Tag Archives: Mission College

May 25th remembered 63 years later

Uncategorized May 25, 2024 Leave a comment

Did you know that it was 63 years ago today – May 25, 1961 – that President John F. Kennedy gave his famous speech before Congress that the US “should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

That goal was realized on July 20, 1969, with Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

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I began my week in Sacramento with the Board of Governors meeting. I want to extend a very special thank you to Paul Medina, who is ending his time as our student BOG member.

Back at home, I had a fun visitor in my pool:

I so enjoy the visiting ducks.

Neo…not so much.

Good morning California.
It is May 25, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Miramar College Earns Career Innovation Award

Miramar College is a proud recipient of the 2024 Career Innovation Award from The Career Leadership Collective. The team at The Career Leadership Collective was impressed by Miramar College’s innovative and equitable practices that the Career Education team is leading such as the Discover Series events which include Discover Your Passion, Discover Your Drive and Discover Your Superpower.

» Read more!

Ohlone Celebrates Junior Leadership Academy 2024 Graduation and Showcase

Ohlone College, held a graduation ceremony for its Junior Leadership Academy (JLA) students. This event marks a significant triumph for the students who have dedicated themselves to this transformative 15-week Spring semester series, emerging as equipped leaders ready to conquer challenges in the classroom, workplace, and community.

» Read more!

Sierra College Presents Dinosaur Day and Science Fest

Sierra College welcomed the community May 5 to the annual Dinosaur Day and Science Fest – a festival for all ages, focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), education, and so much more. The event featured hands-on activities, demonstrations, dissections, live animals and educational games. 

» Check out more photos!

Cypress College Students Coach Junior Chef Academy

From April 22 to 26, 11 Hotel, Restaurant, Culinary Arts students and graduates volunteered as Culinary Coaches for the third annual Junior Chef Academy (former Maple Master Chef Competition) at Commonwealth Elementary School in Fullerton. This event was organized by teacher Melissa Zaucha, and is the third time that Cypress College has helped mentor the budding bakers and cooks. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Honor Four
With Classified Employee of the Year Award

Four classified professionals, committed to equitable student outcomes, have been honored with the Classified Employee of the Year Award from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

The honorees, Yvette Garcia, Melissa Jauregui, Amanda Mellett and Anissa Mitchell were recognized at the Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento on May 20.

» Read more!

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AP: Community colleges offer clean energy training
as climate-related jobs expand across America

West Los Angeles College student Sarah Solis was featured in a recent AP piece about clean energy job training at community colleges.

“The 1,000-acre Inglewood Oil Field, near West Los Angeles College, where she first enrolled, was what pushed Solis to pursue environmental studies. She later switched to the school’s climate change degree, which was new at the time. Its climate offerings have grown since then; it now hosts the California Center for Climate Change Education.“

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From BOG Member Harry LeGrande:

Spent the morning at David Weir Elementary School in Fairfield assisting Principal Guerney handing out K-2 Awards for attendance, academics and citizenship. Totally inspiring to see parents and students there. Then went Teacher Julie Bictor’s 2nd grade class and signed and handed out promotion certificates to her class. Her class has Cal as it’s adopted college. Thanks to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for providing the swag. Several second graders used the notebook to capture me and Ken Montgomery’s signatures to document the day.

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From Mission College:

What a wonderful time it was celebrating our international students at their Graduation Luncheon put on by the International Student Center on Wednesday, May 22! It was an inspiring event where we honored the incredible journeys and achievements of our students!

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From Compton College:

This past Sunday, our Head Baseball Coach, Shannon Williams, was the recipient of the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Teacher Appreciation Award!

Former and current student athletes he mentors, along with some our athletic staff, joined to celebrate and watch the head coach throw the first pitch for the LA Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds game

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From Folsom Lake College:

Today we were excited to welcome a team from Mercy Hospital of Folsom including President/CEO Lisa Hausmann to discuss FLC’s Allied Health career education programs, bridging Mercy Folsom and FLC’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion efforts and improving access to healthcare for the Hispanic community, exploration of partnership opportunities, and touring the campus and the new science building.

