but with extra safety precautions. As you can see, our culinary arts students are wearing masks and face shields:
Community Voices
I wanted to share a few Community Voices from the Bakersfield Californian this week.
“The phantom of fear is the most powerful obstacle on this pilgrimage — the one that builds a thick, high wall around us, within which it whispers, keeping us from examining ourselves and others. We are fearful that when we talk openly with others about our and their beliefs, we may have to recognize and admit that ours have weaknesses and theirs have strengths”
“Our character will be measured by how we respond and act under these circumstances. It is in our hands to help pave the way for a better future. “
#LightACandle: A Juneteenth Conversation
This week, I am sharing a few videos from the #LightACandle production.
Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Alpha Alpha Chapter:
Jamal Wright:
You can find more information, including videos from all the productions, on the BC Juneteenth Website.
Spotted on Social Media
Endee Grijalva, Adult Education Program Manager for South Kern, shared a thank you note she received from a student in the Project Hireup program:
“Over the past 6 weeks, our team has been fully entrenched in cohort #2 of Bakersfield College’s Project Hireup – Homeless to a job. Literally masked up and armored up to fight for the success of every individual who steps into programming. This cannot be possible without every single component in place. People’s lives are literally at stake and carrying that weight can be exhausting sometimes. Today was one of those days but yet again, I’m reminded of the WHY…this is it. There’s no glory or title needed, just this!”
Jenny Frank, Veteran Services and Programs Manager, shared a few photos on Facebook from a road trip she’s taking by motorcycle:
BCSGA continued their #ThrowbackThursday with this Instagram post showing a group of bicyclists riding through the Panorama Campus circa 1978:
BC Nursing shared their own throwback photo on Instagram, from a previous Kern County College Night:
And have you been noticing the Renegade Athletics billboards around town? Check out this post from the Renegade Athletics Facebook page:
Athletics
23ABC Sports Feature on Reggie Bolton and Coach Littlejohn
Reggie Bolton
R. Todd Littlejohn
Local sports reporter Kari Osep did a great piece on our newly hired Dean/AD Reggie Bolton and head football coach R. Todd Littlejohn being the first two African Americans hired in their respective positions at BC. Combined, both men bring 50 years of leadership into their new positions as the department is on the verge of 100 years of existence, being founded in 1922.
Good morning, Bakersfield.
It is Saturday, January 19, 2019… A great day to be a Renegade.
Early College Program Announced!
I am so excited and proud to announce that Senator Jean Fuller will be at the helm of the Early College Program at Bakersfield College. A true blessing for BC! She will lead the necessary intersegmental collaboration, relationships with business and industry, and connections with national policy organizations to scale up Early College regionally and nationally.
Having served in public office from 2006-2018, Jean Fuller
brings over 30 years of experience in education to Bakersfield College. Her desire
to continue working in education at BC is a direct result of her commitment to
working with young people and encouraging them to have the confidence and
support to achieve their dreams.
Jean Fuller Speaking to an audience about her experiences and Early College
Trustee Romeo Agbalog
What is the Early College Program? It is a proven model for quality
and cost-effective college degree completion, particularly in rural communities
with high poverty rates and low educational attainment rates.
Romeo Agbalog, Sonya Christian, Jean Fuller, Abel Guzman, Raquel Lopez at McFarland High Aug 4 2018
Like other states, California is grappling with the increased need for access, efficiency, and excellence in education. By 2030 there will be a projected shortage of 1.1 million workers holding a bachelor’s degree. Kern County continues to rank among the lowest percentages in educational attainment in the nation. The Early College Program implements complementary strategies to expand access to college, increase graduation rates, and reduce time-to-completion. This work is vital for success in Kern county, California, and the nation.
Wonderful Academy Graduates 2018
The Early College model launched in partnership with local charter schools, including Wonderful Ag Career Prep, which introduces students — many who will be first-generation college students — to higher education course material during the summer prior to 9th grade. I was so proud to confer Associate degrees in Agriculture Business for 38 Wonderful Academy students last May 2018. Dual Enrollment, a strategy of early college, has been implemented in 24 Kern County high schools.
