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”
Billy Joel performing “Turn the Lights Back On”
Joni Mitchell performing “Both Sides Now”
Jon Batiste performing “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me”
*****
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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
