Tag Archives: Hildy Aguinaldo

Moments that take our breath away – May 2024

Uncategorized May 5, 2024 Leave a comment

This week, we had the Board of Governors retreat. Thank you so much to the Santa Monica Team team for your hospitality!

I also spoke at the ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) Summit at the College of the Canyons:

Last weekend I was in Cabo … loved waking up to this:

Beautiful Cabo:

Desert Rose:

At home, too, it’s a season of roses:

It’s also commencement season – with exercises for some of our community colleges happening this weekend!

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 May 4, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Chico State, Northern Community Colleges Streamline Transfer Process

Chico State President Steve Perez and leadership from Butte College, College of the Siskiyous, Feather River College, Lassen Community College, Shasta College, Woodland Community College and Yuba College signed Memoranda of Understanding to formalize dual admission and streamlined transfer for students interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree at Chico State. This guaranteed admission and accompanying support mechanisms lay the groundwork to simplify and ease transfer students’ pathways to pursue four-year degrees, credentials, and further education within their region.

Celebrating College of San Mateo’s HSI Status and Black Excellence

On April 22, 2024, as part of California Community College’s Black Student Success Week, CSM’s Title V Grant team hosted an event to celebrate their designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) while spotlighting Black excellence in higher education.

» Read more!

Calbright College Launches Project Management Program

This spring, Calbright College launched its new Project Management program. This skills-based program will serve as an entry point into project management-based careers, which have an expected job growth rate of 10.5% over the next decade and can span multiple industries. 

» Read more!

San Joaquin Delta College Invites Public to View “Eyes of Science”

San Joaquin Delta College is the only community college in the U.S. to offer training in electron microscopy. With magnification of 100,000 times or greater, these powerful microscopes are known as the “eyes of science” because they are used for critical research in many scientific fields. Graduates of Delta’s electron microscopy program have landed high-paying, in-demand jobs at laboratories across the country. SJDC recently held an open house showcasing their electron microscopy program.

» Learn more about Electron Microscopy at SJDC!

In Case You Missed It

Expanding Horizons: How California’s Community Colleges
are Shaping the Future of Education

In a recent episode of the Capstone Conversation, hosted by Jared Asch, a special three-part series on community colleges and local education was kicked off with Tom Epstein, a member of the California Community College Board of Governors. The series explores the unique roles and innovative programs within the California community college system, emphasizing their efforts in local education and community engagement.

» Check out the podcast!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Thank you Paul Medina for sharing this:

Wishing a Happy 21st birthday to Board of Governors member Casey Chang! Casey celebrated this milestone with her fellow BOG colleagues during a retreat.

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From Moorpark College:

Jamaal Brown hosted an exhilarating trivia-style Black History quiz competition at Moorpark College. The Black 365 Knowledge Bowl, a fast-paced, buzzer-beating event challenged participants to answer a series of questions related to African American history. The spirited contest crowned the Black 365 Knowledge Bowl Champ and was an inspirational celebration of Black history and achievements. The hour-long event was designed to entertain and inform attendees with rich historical content and stories of prominent Black individuals.

Winner of the Black 365 Knowledge Bowl: Student -Wren Grant. Special recognition to Tristin Fowler Counseling Service Specialist (Black Student Success) for organizing and implementing this event.

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From Reedley College:

2024 STEM Conference! Over 500 students from our local elementary, middle and high schools on our campus today. Lots of workshops and a lot of fun!

Blast from the Past

As we begin commencement season, I wanted to share my Welcome Remarks from the Bakersfield College 2021 Virtual Commencement:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Receives Generous Donation of 2023 Lincoln Aviator
Thanks To Jim Burke Ford

Bakersfield College’s Automotive Technology Program has received a generous donation of a 2023 Lincoln Aviator from local dealership, Jim Burke Ford Lincoln. This contribution marks a significant enhancement to the College’s training fleet, providing students with hands-on experience with the latest in automotive technology.

» 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

Wrapping up women’s history month 2024

Uncategorized March 30, 2024 1 Comment

I started my week at the Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful and restful Easter weekend.