By aligning curriculum and adding college-level coursework into the high school schedule, Early College students have the opportunity to earn a certificate or associate degree by their high school graduation. A 2013 study by the American Institutes for Research found that students enrolled in Early College Programs were significantly more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college than students who were not. They are also more likely than their peers to graduate from college and with maximum efficiency in regard to time and resources. The Early College students are performing at or near the same level, and in some cases, at a higher level than their traditional college student peers.
Wonderful Academy Graduates 2018 around the BC circle
Trustee Romeo Agbalog Imagines a Bright Future for Kern County
Kern Community College District Trustee Romeo Agbalog was also in the Bakersfield Californian this week talking about Early College from the perspective of employment in Kern County, opportunity for students, and cutting the cost of college.
Trustee Agbalog is a major supporter of Early College and has been instrumental in bringing this program to fruition. Read the full Bakersfield Californian Community Voice.
First Week of Spring ‘19
We welcomed faculty and students back on a blustery Monday. I’m always excited to see the campus come alive after the empty hallways of winter break. The spring semester is a vibrant time as the weather begins cold but turns sunny and warm as we begin looking forward to commencement and celebrating successes of our graduating students. Thank you Manny De Los Santos for capturing photos of our students and faculty returning to campus.
Campus Center Breaks Ground
We were blessed with a sunny break in the rainy weather on Wednesday morning to hold the groundbreaking ceremony for Bakersfield College’s new Campus Center, the second building to be built using Measure J funds.
Students in Bakersfield College’s Commercial Music program opened the festivities, the BC Drumline marched in to start of the ceremony, followed by a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” by the BC Chamber Singers. On the dais, we were fortunate to have representatives from the offices of Congressman TJ Cox, Senator Shannon Grove, Assemblymember Rudy Salas, and Assemblymember Vince Fong. Representing the Kern Community College District were KCCD Trustees Kay Meek, Romeo Agbalog and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, as well as, retired Trustee and former Congressman Bill Thomas.
Director of Student Life Dr. Nicky Damania, BCSGA President Ashley Harp, Trustee Kay Meeks, Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Trustee Romeo Agbalog
Office of Student Life Director Dr. Nicky Damania was thrilled to lead the the groundbreaking ceremony for a building that will be at the center of student life at BC. Introducing the BCSGA presidents who were on the frontlines to help make the new Campus Center possible, Nicky said, “when we’re working, it’s for these students who are going to be the leaders of the future.”
A succession of BCSGA leaders from previous years addressed the group, each in turn speaking from their personal experience what this new center will mean for students: Alex Dominguez, 2014-15 BCSGA President; Clayton Fowler, 2015-16 BCSGA president; former KCCD Student Trustee Rayven Acosta-Webb, speaking for Matthew Frazer, 2016-17 BCSGA; and Dezi Von Manos, 2017-18 BCSGA President. Then current BCSGA president, Ashley Harp, shared her vision of how the Campus Center will encourage student engagement.
Commemorative Shovel for the Campus Center Ground Breaking
After the Renegade Cheerleaders led the audience in a chant of “We Are BC”, Dr. Damania announced the opening of a time capsule left in the walls of the Administration building upon the Panorama Campus’ completion in 1955.
I’d like to thank Tamara Baker for all her work related to the implementation of Measure J, and I’d like to thank the taxpayers of Kern County once again for investing in community college education. Without your support, neither the Campus Center nor all of our other major construction projects funded through Measure J would be possible. Thank you for voting Yes on J in 2016.
See the entire photo gallery of the Campus Center Ground-breaking on A Better BC Facebook.
