Good morning, Bakersfield.
It is Saturday, December 15, 2018… A great day to be a Renegade.
BC’s Jason Frando just keeps swimming
Love this powerful video of BC swimmer Jason Frando. Such an inspiration to see one of our student-athletes succeeding in school and life. He’s really making a splash at BC!
Special shout-out to student Justin Frando for shooting and editing this great video!
Check out the video on YouTube!
Weekend Adventures
Education Strategy Session
Bakersfield College enriches the community it serves by partnering with local organizations to meet local needs. On Tuesday, November 27, a BC team met with several North Kern K-12 district leaders to initiate conversations surrounding Teacher Preparation Pathways in Kern County.
The Central Valley, along with the rest of the state and nation, is suffering from a teacher shortage. BC currently contributes to teacher preparation through its Early Childhood Education AS-T and Elementary Teacher Education AA-T degrees. Through research and planning from a recent Education Futures grant, BC is broadening its collaborations with its K-12 and university partners to alleviate teacher shortages in its surrounding communities.
Trustee Romeo Agbalog set the stage by highlighting the transformative power of education, particularly for rural Kern. Abel Guzman, Exec. Director of Rural Initiatives, gathered leaders from Grimmway Schools, KCSOS, McFarland High School, Richland Union Elementary School District, Wasco Independence High School, Shafter Learning Center, and Delano Joint Union High School and Elementary School Districts to participate in the first North Kern strategy session. The rest of the Bakersfield College team included:
- Liz Rozell – Vice President of Instruction
- Billie Jo Rice and Michele Bresso – Deans of Instruction
- Kimberly Bligh, Erica Menchaca, and Jessica Wojtysiak – Faculty
BC is dedicated to working with CSUB and other community partners to recruit, train, and retain more teachers at all levels and in all subjects. More strategy sessions and plans to expand current offerings are in the works. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates in the coming months!
Educational Systems and Intersegmental Pathways Task Force
It is uplifting to see leaders in education across the state coming together to increase student learning and degree attainment. The Educational Systems and Intersegmental Pathways Task Force met on November 29th at the LAX Marriott to do just that –- influence student outcomes at scale.
Noting that systems development is critical for improving student success in California, I highlighted the statewide need for more efficient data flow and interactive student planning tools. Current statewide data systems challenges were discussed by a panel of experts, including Patrick Perry from CSU, Anthony Dalton from CalPASS, Tess Carmen De Roy from CCGI, and Krystinne Mica from ASCCC. Omid Pourzanjani, CCCCO Visiting Vice Chancellor, shared statewide data of current student paths and ideas to improve the student journey.
Program Mapper projects that sequence curriculum in a virtual map for students were showcased by Bakersfield College, Cypress College, and Concentric Sky. President of Cypress College JoAnna Schilling, CTE faculty Kathleen Reiland, Workforce consultant Steve Glyer, BC Dean of Institutional Effectiveness Craig Hayward, Assistant Vice President of CSU Bakersfield Vikash Lakhani, and Wayne Skipper from Concentric Sky presented updates and future planning for their respective projects.
(left to right) Kathleen Reiland and JoAnna Schilling 
Sonya Christian 
(left to right) Craig Hayward, Wayne Skipper, Vikash Lakhani 
(start from left going counterclockwise ) Wayne Skipper, Rob Rundquist, Janet Fulks, Carrie Roberson, Billie Jo Rice, Lesley Bonds, Sonya Christian, Jessica Wojtysiak, Melanie Dixon, Linda Collins, Omid Pourzanjani, Steve Glyer 
Omid Pourzanjani 
Steve Glyer 
(left to right) Alyssa Nguyen, Tess Carmen De Roy, Kathleen Reiland, Ben Perlado, Krystinne Mica, Patrick Perry, Vikash Lakhani, Terrence Willet, Craig Hayward, John Hetts, (not picture Erica Menchaca) 
Anthony Dalton, Alyssa Nguyen, Tess Carmen De Roy (not pictured Patrick Perry) 
(top row) John Hetts, Terrence Willett, Rob Rundquist, Patrick Perry, Omid Pourzanjani, Vikash Lakhani, Wayne Skipper, Jessica Wojtysiak, Kathleen Reiland (middle row) Sonya Christian, Billie Jo Rice, Craig Hayward, Linda Collins, Erica Menchaca, Alyssa Nguyen, Krystinne Mica, Lesley Bonds (front row) Janet Fulks, Anthony Dalton, Melanie Dixon, Steve Glyer, JoAnna Schilling, Tessa Carmen De Roy, Carrie Roberson, Ben Perlado
After the presentations and panel discussion, the task force determined two areas of focus: Mapping Student Journeys and Intersegmental Data Systems. The group plans to continue its collaborative work over the next two years, including three more face-to-face meetings.
Sue Vaughn retires a Renegade
Last Thursday, we celebrated the career of a woman who has dedicated her life to education. Sue Vaughn, who has served at BC for more than two decades, said goodbye to fellow staff and faculty in a ceremony held at PAC 101.
Colleagues such as Manny Mourtzanos, Zav Dadabhoy, Nicky Damania, Steve Watkin, and Kalina Hill (in a UCLA football shirt) shared heartwarming stories about their experiences with Sue and what an inspirational woman she is to all of us. It was emotional to witness Sue reflect on her time at BC; she has put so much of herself into the education of others and we all owe her a debt of gratitude.
Sue has invested more than 32 years in higher education. She faithfully and diligently served BC for 22 of those years (20 as the Director of Enrollment Services, and 2 as the Director of the Child Development Center).
Prior to BC, Sue served as Director of the PACE program for public assistance recipients at Tompkins Cortland Community College in upstate New York for 10 years. She also directed a Child Council in Syracuse, trained Head Start Teachers in Mississippi, directed a Parent Cooperative Preschool in Milpitas CA, and taught 6th grade in Palos Verdes. Needless to say, her accomplishments in education are nothing short of remarkable.
Some of Sue’s notable career highlights include:
- Served as Vice President of the New York State Child Care Coordinating Council
- President of the California Association of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers CACCRAO
- Awarded the CACCRAO Robert Brown Leadership Award in 2017
A couple of fun facts about Sue include:
- Sue and her husband Norm have two grown sons and five grandchildren
- Sue is a diehard UCLA fan. Go Bruins!
Sue will be sorely missed around the BC campus, but we know she will be enjoying her retirement years with her family. Thank you for everything, Sue!
BC talks Open Enrollment on Telemundo!
Jaime Lopez and Manuel Muralles made an appearance on Telemundo to encourage students and remind parents that BC Enrollment is now open. They provided information on upcoming events and outreach to help students enroll for the Spring semester. Great information and great to see our team getting the word out! Todos Somos BC! Thank you Norma Rojas-Mora for this great partnership with Telemundo.
Watch video of their appearance on KGET.
Delano De-stress Fest
The De-stresser event at the main campus was extended to the Delano Campus on Monday, December 3, 2018 during finals week. The Miracle Mutts were such a hit with the students, and even faculty and staff were able to benefit. According to the Miracle Mutt’s website, many benefits of human-canine interaction are:
- Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased production of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin in the brain–chemicals responsible for feelings of happiness, calmness, and connectivity
- Decreased production of cortisol and norepinephrine–chemicals that produce feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear
- Reduced depression, loneliness, and anxiety
- Boosted motivation for physical activity and social interaction
Such great physical, emotional, and social health benefits from the interaction with these playful dogs!
Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud used his dog, Jofi, in his therapy sessions. But, why? What is it that can make the presence of dogs so soothing? Many students were able to experience this phenomonon first-hand and even asked that the Miracle Mutts come back the first week of next semester.
Thank you for the support!
Delano Suicide Awareness
The Suicide Awareness event was geared toward an open dialogue centered on eliminating the stigma in society when it comes to discussing mental health, and even more so addressing suicide. Bringing awareness creates a safe space to openly discuss sensitive and otherwise taboo topics. By opening up this forum, we allow students to be empowered to talk openly when the need arises. The event included a hands-on activity where students were encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through art.
A must-read by Jack Hernandez
Loved seeing BC’s Jack Hernandez in The Bakersfield Californian’s Community Voices section. His piece entitled “You can’t go back home” is a must-read. Check it out!
Another must-read by Jack Hernandez
I also love this poem by Jack Hernandez, which was recently published in the current issue of the Anglican Theological Review. So powerful!
A Rule
My monkish soul
seeks a rule
in this familiar
place where windows
dazzle no longer,
the call of a full
order or stomach
receding like mother’s
admonition to clean
my dinner plate.
The days unfold
with limited promise,
my genes fulfilled
mind stuffed
with books
instructions not
to blink
before strong
ideas no matter
how strange their eyes.
A young woman
walks by
a baby in each arm
her days
ruled like mine
when flushed with time,
The rule of life
I seek now
is a grace to light
this cloistered dusk.
South Kern Sol shines light on Renegade Pantry
Reporter Jessica Manzo of South Kern Sol highlighted the Renegade pantry in an article last week, spreading the word of how food pantries at BC and CSUB provide food security and important nutrition for college students, especially during finals week.
Manzo spoke to several Renegade Pantry coordinators, including David Guinto and Nallely Sanchez, about how pantries provide an important resource for students who are already struggling with the costs of tuition, books, housing, and school supplies. She also quoted this blog about how food support is able to help students commit to their education.
If you’d like to donate food or new and gently used clothing to the Renegade Pantry, you can drop it off in Levinson Hall during the pantry’s hours of operation, which are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Popular items include drinks, cookies, and frozen snacks.
Norma Rojas-Mora appears on Telemundo
Norma Rojas-Mora was on Telemundo this week to share information on Bakersfield College, including the open enrollment period, BC’s expansion plans, as well as to provide an update to the viewers on her journey at Bakersfield College.
Telemundo interviewed Norma when she first joined the BC team, and as always she continues to look for ways to share the great work of the college. Norma talked about what she sees as one of the most innovative programs from her perspective, the Early College initiative and partnership with the Wonderful Academy, where 38 high school students graduated from Bakersfield College one week before graduating from high school! This was a game changer! To know that it is possible for local kids to graduate from college with their AA degree while they are simultaneously completing high school will fundamentally change access to education.
She encouraged parents to become engaged and informed about programs that help their children. More than anything, she encouraged parents to always be supportive and engaged in their child’s education. Norma promised to be back to share more about Bakersfield College and its plans for expanding in the Southwest.
Watch video of Norma’s appearance on Telemundo.
Fun photos from the Faculty Tenure Party
I received this email from Krista Moreland, a great faculty leader on campus.
“This is the year my faculty cohort and I are up for tenure. You form a unique and long lasting bond with the faculty you start full-time with, one that will last until retirement. And on Thursday Dec. 6th, many of us met at the Tower bar and grill to celebrate our year four evaluations and Tenure! Receiving a satisfactory evaluation at year four, starts the final tenure process which culminates in spring with board approval. Although we have not received official tenure yet, we couldn’t wait to celebrate the completion of mode A evaluations and symbolically mark the occasion! It’s a great feeling to have your work be recognized by faculty and deans, and I think I can safely speak for my cohort when I say we appreciate all of the support and guidance we’ve received from our BC family over the years. “
“We had a wonderful night of cheers and pics with our colleagues, and Academic Senate President Steve Holmes symbolically marked the occasion by formally presenting each of us with a BC pin.”
“I organized the event, and our cohort all contributed, including: Erica Menchaca, Andrew Bond, Chris Dison, Harlan Hunter, Jessica Wojtysiak, Sarah Villasenor, Debbie Rosenthal, Sondra Keckley, and Krista Moreland. Others were not able to make it, but were there with us in spirit. “
“I’m very thankful that my department supports its faculty and contributed to the celebration, including Human Services director Lynn Knaggs, Behavioral Sciences Chair Christian Zoller, and area Dean Richard McCrow! Thank you to everyone who helped make the night special!”
Fun holiday photos
Fun photos around Bakersfield
Fun photos from the CSEA Potluck
Photos from the KCCD Board of Trustees Meeting
KCCD Trustees being sworn in. 
Kay Meek being recognized by Tom Burke. 
Bill Thomas being recognized by Tom Burke. 
(left to right) Trustees Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Jack Connel, John Corkins, Kyle Carter, and Chancellor Tom Burke
Executive Suite Holiday Potluck
Tuesday, December 11 was an exciting day at BC. A main water line ruptured and campus closed while our Maintenance & Operations team coordinated the emergency repairs. Tuesday also happened to be our annual Executive Suite Holiday Potluck. This is a time when our team whips-up favorite dishes and we join together to share. The food was amazing. (Because they’re all talented chefs!) And I was so happy to be able to end that day sharing stories and great conversation with these bright faces.
You would never know that just moments before they were calmly handling a campus emergency.
Outdoor Fun
As a result of their participation in the Outdoor Classroom Specialist trainings, Child Development Center teachers are now including a wider variety of specific learning and developmental activities. And the second outdoor classroom for toddlers will be ready for the children to use when they return in January. This additional classroom will allow the Center to have the children outside for up to 3 hours each day–air quality and weather permitting.
Below is a very short video of two-year olds and their teachers enjoying themselves in the rain. The picture above is of them utilizing the tires that we added to their outdoor classroom. So fun to be young!
North High and BC start holiday season on a high note
On Thursday, Bakersfield College was honored to host North High School’s fourth-annual Winter Collage concert in the Indoor Theater featuring the North High choir and jazz band. The BC Chamber Singers even got the opportunity to participate in the festivities.
North High students, parents, and alumni filled every seat in the Indoor Theater, and the holiday spirit reverberated through the walls of the auditorium with each performance, which ranged from ethereal traditional music to holiday show tunes.
North High choir director Jack Bertrand directed the BC Chamber Singers in the opening song, then Chamber Singers director Jennifer Garrett directed North High students and BC Chamber Singers for a few performances. After beautifully executing the solo and group numbers that they’d been working on all school year, the North High choir turned the stage over to the North High jazz band, which played a set of funk and Latin-tinged Christmas jams.
