Tag Archives: Los Angeles Mission College

Mother’s Day 2026

Uncategorized May 9, 2026 1 Comment

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful and restful weekend.

I wanted to share this post form the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum about the history of Mother’s Day.

“After Ann Jarvis’ death, her daughter, Anna Jarvis (1864–1948), set out to honor her mother’s legacy by establishing a national Mothers’ Day on the second Sunday in May, the day her mother had died. Anna, who never married or had children of her own, did not focus the holiday on peace activism but on the idea of honoring one’s own mother. She chose white carnations as an emblem and urged people to write heartfelt letters of gratitude to their mothers (in Anna Jarvis’ eyes, sending a pre-printed card didn’t count). Anna succeeded in her quest for official recognition, and President Wilson issued a proclamation of the first national Mother’s Day just before the start of World War I in 1914. ”

Though the younger Anna Jarvis didn’t intend for the holiday to be a day of florists and greeting cards – I think however we show appreciation to those strong women in our lives is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.

I love you mom.

Good morning California.
It is May 9, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Río Hondo College Earns Clean California Community Designation

Río Hondo College has been recognized with a Clean California Community Designation, becoming the first community college in California to earn this prestigious statewide honor. The Clean California Community Designation program is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California program, launched in 2021 by Caltrans to clean up, reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces statewide. To qualify, the College met 10 of 15 criteria, including litter assessments, highway cleanups and community education efforts.

» Read more!

Los Angeles Mission College Breaks Ground on Net-Positive Plant Facilities Building

Los Angeles Mission College broke ground Friday, April 3, on a new Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop, a 27,820-square-foot building that will serve as the central hub for the College’s maintenance and operations. As the District’s first net-positive facility, the building is designed to generate more energy than it consumes. A system of 574 solar PV panels will produce up to 252,560 kW of renewable power—more than 115% of the facility’s average daily energy use—and will be supported by a Battery Energy Storage System to enhance efficiency and resiliency.

» Read more!

Barbershop Talk Builds Community, Conversation & Connection at Laney College

Laney College recently hosted a powerful and energizing Barbershop Talk, bringing together more than 40 students for an evening centered on connection, conversation, and community. Held in the Cosmetology Building, the event featured free haircuts provided by professional barbers, adding to the welcoming, familiar atmosphere that helped spark open and honest conversations.

» Read more!

Chaffey College Rising Scholars Alum Emerges from Prison as a Celebrated Artist, Mentor

Kenneth Webb was just 19-years-old when a judge sentenced him to life in prison. Webb, now 35 and a New York Times-featured artist, survived the horrors of prison violence, and turned his dark fate into a light that shines on himself and others. He credits Chaffey College with giving him the confidence to envision a life beyond prison walls.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Mendocino College launches first-ever Native American language course

Mendocino College has reached a historic milestone with the launch of its first Native American language course, marking the first time in the college’s history that a Native language is being offered as a standalone, credit-bearing class.

The new Northern Pomo language course, taught by Lori Laiwa Thomas, Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, is currently the only opportunity in the region for adult learners to study Northern Pomo. Interest has been strong, with 41 students enrolled, including local tribal leaders, grandmothers, siblings, Mendocino College faculty, and community members of all ages. This intergenerational participation highlights the language’s vibrancy and its essential role in maintaining community continuity.

» Read more!

*****

Community College Daily: Creating bridges, not barriers

About 40% of all U.S. undergraduate students attend two-year colleges, according to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. Most students come through the door with the intent to transfer, but find their path blocked by credit loss, financial obstacles, or an aggravating lack of reliable information.

Despite surveys indicating that nearly 80% of community college learners aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only about one-third transfer to a four-year institution. And less than half of students who do transfer earn a bachelor’s within six years of initial enrollment.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

I enjoyed Fresno City College’s nod to Star Wars Day this week:

“Do. Or do not. There is no try. But at Fresno City College, we show up, we learn & we grow stronger each semester.” Yoda Jedi Grand Master #maythe4th

*****

From Cabrillo College:

Yesterday marked a meaningful milestone for Cabrillo College! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the new Watsonville Wellness Center & Food Pantry.

This space is now open to support students’ well-being and success. Connecting them with essential resources like food, housing, transportation, technology, and holistic wellness services.

Missed it? Stop by and check it out at the Watsonville Center, Building B!

*****

From Evergreen Valley College:

Our Evergreen community hosted its annual Wellness Fair, which included Hip-Hop artist Jeff Turner, community booths, pizza, paletas and of course, you can’t go wrong with puppies!!!

2026 Wellness Fair
2026 Wellness Fair

*****

From Gavilan College:

We were honored to welcome Luis Valdez to campus for a community meet and greet and screening of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez. It was an incredible opportunity for our students, employees, and community members to hear directly from one of the most influential voices in Chicano theater and film.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Luis Valdez for his generosity, presence, and lifelong contributions to storytelling, culture, and the arts. We are also deeply grateful to the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and the Watsonville Film Festival for partnering with Gavilan College to make this event possible.

*****

And check out this video tour of Cypress College’s community garden:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Library Welcomes Miracle Mutts as Part of De-Stress Week

The Bakersfield College Library hosted a series of events as part of their De-Stress Week. The goal is to help students take a break from their busy schedules and finals preparation to enjoy some down time and reduce stress.

On Wednesday, the Library invited Miracle Mutts to the Panorama Campus for a time of playful interaction with their therapy dogs. Several students stopped by the peace garden outside the library to spend some quality time with the furry, friendly companions. Each dog was happy to share affection with all the participants, including giving hugs and playing. Overall, it was a fun time of connection with the Miracle Mutts, while disconnecting from the busyness of the week.

» 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

Happy Easter 2026

Uncategorized April 6, 2026 Comments: 2

This week we watched in awe as Artemis II made its historic journey to orbit the moon. This is NASA’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years – the last mission, Apollo 17, launched December 7, 1972, and marked the last time humans set foot on the moon.

Orion, the spacecraft launched in the Artemis II mission, will orbit the moon on its 10-day journey, and is expected to reach a distance of 252,799 miles from Earth.

Here’s a short introduction to the 4 astronauts aboard Orion:

Reid Wiseman, Commander

Reid Wiseman, 50, is a 27-year Navy veteran and Baltimore native. He was selected as an astronaut in 2009.

In 2014, he flew to the International Space Station and spent 165 days in orbit. During that mission, he made two spacewalks.

Wiseman is also an aquanaut – he was a member of NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) program, living undersea in conditions similar to those on a spacecraft.

Victor Glover, Pilot

Victor Glover, 49, is a California native, born in Pomona. He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the US Senate.

He piloted the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which flew to the International Space Station in November 2020. During that mission, he spent 168 days in space. He completed 4 spacewalks during that time.

Glover has accumulated 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft.

Christina Koch, Mission Specialist

Christina Koch, 47, was selected as an astronaut in 2013. She is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On March 14, 2019, she launched to the International Space Station, returning on February 6, 2020. During that mission, she and Jessica Meir were the first women to participate in an all-female spacewalk. She also broke the record for longest continuous time in space by a women.

She conducted a total of six spacewalks, totaling 42 hours and 15 minutes.

She also made the first edit to Wikipedia from space.

Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist

Jeremy Hansen, 50, is from London, Ontario. As a Canadian, he’s an astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency and is the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

In 2013, he participated in the European Space Agency’s CAVES program, living underground for six days.

In 2014, he was a crewmember of NEEMO, living and working on the ocean floor for seven days.

On Friday, NASA released this amazing image taken by the astronauts aboard the spacecraft:

NASA is also sharing a live feed from the Orion capsule:

And back on Earth, another beautiful sunrise.

And my boy Neo

In case you were wondering why my blog post is delayed ……

Spent Easter with my daughter in Toronto. It was a quick hectic and beautiful trip.

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

Good morning California.

Happy Easter 2026


It is April 4, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College Chef Virat Vij Named Chef of the Year
by High Sierra Chefs Association

Chef Virat Vij of Lake Tahoe Community College has been named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation High Sierra Chefs Association, in recognition of his leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the regional culinary community. The annual award honors culinary professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. Vij was selected by the association’s Board of Directors for his service on the board and his support for fundraising efforts benefiting aspiring chefs. At LTCC, Vij teaches in the college’s culinary arts program, where students gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens and develop skills for careers in the food and hospitality industry. The program focuses on real-world training, preparing students for jobs that are essential to the Lake Tahoe region’s tourism-based economy.

» Read more!

Solar Energy Coming to Mt. San Antonio Campus

Mt. San Antonio College, following approval from the Board of Trustees, is moving forward with plans to install a solar energy system that will generate clean electricity on campus, reduce long-term energy costs, and strengthen energy reliability for both the College and surrounding community. The planned system will produce 6.75 megawatts of electricity—enough to power thousands of campus operations—and will include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to store energy for use during peak demand or outages.

» Read more!

Riverside City College Alumna Sarah Ruyle’s
Animated Film Hungry Hollow Gains Global Recognition

Hungry Hollow, an animated short created by Riverside City College alumna Sarah Ruyle, has been selected for screening at both the Slamdance Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival, and the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival in Hokkaido, Japan. The selections mark an exciting milestone for the emerging animator whose creative journey includes time studying animation at Riverside City College during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

» Read more!

HCSB Honors San Bernardino Valley College
with 2026 Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award

The Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB) has named San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) the recipient of the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award, recognizing the college’s leadership in preparing people and communities for a more sustainable future. SBVC will be honored at the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit on April 22, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Improving women’s experiences in internships

Community colleges are rightly being recognized as central to the nation’s skilled trades pipeline. They are nimble, workforce-focused and deeply connected to regional employers. In automotive technology, especially, that role matters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 70,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year over the next decade, and the occupation employed about 805,600 workers in 2024. 

But if we are serious about strengthening that pipeline, we need to be honest about a problem hiding in plain sight: women remain dramatically underrepresented in the field, and “access” alone is not the same thing as equity. According to recent BLS data, women make up just 4.2% of automotive service technicians and mechanics, placing the occupation among those with the smallest share of women workers. 

» Read more!

*****

2026 Student Leadership Award Winners Announced

Four student leaders, dedicated to equity and inclusion on campus and in their communities, have been honored with the California Community College’s annual Student Leadership Award.

Kristopher Evans of Cabrillo College, Ode Tso Kunthar from Contra Costa College, Valerie Pamphile from Barstow Community College, and John Paul Rosales from Moreno Valley College were recognized March 27 at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges 2026 General Assembly in San Francisco.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Río Hondo College :

Río Hondo College kicked off Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month with a special flag-raising ceremony in the Lower Quad today! Student, Brooklyn Decker, led the ceremony.

The Autism Awareness flag will fly proudly all month long, reminding us of our commitment to celebrating neurodiversity, promoting understanding and fostering inclusion across our campus community.

*****

Monterey Peninsula College’s recent Dress for Success event:

Thanks to generous community donations, MPC students were able to pick out free professional outfits to help them feel confident and prepared for interviews, internships, and career opportunities ahead.

*****

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Last weekend’s #womeninSTEM celebration honored our students and alumni who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of STEM. Congratulations on your accomplishments! #MESA#sjdeltacollege

*****

From Los Angeles Mission College:

On Friday, March 20, Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) hosted a free Student Vision Care Clinic on campus, providing no-cost eye exams and glasses for students.

The clinic reached capacity early, with 150 students registered by 9:45 a.m., and students were seen throughout the day until 2 p.m. The event was presented in partnership with the Power of Sight to bring vision care services directly to students on campus.

Each participating student received a comprehensive eye exam from a licensed optometrist, had their prescription filled on-site, and left the same day with a new pair of glasses.

Funding and support for the clinic were provided by LAMC, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) and Champions in Service.

*****

And check out this video on Goat Yoga at San Diego City College:

Blast From the Past

Wanted to share this look back at the first 6 months of Vision 2030:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC and Partnering High Schools Receive
California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award

Recently, several of Bakersfield College’s high school partners were presented with the 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The statewide honor highlights outstanding dual enrollment programs that provide opportunities to enroll in and earn college credits while still in high school – expanding college access while supporting student success.

The Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award recognizes programs that demonstrate strong collaboration between K–12 and community college partners, academic rigor, and meaningful pathways that support students in achieving their educational and career goals.

» 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

September 6, 2025

Uncategorized September 6, 2025 Leave a comment

Good morning California.
It is September 6, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Porterville College students win national video competition

Porterville College is celebrating a major win after our Advanced Digital Video Production students took home first place in the college category of the NASA HUNCH/CTE Month 2024–25 Student Video Challenge. This was a national competition that pitted our students against others from colleges across the country.

» Read more!

Check out the video:

San Fernando Valley Colleges Awarded NASA Grant
to Host MESA Robotics Competition

Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Mission College, and Los Angeles Valley College, and have been awarded a $50,000 planning prize from NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) to develop a new robotics competition for community college students in the San Fernando Valley.

» Read more!

San Diego Mesa’s Leland Simpliciano Recognized
for Outstanding Impact with NPIEN Award

San Diego Mesa College proudly congratulates Leland Simpliciano, AANAPISI Program Activities Manager and Grants Director, on being named a recipient of the National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) Educator Award.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

How California community colleges are using AI to battle financial aid fraud

Community colleges in California for years have been fighting a losing battle with fraudsters who have stolen millions of dollars in federal and state financial aid. But now state officials believe they are finally turning a corner thanks to new tools. 

The game-changer? Artificial intelligence. 

About 80 of the state’s 115 community colleges are now or will soon be using an AI model that detects fake students by looking for information such as shared phone numbers, suspicious course-taking patterns, and even an applicant’s age. Officials say the AI catches twice as many scammers as the human staff, with some campuses estimating that they are now detecting more than 90% of fraudsters, who are a mix of bots and human criminals, sometimes even located in other countries.

» Read more!

*****

California community colleges tackle workforce shortages post-wildfires

Disasters expose needs we often overlook — and clarify our responsibilities.

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County — including the Eaton Fire that struck Pasadena and neighboring communities — damaged or destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The loss of lives and homes, and the disruption of normalcy and routines, was swift and severe.

California’s community colleges are a part of the communities they serve, giving them a deep understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities that emerge in moments of crisis. Pasadena City College has played this role over the last 100 years, stepping up again during the Eaton Fire and continuing to lead in the difficult work of recovery. The college is a hub for uniting partners, aligning resources and helping chart a path forward.

» Read more!

*****

From Programs to Professions: New Partnership Opens Doors to Careers
in State Government for California Community College Students

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has partnered with the California Government Operations Agency (GovOps) to launch a new initiative aimed at creating clear, seamless pathways to meaningful careers in state government for students and alumni.

The strategic collaboration, officially announced today, is designed to expand talent pipelines to address current needs while helping to build the state government workforce of the future. With more than 2.1 million students enrolled each year, California’s community colleges serve as a powerful stream of skilled, diverse, and motivated individuals ready to serve in public sector roles, across the state.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:

On August 28, Star Wars actor and proud LACC alumnus Mark Hamill spoke at our convocation for faculty and staff. “I don’t know where I would be without LACC,” he shared. His inspiring remarks about the power of education reminded us that the Force is strong at LACC. 

*****

CalFresh Healthy Living shared this about Taft College:

The Taft College Cougar Support Center food pantry has achieved Gold certification! Yesterday, our team presented them with a glass award and a certificate to recognize their accomplishments. The Cougar Support Center is dedicated to promoting healthy and nutritious options and providing valuable information to their students. We are proud to partner with the pantry.

*****

From Representative Scott Peters, who visited San Diego MiraCosta College:

I visited @MiraCosta college and learned more about their nursing and biomanufacturing programs. MiraCosta works with local businesses to educate the top talent our workforce needs. I also stopped by their police Swearing-In and Pinning Ceremony and congratulated the new officers.

*****

From Santa Rosa Junior College:

First annual Disability Support Fair at #SRJC – plus a free Farmers Market. 25 SRJC departments and community organizations offered info about the ways they support disabled students and community members.

And From the Home of the Renegades

‘Styled For Success’ Offers BC Students Free Haircuts and Styling

Earlier this week, Bakersfield College’s Renegade Nexus hosted the first edition of ‘Styled for Success’ for the Fall 2025 semester. Through a special partnership with ClipDart, a mobile hair care company, this unique event enables BC students to receive free hair care services on campus while alleviating barriers such as transportation, accessibility, or cost.asdf

Hosted in the Panorama Campus bookstore, more than 50 students checked in throughout the day and left with their hair cut, trimmed, and styled, ready to embark on the Fall semester with a fresh look. The professional stylists were eager to provide their services, bringing energy and expertise to ensure the best results for each client.

» 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

Celebrating May – Foster Youth awareness month, AAPI Heritage month

Uncategorized May 24, 2025 Leave a comment

This week was the Board of Governors meeting followed by the Central Valley AI Forum at Modesto Junior College and the tracking the budget process in the legislature.

This photo was snapped to celebrate AAPI Heritage month

Pam Haynes, Cirian Villavicencio, Casey Chang, Hildy Aguinaldo, Sonya Christian, Rowena Tomenang

This photo was taken at the AI Forum at Modesto Junior College

Tony Cordova, Lena Tran, Sonya Christian, Emily Lawrence, Don Daves-Rougeaux

And check out the mobile welding classroom at Antelope Valley College with 6 bays for MIG and TIG ……also, the AVC Auto club built a Racecar.

Good morning California.
It is May 24, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santiago Canyon College’s Neon Nights Marks New Athletic Chapter

In a landmark moment for Santiago Canyon College (SCC), over 350 attendees gathered for Neon Nights, a dynamic and action-packed eSports Showcase, that marked a major milestone for the college’s growing competitive gaming program. Prior to the event, President Dr. Jeannie Kim officially announced that eSports will now be recognized as an official sport offering in the SCC athletic department.

» Read more!  

Hundreds of eighth-grade girls attend STEM conference at Yuba College

On April 1, more than 700 eighth-grade girls attended the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) annual STEM conference at Yuba College. The event aims to provide role models and STEM classes to young women, with the hopes of opening career opportunities currently occupied predominantly by male students.

» Read more!

Golden West College Hosts Fall of Saigon 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Golden West College hosted a commemorative event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, inviting faculty, staff, students, and community members to reflect on a significant moment in Vietnamese and world history. Attendees were invited to explore informational displays detailing the Fall of Saigon, the journey of Vietnamese boat people, and the conditions of post-war re-education and labor camps.

» Read more!

Columbia College Creates Scholarship Honoring Fallen Firefighter

Columbia College has established the Thomas “TJ” Wennhold Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the life and service of a Calaveras County firefighter and student who died unexpectedly earlier this year.

The fund, launched with $18,000 in donations from family, friends and community members, will award annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in fire service and emergency medical response. Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, the college will offer four scholarships each year — two for students in the Columbia College Fire Academy and two for students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. Wennhold, a Columbia College Promise Program student, was actively working toward an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science at the time of his death on Jan. 15, 2025. In recognition of his dedication, academic achievements, and service to the community, Columbia College will award him a posthumous degree.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

CC Daily: CC baccalaureates spread as resistance wanes

Community college baccalaureate programs continue to become increasingly commonplace as more two-year schools overcome political resistance with a combination of strategic degree build-outs based on student and workforce demand, along with a respectful, partnership-oriented stance toward their university brethren.

As of mid-April — and the numbers change regularly — 24 states allowed community colleges to confer workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, and 205 community colleges in those states were offering 736 different options, according to Angela Kersenbrock, president of the Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA), which compiles data on such programs, much of it in conjunction with Bragg & Associates, Inc.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santa Monica College:

In honor of Foster Youth Awareness Month, SMC’s Foster Youth Services Support Programs hosted an art activity on May 17 at the SMC Student Equity Center. Students were invited to express themselves by pouring paint onto canvas.

*****

From Los Angeles Mission College:

Los Angeles Mission College wins the Culinary Cup! We swept all categories and brought home the coveted Golden Chef’s Hat Trophy — it’s ours until next year! A huge thank you to our fellow competitors from L.A. Trade-Tech and L.A. Harbor College for bringing the heat , to our amazing sponsors for their support, and to the 500+ attendees who came out to cheer us on. Go Eagles!

*****

From Foothill College:

The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce spent their Education Day at Foothill College today learning about the California Community College Mission.

*****

From Santa Barbara City College

The Sustainability Festival hosted by @sbcc_asg and @sbcchonors brought together like-minded students to celebrate keeping earth green and clean!

*****

And check out this video from San Joaquin Delta College:

Last week, 13 goats from our Manteca Farm arrived at South Campus at Mountain House to help students de-stress during finals. But on Tuesday morning, led by their ringleader ‘Birria’, they busted out of their pen and made a break for it! Thanks to the quick response from Tina Le-Tran (Admin III), student worker Alondra Torres, and a farm intern, the goats were quickly and calmly wrangled back in… All was fine—except for our trees, which lost about 20% of their leaves in just five minutes! The goats are back to the Manteca farm now, but spent the rest of the week at Mountain House in their pen with extra precautions to prevent another daring escape.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Jazz Students Receive Scholarships

Congratulations to all of the students who were awarded scholarships from the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop on Tuesday, May 13, including our BC jazz students and alumni: Robert Longmire (Dolores Huerta Award), Aidan Scully (Kerry Pierce Award), Mason Heath (Larry Totten Award), Pedro Lozano (Doctora Nora Award), Sean Balingit (Aubrey Stonelake Award), Alejandro Andrade (Laura Booker Award), Nate Wy and Enrique Orozco Carrillo (BJW Discretionary Awards).

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

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