Old Campus Center Demolition
Food Services Moves to Huddle
Where do we eat with the cafeteria being demolished? Don’t worry, BC’s Food Services is finding ways to continue to serve our Panorama Campus community. The Panorama Grill has temporarily taken residency in the Gym Huddle. Food Services has also created a “food court”” of food trucks in front of Memorial Stadium and the Gym Huddle. Among the trucks is Pa’L Norte, Banderas Burger Grill, and The Rollin’ Bean. And coming soon, Panorama Grill will add their own food truck: Gades Grub!
As we build A Better BC there will be many department, staff and faculty moves. I would like to thank staff, faculty and students for graciously adjusting to the many changes happening around campus. Keep up on the changes happening on campus at A Better BC.
BC Time Capsule
On Tuesday afternoon, BC’s Student Government gathered students and staff together to open the BC time capsule from 1955. Jerry Ludeke was on hand with information about the cornerstone. Did you know the Masons conducted the cornerstone laying ceremony inside the Administration Building on April 30, 1955, exactly two years after the groundbreaking of the Panorama campus? This gem was filled with newspapers, a student handbook, student directory, and more.
“Only the Educated are Free”
You may view the contents of the capsule in BC Archives located on the second floor of the Grace Van Dyke Library.
Wow, notice the contrast between the past and current technology.
Dr. Nicky Damania will be coordinating the creation a new time capsule to be built into the new Campus Center. Submissions may be suggested to the BCSGA president or sent to Dr. Damania.
I wonder if they realized that Einstein would remain so influential in the future.
Thank you Manny De Los Santos for this short video to commemorate the event.
ITV Classroom Pilot for Dual and Concurrent Enrollment
An overflowing classroom with high school sophomores are participating in the pilot Interactive Television (ITV) Bakersfield College Music B2 class!
To bring dual enrollment course offerings to North High School students, ITV equipment was installed to bring Bakersfield College instruction to the campus. Funded by the College Futures grant, A Bakersfield College team led by Kristen Rabe and Dr. Anna Laven spent the last six months developing the equipment installation plan, which included two 80” TVs and one 65” plus lots of other high tech goodies to exactly mirror the ITV classrooms at BC.
An overflowing classroom with high school sophomores taking the pilot ITV Bakersfield College course.
Developed in collaboration with North high school administration and counselors, the technology brings opportunities to many students for whom transportation to main campus is a significant barrier. As Mark Balch, principal of North describes, “seven miles might as well be 70 for these students”. Showing the strength of the program, over 60 students arrived at the orientation which could take only 30 students. One student indicated she was interested in participating after hearing a dual enrollment presentation during an African-American Mentor Program (AAMP) field trip to campus.
Kyle Burnham, instructor
With incredible support from Dean Manny Mourtzanos and Chair Dr. John Gerhold, the first pilot class begins next week, taught by Kyle Burnham. The department is working diligently to supply additional classes in the future due to demand.
Before picture with KHSD facilities collaborating on the install.
Dual Enrollment Featured in Bakersfield Life
Did you see the article about Dual Enrolment in Bakersfield Life Magazine? Mark Nessia wrote about the partnership with the Kern High school District and BC to “encourage a college-going culture in Kern County.” He quoted our own Anna Laven, Dual Enrollment Program Manager and highlighted the start of dual enrollment at the Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano in partnership with BC. Read the Bakersfield Life Magazine Dual Enrollment Article.
17 News features Norma Rojas Mora
Tabatha Mills, 17 KGET News, featured a beautiful video of BC’s Director of Community and Public Relations, Norma Rojas-Mora, in her Women in Kern County segment. In the video, Norma speaks about her dedication to students, education and insuring students realize the opportunities that are available to them. I’m so honored to have Norma at BC. Read the article and watch the video of Norma on KGET.
BC students continue to ride free with Kern Transit
Kern Transit is continuing a program for all currently enrolled Bakersfield College students to ride free on Kern Transit routes with a valid student ID. Free rides began January 14th and continue through the end of finals week on May 10, 2019.