The event was free to attend, but throughout the night, North High alumni and staff took donations and sold raffle tickets to raise money for choir and band students to visit music programs at colleges and universities across the state next spring.
I’d like to thank Jennifer Garrett and the Events staff for arranging a space for North High to host its Winter Collage while their campus is undergoing renovations, and I’d like to thank Jack Bertrand and North High for choosing BC as the temporary home for such an important night.
BC and BPD: Partners Against Crime
Bakersfield College is lucky to be supported by so many local institutions and community partners. One of those incredible partners, our local BPD, does so much to inspire and work with our students in the Public Safety Training and Law Enforcement fields. Chief Lyle Martin attends many BC events, including his participation on a panel earlier this year called “Transformational Policing: Bridging the Racial Divide.” Director of Public Safety at BC, Chief Chris Counts, reminds me often of the great working relationship outside of the classroom between BPD and BC as well.
Holiday Tree lights up the Welcome Center
Faculty and staff gathered in the Welcome Center on Tuesday morning to celebrate the lighting of the holiday tree. Hot cocoa, coffee, and delicious cookies were served. I love celebrating this time of year as it gives everyone such a warm sense of togetherness!
Kern Education Pledge
CSU Bakersfield held a news conference earlier this week about the Kern Education Pledge, an initiative partnering K-12 and college facilities. The goal of this new alliance is to transform the county’s education system so that the pathway to college or a career is streamlined and seamless. All 47 school districts in Kern County, Cal State Bakersfield, the Kern Community College District and Taft College are part of the coalition. I absolutely love our Kern community and our commitment to education!
Kern Community College District Chancellor Tom Burke said a few words, noting that the District supports the Kern Education Pledge not only because of partnerships between the local school districts and CSU Bakersfield, but because of the mission of the pledge. “We know that improving student outcomes throughout Kern County requires innovative and sustained collaboration across all of our organizations and I have been impressed by the level of excitement and commitment around this work that we have seen to date,” he said.
Lynette Zelezny 
Bryon Schaefer 
Patty Canessa 
Ulyses Rodriguez 
Gloria Williams, Dee Slade, Lorea Laverti, and Rob Arias
I want to take a moment to recognize Mary C. Barlow and Kristin Beale for all of their hard work on making the Kern Education Pledge a reality. Mary was named the Kern County Superintendent of Schools last year, and has been working non-stop since then to help better the Kern County educational system. She has spent the majority of her career in education, serving as a teacher, Director of Children and Family Services, and a district superintendent. During her time as Superintendent of the Kernville Union School District, she focused on increasing student achievement, and has continued that same goal as the Kern County Superintendent of Schools.
Kristin Beale has been an invaluable part of creating the Kern Education Pledge. She is President and CEO of Kern Community Foundation, a CPI grantee partner that provides scholarships to more than 300 students annually. Kern Community Foundation has granted $18 million to nonprofits and scholarship recipients in Kern County, California, since the foundation was established in 1999!
It’s because of people like Mary and Kristen that the Kern Education Pledge has become a reality, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the students of Kern County. Be sure to check out the Bakersfield Californian’s article “Collaboration of education leaders, industry partners, launch Kern Education Pledge” for more information!
Renegade Report
If you missed watching the Renegade Report live this last Thursday at 11 a.m., check out the segments from this week’s show from the links below. This week’s highlights include segments with BC Student Success Program Manager Darrell Ballard, Director of the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House Scarlett Sabin, and KBYH Executive Vice President / Program Director Robert Carter.
Segment with Darrell Ballard
Segment with Scarlett Sabin
Segment with Robert Carter
Renegades of the Week
Renegade Athletics is proud to announce this week’s (12/2-12/8) Wells Fargo Renegades of the Week:
Vada Lewis, Women’s Basketball
Vada had a double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds) in a 79-66 win over Taft College on 12/7.
Anieus Medrano, Men’s Basketball
Anieus had 30 points (including seven 3-pointers) in an 81-71 win over LA Valley at the SBCC Tournament on 12/6.
Roundup of Athletics Events This Week
As always, it was a full week of athletics events for our Renegades teams. Highlights from the week include:
- Wrestling places 6th as a team at the 2018 CCCAA Wrestling Finals
- Women’s Basketball upends Taft
- Men’s Basketball goes 2-1 at Santa Barbara City Tournament
- W, 81-71 over LA Trade Tech
- W, 73-57 over Santa Barbara
- L, 73-57 to LA Trade Tech
Stay Connected to Renegade Athletics
Be sure to stay connected with Renegade Athletics by following us on social media.
- Facebook – find us under ‘Bakersfield College Athletics’
- Twitter – @GoGadesGo
- Instagram – @gogadesgo
