Tag Archives: Mt. San Antonio College

Healing someone else’s world

Uncategorized June 20, 2026 Comments: 2

Russia’s recent wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine has struck not only residential areas and infrastructure but also sites of deep religious and cultural significance. Among the locations damaged was the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an 11th-century monastery complex and one of the holiest sites in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The attack damaged the complex’s iconic Dormition Cathedral and sparked a fire, prompting widespread condemnation from Ukrainian officials and international organizations.

The strike has renewed concerns about the broader toll of the war on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, more than 500 cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Here is a video from The New York Times as Dormiton Cathedral burned – https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000010967495/russia-kyiv-attack-orthodox-cathedral.html

My daughter, Eisha Christian, was in Kyiv with a medical team from Sick Kids. Right now as I am writing this blog, she is on a flight from Warsaw to Toronto after finishing two weeks in Lviv and Kyiv in Ukraine.

There she is in the picture below … looking through a surgical microscope, her hands healing someone else’s world.

Here is a post from Pope Leo XIV urging for an end to this war:

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This week I traveled to Baltimore for the CCC HBCU pathway.

Pam Haynes, Walter Kimbrough, Arynn Settle, Sonya Christian

A view of Baltimore –

Another –

And at night –

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And what a treat! The ducklings have finally arrived… waited for so many days.

See if you can spot one of the ducklings trying to fly up to the mother from the pool.

Good morning California.
It is June 20, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Columbia College Participates in Regional “Every Drop Counts” Project Advancing Interdisciplinary Research on Impact of Microplastics in Water

Columbia College is participating in the collaborative initiative Every Drop Counts, a Central Valley–based project focused on investigating the impact of microplastics in water systems and their effects on biological processes. As part of the project, students studied macrophages—immune cells responsible for removing foreign particles—to better understand how microplastics interact with living systems in the Central Valley.  Student teams from Columbia College, Modesto Junior College (MJC), the University of California, Merced (UC Merced), and California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS) presented their research findings at UC Merced on April 15, 2026, and at CSUS on April 18, 2026.

» Read more!

Napa Valley College Opens Hospitality Training Center

On June 2, Napa Valley College held a ribbon cutting for the Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center, the final part of the new Napa Valley College (NVC) Wine Education Complex. The newest building in the complex features a demonstration tasting bar, a space designed to simulate hospitality and tasting-room scenarios, as well as flexible event space for training, lectures and special events. 

» Read more!

Foothill College Hosts Research and Service Leadership Symposium 2026 

On May 21, students from Foothill and a variety of other schools filled the campus to showcase their research at the 9th annual Research and Service Leadership Symposium. This yearly event is meant to provide a space for students to create and showcase either individual or group research projects in any kind of field, from the creative arts to the sciences, with the ultimate goal of expanding learning beyond the classroom and celebrating student passion and curiosity.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California’s Career Passport to connect qualified workers to employment, with or without a four-year degree

California is continuing its push to open more doors to good-paying jobs by building the California Career Passport – a digital tool designed to better connect workers with employers based on skills, not just degrees.

When implemented, this tool will help more Californians move into in-demand careers and strengthen a workforce that reflects the full range of talent across the state. The Career Passport pilot will involve real users as part of a structured evaluation phase. The four selected vendors will participate in testing that will generate direct user feedback and technical performance data to inform final vendor selection. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible procurement that evaluates solutions based on how they perform in real-world conditions, with real Californians. The pilot demonstration will run from June 17, 2026 to August 24, 2026.

» Read more!

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Building Momentum Towards Transfer: EdInsights’ Researchers Partner with Sacramento City College to Identify Supports for Student Success

EdInsights collaborated with Sacramento City College to design and conduct a study following the academic journeys of over 10,000 first-time students. Sacramento City College, a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, serves over 21,000 students, with nearly 30 percent being first-generation college students. The composition of Sacramento City College’s student body underpins the importance of understanding the experiences of students from various disproportionately impacted groups. 

College and district leaders and EdInsights researchers worked together to identify research questions and connect the analysis to ongoing institutional priorities and strategic planning related to transfer and equitable student success. Together, we identified factors that we suspected could be linked to transfer momentum attainment, including demographic and educational characteristics.

» Read more!   

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

This week, we welcomed proud Oxnard native and 11-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Julian Gooden to campus.

Students from the Global Empathy Training Academy gathered in our STEM Center to watch Julian’s Emmy Award-winning documentary, “Above the Tide,” followed by an engaging Q&A session where Julian shared insights about his career, creative process, and journey in the film industry. The event was also attended by OC Acting President Cynthia Herrera, MC President Julius Sokenu, other college and district leaders, and community partners from the Ventura County Office of Education.

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From Ohlone College:

Cheers to the Ohlone College Deaf Center for hosting our Student Recognition Celebration!

Our Deaf Center honored our graduates, recognized the #ASL Club officers, celebrated university transfers, acknowledged the Deaf-Centered Interpreting Preparation Program (DCIPP), and celebrated the accomplishments of our students. Cheers to bright futures for our Deaf Center students!