Blast from the Past

Four years ago, I shared this video letter with my Bakersfield College colleagues following the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Campus Stories: Voices of AANHPI Scholars at Bakersfield College

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, BC’s Student Government Association recently hosted Campus Stories: Voices of AANHPI Scholars at Bakersfield College.

The event featured a panel of three BC faculty and staff members and two BC students and was moderated by Bryan Hirayama, Professor of Communications at BC, all of whom are of AANHPI heritage. Each panel member shared stories from their individual experiences and answered questions about their families, cultural backgrounds, and educational and career journeys. Their stories of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and personal achievements were truly inspirational and resonated strongly with those who gathered in the Renegade Events Center for the afternoon.

» 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

Making every day count

Uncategorized May 18, 2024 Comments: 2

I started my week at Oracle Park, at the Giants-Dodgers game dedicated to California Community Colleges. CCCCO Vice Chancellor for Communications Paul Feist planned this event as part of the ICan campaign. It was so much fun!

We had Malia Venegas, San Jose City College student athlete throw the first pitch. Venegas is a 4.0 student and a softball team standout player who is transferring to San Jose State University.  In the picture below you see Malia in action right before she executed a delightful overhand pitch to the catcher behind the plate.  Her smile lit up the big screen over the center field, and the crowd loved her.

Five of us joined Malia on the field for the first pitch – President Rowena Tomenang, Debbie Huntze-Rooney (Malia’s coach), Paul Feist, BOG Member Tom Epstein, and me. 

Malia and I got a chance to snap a pic with the Giants’ three World Series trophies as the San Francisco Giants. They won in 2010, 2012, and 2014. (The Giants also won 5 times as the New York Giants.)

Rowena Tomenang, Tom Epstein, Malia Venegas, Sonya Christian

Was it Muhammad Ali that said – Don’t count the days, make the days count….. Always making the day count!

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On Tuesday, I was at Mt. San Antonio College for our final climate event for the year.

Good morning California.
It is May 18, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Fullerton College’s Applied Engineering Team Dominates
at 2024 NASA MINDS Competition

The Applied Engineering Club at Fullerton College recently won first place at the 2024 NASA Minority Innovative New Designs for Space (MINDS) competition, beating California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), California State University, Fresno (FSU) and other four-year schools across the nation. 

» Read more!

San Diego City College Partners with TBH to Provide
Essential Basic Needs Services for Students

San Diego City College (SDCC) is thrilled to announce its new partnership with TBH, a leading provider of virtual basic needs support services for students. This dynamic collaboration will offer SDCC students complimentary access to virtual Resource Navigators, who will assist them in identifying and securing benefit programs and support services they are eligible for. 

Foothill College Welcomes Community to Day On The Hill

Rainy weather didn’t stop hundreds of community members from visiting Foothill College for their Day On The Hill on May 4. The free, family-oriented open house gave people the opportunity to meets students, faculty and staff and learn about their academic and student resources programs.

» Learn more!

Check out these videos from the event:

Santa Clara Family Health Plan
Donates $100K to Gavilan College

Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP), a community-based health plan in Santa Clara County dedicated to creating opportunities for better health and wellness for all, has committed $100K to Gavilan College to support students pursuing careers in healthcare. The donation is part of their regional $500K investment over the next five years to support the future health care workforce in Santa Clara County.

» Read more

In Case You Missed It

Community Colleges Are Critical to Climate Action

Jeff Clary, senior director for climate strategies at the Foundation for California Community Colleges, and Cameron Sublett, associate professor and director of The Education Research & Opportunity Center at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville wrote a commentary for Inside HigherEd about the importance of community colleges to climate work.

The federal government (and some states) have advanced aggressive climate targets. The Biden administration’s goals include reducing U.S. greenhouse emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030, reaching 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, and achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Guidelines to federal agencies also include a commitment to ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from federal investments in climate and clean energy.

These climate goals are ambitious, and without the involvement of the nation’s community and technical colleges, out of reach. Here’s why: community and technical colleges offer scale, speed, and community engagement.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Bernardino Valley College:

Celebrating the journey of the Spring 2024 nursing class at our Nurse Pinning Ceremony. Family members proudly pinned these dedicated students at the iconic Greek Theater, marking a significant milestone in their nursing careers. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

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From Mission College:

Did you catch the spectacular APIDA Fashion Show that lit up the Central Plaza this past Tuesday? The runway was ablaze with colors, patterns, and styles from across the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American spectrum.

» Check out more photos!

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From Modesto Junior College:

The 2024 Latinx Comic Arts Festival was incredible! Students and community members met with talented creators and artists who shared unique work and stories. Families and students alike walked the aisles of the Lowriders car show on Saturday. During the festival, artists lend their voices to speaker panels meant to inspire young illustrators, writers and families alike. The LatinX Festival brings culture to campus, learn more at the link https://ow.ly/2fWW50RFPQr

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And check out this video of students sharing their experiences at Moorpark College:

Blast from the Past

Check out this video of fireworks after the 2016 Bakersfield College commencement:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts 110th Commencement Celebration

Bakersfield College celebrated its 110th Commencement on Friday, May 10th, 2024, with a remarkable milestone of 1,648 graduates. The event was streamed live on YouTube and attracted over 1,000 viewers from around the world. This year’s commencement was particularly significant as it marked the first for newly appointed BC President, Dr. Jerry E. Fliger, and newly appointed Chancellor of KernCCD, Dr. Steven Bloomberg.

» 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

Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges

Uncategorized December 9, 2023 Comments: 2

What a great first week of December!

On Wednesday, we held the final System Webinar for the year: Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges.

As I wrap up 6 months in my role as state chancellor, I experience this attribute of courage everywhere and anywhere I go….

  • I see leaders who stand unwavering in commitment to equity in success, equity in access, and equity in support fearless in the face of adversity. 
  • I see leaders with a extraordinary ability to listen, to adapt, to learn and to drive change.
  • I see leaders who ignite passion and purpose, foster trust and empathy while challenging norms with determination.

It has been an amazing experience working with everyone at the chancellor’s office. We have accomplished so much this year, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!

I enjoyed writing for the LIFT publication, you can find the 12-page pdf here. https://ed.fullerton.edu/lift/_resources/pdfs/lift_publications/LIFT%20YOUR%20VOICE%20Fall%202023.pdf

Good morning California.
It is December 9, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

CCC Faculty Selected for STEMSEAS Community College Oceanic Expedition

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) is a multiyear project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF Grants 1701174 and 1701168) to provide students with inspirational opportunities to experience life on an oceanic research vessel.

A recent voyage from Seattle, Washington, to Honolulu, Hawaii, had a STEMSEAS team entirely comprised of community college science educators – including a few from California community colleges!

  • Dr. Tess Weathers, an Associate Professor in Engineering at Chabot College 
  • Roman P. de Jesus, professor of oceanography and Earth science at Fullerton College
  • Waverly Ray, professor of geography at San Diego Mesa College

» Read more!

» Learn about STEMSEAS!

Ohlone College Receives $400K Grant from
National Science Foundation to Boost Regional Innovation

Ohlone College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant of $400,000 from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) investment. This grant recognizes Ohlone College’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening regional partnerships.

» Read More!

Calbright Offers Student Leadership Training With Real Life Opportunities

While all students who come to Calbright learn key technical and career skills, their career aspirations vary widely. For students who want to move into management and leadership roles, Calbright has developed a set of optional leadership programs for them while they are completing their required coursework.  

» Read more!

Gavilan College Awarded $1.5M to Create Juvenile Justice Program

Annette Gutierrez, Director of Basic Needs; Noah Lystrup, Dean of Student Learning, Equity, Success for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Susan Sweeney, Dean of Career Education Workforce and Educational Partnerships

Gavilan was awarded $1.5 million by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, over the next five years, to create the “Gavilan College Higher Aspirations Juvenile Justice Program,” a part of the Rising Scholars Network, beginning in January 2024.

