Tag Archives: Long Beach City College

California Community Colleges driving climate action

Uncategorized September 21, 2024 Leave a comment

This week was the C3 Converge2024 Climate Summit in Sacramento.

Thank you to Endee Grijalva for sharing this photo of the Kern CCD team!

We announced the Chancellor’s Climate Fellows at the event.

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Can you spot the moon? A pearl drop right above the green of the tree.

Good morning California.
It is September 21, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

U.S. Department of Commerce Leader Alejandra Castillo
Tours Chaffey College’s InTech Center

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo visited the Industrial Technical Learning Center with Congresswoman Norma Torres on July 26 to learn how the federal government can support workforce development in the Inland Empire. Castillo said that workforce development is not only important to the community, but also to national security because overseas organizations are investing in their people and technologies to define the future of the globe.

» Read more!

Napa Valley College Welcomes Students to New On-Campus Housing Complex

Move-in day for Napa Valley College’s $114 million student housing complex has arrived, and the chain-link construction fences that once enclosed the site feel like a distant memory.  River Trail Village comprises three multistory buildings at the north end of NVC’s campus along Highway 221. 

» Read more!

Skyline College Kick Off Fall 2024 With Earth Day Every Day Workshop

The Earth Day Every Day team kicked off the Fall 2024 semester with an interactive Flex Day workshop on supporting campus sustainability. This workshop was an opportunity to learn more about what Skyline students, staff and faculty do to promote sustainability and make every day Earth Day at Skyline College. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Announces Fellows for
Chancellor’s New Climate Fellows Program

This week, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office announced five fellows will take part in the inaugural Chancellor’s Climate Fellows Program – a two-year commitment for faculty and staff to support statewide level climate related work with Chancellor Christian and the Chancellor’s Office.

The fellows are:

  • Carla Grandy, vice president of Instruction, College of San Mateo
  • Holly Bailey-Hoffman, faculty, West Los Angeles College
  • Tonya Huff, faculty, Riverside City College
  • David Liebman, Energy & Sustainability manager, Santa Rosa Junior College
  • Norma Rojas-Mora, associate vice chancellor, Public Affairs and Development, Kern Community College District

» Read more!

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California Community Colleges: Leading the Way on Climate Action

This inaugural report will highlight the unique roles in climate action of the California Community Colleges, the largest system of higher education in the nation. The report details the California Community Colleges’ work to date across three fields of climate practice: Workforce Development and Curriculum, Assistance to Communities for Climate Resilience, and Sustainability in Facilities and Operations. Additionally, the report serves as a resource for colleges, partners, policymakers, funders and beyond to learn about connection between the system and climate issues, leveraging the California Community Colleges to advance climate solutions across the network and state.

» Read the Report!

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Survey: 86% of Students Already Use AI in Their Studies

For its 2024 Global AI Student Survey, the Digital Education Council gathered 3,839 responses from bachelor, masters, and doctorate students across 16 countries. The students represented multiple fields of study. On average, surveyed students use 2.1 AI tools for their courses. ChatGPT remains the most common tool used, cited by 66% of respondents, followed by Grammarly and Microsoft Copilot (each 25%).

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

LBCC is expanding our global reach! Our delegation, which included Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, Dean of Enrollment Services and Dr. Nina Richardson, Director of International Studies recently traveled to Cambodia for the groundbreaking of our new recruitment center in Phnom Penh. This center represents LBCC’s dedication to providing educational opportunities for Cambodian students and strengthening our partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, and local universities/high schools. We’re excited for the growth and possibilities this brings for our LBCC community!

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Cuesta College shared this video for HSI Week:

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From Orange Coast College:

Thanks for joining us for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration earlier this week! The celebration included a mooncake and tea tasting, origami crafting, and a lion dance performance.

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And check out this video from Copper Mountain College – Their Area 62 podcast produced a Tiny Cactus Concert:

And From the Home of the Renegades

The 40th Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival

The Kern Shakespeare Festival is back and bigger than ever! For our historic 40th season, we’re inviting back old friends, welcoming new faces, and celebrating 40 incredible years of producing Shakespeare in Kern County. This year’s plays are an exciting collection of comedy, drama, hilarity, and emotion. You won’t want to miss any of the action!

» 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

CA CCs – Enhancing Academic Landscape

Uncategorized July 20, 2024 1 Comment

July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step foot on the moon.

Since then, 10 additional astronauts have walked on the moon. Harrison Schmitt and Gene Cernan were the last to walk on the moon, as part of Apollo 17 in December 1972.

NASA is again working toward a moon landing, with the Artemis program. Artemis 2, which will launch no earlier than September 25, will take 4 astronauts on a flyby of the moon. Artemis 3, planned for 2026, will be the first American crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.

Good morning California.
It is July 20, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego Mesa College Installs Accessible Wellness Vending Machine

San Diego Mesa College recently introduced a Wellness Vending Machine stocked with reduced cost and free essential items. The vending machine, created by San Diego company Dotstash, brings equity and affordability in the health space to students and the greater Mesa College community. The installation is part of The Wellness Vending Machine Pilot Program.

» Read more!

Lemoore College Breaks Ground: New Visual Arts & Applied Sciences Building

Lemoore College unveils the ambitious beginnings of a transformative project to enhance its academic landscape: the construction of the new Visual Arts & Applied Sciences (VAAS) building. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the college’s endeavor to enrich its facilities and academic offerings, signaling a forward-thinking approach to education.

» Read more!

Evergreen Valley College Hosts High School Students
at TRiO Upward Bound Program

This summer, EVC’s TRiO Upward Bound program has hosted high school students. They have been immersed in the experience of going to college by taking a sociology class (and earning college credit) and building friendships across a few of our area high schools. President Denise Noldon and Vice Presidents Matais Pouncil and Howard Willis spoke before them. All three were in the TRiO program and later worked for TRiO and their respective campuses. Chancellor Beatriz Chaidez also spoke to the EVC students.

» Learn more about the program!

In Case You Missed It

CalChamber Advocacy: Local Workforce Development and Economic Mobility Have Extensive Community College Underpinnings

Through diverse and innovative workforce development programs and initiatives, California Community Colleges are directly shaping the future of the state’s workforce by addressing industry needs, bridging skill gaps and providing students with practical training and opportunities for economic advancement and career success.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

Cheering on Coach Oeding as he leads the U.S. Women’s Water Polo team in Paris!

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From Lake Tahoe Community College:

LTCC students and Washoe Tribe members earned their S212 Sawyer Certifications in a recent wildland fire course, mastering safe chainsaw operation and clearing downed trees from the meadow trail.

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From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:

It was wonderful to hear about the growth, successes, and future plans of the @Bakersfield_Cal during the State of the City Luncheon hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. A special thank you to the City Council and Bakersfield city staff for steering the city in the right direction. I am excited for the present and future of Bakersfield on its path to becoming the 8th largest city in California.

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From El Camino College:

Today, the ECC Men’s Soccer Team was presented their 2023 state and national championship rings! We’re proud of our scholar athletes and all they have accomplished.

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And check out College of San Mateo’s episode of The College Tour:

Blast from the Past

From back in 2021, my remarks from BC’s Educators for Peace virtual event:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC and The Wonderful Company Collaboration
Receives Golden (VR) Goggles Award

A unique educational collaboration between Bakersfield College and The Wonderful Company was the recent recipient of the 2024 Golden (VR) Goggles Award, an award that recognizes innovative and transformative uses of VR training in the logistics industry. Through the collaboration, a program was developed that features forklift training simulators that utilize virtual reality software to teach proper operation and safety techniques.

» Read more!

And check out the video below –

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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

Fourth of July 2024

Uncategorized July 6, 2024 1 Comment

Happy Fourth of July California!

I hope you enjoyed some time relaxing and celebrating with friends and family as we honored the United States’ 248th birthday.

Check out this video from NYC’s fireworks show:

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A July 4th tidbit – the day that the Caesar Salad was invented? It celebrated its 100th anniversary this year!

Not many classic dishes can claim a specific birthday. But the Caesar salad was created for the very first time on July 4, 1924, in Tijuana, Mexico.

It is not a Mexican salad, says Jeffrey Pilcher. He’s a culinary historian who studies Mexican foodways.

“This is an Italian salad,” Pilcher says. “Caesar Cardini, the inventor of the salad, was an Italian immigrant and there were many Italian immigrants to Mexico.”

» Check out this NPR story!

And CNN shared a video with the original chef’s grandson, Alex Cardini.

Good morning California.
It is July 6, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

El Camino College FIRST Students Win Big in PSA Competition

The team from El Camino’s Formerly Incarcerated Re-Entry Students Thriving (FIRST) Program recently competed in the Rising Scholars PSA Challenge, part of the annual Project Rebound symposium at Cal State LA. The team brought home the first-place prize, along with a sense of pride in their work, and a $1,000 award for the FIRST Program.

» Read more!

Hancock Art & Design Professor Nancy Jo Ward Featured in
International Art Exchange Exhibition in Japan

Allan Hancock College Professor Nancy Jo Ward is one of 57 visual artists selected to represent the United States at the 23rd International Art Exchange Exhibition. The event fosters curiosity, artistic expression, and meaningful interactions. The exhibition is officially supported by the cultural embassies of Japan, China, Thailand, and Australia.

» Read more!

Three Solano College Arts students place in the top 20 in Bridgegood’s Inspire Oakland Design Challenge

As one of their class projects this spring, students in Rachel Smith’s advanced graphic design class (DMA 11: Graphic Design 2) participated in the Bridgegood.org Inspire Oakland  design challenge, creating billboard designs inspired by the diversity and culture of Oakland. Student Lilliana Mendez placed in the Top 6 with her design, while students Herman Billingsley and Nova Ojeda both placed in the Top 20.

» Read more! 

In Case You Missed It

LA Times – Mike Muñoz: College champion of marginalized students

Mike Muñoz bears the lofty title of superintendent-president of Long Beach City College. But he still sees himself in many of his students who have navigated hardscrabble lives to pursue higher education.

Muñoz, who grew up in Whittier and Anaheim, became homeless at age 17 and moved 10 times in five years searching for a place to live. He went without food or electricity at times, scrapping to make ends meet with low-wage work. He became a single parent at age 20. Then, he came out as a gay man and became estranged from his father.

» Read more!

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Education Trust-West: Championing Student Parent Success
in the Cradle-to-Career Data System

Juggling coursework and family can be a lot, as Dia, a parenting student at Los Angeles Pierce College, knows all too well. Dia was hired as a student worker with Project SPARC (Student Parents Are Reimagining CalWORKs), a statewide effort that empowers parenting CalWORKs students to drive forward systems change through leadership development, research and policy development, and advocacy. Through this work study opportunity, Dia and other SPARC students design solutions that address their needs as parenting community college students and advocate for these solutions to systems leaders and policymakers.  

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From College of the Redwoods:

CR Trail Building class professor Dennis Houghton leads the Bigfoot Trail Alliance Trail Steward Team (including CR Faculty Gabrielle Gopinath and Benjamin Funke and CR students), along with Take to the Hills and the US Forest Service, in the Trinity Alps wilderness.

Students built and widened a ½ mile section of trail from 6200-6800ft elevation on the way to Packers Peak.

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Columbia College climate stewardship class helps clean up Firewise Community

Climate Stewardship class students (from left) Ben Cossel, Orion Peck, Christina Johnson, Morgan Velasco, Lisa Murphy (instructor), Autumn Azzaro, and Mateo Garcia helped create defensible space in the Sonora Knolls/Dragoon Gulch neighborhood.

» Learn more!

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From San Jose City College:

The Jaguar family mourns the passing of the retired, legendary Percy Carr, head coach of the San Jose City College Men’s Basketball team for 45 years. He is the winningest Black men’s basketball coach in history and the winningest men’s basketball coach in California Community College history.

» Read more!

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And check out this video promoting cybersecurity programs at our California Community Colleges!

Blast from the Past

Please enjoy this video of Bakersfield College’s fireworks after commencement in 2016:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Campus Stories: Voices Of LGBTQIA+ Scholars at Bakersfield College

In honor of Pride Month, BC’s Student Government Association recently hosted Campus Stories: LGBTQIA+ Scholars at Bakersfield College.

The event featured a panel of four BC faculty and staff members and two BC students and was moderated by Chris Cruz-Boone, Professor of Communications at BC. Each panel member answered various questions about their experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in Kern County and at Bakersfield College.

» 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

San Diego – what’s not to like…

Uncategorized April 20, 2024 1 Comment

This week, I traveled down to San Diego again. This time for the ASU GSV conference.

Check out this 30-sec video of the Coronado Bridge, the water, and 2 men fishing.

I took the ferry back-and-forth to the conference site at the convention center.

At the conference, I joined ASU President Michael Crow & Silicon Valley Community Foundation President Nicole Taylor for a Sunstage X Coffee session to discuss the revolution in education & learning technology for California learners.

Good morning California.
It is April 20, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Long Beach City College to Receive Nearly $1 Million in Federal Funding
to Train “Space Beach” Workforce and Bolster Aerospace Program

Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Long Beach City College (LBCC) will receive $963,000 from the Community Project Funding to update the college’s engineering and aerospace programs. The federal investment will fund advanced manufacturing equipment to train LBCC students as skilled technicians for the growing “Space Beach” aerospace industry hub in Long Beach.

» Read more!

College of the Redwoods Holds “Breaking the Cycle” Event
for Formerly Incarcerated Students

College of the Redwood’s Breaking the Cycle event brought together over 115 people from around the North Coast to examine the realities of life for formerly incarcerated student scholars. The event provided a tremendous opportunity to help empower and better understand these students’ journey.

» Read more!

Moreno Valley College Guitarist Wins the
Los Angeles American String Teachers Association Competition

Moreno Valley College’s Laurel Harned, a second-year virtuoso guitarist, won first prize at the Los Angeles American String Teachers Association competition in April. The victory was her second after winning the Denver Guitar Competition in October.
» Read More!

Federal Funds Headed to Mt. San Antonio College’s
Wildland Fire Technology Program

Mt. SAC’s new Wildland Fire Technology program will be able to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies thanks to a half-million dollars in federal funding recently approved by Congress and President Biden. The college requested $534,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending through the offices of Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

AI Challenge from the California Education Learning Lab

The California Education Learning Lab (Learning Lab) is pleased to announce two new grant opportunities to promote AI-integrated innovation in teaching and learning at California Community Colleges (CCC), and California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses. These funding opportunities will help to position California public higher education faculty as thought leaders and changemakers in the intersection between AI and education. 

» Read more!

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Black Student Success Week

The 2024 Black Student Success Week is scheduled for April 22-26, 2024. This year’s theme is Building a Better Future Together: the Urgency is Now. The 2024 Black Student Success Week will focus on innovative approaches to ensure Black and African American students succeed in community colleges.

» Read more & Register for Events!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Palomar College – it was a pleasure to meet you!

Grateful that two of our @palomarcomets trustees (@Roberto63 and Dr. Judy Patacsil) were able to attend the @CalCommColleges sponsored, “Trustee Welcome: Leading for California Students and Communities” event in Sacramento. Go Comets!

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From Folsom Lake College:

FLC President Art Pimentel is part of the Capital-to-Capital delegation in Washington, D.C. right now. This morning he met with members of the U.S. Department of Education to advocate for FLC students and on behalf of community colleges. #captocap #falconpride #supportingstudents

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From Butte College:

Congratulations to the 17 cadets who received their badges and formally became State Park Peace Officers on Friday after completing the California State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy at Butte College!

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And from Mt. San Jacinto College:

The Selena Day Painting Parties were a hit this week!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Career Education Department Hosts 2024 Spring Health Fair

The Bakersfield College Career Education Department hosted the Spring 2024 Health Career Fair to provide BC students with education opportunities, career advancement, and resources in the healthcare field. The event took place in the Renegade Crossroads on BC’s Panorama Campus.

» 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

Field Trip — McFarland Early College & Kern Valley State Prison Rising Scholars

Uncategorized March 2, 2024 Leave a comment

Governor Gavin Newsom announced two appointments to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors:

Congratulations! I am looking forward to working with them as we continue our work on Vision 2030.

Wrapped up my week with beautiful clouds and snapped this photo while walking Neo.

Thursday and Friday were hectic with events at my home grounds — Farewell reception for Steve Watkin, acting President of BC; KCCD welcome dinner hosted by Chancellor Tom Burke for the Board of Governors visiting Kern; event at McFarland High with the Board of Governors showcasing what wall-to-wall dual enrollment looks like; visit to the Kern Valley State Prison to connect with students who are enrolled in BC pathways. All four events were food for my soul and as I write this blog on Saturday, I could not be more grateful to BC and KCCD. A picture is worth a 1000 words….. Enjoy!

At the Steve Watkin event.

Chancellor Burke, BOG Medina
BOG student member Paul Medina at BC

At the KCCD dinner

Chancellor Tom Burke
Trustee Romeo Agbalog

McFarland High School’s Early College program.

The students at McFarland, Cougar-Renegades, and truly remarkable. Could do an entire blog on our visit. For now, here are a few photos.

Paul Medina, Sonya Christian, McFarland Health Pathways students, Bill Rawlings, Cheryl Aschenbach

Kern Valley State Prison Visit

The visit to see our Renegades taking classes in the Kern Valley State Prison was amazing. Again, I could probably do a whole blog on this experience. Instead here is one photo of Rich McCrow, the founding Dean of the program, and Bryan Hirayama, founding faculty along with two members of the Board of Governors – Bill Rawlings and Paul Medina.

Good morning California.
It is March 2, 2024
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Las Positas College Hosts Science on Saturday Lecture Series

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) popular lecture series, “Science on Saturday,” returned Feb. 4 through Feb. 25 at Las Positas College’s Mertes Theater. The series offered four different lectures with the theme, “70 Years of Science.” Each lecture was presented by leading LLNL researchers, joined by high school science teachers. 

» Learn more about Science on Saturday!

Saddleback College Cuts Ribbon on Gateway Building

Saddleback College and the South Orange County Community College District unveiled the latest addition to the Saddleback campus, the Gateway Building, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony. The ceremony was led by Board of Trustees President Tim Jemal, SOCCCD Chancellor Julianna Barnes, and Saddleback College President Elliot Stern. The ultramodern, three-story building contains two floors dedicated to student support services and a third floor featuring modern classrooms.

» Learn more about the Gateway Building!

West Hills Community College District Celebrates Selection
as a Parks California 2024 Route to Parks Grantee

West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the 29 Parks California 2024 Route to Parks grant recipients. Now in its fourth year, the program aims to break down barriers to accessing state parks and foster a deep appreciation for nature among participants. WHCCD’s project, known as the CATCH (Creating Access to California’s Heritage) project, is set to engage underserved, underrepresented, multi-generational, and “park poor” families in outdoor education opportunities. 

» Read more!

Santa Barbara City College Nurtures Pathway for Professional Journalism

The Channels, the student news outlet of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), welcomed the campus and community to tour their new collaborative workspace on the East Cliff Campus during a grand opening celebration on February 8. The Channels newsroom has relocated from a portable classroom on the edge of the East Cliff Campus to a newly redesigned space in the Administration Building at the heart of SBCC. This places students in the center of the action, giving them easier access to the administration, faculty, and staff and fellow media arts programs on campus. This move and investment emphasizes SBCC’s commitment to supporting and valuing students’ freedom of press and expression, recognizing journalism’s critical role in democracy and social justice, and operating with transparency.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Vision 2030: Access, Success and Support with Equity
for High School and Justice Involved Youth

Join a two-day convening exploring dual enrollment’s vital role, including opportunities for justice involved youth. This transformative initiative is led by dual enrollment and rising scholars practitioners bringing college experiences to students.

Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 in Riverside

» Learn more & register!

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Register Now for 2024 System Webinars

Please join us on Wednesday, March 6 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. for the next System Webinar and mark your calendars for the upcoming webinars. All webinars will be on Wednesdays from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

» Learn more & register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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From San Joaquin Delta College:

Vibrant poppies brightening up our day near the Science and Math Building!

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From Long Beach City College:

State of the College 2024 was a hit! “BeLong Beach” came alive with stories of progress from Dr. Muñoz & Vivian Malauulu, celebrating our amazing community, faculty, and student achievements. Thanks to all who made it our biggest yet!

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And from DeAnza College:

We’re closing out #BlackHistoryMonth with this great video from the #MartinLutherKingJr event in January

Blast from the Past

In honor of Nan’s new appointment, I thought it fitting to share her video of remarks from Bakersfield College Opening Day 2020.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Panorama Invitational Exhibit Creates
Unique Opportunity For Young Artists

The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Jones Art Gallery is currently hosting the Panorama Invitational 2024. This unique event has taken place annually for more than twenty years, highlighting diverse artwork from local high school students. This year, there are more than sixty art pieces on display, ranging from a variety of different mediums including 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, and multimedia.

» 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