Students who choose to ride with Kern Transit will not have to struggle with traffic or find parking, and they can focus on their studies as they commute to school. Using public transit helps improve air quality. And students may ride free on all 100-numbered routes, not just on routes to and from the school, so they save money commuting all around Kern County. Thank you Kern Transit!
Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
(L to R) Gabriella Mello, VP Wells Fargo Bank, KCCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Norma Rojas-Mora and Tony Cordova, Bakersfield College, Michael Bowers, Centric Health, Sharlet Briggs, Adventist Health, Heather Pennella, Bakersfield College
It was a pleasure to see so many smiling faces at the 2019 Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Board Installation and Awards Luncheon. We were honored to have friends, partners and KCCD Trustee representatives joining us for this event. Congratulations to the honorees: Josie Martin, named Volunteer of the Year, Kern Economic Development Corporation named association partner of the year, and Young Wooldridge honored as the chamber champion. The Chamber’s executive committee will be chaired by Darlene Mohlke of Castle & Cooke with Derek Jeffery from KGET-TV 17 serving as incoming chairman. They will be joined by Sue Benham, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Rob Duchow, Southern California Gas Co., Denise Newton of Pacific Gas and Electric Co. , Tasha Clayton of Tel-Tec Security, Andy Paulden of Brown Armstrong, Mark Bateman of Young Wooldridge LLP, and Pritesh Patel of Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center.
From the Chamber Website
I look forward to continuing to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors alongside Andy Anderson of Aera Energy LLC, Kristen Beall of Kern Community Foundation, Mary Barlow of Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Sharlet Briggs of Adventist Health Bakersfield, Don Bynum of Temblor Brewing and Bynum & Associates, Leslie Golich of Kaiser Permanente, Rick Jhaj of Countryside Market & Restaurants, Ken Keller of Bakersfield Memorial, Jacob Panera of Varner Brothers and G. Riar of Deprigo.
Darlene Molhke and Jeff Green at the BC Culinary Kitchen working on Em’s treats
It is going to be a great year for the Chamber under the leadership of the fabulous Darlene Mohlke who has a great heart for our community, and who volunteers countless hours serving on boards of various organizations making a significant difference.
Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cohort
Endee Grijalva, Program Manager in Adult Education, and Brandon Urry, Manager of Communications/Community Relations, Athletics, were at the KGET news desk representing BC as members of this year’s Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bakersfield cohort. One Friday of each month the participants learn about a different industry within Kern County. Friday was Communications Day, with KGET welcominig Endee and Brandon.
SGA Power Lunch
Also on Wednesday, BCSGA hosted its first Power Lunch of the semester in the Levan Center, inviting Bakersfield College’s three Vice Presidents to talk about their job duties and how they facilitate all of the work that needs to be done to keep the campus running smoothly.
Left to right: Mike Giacomini, Liz Rozell, Zav Dadabhoy
Mike Giacomini, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, who started at BC about three months ago, described the areas that he oversees, which include budgeting, Maintenance and Operations, Food Services, and Public Safety. Liz Rozell described the Office of Instruction, including all academic programs, enrollment management, and scheduling for BC’s instructional facilities. Zav Dadabhoy described starting in student government at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, which led him to a career in student involvement culminating in his position as Vice President of Student Affairs, the department in charge of financial aid, counseling, tutoring, outreach, athletics and student services in general.
The Vice Presidents answered questions about challenges that arise when managing a campus of over 33,000 students and 1,000 employees, and spoke to the the importance of working together across all of the different departments to solve problems and provide the highest quality of education possible. They also talked about how the KCCD Board of Trustees provides leadership and support for the College.
The three Vice Presidents at Bakersfield College
Many thanks to BCSGA for organizing this educational event for students wanting to learn more about the inner workings of the college. Thanks to Mike, Liz and Zav for this time meeting with students!. And thanks to Food Services for providing lunch!
Renegade Athletics Roundup
If you missed watching the Renegade Report live this last Thursday at 11:00 AM, check out features from this week’s show.
Renegade Athletics is proud to announce this week’s (1/6-1/12) Wells Fargo Renegades of the Week:
Dasia Wandick, Women’s Basketball – Scored a total of 33 points and grabbed 22 rebounds in helping the team to a 64-50 win over Cuesta and a close, 50-48 loss to Allan Hancock.
Marcus Jones, Men’s Basketball – Scored 12 total points and grabbed 10 rebounds in wins over Santa Barbara (94-68) and Cuesta (88-80). Also, was involved in a few crucial plays down the stretch to seal the win against Cuesta.
Renegades moving on to the next level
We are extremely proud of four of our Renegade student athletes who are transferring on to Division I academic and athletic competition this spring after wrapping up their BC careers. From the football team – Carson Olivas is at UCLA, Nathan De Jager is at UNLV and Cam Roberson is at UMass. From our volleyball team – Sarah Armendariz is now with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
BC Alumnus, former Gades football player and current NY Jets player, Rishard Matthew’s posted a shout out to Coach Chudy, gave encouragement to students and showed some Renegade pride this week on Instagram.
Facebook Fun
And I loved this post from Matt Garrett
Fun Photos: Veterans’ Bridge
Kimberly Bligh sent photos from our Veterans’ Bridge to BC. If you missed last week’s article about Veterans’ Bridge to BC, read it now.
Photos
Armando Trujillo, Veteran Services
Fun Photos: Urbane Cafe Sharing the Love for BC
On Tuesday, our near neighbor, Urbane Cafe, offered free sandwiches to BC Students and Staff.
Nicky Damania took advantage of the Shared Love.
Fun Photos: DKG 80th Anniversary
Last Saturday, January 12th, I was honored to join other women educators at the Delta Kapa Gamma (DKG) 80th Anniversary Lunch. DKG, Leading Women Educators, Impacting Education Worldwide, is an organization with a mission to promote professional and personal growth of all women educators.
We are a community of Renegades
Bailey (current Renegade), Charlie (future Renegade), Laura Wallace (alum Renegade)
Received this message from Billie Jo………#WeAreBC.
We are a community of Renegades! 😊 I snapped this picture today at Olive Drive Elementary School of my granddaughter Charlie practicing her sounds at speech therapy. During the visit, I discovered that her speech therapist, Laura Wallace, is a Renegade as well. She graduated with her degree in Child Development in 1982 and had nothing but great things to say about BC. Currently, her two sons are finishing up their coursework here at BC and are transferring to Humboldt State in the fall. From left to right my daughter Bailey (current Renegade), Charlie (future Renegade), and Laura Wallace (alum Renegade).
Fun Photos: Preparing for Spring Term
Last Sunday, a great group gathered at BC SouthWest to help students prepare for the beginning of the Spring term.
Fernando Lara on Sunday at 1:00 giving our new Renegade Taylor a tour of BC-SW.
Talk about fabulous folks at BC!!!!
Fun Photos: Cultivating a College-Going Culture
Love working with this dedicated and passionate group of people who care about the youth and Kern County and work hard to cultivate a college-going culture.
Ben Sherley- KHSD, Steve Watkins-BC, Ana Leyva- Arvin HS, Margarita Rodriguez- BC, Stephen Granucci- Arvin HS, Savannah Andrews- BC, Lesley Bonds-BC, Kylie Swanson- BC, Ed Watts- Arvin HS, Jesse Oropeza-BC, Abel Guzman-BC, Cynthia Zamora-Arvin HS
Fun Photo: Faculty
I love this photo of Deborah Rosenthal, Chemistry Faculty!
Khushnur and Zav Dadhaboy with Nick Strobel at Fox Theater for the viewing of the movie Gandhi
A New Addition to the BC Family
Congratulations to Jeff (art faculty) and Janice Huston on the birth of Jonah David Huston yesterday morning at 3:26 AM!
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.