» Read More!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s celebration of Kwanzaa earlier this week was a vibrant occasion that provided all with an opportunity to come together and learn about the celebration of African heritage, unity, and community.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Hancock police officers responded to a call of an injured bird, which turned out to be a protected Killdeer Plover. The bird was rescued and turned over to our friends at the Santa Barbara County Animal Control.

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Check out these pictures from Cerro Coso Community College‘s Jingle Jog:

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Foreign Agriculture Service Administrator Daniel Whitley visited the College of the Desert to speak with faculty, staff and students about USDA internships and careers:

Blast from the Past

Check out this video from 2017, talking about student veterans at Bakersfield College:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College and The Open Door Network
Partner to Serve Vulnerable Populations

Bakersfield College Adult Education and celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony for students of The Open Door Network on December 4th.

» 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 proactively supporting our students

Uncategorized November 4, 2023 Leave a comment

Enjoyed connecting with the legendary George Boggs to write a piece titled Proactive Access.

Here is an excerpt:

Since their founding, our community colleges have been innovative and responsive in providing postsecondary education to millions of Californians, but in Spring 2020, they were faced with a serious challenge to their open access mission. Colleges were forced to close to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Colleges shifted almost overnight to classes and services online, but many students didn’t have access to computers or high-speed Internet.  As colleges struggled to find ways to keep students enrolled, institutions distributed laptop computers to students and set up Internet hotspots in college parking lots.  College leaders understood that access was more than just providing an open door.  It meant finding ways to proactively support students.

Find the 1200-word essay here: https://workforceandeconomicmobility.com/2023/10/26/proactive-access/

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Had fun attending the Colegas Annual Conference themed, “Raices de Excelencia: La Cultura Cura” in Long Beach. Here is a selfie of the all of us who attended from the Chancellor’s Office Ebony Jeffries, Siria Martinez, Lizette Navarette.

Presented to the Cradle to Career Data System Board of Directors with Ben Chida.

Wrapped up my week at Cypress College for the North Orange County Community College District’s Focus on the Future event, where I presented on Vision 2030. Was happy to connect with State Senator Josh Newman who is a huge supporter of community colleges.

The NOCCCD’s Focus on the Future was designed to provide district employees and other educators with a high-level view of the future of education.

A fireside chat with NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland hosting a question-and-answer session with state Senator Newman on workforce development and partnership.

President Joanna Schilling along with Jolena Grande, member of the Board of Governors took Senator Newman and I on a tour of the college’s baccalaureate program in Funeral Service, and the new baccalaureate in Dental Hygiene.

Good morning California.
It is November 4, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Champions of Higher Education

This week the Campaign for College Opportunity revealed this year’s Champions of Higher Education – exemplary and committed California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that are leading the state in conferring the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling ADT earners on guaranteed pathways to a bachelor’s degree, and intentionally working to support Latinx and Black students on their path to a degree. 

This year’s community college honorees include:

Champions of Higher Education

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • Clovis Community College
  • East Los Angeles College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Grossmont College
  • Madera College
  • Mission College
  • Moorpark College
  • Mt. San Antonio College
  • San Joaquin Delta College

2023 Equity Champions

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • College of San Mateo
  • College of the Desert
  • Crafton Hills College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Glendale Community College
  • Long Beach City College
  • West Valley College

Honorees will be celebrated on November 14th at 10 am on Zoom.

» Read more about this year’s honorees & register for Zoom event!

Rio Hondo College Partners with
Summer Research Program to Empower STEM Students

Approximately 20 Río Hondo College students recently dove into the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – working in labs, conducting research projects and presenting their findings – through the College’s first-year partnership with Cal Poly Pomona’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program.

» Read more!

Fullerton, Cypress Colleges Join California Virtual Campus Exchange

Earlier this month, Fullerton College and Cypress College became the 49th & 50th colleges to join the California Virtual Campus Exchange as teaching colleges. The program provides access to online courses for students at community colleges across the state.

