Tag Archives: Irvine Valley College

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 …..

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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!

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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

Happy Seventh Birthday Bessie!

Uncategorized June 14, 2025 Comments: 2

Here are a few glimpses from the ebb and flow of my week — shifting tide from lighthearted laughter to quiet reflection.

Happy Seventh Birthday Bessie

Watch this 1-minute reel of Bessie that I posted on instagram. I have created only two reels ever. The first one last year on her birthday. Now the second one… again on her birthday.

Bessie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 10, 2025. She was my daughter’s baby.

Last weekend was the finals for the French Open…. my mom’s favorite.

American Coco Gauff took the women’s singles title. Although she was down against world Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka, she claimed her second career grand slam singles title – becoming the youngest American to win the title since Serena Williams in 2002.

Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s singles title in an epic comeback over Jannik Sinner. It was a great match – a six hour instant classic.

Alcaraz, 22, defended his title by coming back from two sets down and saving three championship points to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2).

On June 6, 1944, photojournalist Robert Capa captured one of the most iconic images of World War II during the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach.

Amid chaos and gunfire, Capa took a series of photographs as American troops stormed the shore. One of the most famous, often referred to as “The Face in the Surf,” shows a lone soldier struggling through the water…. Despite technical issues that damaged most of his negatives, the surviving images became powerful symbols of war and human endurance.

Check out this YouTube video about it –

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As for me, this week I was able to make it to Los Angeles Trade-Tech College for their 100th anniversary celebration.

Fun selfie snapped by Chancellor Alberto Roman.

From Left to Right: Chancellor Alberto Roman, Former Senator Laphonza Butler, President Alfred McQuarters, Sonya Christian, Trustee Sara Hernandez

Good morning California.
It is June 14, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Barbara Community College School of Extended Learning students
offer community comfort via aprons and quilts

The SBCC School of Extended Learning’s Home Economics programs are doing much more than sewing and quilting … they’re giving back to community members who are struggling with illness and other life challenges. After discovering that local clinics did not have aprons available for patients, SBCC sewing instructors Judi Brooks and Emily Adams asked for volunteers and got students to work making colorful aprons from leftover fabric and ribbon. Dozens have been donated to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of SB and Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and will be available to UCLA as well. 

» Read more!

Laney College Journalism Student Earns National Fellowship & Full Ride

Laney College is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement by The Citizen’s co-editor in chief, Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, who has been selected as one of only three national IRE/ProPublica fellows. The prestigious fellowship includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Conference this June in New Orleans, where Lylah will join a select group of journalists from across the country.

» Read more!

Oxnard College hosts the first Latina GDP report

Oxnard College hosted an event April 15 on the first Latina GDP report, with remarks by two of the authors: Matthew Fienup, the executive director of CLU’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting; and David Hayes-Bautista, the director of the Center for Latino Health and Culture at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: Eliminating programs that improve
higher education access is a huge mistake

President Donald Trump’s “skinny budget” proposal aims to eliminate a group of eight federally funded programs known as TRIO that support higher education access and success for individuals from “disadvantaged backgrounds.” 

Eliminating these programs would be a huge mistake. 

How was I, a daughter of migrant farmworkers whose parents have limited formal education and live in poverty, able to beat the odds and land a faculty position at a selective university in the U.S.? TRIO.

» Read more from Mayra Puente’s commentary piece!

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Zora Elling, age 10, is Irvine Valley College’s youngest grad

Check out this recent article from The Orange County Register –

Ten-year-old Zora Elling is an avid reader who enjoys taking care of the family chickens, solving puzzles and convincing her family to join her in adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.

She’s also about to become an Irvine Valley College alumna — the youngest in school history, in fact. She’s slated to graduate from the community college on Thursday, May 22, with an associate’s degree in science for transfer in mathematics.

And she’s breaking the record set last year by an older sister, Athena. And Athena, who graduated at 11 years and five months, beat the record set by their oldest brother, Tycho, who was a few days shy of his 12th birthday when he graduated from IVC in 2023.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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From Norco College:

The pre-demolition ceremony at the Corona Education Center marks the first step toward bringing more CTE and STEM education to our region. Thanks to our community’s support through Measure CC, Norco College is one step closer to opening new doors of opportunity.

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From El Camino College:

Last week, the ECC Fashion Department hosted its annual showcase of Warrior couture! Take a look at some of our favorite designs from Premiere Night.

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From Ventura College:

Congratulations to the Ventura College Chamber Singers on their performance in London’s iconic Cadogan Hall! Next up for this crew is Florence, Italy! This extraordinary concert brings together choirs from around the world in a celebration of music, art, and innovation.

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And check out this video highlighting Lassen College’s Early Childhood Education program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Grand Opening of Renegade Athletic Complex

On June 11, 2025, Bakersfield College (BC) celebrated a significant milestone with the official ribbon cutting of the new Renegade Athletic Complex, followed by the dedication of the weight room in honor of legendary coach Carl Bowser. The event, held on the Panorama Campus, showcased BC’s commitment to enhancing student-athlete experiences and honoring its rich athletic history.