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From Copper Mountain College:

What an incredible day at the annual Judge Bert Swift Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the athletic programs at Copper Mountain College!

Because of the generosity of our players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, we raised significant funds to help support our student-athletes and the future of CMC athletics. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this event such a success.

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From Gavilan College:

Three MESA students represented the college at the Spring 2026 Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Atlanta, Georgia. Through this experience, they connected with researchers, universities, and industry professionals, while exploring opportunities in STEM fields.

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And check out this video highlighting Mt. San Antonio College’s aircraft maintenance program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Recognized for Educational Excellence at Beautiful Bakersfield Awards

Bakersfield College received the Educational Excellence Award at this year’s Beautiful Bakersfield Awards ceremony. The annual event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses for their contributions in 2025. The Educational Excellence Award recognizes ‘educators, projects, or institutions advancing educational opportunities and achievement across all levels in the community’.*

» 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

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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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 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

California Community Colleges supporting working California

Uncategorized October 18, 2025 Leave a comment

Over two days, the event brough together leaders statewide to  explore how noncredit programs are transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Mt SAC Trustees along with President Martha Garcia, President Tina King, BOG member Bill Rawlings, Madelyn Arballo

Chancellor Greg Smith, Exec Vice Chancellor Chris Ferguson, Secretary Stewart Knox

It was especially great to hear from some of our adult noncredit students –

President Martha Garcia with students

Thank you to host Mt. San Antonio College, co-host San Diego College of Continuing Education, the Association of Community and Continuing Education, and everyone at the CCC Chancellor’s Office for all your work putting this great event together!

Good morning California.
It is October 18, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of Marin Foundation Receives Landmark $10 Million
Matching Grant from The Jay Pritzker Foundation

The College of Marin Foundation is proud to announce a transformative grant and endowment fund agreement with The Jay Pritzker Foundation, establishing the Jay Pritzker Foundation Centennial Endowment Fund. This landmark agreement with The Jay Pritzker Foundation will commit up to $10 million to create a permanent endowment dedicated to providing crucial needs-based scholarships and grants to College of Marin students. For every dollar donated to this fund, the Jay Pritzker Foundation will provide a one-to-one match creating the potential for a $20 million endowment.

» Read more!

West LA College Launches More Accessible
Home Appraiser Training Program

West Los Angeles College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo to launch a groundbreaking real estate appraiser education program this Fall. This is a first-of-its-kind, Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA)-approved program that provides aspiring appraisers with an innovative pathway to licensure without the traditional supervisory requirement. Students will engage directly with licensed appraisers and gain exposure to real-world property appraisal assignments.

» Read more!

Contra Costa College’s Laura Lozano Elected to National I‑CAR Board of Directors

Contra Costa College collision repair program lead Laura Lozano has been elected to the I‑CAR Board of Directors, representing the Education segment in a national leadership role. I‑CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a leading nonprofit that provides education, resources, and standards to ensure safe, high-quality vehicle repairs. The Board guides strategic direction for the organization, helping shape training for technicians, educators, and industry partners nationwide.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California expanding early childhood education apprenticeships

California will spend $1.4 million to expand the Early Care and Education Pathways to Success apprenticeship program, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

Apprentices study curriculum for teaching and child care credentials while gaining hands-on experience in the classroom at child care centers such as Head Start.

» Read more!

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Glendale Community College Awarded $640K
to Promote Fire Prevention and Recovery Careers

Glendale Community College’s Career Education Department was recently awarded two grants totaling $640,000 from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office aimed at strengthening such efforts in the region through expanded career training opportunities.

Federico Saucedo, the dean of Instructional Services who oversees the Career Education & Workforce Development Department, said both grants highlight a common theme supporting fire programs and rebuilding efforts in the region, in light of the Eaton and Palisades fires in January.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From College of the Redwoods:

The third regional Healthcare Education & Workforce Summit was held on October 10th @bluelakecasino . The event addressed critical workforce education and training gaps affecting local healthcare employers and developing solutions to strengthen Humboldt County’s healthcare workforce.

This was an inspiring event, collectively bringing educators and healthcare providers together to strategize and improve the healthcare workforce to meet the needs of our community. Many thanks to @humboldtpolytechnic @humboldtcoe @northfarnorth @crcareercenter and our numerous local sponsors: we could not do this without your support!

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From Folsom Lake College:

Kikkoman executives toured our new science building today and we are so appreciative of their generosity and contribution to the new building and to the support of our students.

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From Copper Mountain College:

The first Color Run at CMC was a fun success! Thanks to all who participated!

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And check out this video from Reedley College promoting their Flight Science Program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts 2025 Agriculture Career Expo & Manufacturing Day

Bakersfield College was proud to host the 2025 Agriculture Career Expo & Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 10th. This annual event brought together more than 30 local employers to showcase a variety of career opportunities in the dynamic world of agriculture and manufacturing.

More than 1,000 students from local high schools and BC programs attended the event, which featured interactive stations, networking with industry professionals, an introduction to BC Programs, and more. Attendees also had the chance to gather in BC’s Indoor Theater to view an informational video on careers in the Ag and Manufacturing industries, and the anticipated growth of those industries in the years ahead.

» 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

With love from Paris

Uncategorized July 12, 2025 Leave a comment

This week our nation again grieves together as we face the unimaginable loss following devastating floods in Texas. The death toll has topped 121, with many still missing.

The New York Times has put together a touching tribute to the victims – many of whom were young children at an overnight camp.

Let us pray …..

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A bit more from my time in Paris….

I loved – the language the people, the food, and the walking… yes the walking mostly.
Not a powerwalk for exercise but the strolls by the Seine. It is hard to imagine how old
the buildings are, some dating back to the 1200a like Notre-Dame and the Sainte-
Chapelle. Enjoyed Montmartre that had the extremes of Moulin Rouge at the base and
the Sacre-Coeur Basilica perched at the very top.

The Eiffel Tower –

And at night –

The main purpose for the trip was actually to visit Lourdes. My mom, who passed away in 2019 had made a vow to visit Lourdes and this trip was a pilgrimage to honor that vow.

The story of Lourdes is centered around a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a 14-year old girl – Bernadette.

The grotto is breathtaking.  Listening to the Gregorian chant in the night and seeing everything lit is soft lights was profoundly spiritual.  Whether you’re a devout Catholic or not, it’s impossible not to feel something in this place.

The Grotto
Grotto and Church from a distance
Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Always delightful to hang out with my daughter.

After an amazing trip, it was a mad dash back to Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is July 12, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Ohlone College Students to Perform Original Musical
at the World’s Largest Arts Festival in Edinburgh

In a bold and creative leap onto the international stage, Ohlone College is proud to announce that 27 students from its Theatre & Dance program will travel to Scotland this summer to debut an original musical, Blind Fury: The Untold Story of the Queen of Hearts, at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Running from August 1 to August 5, the performance marks a milestone for the college and its award-winning Theatre & Dance Department, led by Director of Theatre, Michael Navarra. The group will stage four performances of the musical at Nicolson Square, located in the heart of Edinburgh.

» Read more!


Irvine Valley College Speech Wins
Double Gold Sweepstakes at Nationals

After being named the 1st Place Community College at the NOF Online National Championships, and 1st Place in limited entry at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament, IVC Speech tested their skills at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, Virginia from April 5–13. IVC Speech was awarded the Gold in debate sweepstakes, the Bronze in individual event sweepstakes, and the coveted Gold in overall sweepstakes in the Wheeler Division.

» Read More!

Long Beach City College Announces New
Associate Degree in Urban Planning

Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona. The program was developed in consultation with the Long Beach Community Design Center, a non-profit comprised of leading area urban planners, architects, and representatives from Cal Poly Pomona.

» Read More!

In Case You Missed It

Inside HigherEd: Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities
for Noncitizen Students

International and undocumented students face restrictions on work opportunities while enrolled because of their legal standing in the U.S. Students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status have greater opportunities to engage, but securing work can still be a challenge.

In addition, financial obligations can limit students’ ability to participate in campus activities, particularly for low-income students who need to work for pay.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Antelope Valley College:

“I have a deeper understanding and respect for the mothers, fathers, and even grandparents who come to AVC seeking an education.”

When Karen Ramos and Joshua Torres walked across the commencement stage at Antelope Valley College this spring, it marked more than just the end of a chapter; it was a shared milestone.

The mother-and-son duo not only earned their associate degrees together, but both were also awarded scholarships from the Antelope Valley College Foundation to help them pursue the next steps in their academic journeys.

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From Crafton Hills College:

Mascot Reveal!!!!!! Celebrating our amazing Marketing Intern and Mascot, Morgan, on her graduation and transfer! Congratulations on all your accomplishments! We’re wishing her the happiest birthday and all the best in her next chapter. Thank you for everything you brought to the team!

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From American River College:

Exciting things are coming to Natomas! Our ARC team had the chance to tour the ARC Natomas Center STEAM building, set to open in spring 2026. This new space will bring expanded opportunities for Natomas students — including brand new science labs and more capacity for dual enrollment classes.

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From Chabot College:

Sweet, smart, and Chabot proud! Celebrating #NationalSugarCookieDay the only way we know how – with Gladiator spirit and lots of icing on top.

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And check out this video from Mt. San Antonio College about their 2025 Dance Artist In Residence, Benita Blake:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts 8th Annual RESOUND at Memorial Stadium

On July 8th, Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 8th annual RESOUND: A Drum Corps International Tour Event at Memorial Stadium. With over 750 tickets sold and hundreds more participants in attendance, the event brought together an enthusiastic crowd to witness the power and precision of four DCI Open Class drum corps, including the 5-time world champions Blue Devils B and Bakersfield College’s own Golden Empire.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog