Tag Archives: MESA

Juneteenth 2023 – CA CCs promote empathy and unity

Last Saturday, I walked out of the gym after my Saturday morning class and spotted this bird.

I texted a friend who is a bird watcher and she immediately came back with gray hawk. She then checked in with a raptor expert and came back with hybrid falcon.

What do you think?

Then on Sunday, I enjoyed watching the 76th Tony Awards. Kimberly Akimbo received top honors for Best Musical, while Leopoldstadt took Best Play.

I love musicals.

Check out the opening performance with host Ariana DeBose.

This week I also had my first Consultation Council meeting as California Community Colleges Chancellor. Great group of talented and dedicated folks. Our time is now!

***

On Monday, we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived on the island of Galveston, Texas, to take command of the federal troops who went there to enforce the emancipation of its slaves. He issued General Order No. 3, which enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas.

Now, Juneteenth is a federal holiday – first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Here is excerpt from an email I sent to our staff :

“This celebration allows us to foster a deeper understanding of our shared history and promote empathy and unity among our colleagues. Linked here is a short video featuring renowned Harvard historian, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., further explaining the significance and history of Juneteenth.”

And wishing all the dads out there a very happy Father’s Day tomorrow!

Good morning California.
It is June 17, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges

Woodland Community College, Feather River College
among Community College Innovation Challenge winners

The Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) is led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF). It is a national competition where community college student teams, working with a faculty or administrator mentor, use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to innovate solutions to real-world problems; participate in an Innovation Boot Camp; and compete for cash awards.

This year, two California Community Colleges are among the winners. Woodland Community College took 2nd place, while Feather River College took 3rd.

» Read more about the CCIC

» Check out posts from MESA at Woodland Community College

» Learn more about Feather River College’s team


Norco College Rocketry Team
AR 51025 Competition Update and Video

In Fall 2022, Norco College Rocketry collaborated with the Flabob Airport Rocketry Program by taking weekly classes and worked diligently to educate themselves on rocketry fundamentals and techniques. On March 4th, the team successfully launched and retrieved their rocket “Vector” and performed a static fire in the Mojave Desert. After Vector, the team began preparations for our competition rocket for the FAR 51025 Competition. 

» Read more and see additional videos about the Rocketry team


Re-imagined Hiring Event
Hosted at Butte College Career Center

This spring, the Butte College Career Center partnered with SynEd to launch a new pilot to connect students completing certificate and degree programs in accounting and business with employers hiring for those skills. The career center modeled the event after SynEd’s Appointment with your Future.

» Read more about the Hiring Event


De Anza College Receives MESA Grant
for Underrepresented Students

De Anza has been awarded $1.55 million in state funding over the next five years for a new cohort program to support historically underrepresented students who want to transfer in STEM majors.

The new MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Achievement) program will build on strategies that proved highly effective with De Anza’s Math Performance Success program, which has used dedicated counselors, embedded peer tutors and additional support to improve student success rates in Math – particularly for Latinx and Black students.

» Read more about MESA at De Anza



In Case You Missed It

Diverse Issues in Higher Education: Education Department
Announces Grants for Initiatives to Support Native Students

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced more than $8 million in available grants to fund initiatives for Native students.

» Read more about his grant program

*****

LAist: America Needs Pilots, But Training Is Pricey.
Community Colleges Are Stepping In

A commercial pilot license is also a necessary step toward flying for an airline, and those pilots should have some leverage when they hit the market. According to analysts with consulting firm Oliver Wyman, while the gap between supply and demand of pilots has improved from projections in 2022, there may be a shortfall of up to 24,000 pilots by 2026.

Still, pilot training programs can get expensive, as students navigate an array of fees. That’s left affordable community college programs an opening.

» Read more


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Dr. Zav Dadabhoy tweeted

Allan Hancock College‘s Beyond Incarceration Greater Education (BIGE) Club visited the Santa Maria Police Department to share their stories and discuss how the two groups can work together to Change the Odds in our community.

Calbright College spreading the word at the Juneteenth Education Fair at Camp Pendleton:

Mission College kicked off their Summer Concert Series:

And thank you to Assemblymember Mike Fong for sharing this photo of us after we met in Sacramento this week:


And From the Home of the Renegades

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $13.5 Million Investment
to Equitably Grow Solar Energy Workforce

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced 12 projects, whose work will span more than 13 states, selected for negotiation to launch training partnerships that expand the solar energy workforce in underserved and underrepresented communities, as well as create career pathways with thousands of good-paying jobs.

Kern Community College District (Bakersfield, CA): In partnership with IBEW, this project will provide solar installation career-track training and electrical apprenticeship readiness training with opportunities for union membership for participants from disadvantaged communities in the Central Valley of California. ​(Award: $1,000,000)

» Read more about the grants

» Read more about this week at BC!

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

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 our classified staff. We are BC!

Good morning, Bakersfield.
It is Saturday, May 25, 2019… A great day to be a Renegade.

Classified Appreciation

Group of smiling employees.

Classified employees at Bakersfield College are the backbone of moving the work that we do. These individuals work directly with BC’s students, faculty, volunteers, business partners and community members. I’m continually struck by the dedication, positive energy, student-centered focus, and the hearts of service brought to campus every day by our classified staff.

Managers serving the classified employees.
Line of classified employees entering the gym.

These committed BC Renegades embody a collaborative culture of service, one that creates new processes to efficiently serve a growing number of students; one that goes the extra mile to ensure the safety of our campus, that builds bridges for students near and far, and continues a legacy of service that spans over 106 years.

Eric enjoyed the food.

Bakersfield College is such a vital part of our community, expanding into our rural areas to serve all students with a desire to learn and develop their skills. Our classified staff are key to supporting the work of making student life goals a reality.

Patty and Dena

The official CSEA website states, “California’s Legislature recognizes the important contributions of classified school employees and has named the third full week of May “Classified School Employee Week” (CSEW) to honor these contributions.” So this week, our management team took the time to recognize and thank these special colleagues with a special luncheon.

The afternoon included a delicious lunch from Coconut Joes and a ice cream sundae bar with all the extra special fixings.

2 plates of food.
Prize Table

Last month, at the April KCCD Board of Trustees meeting, some classified staff spoke during the luncheon to highlight the extraordinary work they and their colleagues do.  For example, Financial Aid Technician Rebecca Bumpous took to the podium to described how she has helped her department with funding our students’ dreams, awarding $44 million in Title IV funding and $3 million in state funding for the 2018-19 academic year. Carlos Barbaran proudly spoke of his 24 years of service as a custodian in Maintenance and Operations, keeping 72,000 square feet of instructional facilities clean for our students every day. See the full piece in my blog from April 13th titled “Spring Into Action!”

Todd smirks as dining employees laugh.
Todd Coston always provides entertainment.

And the recognition of their hard work isn’t just on the BC campus. KCCD recently highlighted Debra Anderson of BC’s Outreach and School Relations with the KCCD Leadership Award. Congratulations to Debbie! If you missed it, you can check it out on my blog from May 12th titled “Celebrating 2018-2019.”

Nicky and Heather gettin’ jiggy with it!

Thank you to Bill Potter, Jim Coggins, Ramon Puga, Caroline Walth, Rachell Morehouse, Brett Redd, Stephen Waller, Tamara Baker, Lisa Kent, Dena Rhoades, Liz Rozell, Billie Jo Rice, Heather Pennella, Monika Scott, Susan Hubbell, Yvonne Armendariz, Tom Gelder, Manny Mourtzanos, Grace Commiso, Imelda Valdez, Kalina Hill, and especially Todd Coston for coordinating the celebration.

Early College Launch in Arvin

Welcome! Bakersfield College Arvin Information Meeting Expanding Access in Arvin.
Steve Watkin, Mayor Gurrola, Norma Rojas, Chancellor Burke, Tommy Tunson, Jerry Breckinridge

On Tuesday, BC held its Arvin Information Meeting, where community members were invited to learn about BC’s commitment to the city, and the future of education in their region.  Norma Rojas-Mora touched on Early College coming to Arvin High, and the educational opportunities offered for adults.  

BC staff preparing for the event.
Ed Watts, Chancellor Burke and Mayor Gurrola

Chancellor Tom Burke spoke to attendees about the importance of the partnership between the City of Arvin and Bakersfield College, and thanked the community for supporting the 2016 bond Measure J.  Bill Potter and Tamara Baker presented information on the planned Measure J funded campus across the street from the high school.  They reported that they are currently in the programming phase, and have initiated the CEQA study. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in August 2021.  

On stage at the podium.
Norma Rojas and Abel Guzman
Bill Potter & Tamara Baker
Kylie Swanson, Norma Rojas, Monika Scott, & Steve Watkins
Tom Burke speaking on stage at the podium.
Chancellor Burke
Norma Rojas and Chancellor Burke
Arvin Mayor Jose Gurrola

Thank you to Arvin’s Mayor Jose Gurrola, AHS Principal Ed Watts, and City Manager Jerry Breckinridge for speaking in support of the partnership with BC.  We are very excited to bring higher education and increased access to the city of Arvin and its residents!

Abel Guzman and Jesus Oropeza from BC’s Rural Initiatives team with their Early College students.
BC cups with candy give away.
Audience members clapping.
Group of students approach Abel on stage.

Women’s Empowerment Summit

The California Latino Leadership Institute (CLLI) hosted their Fourth Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit in the Levan Center last Saturday, inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM. The conference featured appearances from Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez, California Assembly Member Rudy Salas, and several women from the local petroleum industry. Aera Energy President and CEO Christina Sistrunk was also recognized by CLLI as the 2019 Distinguished Woman and Petroleum Advocate of the Year.

California Assemblyman Rudy Salas

Cathy Reheis-Boyd, President of the Western States Petroleum Association and recipient of last year’s CLLI Distinguished Woman Award, introduced Supervisor Perez, who expressed her appreciation for all that the local oil and gas industry does to keep the economy of Kern County stable.

Leticia Perez, Kern County 5th District Supervisor

BC’s own Kylie Swanson shared how BC’s Early College program is providing opportunities for young girls to develop a passion for STEM as early as eighth grade. Our Community Relations Director Norma Rojas-Mora also introduced Brittney Plascecia, the Associate Director of Women’s Leadership and Student Involvement at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Plascensia shared the university’s 2019 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California, noting that while several improvements have been made in hiring women in the fields of media and politics, there’s still a lot more work to be done to close the gender wage gap and put more women in positions of leadership for large corporations.

Cathy Reheis-Boyd, President of the Western States Petroleum Association

Rojas-Mora also introduced Assemblymember Salas, who attended the event with several students from the Young Assembly Members program, which provides internship opportunities to young people interested in politics and civic engagement. Salas advised attendees of the Women’s Empowerment Conference to seek mentors and not be afraid to ask for the help and support they need to be successful.

Kimberly Kirchner of Women’s March Kern County
Lisa Baca, Executive Director of the California Latino Leadership Institute

One particularly informative portion of the conference was the roundtable discussion on women in STEM careers, which featured a panel of women who have found success in the traditionally male-dominated petroleum industry. The panel reiterated the importance of mentors and developing professional relationships that can create new opportunities.

left to right: California Latino Leadership Institute President Maria Hernandez poses with Assemblyman Rudy Salas and students from the Young Assembly Members program.

I’d like to thank CLLI, Aera Energy, Chevron, and the California Resources Corporation for helping to organize the Women’s Empowerment Summit at BC. Thanks, also, to Charter-Spectrum Communications for providing breakfast to attendees.

Elementary Teacher Education & Liberal Studies Pre-Commencement Celebration

Program: Elementary Teacher Education & Liberal Studies Reception & Celebration.

Bakersfield College’s Elementary Teacher Education & Liberal Studies Spring 2019 graduates were honored May 2nd during a student celebration of their successful completion of their degrees. The event was held in the beautiful Renegade Park in an elegant setting with fabulous food by BC Food Services. The future teachers recited an educator pledge to their friends and families and thanked them publicly for their ongoing  support. They each received a light blue stole that they will wear with their graduation robes. Kudos to Dr. Kimberly Bligh, department chair for the Education Department, who directed the event, and to her outstanding Education faculty colleagues who attended: Dr. Erica Menchaca, Bill Chapman and Teresa McAllister. Christina Maldonado and the Education Department student peer mentors worked together to  make this special event happen. Dean Billie Jo Rice, dean of Education Pathway and Dean Michele Bresso, dean over Education Department, were also present and took part in the ceremony! The most moving moments came as students thanked their parents, children, siblings, significant others plus their Bakersfield College faculty for helping them achieve their degrees. The joy of success of our students is why we are here! We Are BC!

Graduates serving themselves hamburgers and sides at the buffet.
Graduates reading the pledge.
Posed in front of a Bakersfield College Renegades logo backdrop.
Emmanuel Limaco and Kim Bligh
Woman speaking in microphone on stage-like patio.
Dean Michele Bresso
2 women at a round table.
L to R: Christina Maldonado and Kim Bligh
Staff putting blue sash around a graduate's shoulders.
15 graduates in blue sashes, with deans and department chair.

MESA Awards and ACS Scholar

On Friday May 17, the 15th Annual MESA Student Awards Banquet commemorated and recognized MESA program students who have accomplished the goal of transferring to a 4-year institution and, for those graduating from Bakersfield College. Students were also recognized for obtaining an internship, research position, and/or a merit scholarship. This year, the MESA Program had more than 26 students transferring to a 4-year institution (more than 20% of MESA students), 14 that received a scholarship and 12 that received an internship and/or research position. Clayton Fowler, BC alumni and previous SGA president, from the office of Congressman Kevin McCarthy awarded transfer students with a certificate from the congressman.

Clay, a male and Connie sit at a table.
Table filled with smiling people.

In addition to celebrating the students, industry members, mentors, sponsors/donors, BC-MESA board members, and faculty are recognized during this event. MESA recognized:

Connie, a female and a male stand next to a table with MESA Bakersfield College logo.
Connie poses with a male award recipient.

Travis Burns — “Alumni of the Year”

This BC-MESA Alumni works at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. with the USA Air Force Contractor Logistic Support efforts, primarily related to datalink system on the MQ-9, which means he works at a global scale. He received the first “Alumni of the Year” award for his dedication to the students, giving back to this community, and his donations to the MESA Program.

Connie poses with a male holding an award, a certificate for Scott Trahan in background.
Connie smiles with a male in front of an award table.

Scott Trahan — “Individual of the Year”

Scott, an engineer at Chevron, is a member of the BC-MESA Board, participates in the Mentorship Program, and is constantly involved and volunteering at student/community MESA Program events.

Connie and a female smile in front of the awards table.
Connie and a female in black smile in front of the awards table.

Samuel Grijalva — “Sponsor of the Year”

Sam, as he likes to be called, received this award for his continued contributions/donations to the MESA Program over the past few years and the more significant contributions this year. In addition, he supports MESA as a BC-MESA Board member and participating in student/community events as a volunteer.

2 male faculty pose with a female student in front of shimmery curtain.
3 males pose in front of shimmery curtain.

Professor Richard Darke — “Professor of the Year”

Professor Darke earned this award due to his dedication to students, and was nominated and voted for by MESA students to receive this award. Students believe Prof. Darke deserves this award due to his outstanding teaching methods, his disposition to help students succeed academically, and his eagerness to help students succeed both academically and professionally.

7 males and females smile in front of a shimmery curtain.
An older couple in front of the Renegade logo backdrop.

BC-MESA Board members

All of the Board Members were recognized for their support of the MESA program: Dolores Salgado, Infrastructure Engineering Corporation, Patrick Aderhold, Bakersfield College Engineering Professor, Salvador Ledesma, PG&E, Samuel Grijalva, Grimmway Farms, Linda Mohammad, AERA Energy, Kimberly Newton, Bakersfield College Biology Professor, Stephen Waller, Bakersfield College Dean of Instruction, Juan M. Alvarez,USDA NHSIP, Caleb Griffin, NRCS, Marcos Perez, NRCS, Wayne Cooper, Bakersfield College Chemistry Professor, Dillon Giblin, Bakersfield College Math Professor, Bakersfield College, Seira Greenwood, UCLA/MEDPEP, Andrea Gonzalez, Bakersfield College MESA Student, Scott Trahan, Chevron, and Consuelo Gonzalez, Bakersfield College MESA Director.

2 females in front of the Renegade logo backdrop.
Male in front of the Renegades backdrop.

MESA student Brianna Aguilar was not only recognized for her accomplishment of achieving the goal for transferring to a 4-year university and for obtaining an internship/research position, she was also recognized for being chosen as an ACS scholar. This scholarship is up to $5,000 a year. Recipients of this award in the past have gone on to be leaders in the chemical professions.  This opens up so many doors for Brianna.

Male faculty with female student in front of shimmery curtain.
Male faculty and female student in front of Renegade logo backdrop.

I am so proud of Brianna and all of our MESA Renegades and look forward to hearing of their successes in the future. I would like to thank Steve Waller, Connie Gonzales, Vanessa Moreno and all of the faculty, mentors and sponsors that are involved in the MESA program.

Emails Worth Sharing

Janet Thomas also sent a warm email sharing her delight in the MESA Event. She said:

“It was a beautiful event.  I was thrilled to hear from Travis Burns and his accomplishments that all began with his education at Bakersfield College and Ian Spark who is beginning her career as a new graduate from Bakersfield College going on to her next steps.  I sat next to a young man named Rodrigo who is transferring to San Diego State on scholarships as a Chemical Engineer. It is very awesome to see the students when their names are called to come up to get their awards for their achievements in scholastics, community services and opportunities for internships.  It was a great honor to be invited to this great event. Kevin McCarthy recognized each student with awards, because he knows the value of the education that begins at Bakersfield College. Anyway, The MESA team did a wonderful job, in conjunction with The MARK with hosting this event.”

Aera Tech and Regional Skills Conference

Last Saturday, the AERA Engine Builders Association and Engine Professional Magazine hosted an all-day conference to inform BC Automotive Technology students about all of the latest developments and trends in engine manufacturing. The 2019 AERA Tech and Regional Skills Conference took place in BC’s Automotive Technology building on the Panorama campus, featuring technical demonstrations from some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, including Edelbrock, Rottler, and Sunnen.

Representatives from L.A. Sleeve talk about piston rings.

I’d like to thank AERA and Engine Professional Magazine, as well as Vic Posey and the BC Automotive Technology staff for organizing this professional development opportunity for our students.

BC Automotive Technology students talk with vendors at the Aera Tech and Regional Skills Conference.

LUPE/Conexiones Students Attend a 3-Day Leadership Retreat

Bakersfield College student leaders from LUPE/Conexiones participated in an unforgettable experience of leadership development. Students were able to experience outdoor adventures in a unique way that allowed them to develop self-confidence, improve effective program planning, and establish long-lasting and meaningful relationships with each other.

Group of students with forest trees and mountains in background.

Because of their interactions during the 3-day retreat, these student leaders developed trust with each other and were able to cultivate a stronger support network.

Group standing in front of a lodge.
Group of students sit on low wall with forest trees behind them.
8 students laughing and active.
8 students pose and smile among the trees.

Students were fully engaged in an in-depth discussion of John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. The student leaders facilitated an interactive discussion based on their personal life experiences and circumstances.

Four posters of illegible writing.
Students at tables working on posters.

Students discussed what separated great leaders from good leaders and how they can become instruments of change in their immediate families and their communities.

In addition to the leadership workshop, students engaged in outdoor activities to enhance their confidence and learned how to overcome any difficult challenge they come across. Students conquered a physically challenging ropes course with persistence and determination.

Students watch as a student climbs ropes into the trees.
Student zip lines from one tree to another.

Student prepares to zip line from a tree.
Woman free being hoisted to zip line platform in tree.

Student high in tree.
One student with helmet watches as another is in zip line harness.

Professor Octavio Barajas conquering the ropes course. Sí Se Puede!

Climbing rope ladder into tree.
Standing in rope ladder between poles.

They also tested their accuracy in the archery field.

Around 20 people readying bows with arrows.
Archer with bow and arrow in flight.
Student with thumb up pulls arrow from center of target.
Bullseye on the 1st shot!

In the evening hours, students had a blast on the karaoke machine and spent the late evening hours learning some dance moves.

2 students sing into microphone.
Students line dancing.

See more fun photos of the LUPE/Conexiones Students Attend a 3-Day Leadership Retreat on smugmug.

The retreat provided a welcoming, refreshing, and inspiring environment in which to innovate, plan and collaborate. Through reflection and assessment of the academic year, the students identified areas of improvement within the LUPE/Conexiones organization and initiated a plan to produce a student-led leadership conference for the upcoming school year.

Funding for the Pali Retreat was provided by the Catalyst Fund. Special thanks to the coordinating efforts of the EOPS and CalSOAP staff who graciously took care of all the logistical planning.

Big SHOUT OUT to the BC staff/faculty who served as mentors and chaperones during the retreat: Professor Octavio Barajs (History), Lisa Robles Kent (SSP/Equity), and Rafael Centeno (EOPS).

ASSP Frank R. Rosenlieb Lifetime Achievement Award

On March 20th 2019, American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) held their 20th Annual Bakersfield ASSP Symposium. Founded in 1911, ASSP is the longest running safety organization and the most respected advocate for workplace safety and health professionals. With over 450 guests in attendance, our very own, Catherine Jones, was recognized with the Frank R. Rosenlieb Lifetime Achievement Award, which is recognized as one of the highest achievements in her industry. Congratulations Catherine.

Catherine holding award next to a gentleman.
Woman speaking to slide.
Audience at several round tables.

OSRM Summer Internship Success

Summer internships are under way especially for a few students from the Occupational Safety & Risk Management program. An internship is a hands-on experience that provides meaningful, career-related work that extends a student’s learning beyond the classroom. One of the students, Stephany Cabrera, was offered an internship with Amazon as an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist in Delaware. Wilson Jones accepted an internship with Granite Construction as a Safety Intern and Martin Amezcua accepted an internship with Trinity Safety as a safety coordinator. These students are excited and grateful for these opportunities that will help launch their careers.

Professor Catherine Jones with Stephany and Wilson
Wilson Jones
Stephany Cabrera

Jai Jagat

On the Monday just after commencement, May 13, 2019,  Bakersfield College was honored to host an amazing performance about world peace from Jai Jagat and the children of the Manav Sadhna orphanage in India. The children are touring the world with Jai Jagat, an inspirational dance and drama troupe composed of 17 underprivileged children from six different communities in Ahmedabad, a city located in India’s Gujarat province.

Man speaks in front of Jai Jagat One Earth Family background.

“Jai Jagat” means “Victory of the World”, and this year’s show depicts the life of Mahatma Gandhi through interpretive choreography in honor of his 150th birthday this October. Jai Jagat’s program in the Indoor Theater envisioned what the planet might look like in 50 years, 2069, if people take Gandhi’s philosophy to heart and come together to settle their conflicts without violence and anger.

Dancers in colorful costumes.

The Manav Sadhna orphanage is based out of Gandhi’s ashram in Ahmedabad, and they provide education, medical care and resources for proper hygiene to more than 10,000 underprivileged children, Jai Jagat Project Director Nimesh Patel said. They also offer sports leagues and arts and crafts programs for children, as well as compassionate care for the elderly.

Children dancing.

New Taj Palace Indian Restaurant provided food for the cast and workers and for sale to the public at the event. It was great to see trustees Romeo Agbalog and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg in the audience for Jai Jagat, as well as former trustee Bill Thomas.

Dancers in front of We Let Out Our Hearts To Shine background.

This performance would not have been possible without help from the Office of Student Life, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, and the Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation. Thank you to everyone who helped organize this event, as well as everyone who came out to hear the group’s motivational message.

Speaking with hand out.
Dr. Nicky Damania
Mayor karen Goh, Sonya Christian, Lilly Agbalog
Bill Thomas, Romeo Agbalog and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg in the audience.

BC takes Pantages Theater

The screen before showtime shows "Les Miserables"
Pantages Le Miserables screen before showtime

On Wednesday evening, a group of BC faculty, staff, and students attended Les Miserables at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. The iconic theater, located on the corner of Hollywood and Vine is a monument of art, theater, movies, music, and performances. It has been home to popular productions such as the stage production of Disney’s Lion King, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys, and more. The interior of the theater is stunning and although originally constructed in 1930, it most recently underwent a $10-million restoration and upgrade in the year 2000.

A couple and 3 daughters.
The Garrett family
The Garrett family poses in front of the Les Mis poster
The Garrett family poses in front of the Les Miserables poster

Dr. Jen Garrett makes it a priority to give her students the opportunity to have eye opening and life changing experiences.. everything.from performing at local charity events to performing in Rome and at the Sydney Opera House, to experiencing talent as members of the audience. After giving students first priority, leftover reserved seats were made available to staff and faculty. In total, BC had over 150 individuals at Wednesday night’s performance. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it but I received tons of texts and messages from the BC crew who were there. I’m told that the performers were absolutely incredible.

Pantages street view
Outside the Pantages theater
Pantages lobby full of guests
Pantages ceiling art

Monika texted me that she could hear Manny De Los Santos, who was sitting with his wife one row above whispering comments like “Oh, this is my favorite part” and the following day, Manny let me know that “As a Les Mis fanboy,” he was not disappointed. He added that he wasn’t the only one as he claims he could see Nick Strobel “bouncing along to the music.”

Manny De Los Santos, his wife, daughter, and her boyfriend in their seats
Manny De Los Santos with his wife, daughter, and daughters boyfriend
Nick Strobel with one of the Garrett's girls
Nick Strobel with one of the Garrett children
Monika Scott in front, Manny De Los Santos and wife wife in the back
Monika Scott, Manny De Los Santos and his wife

Take a listen to Nick Cartell who was cast as Jean Valjean in the show on Wednesday evening.

I loved the photos from Jen Garrett’s Facebook showing their family of five at the theater. It’s truly wonderful to know the Garrett’s future Renegades are getting an early start on appreciation for music and live performances. Experiences like this are truly what make BC a campus, a community, and a family without boundaries. I’m looking forward to the next performance where BC takes Pantages!

Proud Day for the Writing Center & Academic Support Programs

Wednesday May 22nd was a joyous day for Bakersfield College Academic Support Programs. Four Writing Center team members were conferred with masters and doctoral degrees from California State University, Bakersfield! Laraine Rosema, Adjunct Writing Center Faculty, earned her Ed.D. In Educational Leadership: Jeff Newby, Writing Center Consultant, earned his Master of Arts in History; Marlin Morales, Writing Center Consultant, and Kim Arbolante, Writing Center Lead, both earned their Master of Arts in English with Writing Certificate.

Marlin Morales, M.A., Kim Arbolante, M.A., Laraine Rosema, Ed.D, & Jeff Newby, M.A.

The ceremony was held on the verdant soccer field at CSUB, and participants were relieved as rain clouds gave way to clearer skies and a beautiful sunset just as the graduate procession began. The proud graduates were blessed to have many BC colleagues in the crowd cheering them on. And while the fearless Director of Academic Support Programs, Maria Wright, is at home on maternity leave, the ASP team has done its best to make her proud by demonstrating its commitment to continuing education, excellence in the humanities, and to Renegades supporting colleagues and friends as part of our collective BC family.

Eileen with the 4 graduates.
Eileen Pierce, SI Program Manager supporting ASP grads
Group poses in a balloon frame with Congrats CSUB 2019 yay!
Earl Parson, Part-time Web Content Editor & Partner, Rachel Pori, Noelia Citialin, Nursing Faculty, John Davies, former English Adjunct

Innocent Victims of Gang Violence

Last week I was able to attend an awareness event and memorial for innocent victims of gang violence at Lowell Park. Local radio host and media personality Danny Morrison volunteered to emcee the event as he grew up in the neighborhood around the park and has lost close friends to gang violence. It was highlighted by passionate remarks on the topic from Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and a special musical number sung by a children’s choir from McKinley Elementary School. At the end of the program a permanent bench was unveiled to memorialize and remember all innocent victims of gang violence in our community. The event was part of a group project planned by the 2019 Leadership Bakersfield cohort that included our own Brandon Urry, Manager of Athletics Communications and Community Relations. Leadership Bakersfield is an annual program put on by the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce to better connect leaders in our community. Learn more about the Leadership Bakersfield program.

Student choir on stage.
DJ and students clap and cheer on stage.
Audience mingling in park.
Stage.
Bench with plaque.
In Remembrance of All Innocent Victims of Gang Violence in Our Community, plaque.

M&O Summer Projects

Maintenance & Operations has been hard at work since the Summer Semester began. So many projects in  the past two weeks!

  • Replaced carpet in A17 and HR
  • Installed swamp coolers in the Huddle for Food Services and students
  • Installed new artificial turf by pool
  • Began renovations to the small pool
  • Prepared for installation of artificial turf by solar parking lots
  • Replaced landscaping alongside the FACE building and the Indoor Theater
  • Removed a tree and planted fruit trees near FACE for the Renegade Pantry
  • Trimmed 80 trees in one week
  • Began renovations on restroom by tennis courts
  • Stripped and waxed gym flooring, along with rooms in FACE building
  • Replaced the air filters in the wood shop and welding labs

Thank you to our amazing M&O team for keeping our campus beautiful!

Small pool renovations.
Preparing for installation of artificial turf at the solar parking lot.
New artificial turf by the small pool.
Painting the Tennis Court Restrooms.
New carpet installation in A-17.
Ramon Puga and Jim Coggins work on replacing carpet in A17 and HR.
Corey Garcia, Aaron Kidwell, and Tim Martinez installing a swamp cooler at the Gym Huddle.
Mitchell Barter supervising installation of the swamp cooler.
2 women in the hallway.
Rachell Morehouse and Damaris Duque preparing for stripping floors.
Shiny floor.
Stripped and waxed gym floor.

Emails Worth Sharing: from Baghdad

Paul Beckworth shared this email with me. I am so proud of our students serving abroad and continuing their education.

Hey, Paul!

I payed for my classes today. It all worked out. I got into 3 classes I needed and waitlisted for 1. Thought I’d share some photos.

[3 photos]

Sitting in fatigues on box.
In operating room.
Elaine with thumbs up skyping with daughter.

Emails Worth Sharing: Invited to Barcelona to Exhibit!

Diego Gutiérrez Monterrubio, adjunct faculty in the Art Department shared this email with me:

Waking up to this message with an invitation to exhibit my work in Barcelona makes my heart beat with happiness.  I am humbled to be appreciated internationally

…y sigue la novela.

-Diego

Buenos días, soy Aaron Henriques

Director de la Galería Carey

Tras ver su obra quiero proponerle exponer individualmente en Barcelona, España.

Esperando que la propuesta sea de su agrado quedó a la espera de sus noticias

Un Saludo

Galeriacarey.com

Aespaña #art #arte #artlovers #novela #pintormexicano #contemporaryart

* translation:

Good morning, I’m Aaron Henriques

Director of the Carey Gallery

After seeing his work I want to propose to you to exhibit individually your artwork in Barcelona, ​​Spain.

Waiting for the proposal to be of your liking was waiting for your news.

Greetings.

Standing at a table in front of graphic drawing of man and graphic drawing of woman crying.
Diego Gutiérrez Monterrubio

Fun Photos: Temblor for Frank Caliendo

Look who I ran into on comedy night at Temblor.

Michelle Pena, Nicky Damania, Kylie Swanson
Having fun at Temblor!

Fun Photos: Living Victory Church

8 students with pastors and Sonya behind them hold up certificates.
Another angle of Sonya speaking with microphone in front of screen where she is projected.
Sonya with the pastor.

Fun Photos: El Camino at GPIT

El Camino College visited BC’s Campus for tips on implementing Guided Pathways.

Athletics Updates

Track & Field Finishes Season at CCCAA Championships

The Renegade Track & Field team traveled to the College of San Mateo, host site for the 2019 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Championships. The team had qualified five student athletes in six events and all placed well in their respective competitions. Renegade finishes included:

2019 CCCAA Track & Field Championships Gabby Lugo 2nd place 1500m
2019 CCCAA Track & Field Championships Zaila Clark 5th Place Triple Jump
2019 CCCAA Track & Field Championships Daizhiana Ebert 2nd place long jump.
2019 CCCAA Track & Field Championships Jacob Whitby 2nd place hammer.
2019 CCCAA Track & Field Championships Jacob Whitby 12th place discus.
2019 CCCAA Track & Field Championships Justin Frando 7th place 800m

With the CCCAA Track & Field Championships now concluded, the season now finishes for both the Men’s and Women’s Track and Field teams.

Track & Field Pulls In Long List Of Post-Season All-Conference Awards

The Renegade Track & Field team wrapped up the 2019 regular season this last week at the CCCAA State Championships with five top-10 finishes. As the regular season concludes, the team has racked up a number of post-season conference awards, listed below:

Jacob Whitby 2019 Western State Conference co-male filed athlete of the year.

All-WSC First Team

Women:

  • Zaila Clark – Triple Jump
  • Joycelind Currie – 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m
  • Daizhiana Ebert – 4 x 100m, Long Jump, 4 x 400m
  • Noemi Esparza – 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m
  • Victoria Lennon – 4 x 400m
  • Gabby Lugo – 1500m, 4 x 400m
  • Bree McCabe – 4 x 100m
BC Renegade Track and Field Female All - WSC 1st team portraits.

Men:

  • Daniel Nichols – High Jump
  • Justin Frando – 800m
  • Elvis Sanchez – Hammer
  • Jacob Whitby – Shot, Discus, Hammer
BC Renegade Track and Field Male All - WSC 1st team portraits.

All-WSC Second Team

Female:

  • Rayvan Childs – 400m Hurdles
  • Joycelind Currie – 400m
  • Noemi Esparza – 400m Hurdles
BC Renegade Track and Field Female All - WSC 2nd team portraits.

Male:

  • Derek Crawford – 4 x 400m
  • Justin Frando – 4 x 400m
  • Cody Hartsfield – Hammer, Discus
  • Adrian Lopez – 800m
  • Lorenzo Maldonado – 4 x 400m
  • Cutberto Salgado – 4 x 400m
  • Marcos Varela – Hammer
BC Renegade Track and Field Male All - WSC 1st team portraits.

All-WSC Honorable Mention

Female:

  • Yarabi Campos – Hammer
  • Zaila Clark – Long Jump
  • Noemi Esparza – 200m
  • Victoria Lennon – 400m
  • Gabby Lugo – 5000m, 800m
BC Renegade Track and Field Female All - WSC Honorable Mention portraits.

Male:

  • Derek Crawford – 200m
  • Cutberto Salgado – Steeplechase
  • Elvis Sanchez – Discus
  • Harrison Wykoff – Steeplechase
BC Renegade Track and Field Male All - WSC Honorable Mention portraits.
Sonya speaking with microphone.


That’s all for now.

Until next time.

With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.

sonya-
the luckiest and happiest college president ever

2015 MESA Awards: BC Student Achievements Shine

MESA Awards Banquet 2015Bakersfield College continues to focus on low-income communities by providing opportunities that result in economic advancement.  And there’s no better opportunity for a first-generation college student than to dive headfirst into careers in industries clamoring for qualified workers: engineering, science and  mathematics.

So an organization focused on supporting and mentoring disadvantaged students into those in-demand and high-wage careers is one that gets BC’s highest seal of approval!

MESA Awards Banquet 2015On May 7th, members of BC’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program held their 11th annual awards banquet, honoring the 2015 achievements of our own MESA students.  It’s wonderful to see how many have accepted the academic support and industrial advantages MESA provides and are now ready to jump into that active job pool.

Under the oversight of MESA Director Connie Gonzalez, the banquet was a great event celebrating the determination of some of BC’s hardest-working students.

Consuelo GonzalezCongratulations award winners!

_____

11th Annual Bakersfield College MESA Awards winners:

Industry Sponsor of the Year: Aera Energy LLC
Outstanding Individual Award: Traco Matthews
Professor of the Year Award: Richard Darke

Scholarships: Jeremy Duke, Jose Chavez, Evaleena Reyes, Amanda Jones, Brian Thayer, Edward Berdon, Oswaldo Marquez, Devin Pozas, Mary Baires, Randy Duong

Chevron Merit Scholars: Joshua Sosa, Tyler Starr, Edward Berdon, Tamara Kozareva, Jordy Dobbs, Jose Salinas, Daniella Bosze, Brian Thayer, Neftali Santos, Zeph Nord, Amanda Jones, Reymil Fernandez, Oswaldo Marquez, Marco Sanchez, Colton Nichelson, Zachary Allen, Yessenia Acosta, Ghillmar Mancia, Evaleena Reyes, Saul Mosqueda

MESA Awards Banquet 2015Transfers: Jeremy Duke, Zack Allen, Daniella Bosze, Brian Thayer, Matthew Gaitan, Tamara Kozareva, Devin Pozas, Anthony Prieto, Mary Baires, Sheri-Amor Craig, Alejandro Cruz, Randy Duong, Travis Renteria, Joshua Sosa, Jose Salinas, Gazali Ezzeddeen, Diana Herrera, Martin Alvarado, Austin Fowler, Joanne Jeong, Aeri Kim, Edison Quinonez, Juan Ramirez, Irabiel Romero, Anabel Salazar, Marco Sanchez, Alejandro Santos

Senate Certificate of Recognition: Jose Chavez, Jeremy Duke, Ghillmar Mancia, Reymil Fernando, Evaleena Reyes, Oscar Santos, Zack Allen, Amanda Jones, Danielle Bosze, Jessica Bravo, Zeph Nord, Brian Thayer, Edward Berdon, Matthew Gaitan, Oswalso Marquez, Mark Martinez, Tamara Kozareva, Devin Pozas, Jose Salinas

Internships/Research: Jose Chavez, Ghillmar Mancia, Reymil Fernandez, Evaleena Reyes, Jose Salinas, Oscar Santos, Amanda Jones, Jessica Bravo, Zeph Nord, Edward Berdon, Mark Martinez, Anthony Prieto Jeremy Duke, Sheri-Amor Craig, Zack Allen

Bakersfield College Students Chosen for Leadership Conference

Bakersfield College's MESA Team

Bakersfield College’s MESA Team

A select group of Bakersfield College students recently honed their leadership skills at a special invitation-only conference in San Diego for math-based majors. The event was sponsored by the California Utilities Diversity Council. The 10th annual Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Student Leadership Conference offered extensive professional and leadership development through direct interaction with industry mentors and speakers. The hand-picked MESA students, all science, engineering, or math majors, represented over 30 universities and community colleges from across the state, including Bakersfield College.

Participating Bakersfield College engineering students were: Antonio Arevalo, Marco Guerra, Andres Leyva, Joanna Moraza.

Students participated in mock interviews, connected with industry representatives from 16 national and California companies and heard guest speakers. MESA alumnus Senator Alex Padilla encouraged students to work hard and strive for success, and was honored with the MESA Outstanding Alumni Award.

Bakersfield College students were sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Their generous contribution allowed students from Central California campuses to attend. Pacific Gas & Electric Company employees volunteered their time to work closely with the students during the conference.

MESA promotes STEM success for more than 28,000 educationally disadvantaged secondary, community college and four-year college students in California through project-based learning, academic counseling and exposure to STEM careers, so they can graduate from college with math-based degrees. Seventy percent of MESA high school graduates statewide went directly to college after graduation compared to 48 percent of all California graduates. Sixty percent of MESA students go on to math, science or engineering majors.

Our STEM students

stem 4Each fall, with the support of Chevron and Bakersfield College’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grant, students start school early for Week Zero: a six-day orientation which exposes students to problem solving and team work dynamics. Held during the two weeks prior to the start of fall semester, Week Zero is designed for students majoring in science, engineering, and mathematics. During the 2013 Week Zero program, students participated in projects in various subjects, including biology, chemistry, green technology, industrial design with SolidWorks, and leadership training. In addition, break out sessions were offered for engineering statics, interdisciplinary filmmaking, computer integrated manufacturing, microcontrollers, and mathematics. This program, which has been offered for several years, had more than 150 students participating in 2013, and 14 faculty continue to guide the programming.

stem 2

To encourage participation in Week Zero and majors in STEM careers, an Engineering Open House was hosted in November for local high school students. More than 120 students from 12 high schools in Kern County participated in competitions in Solidworks, Inventor, projectile launching, and robotics. This event highlighted the strength of the STEM program at Bakersfield College and provided important information on STEM careers to prospective students.

Related to STEM is MESA, the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program. MESA has grown to more than 150 students who receive tutoring support from seven peer mentors who offered more than 40 hours per week of free tutoring for these students.

 

stem 3In order to continue to foster interest in MESA and STEM, students with engineering majors had the opportunity to attend the National Society of Hispanic Engineers conference in Indianapolis. Students attended workshops held by engineering professionals and explored employment and internship opportunities at prominent employers such as Google, Intel, PG&E, and General Mills.

 

 

In addition, MESA pre-medical students attended the 11th annual UC Davis Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Professions National Conference. Students were provided the opportunity to meet with deans of admission, admission officers, faculty, and staff from Harvard Medical School, New York University School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, The John Hopkins University School of Medicine, and more. At the conference, information about interviewing for medical schools and MCAT preparation was provided.

stem 6Part of understanding the needs of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs is the demographics and expectations of students attending Bakersfield College. In the STEM Conversations series, Bakersfield College faculty in STEM fields met in September to learn details on newly-gathered data about first generation students, and students majoring in STEM disciplines in particular, at Bakersfield College. A second STEM Conversation occurred in early November and entailed presentations on the use of the Smartboard and BriteLinks technology in math courses.

MESA Director Connie Gonzalez worked to establish a robust MESA Advisory Board with an expanded membership of industry, faculty, and student representatives. This group works to guide the STEM disciplines and developed a mission statement, Strategic Plan, and Marketing Plan.

 

stem 5STEM programs also work to keep the technology and understanding of fields current. A two-day session, facilitated by STEM Counselor Cynthia Quintanilla and Bakersfield College English professor Paula Parks, English professor, educated STEM Mentors, STEM Assistants, and English Express Coaches on lesson planning, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and much more. These training sessions have continued once a month on Fridays and have even been interactively presented to STEM Assistants located at the Delano Campus.