The Renegade Athletic Complex, a 58,904-square-foot facility funded by Measure J, is designed to support BC’s growing athletic programs. The complex includes a full-size basketball court, locker rooms, a sports therapy wing, concessions, and more, providing state-of-the-art resources for student-athletes. This facility underscores BC’s dedication to fostering teamwork, competition, and growth among its students.

» 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

Inspiring Community College Success Stories and Events

Uncategorized March 1, 2025 1 Comment

Another week of travel. Not as crazy as the previous week…

Board Retreat on Tuesday at Santa Barbara City College. Beautiful location and great retreat. Then to El Camino College to sign a transfer pathway agreement with Coppin University. I forgot to snap pictures for you.

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And here is an older 10-sec video of the classic Bessie run to Eisha – on the beach at the Marina.

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Last night, we were treated a rare Planetary Parade as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune – and the moon – were aligned in the night sky just after dusk. While it’s relatively common for groups of 3-5 planets to appear, all of these seven being involved is rare. The next time we’ll be treated to such an alignment won’t be until 2040!

In India, the Mahakumbha Mela was celebrated …. a religious gathering recognizing the planetary movements that symbolize cosmic order, purification, and spiritual transcendence. It reflects the integration of astronomy, mythology, and spirituality in Indian traditions.

Good morning California.
It is March 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Barbara City College Awarded Grant from Uplift Central Coast Coalition

 Santa Barbara City College, the SBCC Foundation, and Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara have been awarded a Catalyst Pre Development Phase grant from the Uplift Central Coast Coalition through the State’s California Jobs First program. The two-year initiative, “The Ocean Collective: A Consortium to Develop a Diverse and Climate-Resilient Blue Economy for the Central Coast,” will support the design of new facilities at SBCC and the creation of a workforce training pipeline that engages area high schools, community colleges, universities and blue economy employers.

» Read More!

Formerly Incarcerated Long Beach City College Student Rebuilds His Life Through Art and Education

Formerly incarcerated LBCC student, Francisco Baldonado has rebuilt his life through art, education, and is now a featured artist in the new exhibit “Hope Restored: Justice Scholars Student Exhibition,” which opened on Feb. 13.  Baldonado is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Fine Art and a teaching credential at the age of 45, but none of it would have been possible without the help of the Justice Scholars, a program that raises awareness for formerly incarcerated students so that they are capable of getting a further education.

» Read more!

Recycled Water Connection at LA Southwest College
Sets Precedent for Sustainability Efforts

A new recycled water irrigation system at the Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) campus marks an impactful stride toward sustainability and a significant reduction of potable water use. West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), announces the completion of a transformative recycled water connection that will provide irrigation to approximately 20 acres of landscaping across the LASC campus. 

» Read more!

Irvine Valley College Model UN Team Wins National Awards

IVC’s Model United Nations team won two Outstanding Delegation awards at the National Model UN Conference held in Washington, D.C. (NMUN DC) last fall. The awards mark a decade of excellence for the IVC MUN team, now winning the top award at NMUN DC 10 years in a row. IVC was the only community college, out of the 35 schools in attendance, to win two top awards. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Did you see the story last week about a Bay Area college student who won $100,000 at the NBA All-Star Game?

Jaren Barajas is a student at Los Medanos College. YouTuber MrBeast hosted a challenge – sink one bucket from half-court before Oakland native Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks could make three.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

We recently welcomed counselors to campus for another inspiring 805 Industry Day. This annual event introduces our K-12 partners to career education programs, helping to ensure grade and high school students are aware of career pathways at Oxnard College. The event wrapped up at our public safety campus, where our guests got to tour facilities and network with our faculty and staff.

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From Skyline College:

The Automotive Department hosted Driving the Future this week to introduce high school students to the Automotive Career Program at Skyline College. Students heard from guest speakers, toured the department, and then enjoyed a catered lunch afterwards. Huge thanks to everyone who participated and helped inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.

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From Folsom Lake College:

FLC “Comunidad” Student Club participated in its first international community service event at the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico! FLC student and Veteran John Locke said it perfectly, ” It’s so rad to help others.”

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From Shasta College:

Congratulations to our seven Shasta College MESA students who have been selected to participate in a special NASA program! The NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) activity is comprised of three missions designed to challenge and build student knowledge and skills by focusing on NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways.

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And check out this video from Monterey Peninsula College’s Family STEM Day:

Blast from the Past

Getting my COVID-19 vaccination back in 2021, when I was president of Bakersfield College. Check out this 53-sec video. It’s kinda fun.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Industrial Automation Hosts 2025 Career Fair

It was an exciting day for the Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College as they recently hosted their 2025 Career Fair. Held in the Renegade Event Center, the gathering gave attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and internships in the industrial automation industry.

» 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

Innovative Programs at California Community Colleges Transform Lives

Uncategorized October 26, 2024 Comments: 2

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

Southwestern College hosted the event.

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

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

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

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

What’s not to like about San Diego?

Then it was from San Diego to Seattle:

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

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

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

New Program at Irvine Valley College Opens Doors to Legal Profession

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

» Read more!

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

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

» Read more!

Cerro Coso Community College Hosts Astronaut

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

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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

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

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

» Read more!

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

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

Tuesday, November 12 at Sierra College

» Learn more & Register!

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Virtual Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Summit

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

Friday, November 1 – Virtual

» Learn more & Register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

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

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

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From Antelope Valley College:

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

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From Compton College:

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

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

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

And From the Home of the Renegades

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

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

» Read more!

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

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

With much hope and joy, 
Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

California Community Colleges highlighting Noncredit Programs

Uncategorized October 5, 2024 Leave a comment

This week, I was in Anaheim for the Vision 2030: Noncredit Summit, hosted by North Orange Continuing Education.

Thank you President Valentina Purtel who put together an incredible two days of engaging conversations. From data to policy and practice. The speakers were were exceptional and the camaraderie in the room was palpable.

We had 40 of the 72 districts represented in a sold-out auditorium. If you missed this year’s event, plz mark your calendar and plan to attend in October 2025 in San Diego.

Among noncredit’s many strengths is vocational education, and enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges across the country grew by 16% last fall to the highest level since the National Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018.

I enjoyed moderating a CEO Panel – “Leading the Charge: Campus Presidents on Noncredit Education’s Vital Role.” Thank you to Columbia College President Lena Tran, Mt. San Antonio College President/CEO Martha Garcia, and Calbright College President & CEO Ajita Talwaker Menon for sharing the great work happening at your colleges!

Snapped a picture of an student panel –

Here are some more pictures.

Stewart Knox, Amy Costa, Sonya Christian, Evangelina Rosales, Josh Newman, Eloy Oakley
Congressman Lou Correa, Sonya Christian, Byron Breland
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Stewart Knox, Sonya Christian, Amy Costa, Evangelina Rosales, Cheryl Aschenbach, Tony Cordova

Good morning California.
It is October 5, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

West Hills Community College District Partners with Fresno State to Offer Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Criminology and Psychology

West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) announced a groundbreaking partnership with Fresno State University to offer bachelor’s degree programs in Criminology/Administration of Justice (AOJ) and Psychology at Coalinga College and Lemoore College.

Launching in fall 2025, these programs are designed to provide local students with greater access to four-year degrees through the innovative “Convivir” initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Title V grant.

» Read more!

New Bins Installed Across Contra Costa District Campuses
in Attempt to Achieve Zero Waste

New three-stream bins have been added across campuses within the Contra Costa College district as part of a larger effort to address environmental and equity issues. Unlike previous bins, the new containers were designed with the intention of making it easier for students and staff to sort their waste.

» Read more!

Orange Coast College Student Affairs Leader Selected for
NASPA’s 2025 Pillar of the Profession Award

Orange Coast College Dean of Students Dr. Derek Vergara has been named a 2025 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Pillar of the Profession, one of 20 individuals nationwide selected for the honor. Dr. Vergara will receive the award at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference. Dr. Vergara has been at OCC since 2013 and has served in various roles, including dean of Title IX and student relations. He developed Title IX protocols during his tenure to ensure students can safely report and receive care and support resources.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Undocumented Student Action Week: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible

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

» Register for virtual events

» Register for in-person event

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California Community Colleges Expands Financial Aid Access for Adults Without High School Diplomas

Adults without a high school diploma can now enroll in California community colleges and have easier access to federal financial aid thanks to approval by the U.S. Department of Education of a plan put forward by California leaders, Chancellor Sonya Christian and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Moreno Valley College:

MVC’s iMAKE Innovation Center Plant Lab, in collaboration with Emma Pacheco, professor of English, and the Puente Program, teaches students how to plant and care for local crops while improving their language skills with hands-on activities.

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From Fullerton College:

Feelin’ like sunshine in the rain while celebrating Filipino American History Month! We kicked off our inaugural celebration with an inspiring keynote and book signing from Dr. Anthony Ocampo, author of “The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race.” Attendees enjoyed Filipino food and great conversations, all while looking forward to the exciting events ahead!

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From Irvine Valley College:

Lasers! What an inspiring two days at IVC! Our campus community came together for the Walk of Hope, raising awareness for suicide prevention, followed by an incredible keynote from Joshua Rivedal. His heartfelt stories, practical tools, and a touch of humor left us with a renewed commitment to self-care and supporting one another.

» Check out more photos!

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A recent episode of Laney College’s “The President’s Desk” podcast discussed the future in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

» Listen now!

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And check out this video from Los Angeles Mission College, as LA Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez presented a Certificate of Recognition in celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Tejon Indian Tribe Pow Wow

Bakersfield College and the Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) were honored to host the 2024 Tejon Indian Tribe Pow Wow over the weekend on the main campus near the Welcome Center. This unique, two-day event highlighted Native American culture through music, food, dancing, and more.

On Saturday, Bakersfield College President Dr. Jerry Fliger welcomed over two hundred guests to join in the celebration of Native American traditions and culture, bridging the connection between the college and community by promoting cultural awareness, collaboration, and support for Indigenous issues. This event provided Indigenous communities a platform to share their heritage with the wider Bakersfield area and promote education and understanding of Native American history.

» 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