» Read more!

2023 California Community Colleges Distinguished Alumni

The Community College League of California announced honorees for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jimmy Panetta (Monterey Peninsula College), Advaith Thampi (Irvine Valley College) and Blas Villalobos (Long Beach City College) were selected this year. They will be honored at the League’s Annual Convention later this month.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

KQED: Chancellor Sonya Christian
Has Big Plans for California Community Colleges

This week, I was thrilled to speak with Mina Kim on KQED. We discussed plans to address declining enrollment, ease transfers from community college to the UC and Cal State systems and create more community college baccalaureate degree programs.

» Read more & listen to the interview

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PPIC: Making the Most of State Investments in Dual Enrollment

Daniel Payares-Montoya & Mary Severance spoke with Dr. Sandra Fuentes, Interim Dean of Early College at Reedley College, discussing how dual enrollment can help historically underserved students success in college.

I also think career exploration and internship opportunities are huge. We partner with community businesses to offer internships in aeronautics, agriculture, manufacturing, welding, and so on. Historically, many students would not look for internships until they were completing their junior or senior year in college. And many of our students have changed majors three to five times. We’re hoping that offering internships tied to dual enrollment will help students align their pathways a lot sooner.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Tina Maria King:

Thank you to @chaffeycollege for having me as one of the keynote panelist for the Black and Brown Minds & Mattering, 2nd Annual Conference. A Celebration of Black and Latino Culture. I am so proud of the work thats being done to uplift BIPOC students and employee voices. As an Afro-Latina my advocacy and leadership is predicated on the continuous growth and understanding of how to best engage and support our communities.

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From Madera Community College:

Please join us in wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our President, Dr. Ángel Reyna!

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From Diablo Valley College:

Happy Friday! We would like to end the week with a couple of pictures of our beautiful campus. Next time you are on campus, stop by the lake between the Student Union and Music Building and just relax. 🦋 This a great place to gather your thoughts and to end a busy week. #ourbeautifulcampus#pictureoftheday

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Receives First Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Provided by Grant Funded By Kern COG

Bakersfield College is thrilled to announce the installation of the first of four off-grid electric vehicle charging stations, known as the EVEN Recharge Hub, as part of a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG). This delivery underscores Bakersfield College’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future Electric Vehicle Technicians in the State of California.

» 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

A moment of reflection and prayer

Uncategorized October 14, 2023 Leave a comment

This has been another difficult week on the world stage. Last Saturday, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a week of fighting and a rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people have been killed in Israel and Gaza, with many more wounded. Israel has called for the evacuation of 1.1 million people from northern Gaza.

In Hamas’ devastating attack, scores of hostages were taken from their homes and from a music festival. Some of their stories:

Omer Neutra, 21

Omer Neutra – Daily Mail

Omer’s father said that they spoke to their son on Friday afternoon, a seven hour time difference. He said that his son sounded good, but a little tired. He said he had been very busy the last two weeks with the Jewish holidays.

By midnight, they saw on a news app that their was something happening on the Southern portion of Israel and they said they immediately called him but could not get through. 

Ronen said that one of Omer’s friends showed him a video two days after the attack.

He recalled, ‘it was pretty shocking,’ he said. ‘I asked a good friend to come over and watch it. I knew it was something I wasn’t ready to watch. He wasn’t sure but thought he saw Omer in the footage.’

Doros Asher Katz, 34, and her two daughters – Raz, 5, and Aviv, 2.

Aviv Asher and Raz Asher – from Washington Post

Around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Doron Asher Katz called her husband. The 34-year-old was visiting her mother in the Nir Oz kibbutz, a communal settlement in the south of Israel, along with her two daughters, 2-year-old Aviv and 5-year-old Raz. “I got a phone call in which she was saying that they were locked down in the security room,” her husband, Yoni Asher, said in a telephone interview. Hamas militants had entered the family’s house.

Omer Wenkert, 22

Omer Wenkert – from Washington Post

Omer Wenkert traveled to the Tribe of Nova music festival on Saturday morning, just three miles from the fence that divides Israel from the Gaza Strip. About 6:30 a.m., he called his family. The night of dancing and revelry was transforming into a massacre. Wenkert, according to his uncle Ricardo Grichner, who had a family dinner with him the night before, told relatives he could hear shooting but was unable to find a way out. In a text sent shortly before 8 a.m., he said he felt scared and helpless. Then he stopped picking up his phone.

Omer Shem-Tov, 21

Omer Shem Tov – from Washington Post

When Omer Shem-Tov last spoke to his father, he was attempting to flee by car as Hamas attackers descended on the festival. Between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday, they had multiple phone calls, as his father Malki Shem-Tov tried to help his son to escape. “From one call to another call, he sounded much more panicked,” Malki said. “In one of the last calls, he said that people are shooting. He said … ‘I love you.’”

There is much pain and suffering for countless innocent civilians. There is much misinformation and confusion, as well as anger and fear. It is a time to keep our loved ones close, and keep those in danger in our thoughts as we pray for peace.

Let us Pray.

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Good morning California.
It is October 14, 2023.
A day to bring hope and peace as Community College Champions

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mission College Student Casey Chang Named
to the California Community Colleges Board of Directors

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of Mission College student Casey Chang to the prestigious California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Chang, a resident of Pleasanton, has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, environmental conservation, and student advocacy throughout her early career.

» Read More!

Long Beach City College Earns Seal of Excelencia Recertification

Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latina/o/x student success in higher education, announced that Long Beach City College has been recertified with the prestigious Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating through data, evidence-based practices, and leadership, how it is intentionally serving Latina/o/x students.

» Read more!

Skyline College IMMERSE Scholars Participate in
S-STEM Scholars Meeting in Washington, DC

Four Skyline College IMMERSE in STEM scholars, Abigail Jean Alfonso, Leonardo Calle, Gabriel Hapin-Aranda, and Arian Villena, attended the 2023 S-STEM Scholars Meeting in Washington, DC, along with Professor Emilie Hein, who went as a mentor. IMMERSE in STEM stands for Innovative and Meaningful Mentoring to Enhance Retention, Success, and Engagement in STEM. The program is funded by the NSF S-STEM program and was established at Skyline College this past Spring 2023, welcoming its first cohort of scholars.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Undocumented Student Action Week

Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on October 16 – 20, 2023. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Community College League of California, and our statewide partners on Monday, October 16 for an in-person event at Fresno City College and daily webinars throughout the week.

» Find out more & register for events!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma:

Toured @SierraCollege and talked about current and new student housing with President @WillyDuncan and Chancellor @sonyachristian Team. Met some students and did some Q&A with students at the “Pizza With The President” lunch meeting. @CalCommColleges#housing#AffordableHousing#studentlife

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From Kern CCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg:

The national ACCT 2023 Charles Kennedy Equity Awarded to Kern Community College District!

Check out this piece from KGET about the award.

Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez shared this from the conference:

Day two at the #2023ACCT Building a Legacy National Conference! Representing our Kern Community College District at the conference. Attended workshops on legal challenges and national advocacy and connected with inspiring colleagues. Exciting insights gathered!

Cerritos CCD President/Superintendent
Jose Fierro, Assemblymember Mike Fong, Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez

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From Los Angeles Harbor College:

@_flemingmiddleschool_ in the house! So glad to host you at Harbor for a Campus Tour! Go Seahawks! You ARE Seahawks!

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From College of San Mateo:

Proud of our Student Volunteer Club! Our dedicated students hit the beach for the second time, making a BIG impact for their beach cleanup event!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Project HireUp Fall 2023 Graduation

Images of hope, pride and celebration were seen this past Friday, October 6th, 2023, at The Summit Sanctuary, as community members, agencies, and partners gathered for the Fall 2023 Bakersfield College – Project HireUp Graduation, celebrating the 10th cohort graduation since Spring 2020. 

» Read More!

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With prayers for peace 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora