Tag Archives: Evergreen Valley College

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

The movie musical Wicked – the untold story of the witches of Oz – has taken the world by storm. It’s a great story about prejudices, first impressions, unlikely friendships, discrimination and persecution.

Check out the amazing choreography and vocal performances from “What is this Feeling”:

Amanda Gorman, who was our nation’s first ever youth poet laureate, wrote the poem “Do Us Good,” inspired by “Wicked.”

With heart alight, I raise a cheer,
For laughter, love, and dreams held dear.
A life lived big, in joy I soar,
Grateful today and evermore.

Good morning California. Happy Thanksgiving!
It is November 30, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Moreno Valley College’s Serrato Named 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for Transformative Work in Credit for Prior Learning

Arlene Serrato, a dedicated leader in the field of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), has been honored as the 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for her exceptional work advancing equitable access and career attainment for students at Moreno Valley College. Her efforts have helped thousands of students earn college credits for their prior learning, saving them both time and money while significantly impacting their educational journeys.

» Read more!


LACCD Wins Prestigious Award for Pioneering Sustainability in Design

The Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop Replacement project at Los Angeles Mission College was recognized with the prestigious Merit for Design Award at the Annual CCFC Conference. The facility will be LACCD’s first Net-Positive facility; 574 solar PV panels will have the capability to produce up to 252,560 KW of renewable power—over 115% of the facility’s average daily use.

» Read more!


Former City College of San Francisco Parking Lot
Will Soon House More than 1,000 Residents

Construction will begin soon on the major Balboa Reservoir housing development to be located just west of City College’s Ocean campus. The project’s development team held a Community Update meeting on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, in the plaza on Ocean Avenue next to the Muni bus turnaround. A large map of the planned project was spread out for the public to view, and many representatives from the project were present to answer questions.  

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Voice of San Diego – The Progress Report: More San Diego Unified Students
Are Taking College Courses Than Ever Before  

“We work very closely with the principals. We work very closely with the counselors,” said Mesa College President Ashanti Hands. “We do outreach at each of those schools so that they’re consistently hearing from our current students who are enrolled. We do parent outreach to the families in the communities as well to make sure that people are aware of the opportunities that we provide.” 

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Our community came together for food and fellowship in the season of giving thanks. See our programs: International, Umoja and Student Affairs Office.

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From El Camino College:

Happy Thanksgiving, Warriors! Campus will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday. Have a terrific weekend and enjoy the extended break from classes. Now, let’s throw it back to last week’s Turkey Giveaway hosted by CA Senator @SteveBradford!

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From Las Positas College:

Yesterday we celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Viticulture and Winery Technology program Buildings 3600 and 3700! We are incredibly excited about the opportunities these new buildings and state of the art technology will bring to students interested in careers and/or lifelong learning in the viticulture and enology industry. Thank you to Livermore @mayormarchand for attending to celebrate as well as representatives from the Office of Congressman @repdesaulnier, Office of Representative Bauer Kahan, and Office of Congressman @ericswalwell.

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And check out this video from the ribbon cutting for Gavilan’s Hollister campus:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Apprenticeship Program Promotes Valuable Opportunities for Students and Community

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Bakersfield College hosted an event designed to connect students with the BC Apprenticeship team and highlight the importance of apprenticeships in building successful careers. The event, held on November 28 and 29, provided students and community members an opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship programs and the resources available to help them succeed in the workforce.

Throughout the two-day event, the BC Apprenticeship team set up a welcoming station in the Renegade Crossroads, where they greeted attendees with hot coffee, delicious treats, and valuable information about apprenticeship opportunities in various fields. The team is dedicated to supporting students and community members at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, sharing insights into the benefits of apprenticeships, including firsthand training, certifications, and the potential for long-term career growth.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Innovative Programs at California Community Colleges Transform Lives

I began my week in San Diego, for the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding finalizing Assembly Bill 91  granting students living in Mexico, within 45 miles of the California-Mexico border, the opportunity to attend community colleges in San Diego and Imperial Valley at in-state tuition rates. 

Southwestern College hosted the event.

See if you can spot Assembly Member David Alvarez and Senator Steve Padilla

Was happy to meet the students … an Architecture major and Graphic Design major…. also met Marisol Tapia undersecretary for education from Mexico.

The next day, I attended the graduation ceremony for Southwestern College’s Restorative Justice graduates at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility.

RJ Donovan Graduation Class.
See if you can spot President Mark Sanchez and Senator Josh Newman

What’s not to like about San Diego?

Then it was from San Diego to Seattle:

I watched the boats coming in early morning from Bainbridge and other islands….

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away

Good morning California.
It is October 26, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

New Program at Irvine Valley College Opens Doors to Legal Profession

A new initiative at Irvine Valley College (IVC) is championing diversity in the legal field. The Pathways to Law School program, which is now underway at IVC, is overseen by June McLaughlin, an IVC professor and director of its American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies program.  Created to establish a pipeline of diverse legal students to reflect California’s multicultural population in the workforce, the statewide initiative is a collaboration between the California Community Colleges and the State Bar of California through California LAW, a nonprofit organization.

» Read more!


San Jose City College’s American Indian and Alaskan Native
Student Resource Center Officially Opens

The American Indian and Alaskan Native Student Success Center opened in the Learning Resource Center  Oct. 9 to much jubilation from the crowd and organizers. The ribbon-cutting ceremony contained food, poems, songs and student speakers at a grand opening that had been undertaken for years. 

» Read more!


Cerro Coso Community College Hosts Astronaut

Cerro Coso Community College recently held an event featuring a guest lecture by Michael López-Alegría, the world-renowned astronaut. Over 250 students from local middle and high schools attended the morning session, asking Michael questions, and gaining unique insights into the life of an astronaut. The afternoon session welcomed over 200 community members, who also interacted with Michael, making it an enriching and inspiring experience for all.

» Read more!


In Case You Missed It

Launch of the Community College Dashboard will help to increase financial aid applications for more community college students

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has partnered with the California Community College Chancellors Office (CCCCO) to create a new data dashboard that will enable 115 California Community Colleges (CCC) to monitor the completion of financial aid applications.

The new California Community College FAFSA/CADAA Dashboard (CCC Dashboard) was launched on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Modeled after the Race to Submit dashboard for high schools, the CCC Dashboard will enable community college campuses to monitor FAFSA and CADAA completion rates and help identify students who may still need assistance, ultimately facilitating a smoother financial aid process.

» Read more!

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Save the Date & Register Now: Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs

The California Community Colleges Student Housing event will center on students’ needs and bring together student housing operators and prospective operators from across the state. Most importantly, connecting with colleagues from across the state who have a passion for student housing. This is an all-day event where you can immerse yourself in insightful discussions, hear from experienced and new housing operators, and learn from subject matter experts on emerging and best student housing practices.

Tuesday, November 12 at Sierra College

» Learn more & Register!

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Virtual Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Summit

Discover the latest changes and collaborations designed to streamline credential and career attainment, as well as ensure proper CPL allocation to our valued working adults, apprentices and veterans. We are thrilled to announce the MAP cohort will expand to support all 116 California community colleges in the 2024-25 academic year, through our partnership with the Chancellor’s Office. Speakers from the Chancellor’s Office, MAP Initiative and the Academic Senate for California Community College (ASCCC) will share CPL best practices and strategies to optimize student access and outcomes.

Friday, November 1 – Virtual

» Learn more & Register!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Art student Debi McKee did her first mural! It is located in Welch Park, off Tully Road, across the street from Eastridge Mall.

Here is a photo of Debi standing before the mural and next to the designing artist Andy Kong Knight (another former student). Andy was commissioned by the City of San Jose to do the mural, and he asked Debi to be his assistant. Debi ended up doing a large part of the mural and gained a lot of real-world experience.

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From Antelope Valley College:

Thank you to everyone who joined Equity and Student Achievement last week for a festive event celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of Hispanic and Latin America as Hispanic Heritage Month came to a close!

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From Compton College:

The Compton College Board of Trustees proudly recognized the Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for their unwavering dedication to the betterment of the Compton community.

Since their chartering on March 6, 1989, the Compton Alumnae Chapter has been a beacon of public service, addressing vital issues in education, health, and community development. Their commitment to “Sisterhood First” and “Moving Compton Forward” through meaningful service continues to inspire us all.

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And check out this video from Cypress College’s International Cultural Festival:


And From the Home of the Renegades

Collaboration of BC Agriculture and Culinary Arts
Creates Delicious Food While Promoting Sustainability

The Bakersfield College Agriculture and Culinary Arts Departments have teamed together for a unique collaboration, displaying the talents of both programs through stunning cuisine. This inspiring collaboration showcases the heart of the farm-to-table concept, bringing the freshest ingredients from the BC edible garden directly into the hands of our aspiring chefs, creating vibrant dishes that highlight sustainability, flavor, and creativity.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 
Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

California Community Colleges: Celebrating Rising Scholars Milestones and Achievements

Woke up this morning to the news that Maggie Smith had passed. A legend.

One of my very favorite Maggie Smith roles is in the move Sister Act. Check out this 2-min video.

And the NY Times has a long piece on her – https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/arts/maggie-smith-dead.html

Started this week with the BOG meeting at San Bernardino Valley College. What a phenomenal visit to the campus. Here are some photos.

Here are the BOG members who were able to join the meeting in person.

We did a great tour of the STEM-MESA center. Here is a selfie that Board Member Joseph Williams snapped. See if you can spot Board Members Tom Epstein and Bill Rawlings

We had dinner at the KVCR studio. What a treat! Former senator Connie Leyva is now the Executive Director of the PBS station. We also met Assembly member Eloise Reyes – I sat next to her at dinner and thoroughly enjoyed her warmth and care for our students and community.

Snapped this photo of John Stanskas when he presented to the BOG.

After the BOG meeting, I headed to Irvine for the 10-year anniversary of the Rising Scholars Network.

So many great speakers, including Le Barron Woodyard who stepped in for Tonya Williams, Martha Garcia, Keith Curry, Chelsea Esquibias, Anthony Cordova, Bryan Hirayama – and Rising Scholar graduates Serafin Leon, Isaiah Posey and Marquis Jiles.

We were joined by BOG members Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Bill Rawlings.

Did you know – one academic year of graduates saved over $27 MILLION in incarceration costs?

Serafin was in the first graduating class in 2019 at the Kern Valley State Prison – I was president of BC at that time. Check out this 37-sec video.

And now, here I am with Serafin 5 years later at the 10-year anniversary celebration of the statewide Rising Scholars program legislated in 2024 with the passage of AB 1391.

Was wonderful reuniting with he BC team who made this program happen.

And Vicki Coffee snapped this selfie.

Forever grateful to Bryan Hirayama for doing the first fully in-person course in the state of California in Spring 2015.

Following the Rising Scholars 10-year celebration was the DEIA Institute which opened with Tom Heasley’s BC Drumline. Just fantastic ….

Here is a panel with Gina Brown, Tony Cordova, and John Stanskas who joined us via zoom. Clearly Stanskas said something witty…

and here is John…


Good morning California.
It is September 28, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mt. San Jacinto College Celebrates Grand Opening
of New STEM Building at the San Jacinto Campus

Mt. San Jacinto College proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art STEM Building at the San Jacinto Campus. A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by college officials, local leaders, and community members celebrated the completion of this transformative facility designed to enhance educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

» Read more!


Santa Rosa Junior College Awarded $3 million HSI Grant
From U.S. Department of Education

Santa Rosa Junior College has been awarded a $3 million grant, to be received over 5 years, from the U.S. Department of Education under the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program. This grant will fund the college’s latest initiative, Transformando, aimed at enhancing SRJC’s ability to serve its growing Latinx and underrepresented student populations.

» Read more!


New Ballot Drop Box Unveiled at Woodland Community College and Voter Registration Drive Announced

In a significant step toward expanding voter accessibility, Woodland Community College (WCC), in partnership with Yolo County Elections and the League of Women Voters, is proud to announce the unveiling of a new permanent ballot drop box at the Woodland campus. This initiative is aimed at providing easier and more convenient access for students, staff, and the community to securely submit their vote-by-mail ballots during local, state, and national elections.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Undocumented Student Action Week: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible

Register today for the Eighth Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on Oct. 14 – 18, 2024. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California and our statewide partners for a week of collaboration and supporting students, faculty and those involved in advocating for undocumented students.

» Register for virtual events

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2024 System Webinar: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible

Join California Community Colleges on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the System Webinar “Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible.”

» Register now!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Board of Governors Member & Kern CCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg shared this photo from the BOG visit to San Bernardino Valley College:

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From Fresno City College:

Thank you,@senatortoniatkins for letting us showcase the @fccwestfresnocenter We continue to empower our students with hands-on skills & opportunities for the future. We appreciate your dedication to advancing education & workforce development!

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From Santiago Canyon College:

Santiago Canyon College is continuing its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The college’s First Year Support Center, SCC TRiO and TRiO Future Teachers sponsored a workshop on Tuesday afternoon, titled Breaking Barriers: Latino Men in Education.

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From Evergreen Valley College:

Our latest graduates from our Tesla START program finished a 16-week intensive program as employees of the automotive company. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

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From Saddleback College:

Happy Birthday to us! Today we celebrate 56 years since we first welcomed students to our interim campus (where Mission Hospital sits today). Students finally took their first classes on the campus we occupy today in 1970.



And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Writing Centers Offer Renegades Valuable Support and Resources

The Bakersfield College Writing Center proudly offers its services to all BC students, allowing Renegades to hone the craft of writing throughout all areas – from structural elements and stylistic improvements to public speaking and academic reading. More than that, BC’s specialized Writing Consultants are determined to help students gain independence and confidence in their academic reading, writing, and English language speaking, while also equipping them to take those life-long skills into their careers.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CCs – Enhancing Academic Landscape

July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step foot on the moon.

Since then, 10 additional astronauts have walked on the moon. Harrison Schmitt and Gene Cernan were the last to walk on the moon, as part of Apollo 17 in December 1972.

NASA is again working toward a moon landing, with the Artemis program. Artemis 2, which will launch no earlier than September 25, will take 4 astronauts on a flyby of the moon. Artemis 3, planned for 2026, will be the first American crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.

Good morning California.
It is July 20, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego Mesa College Installs Accessible Wellness Vending Machine

San Diego Mesa College recently introduced a Wellness Vending Machine stocked with reduced cost and free essential items. The vending machine, created by San Diego company Dotstash, brings equity and affordability in the health space to students and the greater Mesa College community. The installation is part of The Wellness Vending Machine Pilot Program.

» Read more!


Lemoore College Breaks Ground: New Visual Arts & Applied Sciences Building

Lemoore College unveils the ambitious beginnings of a transformative project to enhance its academic landscape: the construction of the new Visual Arts & Applied Sciences (VAAS) building. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the college’s endeavor to enrich its facilities and academic offerings, signaling a forward-thinking approach to education.

» Read more!


Evergreen Valley College Hosts High School Students
at TRiO Upward Bound Program

This summer, EVC’s TRiO Upward Bound program has hosted high school students. They have been immersed in the experience of going to college by taking a sociology class (and earning college credit) and building friendships across a few of our area high schools. President Denise Noldon and Vice Presidents Matais Pouncil and Howard Willis spoke before them. All three were in the TRiO program and later worked for TRiO and their respective campuses. Chancellor Beatriz Chaidez also spoke to the EVC students.

» Learn more about the program!



In Case You Missed It

CalChamber Advocacy: Local Workforce Development and Economic Mobility Have Extensive Community College Underpinnings

Through diverse and innovative workforce development programs and initiatives, California Community Colleges are directly shaping the future of the state’s workforce by addressing industry needs, bridging skill gaps and providing students with practical training and opportunities for economic advancement and career success.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

Cheering on Coach Oeding as he leads the U.S. Women’s Water Polo team in Paris!

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From Lake Tahoe Community College:

LTCC students and Washoe Tribe members earned their S212 Sawyer Certifications in a recent wildland fire course, mastering safe chainsaw operation and clearing downed trees from the meadow trail.

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From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:

It was wonderful to hear about the growth, successes, and future plans of the @Bakersfield_Cal during the State of the City Luncheon hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. A special thank you to the City Council and Bakersfield city staff for steering the city in the right direction. I am excited for the present and future of Bakersfield on its path to becoming the 8th largest city in California.

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From El Camino College:

Today, the ECC Men’s Soccer Team was presented their 2023 state and national championship rings! We’re proud of our scholar athletes and all they have accomplished.

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And check out College of San Mateo’s episode of The College Tour:


Blast from the Past

From back in 2021, my remarks from BC’s Educators for Peace virtual event:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC and The Wonderful Company Collaboration
Receives Golden (VR) Goggles Award

A unique educational collaboration between Bakersfield College and The Wonderful Company was the recent recipient of the 2024 Golden (VR) Goggles Award, an award that recognizes innovative and transformative uses of VR training in the logistics industry. Through the collaboration, a program was developed that features forklift training simulators that utilize virtual reality software to teach proper operation and safety techniques.

» Read more!

And check out the video below –

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CCs starting the new year 2024 full throttle

Santa Barbara – what’s not to love?

This week, I attended the Dual Enrollment conference at Santa Barbara City College.

Student Trustee Paul Medina, SBCC Trustee Jonathan Abboud and SBCC President Erika Endrijonas participated in an awesome panel moderated by Tonya Williams, titled “Mobilizing Vision 2030.”

Our new Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, Anthony Cordova, and Don Daves-Rougeaux, Senior Advisor, Workforce and Strategic Partnerships, were also on hand to discuss Career Education and Dual Enrollment.

It was also so much fun to catch up with Kylie Campbell. Here we are in the photo with Naomi Castro

Good morning California.
It is January 13, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Los Angeles Trade Tech College Hosts Barber Battle

Last December, LATTC’s Cosmetology Pathway hosted its first barber battle. 33 of the college’s Barbering students faced off in a competition across six categories, including Best Haircut & Style, Most Creative, The GOAT (greatest of all time), Fastest Fade, Crispiest Lineup, and Best Beard Style.

» Read more!


Yuba College Receives Grants to Extend Zero Textbook Cost Efforts

Many students at Yuba College will soon see their textbook costs be dramatically reduced, or eliminated entirely, following the awarding of a series of grants designed to help institutions create or utilize existing open educational resources (OER). OER are teaching or learning materials that are free to students because they exist in the public domain and are designed with the intent of sharing freely.

» Read more!


College of the Canyons Earns Carnegie Classification

College of the Canyons is the only California community college to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

» Read more!


Evergreen Valley College Celebrates Latest Tesla START Program Graduates

Congratulations to Evergreen Valley College‘s latest graduates of our Tesla START program, one of two programs in the state devoted to this discipline. The program has had a 100 percent graduation rate and is ranked No. 1 for women wanting to get into the field. It also places graduates around the Bay Area and in places like Arizona and Tennessee within Tesla.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Headline

GV Wire: What’s the Secret Sauce
in State Center’s Enrollment Boom?

“State Center Community College District appears to be on track to set a new high-water mark for student enrollments, erasing the losses that occurred after the pandemic. The district, which includes colleges in Fresno and Madera counties, is about 3% under the record set in the 2019-2020 school year, just as the pandemic was arriving and forced classes to move online.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From David O’Brien:

The hardest-working Government Relations team in higher education is working hard on analyzing the State budget and helping @CalCommColleges ensure we have the resources to continue serving our students, our communities, and the planet!

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From Clovis Community College:

President Armstrong at the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Essay & Speech contest reception at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District

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From American River College:

At just 13 years old Alan Daniel started the long journey to fulfill his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Alan, now 14, enrolled at American River College as a biology major, taking some initial pre-requisite classes while working to complete his high school graduation requirements. Starting with the Spring 2023 semester, Alan plans on becoming a full-time ARC student where he will focus on completing his transfer requirements. He hopes to be transfer-ready at 15 and to start the next phase of his education journey at UC Davis or Sac State.



And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Launches Spring 2024 Semester with Series of Welcome Week Events

Each semester, the BC Office of Student Life hosts a series of Welcome Week events to promote student engagement and provide important information for new and returning students. 

This semester’s Welcome Week events will feature “Pop by and Play” where students can participate in various lawn games, including soccer, volleyball and a bounce house, a trivia night, an evening of video games and board games, Campus Rush, and more. 

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog