My thoughts and prayers are with the Laney College community after the tragic death of Athletic Director and legendary football coach John Beam. The Peralta Community College District shared this beautiful tribute to his legacy.
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This morning, I found myself re-reading The Dash by Linda Ellis.
Between the date when we arrive
and the date we go away,
there exists a horizontal line
that captures every single day.
And because these days we’re living
seem to vanish in a flash,
we need to make the most of
that special little dash.
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A trio of sunsets for you to make three wishes –
Pause, close your eyes, and make three wishes.
Good morning California.
It is November 15, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Allan Hancock Students Design Signage for Nature Preserve
Visitors to the Central Coast’s rugged coastline will soon have a new way to connect with its natural beauty, thanks to Allan Hancock College graphic design students who transformed science into art for the community. A group of nine students in the college’s art, graphic design and multimedia programs teamed up with fine arts instructor Tellef Tellefson and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, located in Lompoc, to design interpretive signage for the Jalama Campground, located adjacent to the preserve.
San Diego Mesa College Fashion Students Redefine Couture
with Sustainable Designs at Laguna Art Museum
On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show. The annual runway event combines community, creativity, and environmental awareness. This year’s theme, Restoring the Future, challenged students to create one-of-a-kind sustainable couture pieces that highlight the many ways local partners are making a difference in the community and beyond.
In Case You Missed It
Commentary: Community colleges are where
American opportunity becomes reality
Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.
From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they serve.
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Community colleges again lead enrollment increases
Undergraduate enrollments for this fall are up again, with community colleges again seeing the largest rate increase, according to preliminary reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center.
Overall undergraduate enrollment is up 2.4% so far, with increases in all sectors, though community colleges are leading with a 4.0% boost, compared to 1.9% at public four-year institutions and 0.9% at private, nonprofit four-year institutions. And, once again this fall, certificates appear to be a driving force — a 6.6% increase, compared to a 3.1% bump for associate degrees and 1.2% for bachelor’s degrees.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Coastline Community College:
Thank you to Santiago High School for visiting our Newport Campus for MESA Day! It was inspiring to see so many bright and eager students exploring their future in higher education.
From Río Hondo College:
El Monte UHSD honored Río Hondo College’s free Math Academy for its 81% summer completion rate! Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Zuniga and the Board for recognizing our team—and to Dean Yolanda Emerson for her leadership.
*****
From Hartnell College:
Today, our #HartnellCollege community gathered in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Ohlone/Costanoan–Esselen Nation Tribal Chairperson Louise J. Miranda Ramirez shared a presentation on the history and living legacy of the Esselen people, weaving together stories of land and cultural continuity. The event continued with a jewelry-making workshop, inviting participants to connect through hands-on creation and community. A heartfelt thank you to our Hartnell Ethnic Studies team and ASHC for making this event possible!
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From Mendocino College:
The Basic Needs Produce Wednesday service was successfully provided at the Lake Center. We extend our gratitude to the Lake Center staff for their valuable support and collaboration in facilitating this service.
*****
From Golden West College:
Psych Day was a day full of games, an internship and resource fair, a career panel and an amazing keynote speaker, Dr. James Garcia! Thank you to the Psychology faculty who helped coordinate the event.
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And check out Irvine Valley College’s 40th anniversary documentary!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Holds First-Generation College Student Day
Last week, Bakersfield College gathered students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day, a moment to recognize the determination of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. With more than 40 percent of BC students identifying as first-generation, the event highlighted the strength and resilience that shape our campus community.
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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