Good morning California.
It is March 30, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Six New Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Approved for California Community Colleges

As part of a continued effort to enhance accessibility to four-year degrees, California Community Colleges will soon offer six new bachelor’s degrees programs, bringing the total number of bachelor’s degree programs that are now offered, or soon to be available, within the system to 39.

The new programs are Respiratory Care at Antelope Valley College, Paramedicine at College of the Siskiyous, Dental Hygiene at Cypress College and Oxnard College, Paralegal Studies at Santa Ana College and Respiratory Care Therapist at Victor Valley College.

» Read more!

Hartnell College Unveils El Mercado to Combat Student Food Insecurity

Hartnell College proudly announces the grand opening of El Mercado, an on-campus market set to launch on April 1, 2024. Developed by the Hartnell College SOUL Center (Office of Basic Needs), El Mercado is an innovative initiative designed to provide students with free, easy access to essential groceries, personal care items, and basic necessities throughout the year.

» Read more!

College of Alameda Launches its
Rising Scholars Initiative for Student Success

College of Alameda’s Rising Scholars initiative kicked off with its first meeting in early February, bringing together college members and various community partners to launch a program aimed at supporting student academic success.

» Read more!

Chaffey College’s Unity in Community Draws Hundreds

More than 200 students, faculty and staff members gathered for Chaffey College’s “Unity in Community” event Jan. 31, enjoying an afternoon of food, music and program information.

The event featured eight groups including Prism and the Lavender Coalition – supporting the undocumented and LGBTQIA+ community – as well as Umoja, Puente, the Center for Culture and Social Justice, Rising Scholars, the ethnic studies program and the Veterans Resource Center.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource: California’s new cradle-to-career system
can illuminate student pathways

California recently took a big step toward making data available in tangible, easy-to-access ways. The new California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C) connects the dots from early and K-12 education, to higher education and the workforce. It’s a new, longitudinal data system that can enable people to make more informed decisions about their lives. As early as 2024, Californians will have access to C2C’s first planned dashboard.

» Read more!

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California Competes, Ed Trust West Announce
New Digital Hub for Student Parent Success

California Competes and Ed Trust West launched a new digital hub for student parents. The website brings together resources, advocacy efforts & engagement opportunities aimed at empowering student parents statewide.

» Check it out at https://castudentparentalliance.org/.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Butte College:

Yesterday we hosted our second annual Big Time. Thank you to our Native American Center, and Student Services for creating this event and space for our students and community.

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From BOG Member Paul Medina:

Meet Lorenzo Valdez-Larios. He is a student at LA Pierce College. Although he isn’t officially in student government, he loves helping out with many activities such as this @piercecollegeaso sponsored Block Party.

Fun fact: I never met Lorenzo until yesterday. He recognized me from my Instagram page and we struck up a conversation.

Next to me is Dean Will Marmolejo. I first met him a few weeks ago at a Vision 2030 event on dual enrollment at LA Southwest College.

He is a well liked leader on campus and loves to champion student centered issues. I’m glad that @pierce_college has good people like Lorenzo and Dean Will.

*****

From Mt. San Jacinto College:

Last night, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held its induction ceremony to recognize the outstanding students of Mt. San Jacinto College! Welcome the new members of the chapter and organization.

*****

Blast from the Past

Check out this video from Bakersfield College’s 2016 Chicano Commencement – less than 5 minutes.

And From the Home of the Renegades

The 2024 Bakersfield College Garden Fest

Get ready for one of the community’s favorite events of the year! Bakersfield College’s Garden Fest will take place Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Attendees can take part in various gardening seminars where experts will share tricks and tips to cultivate your green thumb, browse various plants and decor items for home and garden, and splurge at one of the food trucks.

» 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

CA CCs occupy DC – the 2024 Grammys – CA storms – and more

Uncategorized February 10, 2024 Leave a comment

This week, I travelled to Washington, DC, for the 2024 Community College National Legislative Summit. We had a large delegation attend from the Chancellor’s Office and the Board of Governors: Amy Costa, Hildy Aguinaldo, Paul Medina, Casey Chang, David O’Brien, and Linda Vasquez.

I also participated virtually in the Rio Hondo Spring Inservice. The college has mobilized around the three strategic directions of Vision 2030. It was heartwarming to see their earnest focus on the various college-wide initiatives to advance the goals of Vision 2030.

I enjoyed the Grammys this year in my hotel room in DC …. when I looked to the left, I could see the Washington Monument.

I had a lot of favorite moments at the Grammys.  Here are just four of them.  I did not want my blog to get clogged up with only the Grammys …. although it was tempting. Check out the links at the Grammys website –

Miley Cyrus performing “Flowers”

» Check out the video

Billy Joel performing “Turn the Lights Back On”

» Check out the video

Joni Mitchell performing “Both Sides Now”

» Check out the video

Jon Batiste performing “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me”

» Check out the video

*****

While I was gone, California experienced some severe weather. The wind damaged the trees in my backyard as it did elsewhere –

And now back at home…. while we have a break from the rain, I continue to enjoy the clouds during my sunrise and sunset walks with Neo…. here are a few pictures so you can too ….

Good morning California.
It is February 10, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerro Coso Graduates 35 Students from
Tehachapi California Correctional Institution

Cerro Coso Community College is proud to announce the graduation of 35 students from our Incarcerated Student Education Program at the Tehachapi California Correctional Institution. Combined, these students earned nearly 100 associate degrees.

» Read more!

Barstow Community College Joins Fight to End Hunger

At the heart of Barstow’s
fight against hunger
stands Dr. Usha Gautam, a
beacon of compassion and
commitment. Her leadership
has ignited a wave of
community collaboration,
notably with the Barstow Community College Food Pantry.

» Read more!

Victor Valley College Hosts Community Influences
to Kick Off Black History Month

Victor Valley College welcomed approximately 30 Black and African American community influencers from the Victor Valley area to a special event aimed at highlighting the college’s successful Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. In partnership with the DVL Project and Millionaire Mind Kids, the three-hour event provided an exclusive tour showcasing various career pathway training opportunities, student support services, and the essential steps for students to embark on a path of opportunity.

» Read more!

Allan Hancock College Students
Present Research to Prestigious Biology Organization

Two Allan Hancock College students were invited to present their research project to a prestigious body of scientists and scholars in Seattle, Washington. Brianna Munoz Gonzalez and Katherine Goldstein traveled to Seattle, Washington, where the duo presented their research on native plant and bee populations to the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) during the organization’s annual meeting in January 2024.  

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

So many great photos from colleagues in DC this week!

Paul Medina shared a few –

From Yovani Jimenez:

Attending the 2024 @CCTrustees National Legislative Summit was an absolute privilege. Advocating for our community college students and representing @KernCCD at Capitol Hill was a standout moment. Grateful for the opportunity! #NLS2024#OurTimeisNow

Today, Team @KernCCD had a productive day. We attended a meeting at the @ENERGY headquarters to discuss our KCCD @CrelKccd programs and explore further areas of collaboration.

From Larry Galizio:

Honored to learn from Congressman Jimmy Panetta, keynote speaker for our CA Delegation Breakfast.

From the FACCC:

We are pleased to collaborate with the @ASCCCNews and the Chancellor, as well as other system partners, in our advocacy endeavors within the @CalCommColleges. Here’s to effecting positive change in Washington D.C. #Advocacy#HigherEducation

*****

From San Joaquin Delta College President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:

Had a great time Friday welcoming more than 100 @StocktonUnified ag students to the Delta College farm in Manteca. @JanetARivera1 and I even got a turn in the excavator! Agriculture is our region’s heritage and it’s exciting to pass that on to the next generation

*****

And check out this interview from KRON with Merritt College President David Johnson:

Blast from the Past

My remarks from the Jean Fuller Women in Leadership Panel – March 4, 2021

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Annual Financial Aid Fest and Resource Fair

Understanding the Financial Aid process can often be overwhelming for college students. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Department at Bakersfield College hosts the annual Financial Aid Fest to educate and assist students as they navigate through the financial aid process.

» 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

CA CCs – helpers in difficult times

Uncategorized September 16, 2023 Comments: 2

This week was a sober week of reflection and prayer…

Monday marked the 22nd anniversary of the horrific September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the crashed jet in Pennsylvania, left 2,996 dead. The events of that day forever changed the global landscape, plunging the US in to a war on terror – the main phase lasting nearly two decades.

Last weekend, Mediterranean Storm Daniel passed through eastern Libya, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding that resulted in large-scale destruction. Two dams in Libya’s northeast collapsed, with the eastern city of Derna hit hardest. Libya’s Red Crescent organization estimates that 11,300 people have died, and the city’s mayor says the death toll could reach 20,000.

Last Friday night, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco, killing at least 2,946 people and injuring at least 5,674 more. The 6.8 magnitude quake is the deadliest earthquake in Morocco since 1960, when a 5.9 magnitude quake killed at least 12,000.

I remember my visit to Morocco and Marrakesh. I rode the Marrakesh train and sat on the platform between the cars in the open air.

There are times when the pain and tragedies we see and remember become almost overwhelming. I remember Mr. Rodgers’ reassuring advice for children when terrible things happen – “look for the helpers.”

Often Community Colleges become the helpers…often during emergencies… places of love and strength and support as we navigate difficult times.

Good morning California.
It is September 16, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cañada Fashion Student Crowned Judges’ Winner at Comic-Con

Rachel Petterson is a dedicated Cañada College Fashion student and a full-time software engineer. She just won her first fashion show at the world-famous San Diego Comic-Con. Her design, “Totally Minnie,” was a fusion of Minnie Mouse’s timeless charm with the bold spirit of the ’80s.

» Read more about Rachel’s win!

ECHO Music Series to bring world class classical musicians to Cuyamaca College

On September 27, Cuyamaca College will launch its fifth annual ECHO Chamber Music Series, once again bringing world-renowned classical musicians to the East County campus.

» Read more about the ECHO Chamber Music Series!

San Diego Mesa College Included In Generation Hope’s
Inaugural FamilyU Seal List

Generation Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all student parents have the opportunities to succeed and experience economic mobility, announced today that San Diego Mesa College is among one of fourteen colleges chosen in its inaugural FamilyU Seal recipients. The FamilyU Seal program is a national certification for higher education institutions making significant strides in intentionally serving parenting students.

» Read more about FamilyU Seal!

In Case You Missed It

Community Voices: The Constitution binds us together;
now let’s work for a future where the Union is more perfect

Nick Strobel wrote this piece for The Bakersfield Californian – since tomorrow is Constitution Day, I wanted to share it with you:

“We establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty not just for ourselves but also for our Posterity. The intention is that when we act, we should work toward what is good for future generations. Those future generations are not just our children or grandchildren but includes those people we will not know because they will be born long after our own lives are through.”

» Read the article

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Constance Carroll:

“The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities has just concluded its 2-day meeting, with Chair Dr. Jill Biden & Co-chairs Lady Gaga and Bruce Cohen. Santa Rosa JC President Angelica Garcia is also on the Committee. What a great experience!“

*****

From Wendy Brill-Wynkoop:

I am continuing to be impressed by this board of outstanding @CalCommColleges educators and @FACCC staff who are committed to our students. Thank you for your hard work and service. #trusteducators

*****

From Reedley College:

We had an awesome time showcasing our campus to prospective students at Fresno Area College Night! Thanks to everyone who dropped by! #FutureTigers #GoTigers

*****

From the Michelson 20MM Foundation:

Thank you to Hildegarde Aguinaldo, VP of the @CalCommColleges Board of Gov for sharing her experience and for reaffirming the CCC’s commitment to supporting student parents through the bold framework of Vision2030 under the leadership of @sonyachristian #studentparentsummit

*****

Check out this video from Moorpark College for HSI Week 2023:

And From the Home of the Renegades

One Book Kickoff Event Held at BC

On Wednesday, September 13, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association and Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) partnered with the Kern County One Book Project to host the annual One Book Kick Off Event. Each year, BC hosts the kickoff event to highlight the One Book Primary Title choice, and this year we highlighted Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig.

» Read more about the One Book Kickoff!

» And check out this Faculty Spotlight on Faith Bradham

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

I leave you this week with a few photos of Neo contemplating life:

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 wrapping up August 2023 in a big way

Uncategorized September 2, 2023 Leave a comment

As summer comes to a close …. another glorious Bakersfield sunset:

Was another busy week at the California Community Colleges.

On Tuesday, we reached agreement with Doug Moore, Executive Director of United Domestic Workers, for the Pathways for Workers Demonstration Project.

We also launched the Apprenticeship Pathways Demonstration Project with 25 Districts and with Dr. Marvin Martinez and Rancho Santiago taking the lead. This project aims to give college credit to apprentices for “on the job” training through their apprenticeship programs. 

Later Tuesday, the Foundation for California Community Colleges hosted a reception at the California Museum. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues from across the state, as well as representatives from philanthropic organizations.

Everyone who worked on and presented at the program was magnificent – special thanks to Keetha Mills; Daisy Gonzales; Amy Costa; Andra Hoffman, President of CCC Trustees; Chanelle Win, VP SSCCC; Hildy Aguinaldo; Cheryl Aschenbach, President of the Academic Senate; Manuel Payan, CSEA; Julianna Barnes, President of CEO Board and Chair of the League Board; Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor of LA District; and Pam Haynes.

On Thursday, I joined new CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Secretary Stewart Know, Academic Senate President Cheryl Aschenbach, and others, as Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Career Education Executive Order in West Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is September 2, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Bernardino Valley College’s Summer Bridge Program Prepares Students for College Life

For two weeks in July, more than 200 Valley-Bound Commitment students came to San Bernardino Valley College for Summer Bridge and enrolled in the Orientation to College course, where they learned about the academic and vocation programs available and watched presentations from different departments. They also had the opportunity to meet staff members and explore the campus to become familiar with it before the first day of the fall semester.

» Read more about SBVC’s Summer Bridge program!

Sky’s the Limit Observatory Becomes Satellite Campus for
Copper Mountain College Astronomy Classes

Just in time for Fall Semester Astronomy classes, an Affiliation Agreement between Copper Mountain College and Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center has established the observatory as a satellite campus for the college’s Astronomy courses.

Astronomy students from CMC will have as their “laboratory,” the dark desert skies of Twentynine Palms, on the border of Joshua Tree National Park.

» Read more about the agreement!

NASA Competition lands at Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College played host to NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Robotics competition. This 4-day engineering design challenge brought students together from OCC and Southwestern College who had completed two online events earlier this year.

» Read more about the competition!

100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Establishes Umoja Scholarship Fund at Riverside Community College District

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) is pleased to announce a collaboration with 100 Black Men of The Inland Empire (100 BMIE) to introduce the 100 BMIE Umoja Scholarship Fund. This investment from 100 BMIE underscores their commitment to supporting youth and young adults in their pursuit of higher education and academic excellence.

In Case You Missed It

Inside Higher Ed: Community Colleges Double Down on Dual Enrollment

The number of students taking advantage of dual enrollment has grown slowly since California lawmakers adopted a new, more structured framework for dual enrollment in 2015. The new program, College and Career Access Pathways, was designed to expand dual-enrollment opportunities “for students who may not already be college bound” by removing “fiscal” and “policy barriers.”

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Bakersfield College‘s Basic Needs Center and Nexus ribbon-cutting:

*****

California Treasurer Fiona Ma was a guest speaker at one of Fresno City College‘s political science classes:

*****

From Cabrillo College‘s new student welcome:

*****

And check out this video from Mission College about the Community College Collaborative project, with Mission College offering classes at Elmwood Correctional Facility.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Veterans Plaza Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bakersfield College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the Veterans plaza located in the center of the Panorama Campus. 

The plaza was built over the Summer of 2023 as a devotion and recognition of the Bakersfield College student veterans who serve our country. There are pillars with quotes from current veteran staff, faculty, and current veteran students and sitting areas for others to sit and learn about the people who fight for our freedom. 

» Read more about the ceremony!

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

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