Tag Archives: Hartnell College

Happy Easter 2025

Uncategorized April 21, 2025 1 Comment

I hope you are having a restful and beautiful Easter weekend. A few years ago, I shared an Easter Message from Andrea Bocelli at his Easter Sunday performance on April 12th 2020 from the Duomo Cathedral, Milan.

Today, I’d like to share his rendition of Amazing Grace from that day:

Good morning California.
It is April 19, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Hartnell College Launches Climate and Environmental Resilience Ambassadors (CERA) Program with NOAA Grant Support

Hartnell College is proud to introduce the Climate and Environmental Resilience Ambassadors (CERA) Program, an innovative initiative designed to empower students as leaders in climate adaptation and environmental resilience. Funded through a $2 million subaward from California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the program will equip students with essential skills and hands-on experience to address pressing climate challenges. Hartnell’s work is part of a larger $71.1 million dollar project entitled Climate Resilient Monterey Bay, sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) through the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, and focused on bolstering climate adaptation efforts in the region.

» Read more!

El Camino Faculty Member Honored for Leadership,
Dedication to Student Success

The Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) recently named El Camino College counselor and Transfer Center Coordinator Dr. René Lozano as the recipient of the 2025 John Vasconcellos Faculty of the Year Award. This award is presented each year to a faculty member whose leadership at the campus or district level significantly benefits faculty.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

10-year-old girl set to be Crafton Hills College’s youngest grad

Crafton Hills College is about to see its youngest scholar walk the graduation stage.

Alisa Perales is set to become the youngest graduate at the Yucaipa, California, college with two associate degrees at the age of 10.

The whiz kid from San Bernardino, who will take the title with degrees in multiple sciences and mathematics, is on track to receive her diplomas with a GPA “close” to 4.0, according to California Community Colleges.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Skyline College:

Celebrating Thingyan with singing, poetry, music, and fundraising to support earthquake relief in Myanmar, bringing together joy, community, and compassion.

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From Napa Valley College:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s ¡Viva Mariachi! Festival an unforgettable celebration of culture, music, and community at Napa Valley College! From the matinee to the evening concert, your energy, support, and enthusiasm filled our Performing Arts Center with joy and celebration.

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From Ventura College:

New ASVC officers pose with the President!

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From Santiago Canyon College:

Big win for SCC! Our Model UN team earned its 6th straight Outstanding Delegation award at #NMUN2025 in NYC!
Shoutout to:
Jenna Darwish & Sabine Farhat – Outstanding Paper
Elyse Halbreich – Committee Chair + NMUN-DC Staff

And From the Home of the Renegades

Garden Fest 2025

Bakersfield College is excited to host Garden Fest 2025 on Saturday, April 26 on BC’s Panorama Campus. This annual gathering is one of the most anticipated community events of the year, and the 2025 iteration promises to be one of the best ones yet!

The BC Horticulture Department coordinates the event each year with the goal of bringing the community together to celebrate agriculture and support the academic mission of the department. More than 100 vendors will participate, offering everything from crafts, home décor, fresh fruit and veggies, gardening products, plant sales, food, and much more. There will also be activities for the whole family throughout the day, including seminars and cooking demonstrations.

» 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

Let’s remember – every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

Uncategorized February 1, 2025 Leave a comment

This week was a heartbreaking one as a helicopter collided with an airplane in Washington, D.C. The crash took the lives of 67 people. Among the victims were a group of children returning home from a national figure skating development camp, along with their coaches and family members.

Lives taken too soon …..
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/31/us/dc-plane-crash-victims/index.html

***

This week, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office lost a dear colleague, John Stanskas.

John Stanskas presenting to the Board of Governors in Sep 2024

A friend of John’s shared this poem in a social media post, and I wanted to share it with you:

“Write It on Your Heart” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.

Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

Good morning California.
It is February 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Berkeley City College Students Win Global Animation Award

Congratulations to the Berkeley City College Multimedia Arts students for earning second place in the global VIVE Mars “Best Horror Shot!” film competition for their spooky short “Night of the Living Dodo.” This achievement was made possible by the RVPA internship program, which is sponsored by the Film Commission via the California Community College Foundation.

» Read more!

Check out the video below:

Butte College Celebrates First Graduating Class of Accelerated Nursing Program

Butte College honored its first graduating class from the accelerated registered nursing program at a pinning ceremony on December 20, 2024, at the Paradise Alliance Church. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 45 students who completed the rigorous three-semester program, launched in January 2024, to address the critical shortage of registered nurses in Butte and Glenn Counties and surrounding areas.

» Read more!

Reedley College Cuts Ribbon on Fine & Performing Arts Center

After years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, groundbreaking, and building, Reedley College proudly held its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the McClarty Center For Fine and Performing Arts November 19, 2024. 

» Read more!

California First Partner Visits Pierce College to Support Fire Response Efforts

Amid the challenges of wildfires sweeping through Southern California, Pierce welcomed California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to our Equestrian Center, where a large animal evacuation shelter has been operating in partnership with L.A. County Animal Care and Control. The shelter is currently home to approximately 225 animals, including horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund
Receives $1 Million Donation From Jay Pritzker Foundation

The Jay Pritzker Foundation has donated $1 million to support the California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund, which is providing vital aid to students, faculty, and staff impacted by this month’s devastating wildfires in Southern California. The ongoing emergency has impacted more than a dozen Los Angeles-area colleges and counting as fires continue to burn in the region. 

» Read more!

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Upcoming Webinars

Join us on Tuesday, February 4, at 12:00 p.m. for the latest addition to the #CalCommColleges #AI webinar series.
» Register today!

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “The State Budget: Proposition 98 and Proposed Governor’s Budget Resource Allocations.”
» Register for the series!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Modesto Junior College:

The MJC Fire Academy proudly presented 29 candidates with the Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement. “We are one of the premier training facilities. The program at MJC has earned a well recognized reputation and many of our candidates obtain jobs in fire departments throughout the state.” shared Matt Curless, Modesto Fire Department Captain and Academy Coordinator. In just one semester, students learn to successfully navigate an intense training program and complete an all-inclusive set of State Fire Marshall certifications, preparing them for real life scenarios. The Fall 2024 ceremony was unique, as Captain Curless’ son received his certificate.

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Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu shared these photos of Assemblywoman Julia Brownley’s recent visit to their campus:

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From Ventura College:

Last night the Ventura College Foundation hosted the Grand Opening of the new Gibbs Diesel Mechanics Center, a cutting-edge training facility.

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From Hartnell College:

The first day of Spring Semester at #HartnellCollege is officially in the books. Let’s make this an incredible semester, Panthers!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Spring 2025 STEM Resource Fair

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted a STEM Club and Resource Fair in the Science and Engineering building. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with representatives from the BC STEM Clubs and resource programs, who were ready to share invaluable insights, financial support, and other essential resources.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

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

Impactful Initiatives: STEM, Mental Health, and Climate Resilience

Uncategorized August 17, 2024 1 Comment

I am a little sad that the Olympics are over …. until next time.

Here are a few highlights

The U.S. Women’s 4x100m relay team taking gold, with Sha’Carri Richardson’s phenomenal come-from-behind anchor leg:

United States women’s 4×100-meter relay final team pose for a photo after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Check out the video.

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The U.S. Men’s Basketball continuing their domination, taking gold with a 98-87 win over France.

Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant pose after the men’s Gold Medal basketball game against France. DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images

This great article in The Wall Street Journal

For the NBA superstars representing Team USA in the Olympics, 1992 will always be the gold standard. 

That was the year that American pro players were first allowed to compete in the Games—the year the Dream Team touched down in Barcelona. Jordan, Magic, Bird and Barkley were called the greatest basketball team ever assembled.

Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler during the 1992 medal ceremony. Photo: Mike Powell/Getty Images

The 2024 version of Team USA that beat France in the gold medal game Saturday night, 98-87, isn’t the Dream Team.

That’s because it just might be better.

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The Farm Boy Who Picked Up a Spear—and Became an Olympic Hero to 1.4 Billion People

In a country with 1.4 billion people, there is nobody quite like Neeraj Chopra.

He is the farm boy who became a national hero to the world’s most populous country by picking up a sport that no one else took seriously. He is the strapping Olympian who competes with his flowing dark hair tied back in a black bandanna. And he is the man who secured a breakthrough gold for India by launching a javelin the length of a football field.

That medal was just the start. The shower of real prizes began when Chopra returned home in 2021 as his country’s first ever track-and-field Olympic champion and found some 30,000 people in his village waiting to greet him in an open car. India’s defense minister gave him a stadium. India’s largest airline gave him a year’s worth of free tickets. India’s first individual gold medalist gave him a Golden Retriever named Tokyo.

Neeraj Chopra of India is the reigning gold medalist in javelin. ILLUSTRATION: Timmy Huynh, CHRISTIAN BRUNA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock, iStock

Very much looking forward to when the 2028 Olympics come back to Los Angeles!

Good morning California.
It is August 17, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of Alameda Holds STEM Pilot Program

On July 24, 2024, College of Alameda hosted Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and his team, including Northern California Regional Liaison Abel Pineda. This visit highlighted the collaborative STEM pilot program with Oakland Natives Give Back, the East Oakland Youth Development Center, and the State Superintendent’s office. 

» Read more!

College of San Mateo’s Active Minds Chapter Wins Top Honors

College of San Mateo (CSM) is proud to announce that its Active Minds Chapter has been awarded the Chapter of the Year Award at the 2024 Active Minds Conference in Washington, D.C. This significant recognition is a testament to the chapter’s dedication and innovative approach to mental health advocacy on campus. 

» Read more!

Hartnell College Awarded $2 Million Subaward as Part of
$71 Million NOAA Regional Climate Resilience Project

Hartnell College will play a crucial role by focusing on workforce development. The college plans to build and offer non-credit certificates and related internships to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to address climate resilience effectively. These programs will prepare students and community members for careers in climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.

» Read more!

Gavilan College Celebrates Student Success

The power of community was on full display earlier this month at Gavilan College’s second annual Scholarship Ceremony.  This heartfelt event brought together generous donors and deserving scholarship recipients. This year, 133 awards were presented, totaling a remarkable $116,600 in scholarships.

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California

Members of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, lawmakers and students were on hand at the state Capitol this week for a formal proclamation celebrating the fourth week of September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Palomar College President Star Rivera Lacey:

I love this time of year! Welcome Day @palomarcomets! Go Comets!

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From Mission College:

STEM students gathered for a day of exploration and support today at STEMVeniDa 2024! The event featured guidance from Mission College team members who provided resources to help students thrive throughout their academic journey

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From College of the Siskiyous:

Happy 85th to Coach Ray! The first Head Football Coach at College of the Siskiyous!

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From Santa Barbara City College:

Check out the KSBY story, “‘Through our lived experiences, we can help someone else’: How one SBCC program is reducing recidivism” here:

https://buff.ly/4cuHN5M

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And check out this video from Mendocino Peninsula College, showcasing their STEM LEGO Summer Camp:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Offering Free Media Literacy Certificate Program

Bakersfield College is excited to introduce a new three-course, Media Literacy Certification Program for participants to learn how to navigate online environments ethically and confidently. The program will also provide useful tips and instruction on how to effectively utilize mass media sources, artificial intelligence tools, and online safety and privacy techniques.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

A wonderful world

Uncategorized June 29, 2024 Leave a comment

I began my week at the celebration of life for Delaine Eastin. She was a true pioneer for California education, and was the first – and only – female state superintendent.

The Westminster Church in Sacramento was packed. Daisy Gonzales opened the program with inspirational comments followed by a series of speakers and singers giving us sneak peeks into the life of a legend. Delaine must have loved Louis Armstrong’s A Wonderful World ….. two your women perfectly performed the song. Let’s take a moment to listen to A Wonderful World, enjoy the melody and the uplifting words.

I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

… I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Later in the week, I spoke at the annual Online Teaching Conference. I was especially
excited to have the opportunity to mobilize our faculty and colleges in expanding and
improving our online presence. My talk focused on the intersection of AI, OER, and Online.

After the online conference I stopped by the UDW rally at the Santa Ana Zoo and joined four of our colleges (Saddleback, Santa Ana, Santiago Canyon, and North Orange Continuing Ed) to advance our low-income worker pathways demonstration project.

At home – I had a mother duck and baby duck visit this week!

Good morning California.
It is June 29, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College Alumna Helps Create Endowment to
Support Single Parents Pursuing Nursing

The Cerritos College Foundation announced that alumna Sharon Reichle created an endowment to fund scholarships for single-parent students in the nursing program. Sharon committed $125,000 to be paid over the next five years and $25,000 yearly thereafter until her passing. She has also included the Cerritos College Foundation in her estate plan. 

» Read more!

Orange Coast College’s Celebrates First Graduating Cohort
of Community Health Worker Program

Orange Coast College conferred certificates to the inaugural cohort of 18 students who completed the Community Health Worker program on Friday, May 17. Generously funded by the Samueli Foundation, Orange Coast College has developed a program that addresses the urgent need for certificated community health workers in the health and nonprofit sectors. These workers are crucial in filling service gaps for at-risk individuals and connecting those underserved by the traditional healthcare system with culturally competent health and social services.

» Read more!

Citrus College offers textbook alternatives to decrease student costs

With rising higher education expenses and inflation impacting the cost of living, many students are finding it increasingly difficult to pursue their academic goals. In an effort to remove one of the financial obstacles facing students, Citrus College faculty members have begun using open educational resources/zero textbook cost (OER/ZTC) options in their classrooms.

» Read more!

Golden West College Receives $2M+ To Expand
High School to Bachelor’s Nursing Pathways

On Thursday, April 4 the CalOptima Health Board of Directors approved a grant of $2,040,000 through its Provider Workforce Development Initiative to the Coast Community College District (CCCD) to expand the Running Start to Nursing pathway at Golden West College (GWC) and develop a K–12 pathway to the Radiologic Technology Certificate program at Orange Coast College. The Coast District is matching the grant with $2,710,000 in statewide Strong Workforce grant funds, for a combined $4.75 million.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Bridging Pathways: Strengthening Community College Transfer

Save the date for the AICCU 2024 Annual Meeting, October 8-9 in Sacramento. AICCU President Kristen Soares and I will discuss strengthening the relationship between the independent higher education sector and community colleges to improve transfer pathways.

» Find out more and register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Coastline College:

This past week, we hosted our annual Career Exploration camp for local high school students at our Garden Grove Campus! Students developed skills and were introduced to various career educational fields. The event was a great success!

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From Tina Maria King at San Diego College of Continuing Education:

I enjoyed spending the past few days with the Black CEOs of the CCCS. We covered personal wellness, financial education, Yoga, box breathing and more techniques to keep us whole and healthy. Thank you @drshaunharper for hosting a phenomenal retreat at @uscraceequity!

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From Hartnell College:

The Umoja team accepted a proclamation from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for the Salinas Juneteenth Celebration. Hartnell student Sierra Bryant accepted the recognition from Supervisor Luis Alejo. We honor the efforts of Dr. Kendra Cabrera and Ms. Aysa Guillory.

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And check out this great video from Antelope Valley College:

Blast from the Past

Going back to 2020, here are my remarks to Kern County graduates:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

The Bakersfield College Student Government Association (BCSGA) and A2Mend hosted a special event honoring and celebrating Juneteenth. Students, faculty, staff, and community members were invited to participate in the celebration which included food and fellowship, all while emphasizing the significance of the Juneteenth holiday.

» 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

Recognizing alternative forms of learning

Uncategorized April 27, 2024 1 Comment

Another wonderful action packed week.. testified at the Senate Fiscal Committee …
and Bessie came to visit.

Bessie and Neo

Good morning California.
It is April 27, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Pasadena City College, PUSD Celebrate Seven Dual Enrollment
High School Students Earning College Degrees

Local leaders and Pasadena educators gathered at PCC to celebrate seven students, who between them are earning 13 associate degrees in addition to their high school diplomas this spring. The event marked a major milestone for the college’s partnership with the Pasadena Unified School District. This is the first time that multiple dual enrollment students are earning their associate degrees in the same year.

» Read more!

Clovis Community College, Madera College
Join Achieving the Dream

Clovis Community College and Madera College are among eight community colleges that have joined the ATD Network of more than 300 institutions across the country as part of the 2024 Network cohort. The colleges will enter into ATD’s Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program.

» Read more!

Final Beam Signed for Butte College’s
New State-of-the-Art Science Building

The Butte College Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the college’s new science building by signing the final beam that will top off the 72,276-square-foot facility. The campus community gathered at the construction site at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17.

» Read more!

Rio Hondo College Community Unites
to Celebrate Grand Opening of Campus Pride Center

Río Hondo College students, staff and community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the grand opening of the institution’s first Pride Center on Feb. 15.  The Pride Center provides students with a place to bond in community and access support resources.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Equity in Support: Strengthening Behavioral Health Services
through Partnerships

Join us on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “Equity in Support: Strengthening Behavioral Health Services through Partnerships.”

» Register online!

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Application Period Open for California Community Colleges
Chancellor’s Climate Fellows Program

Are you passionate about climate action and sustainability? Would you be excited to make a two-year commitment to support statewide level climate related work with Chancellor Sonya Christian and the Chancellor’s Office?

If so, please apply for this exciting opportunity to become a Chancellor’s Climate Fellow. Fellowships are available in four focus areas including community engagement, curriculum development, workforce and campus facilities.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Calbright College – it was great seeing the Calbright team at the ASU+GSV Summit!

The Calbright team was thrilled to participate in the conversation at the recent @asugsvsummit to discuss the intersection of AI and equitable education design! Our thanks to the organizers for convening a group of inspiring professionals to advance these important ideas.

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From Shasta College:

Shoutout to our Forestry & Natural Resources club for their work in cleaning up a mile-long stretch of Old Oregon Trail near campus. 7 students & 2 faculty filled 3 55-gallon bags and collected large waste items. What a fantastic way to honor Earth Day! Way to give back

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From Hartnell College:

#ThrowbackThursday: In March, Hartnell MESA students explored Elkhorn Slough Reserve and attended the impactful Black Men in White Coats Conference. Proud of their learning journey!

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And check out this amazing dancing from Rock The School Bells Hip Hop Conference at Skyline College:

Blast from the Past

Here are my remarks about Competency Based Education and recognizing alternative forms of learning, from Day 2 of Bakersfield College’s virtual Opening Day 2021:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Performing Arts Presents Metamorphoses

The Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce their latest performance for the Spring semester entitled Metamorphoses. Based on the original writings from legendary director Mary Zimmerman, adapted from the classic Myths of Ovid, the play combines both the modern and mythical for a must-see spectacle of love, loss, and transformation.

Performances will be held in Bakersfield College’s Edward Simonsen Outdoor Theatre: Saturday 4/27, and Sunday 4/28 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are now available online: $12 for general admission; $8 for students, staff, seniors, and veterans. Visit BC’s Online Events Calendar for additional information!

» 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