Tag Archives: Irvine Valley College

Wrapping up March 2026 with roses

Uncategorized March 29, 2026 Leave a comment

The season of roses has started as we wrap up March.

And beautiful sunrises –

I also wanted to share the Educate Elevate podcast episode on the Blue Economy. I’m very proud of this work being led by the California Community Colleges.

Check out this 30-minute video:

Good morning California.
It is March 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez Secures $1.03 Million in Federal Funding
for Río Hondo College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit

Federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez will allow Río Hondo College to advance the development of its Public Safety Scenario Training Unit (PSSTU), a facility designed to expand training for Police Academy cadets and public safety professionals. The $1.03 million in Community Project Funding will support the purchase of technology, equipment and modular furniture to create immersive training environments for cadets. The federal investment marks the second time Congresswoman Sánchez has secured funding for the project following a $963,000 Community Project Funding award in fiscal year 2024.

» Read more!

Irvine Valley College Foundation Receives $50,000 Gift from Irvine Company
to Strengthen Teacher Preparation Pathway

The Irvine Valley College Foundation has received a $50,000 gift from Irvine Company in support of the college’s Teacher Preparation Pathway (TPP), a collaborative initiative designed to create a clear, supportive route from community college to the teaching profession. The gift directly supports students pursuing careers in education by removing financial barriers, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthening program infrastructure. Notably, $10,000 of the donation establishes a new Teacher Preparation Funding Program, creating a sustainable source of support for future generations of IVC teaching students.

» Read more!

Citrus College Construction Program Leads State with Accreditation

The Citrus College Construction Management program has become the first community college in California to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), marking a significant milestone for construction education statewide. ACCE serves as the premier accrediting body for construction-related academic programs in the United States. It evaluates curriculum, faculty, facilities and student outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared for leadership and professional excellence in the construction industry. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

2025 Energy and Sustainability Award Winners Honored by California Community Colleges Board of Governors

 The California Community Colleges Board of Governors this week honored leading innovators and standout programs with the 2025 Energy and Sustainability Awards for their ongoing efforts of to achieve environmental sustainability while advancing the goals of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

Six awards were handed out at the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, March 24 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for outstanding achievements in energy and sustainability, include Riverside Community, Sonoma County Junior, and Kern Community College Districts; Shasta College; and leaders from Contra Costa Community College District and Mt. San Antonio College.

» Read more!

Here are the photos:

Kern

Santa Rosa

Contra Costa

Shasta

Mt. Sac

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Yuba College:

Day one of 2026 Weld Camp is a wrap! High school students from across the area joined us for hands-on activities showcasing what our Yuba College Manufacturing and Welding program offers. Plus, they took home a cool souvenir!

*****

From El Camino College:

As we close out every Women’s History Month, our campus community came together for the 29th Annual Distinguished Women Awards & Reception.

We recognize and honor the contributions these individuals have made for El Camino College and the surrounding community.

The 2026 recipients include: Cynthia Cervantes, Mia Dobbs, Dr. Edith Gutierrez, Germany Kent, Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas, Dr. Lesley Meza, Mauren Barbara O’Donnell (In Memoriam)

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From Fullerton College:

The Business and CIS Division recently hosted a successful Entrepreneurship Week, inviting students to explore how to build their own opportunities under the mentorship of entrepreneur experts. An annual event, attendees explored different activities, including workshops, networking opportunities and insightful competitions.

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From Chabot College:

Last Thursday was ROCK DA MIC! A panel and open mic event that celebrated culture and community while promoting mental wellness for all. Shoutout to the event organizers and coordinators who put together an event where students could connect and express themselves through performing arts.

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From Victor Valley College:

We want to extend a RAMFAM shoutout to the “mayor” of Victor Valley College! The one and only Robert Sewell has received a lifetime achievement award in Washington DC for his 30 years of dedicated service to student leadership at Victor Valley College! Robert serves as the long-time ASB Advisor/Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for all things in the VVC universe! Congratulations Robert!

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And check out this video promoting Cañada College’s Middle College Program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Marketing & Public Relations Earns National Recognition

Bakersfield College’s Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) team earned national recognition at the 2025 NCMPR (National Council for Marketing and Public Relations) Paragon Awards in Washington D.C., receiving Gold in the Social Media Post/Story (Still) category. The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at two-year community and technical colleges and are the only competition of their kind focused exclusively on marketing and public relations professionals in this sector.

The award-winning piece, ‘Caps Off, Renegades,’ offered a deeply personal glimpse into the pride, identity, and meaning students carried with them at the 2025 commencement ceremony.

» 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 Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

California Community Colleges, your best chance – A tribute to John Beam

Uncategorized November 15, 2025 1 Comment

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

» Read more!

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. 

» Read more!

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.

» Read more!

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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.

» Read more!

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.

*****

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.

» 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

Moments that take our breath away – New Orleans

Uncategorized October 25, 2025 Leave a comment

Hello New Orleans!

At the ACCT Leadership Congress this week. My first visit to New Orleans. Absolutely fell in love with the city.

Here we are at the famous Cafe du Monde

Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian

Cafe du Monde is known for its cafe au lait and beignets. It’s the oldest coffee shop in New Orleans, first opening in 1862!

The shop has a simple menu, largely unchanged since it first opened – dark-roasted coffee with chicory, beignets, milk and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, fresh-squeezed orange juice. In more recent times, soda and iced coffee have been added.

Beautiful sunrise over the Mississippi –

With student Board Member Maria Blaze – an amazing young woman.

On Thursday night, wandered through the French Quarter. The energy was palpable… sound of live jazz spilling into the streets, the light of gas lamps, balconies draped in ironwork, and people all around having a great time.

Then there was St. Louis Cathedral facing Jackson Square. Way more beautiful in person than all the pictures you may have seen. Supposedly, it is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the United States, with its first church on the site dating to 1718. 

Growing up, mom always told us: “Whenever you enter a church for the first time, close your eyes and make three wishes.” It was a quiet ritual, passed down like a family secret. I remember doing it as a child, standing next to her and it has become a habit that traveled with me across time. So even though the church was closed, I sank into the familiar ritual.

St. Louis Cathedral, is a must see if you visit New Orleans.

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take,
But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away

Wrapped up the evening sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River watching the river boats.

And back home to Neo and our walks.

Good morning California.
It is October 25, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

East Los Angeles College Students’ Lives Transformed
Through Campus Essentials Donation

Thanks to the kindness of a recent donor, students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) received a tremendous boost to their well-being and academic success. On Friday, September 12, the ELAC Foundation, Basic Needs Center, Athletic Department, and Associated Student Union (ASU) teamed up for a shopping trip to Costco. With the generous donation, they were able to stock up on food, snacks, and basic needs items that will make a real difference for our students on campus. 

» Read more!

Mt. San Jacinto College’s Erik Ozolins Receives
National Award for Excellence in Honors Education

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly announces that Erik Ozolins, Co-Director of the Honors Enrichment Program and Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Ron Brandolini Award for Excellence at a Two-Year Institution from the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education.

» Read more!

First Ohlone College AA Degree Awarded at Elmwood Correctional Facility

Ohlone College’s Rising Scholars Program reached a historic milestone on September 18, 2025, when a student at Elmwood Correctional Facility became the first to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. The degree, awarded with the highest honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA, reflects both academic excellence and the transformative power of education behind bars.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Making Gains in Gateway English and ESL through Dual Enrollment

In California and across the country, interest has surged in expanding access to dual enrollment (DE)—the opportunity to take college courses while in high school. Informed by abundant evidence of associated stronger high school and college outcomes, the state has enacted legislation to remove logistical hurdles and include historically underserved student populations. In the past few years, California has invested nearly $700 million to support K–12 and community college districts in these efforts. Moreover, system-level agreements and initiatives—including the Master Plan for Career Education, the CCC Roadmap, the UC and CSU Compacts, and the Golden State Pathways Program—increasingly promote increased access to DE and the completion of at least 12 college credits during high school.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Southwest College:

Los Angeles Southwest College proudly spent the past month honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. Guided by an enthusiastic Planning Committee and embraced by students, faculty, staff, and neighbors, the celebration brought learning, joy, and cultural pride to every corner of campus.

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From Chabot College:

Tuesday we celebrated the groundbreaking for our new football stadium and track renovation!  We are very excited for the transformation thanks to the Measure A bond program. It will feature a new turf field, a reconfigured regulation track, upgraded bleachers, accessible pathways ad more! 

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From College of the Desert:

COD Cares… And It Shows! Students in our Culinary Catering class prepared a delicious breakfast buffet to thank our hardworking Maintenance and Operations team. Our M&O team keeps our campuses looking beautiful and running smoothly. Thank you to our M&O team for all that they do and shoutout to our culinary students for serving a delicious meal!

*****

From Irvine Valley College:

Today, we marked IVC’s official 40th birthday with sweet treats, orange soda, and a special plaque dedication honoring the legacy of the orange trees that once surrounded our campus. While the original trees are no longer standing, their spirit continues to inspire us—a proud reminder of the roots that shaped our earliest days. Here’s to our heritage that planted the seeds—and the bold possibilities ahead!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theater Program Celebrates Record-Breaking Success
at 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival

The Bakersfield College Theater Program hosted the 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center throughout the first two weeks of October. This year’s festival featured two Shakespearean productions – the beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Professor Brian Sivesind and his wife Ellie Sivesind; and the romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well, directed by Professor Cody Ganger.

The Shakespeare Festival has always been a well-attended event, but the 2025 offering was truly a box office smash! By the festival’s conclusion, it achieved record-breaking attendance and sales, making it the most successful event in the last five years. Much Ado About Nothing was the single best-selling production in that time period. It is the first performance to sell more than 600 tickets, with a total of 667 sold.

» 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

With love from Paris

Uncategorized July 12, 2025 Leave a comment

This week our nation again grieves together as we face the unimaginable loss following devastating floods in Texas. The death toll has topped 121, with many still missing.

The New York Times has put together a touching tribute to the victims – many of whom were young children at an overnight camp.

Let us pray …..

***

A bit more from my time in Paris….

I loved – the language the people, the food, and the walking… yes the walking mostly.
Not a powerwalk for exercise but the strolls by the Seine. It is hard to imagine how old
the buildings are, some dating back to the 1200a like Notre-Dame and the Sainte-
Chapelle. Enjoyed Montmartre that had the extremes of Moulin Rouge at the base and
the Sacre-Coeur Basilica perched at the very top.

The Eiffel Tower –

And at night –

The main purpose for the trip was actually to visit Lourdes. My mom, who passed away in 2019 had made a vow to visit Lourdes and this trip was a pilgrimage to honor that vow.

The story of Lourdes is centered around a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a 14-year old girl – Bernadette.

The grotto is breathtaking.  Listening to the Gregorian chant in the night and seeing everything lit is soft lights was profoundly spiritual.  Whether you’re a devout Catholic or not, it’s impossible not to feel something in this place.

The Grotto
Grotto and Church from a distance
Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Always delightful to hang out with my daughter.

After an amazing trip, it was a mad dash back to Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is July 12, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Ohlone College Students to Perform Original Musical
at the World’s Largest Arts Festival in Edinburgh

In a bold and creative leap onto the international stage, Ohlone College is proud to announce that 27 students from its Theatre & Dance program will travel to Scotland this summer to debut an original musical, Blind Fury: The Untold Story of the Queen of Hearts, at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Running from August 1 to August 5, the performance marks a milestone for the college and its award-winning Theatre & Dance Department, led by Director of Theatre, Michael Navarra. The group will stage four performances of the musical at Nicolson Square, located in the heart of Edinburgh.

» Read more!


Irvine Valley College Speech Wins
Double Gold Sweepstakes at Nationals

After being named the 1st Place Community College at the NOF Online National Championships, and 1st Place in limited entry at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament, IVC Speech tested their skills at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, Virginia from April 5–13. IVC Speech was awarded the Gold in debate sweepstakes, the Bronze in individual event sweepstakes, and the coveted Gold in overall sweepstakes in the Wheeler Division.

» Read More!

Long Beach City College Announces New
Associate Degree in Urban Planning

Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona. The program was developed in consultation with the Long Beach Community Design Center, a non-profit comprised of leading area urban planners, architects, and representatives from Cal Poly Pomona.

» Read More!

In Case You Missed It

Inside HigherEd: Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities
for Noncitizen Students

International and undocumented students face restrictions on work opportunities while enrolled because of their legal standing in the U.S. Students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status have greater opportunities to engage, but securing work can still be a challenge.

In addition, financial obligations can limit students’ ability to participate in campus activities, particularly for low-income students who need to work for pay.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Antelope Valley College:

“I have a deeper understanding and respect for the mothers, fathers, and even grandparents who come to AVC seeking an education.”

When Karen Ramos and Joshua Torres walked across the commencement stage at Antelope Valley College this spring, it marked more than just the end of a chapter; it was a shared milestone.

The mother-and-son duo not only earned their associate degrees together, but both were also awarded scholarships from the Antelope Valley College Foundation to help them pursue the next steps in their academic journeys.

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From Crafton Hills College:

Mascot Reveal!!!!!! Celebrating our amazing Marketing Intern and Mascot, Morgan, on her graduation and transfer! Congratulations on all your accomplishments! We’re wishing her the happiest birthday and all the best in her next chapter. Thank you for everything you brought to the team!

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From American River College:

Exciting things are coming to Natomas! Our ARC team had the chance to tour the ARC Natomas Center STEAM building, set to open in spring 2026. This new space will bring expanded opportunities for Natomas students — including brand new science labs and more capacity for dual enrollment classes.

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From Chabot College:

Sweet, smart, and Chabot proud! Celebrating #NationalSugarCookieDay the only way we know how – with Gladiator spirit and lots of icing on top.

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And check out this video from Mt. San Antonio College about their 2025 Dance Artist In Residence, Benita Blake:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts 8th Annual RESOUND at Memorial Stadium

On July 8th, Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 8th annual RESOUND: A Drum Corps International Tour Event at Memorial Stadium. With over 750 tickets sold and hundreds more participants in attendance, the event brought together an enthusiastic crowd to witness the power and precision of four DCI Open Class drum corps, including the 5-time world champions Blue Devils B and Bakersfield College’s own Golden Empire.

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog