Tag Archives: Pasadena City College

Sustainability Leadership in the California Community Colleges

Uncategorized November 23, 2024 Leave a comment

A new phrase has been added to our lexicon … bomb cyclone….

A bomb cyclone is when a cyclone rapidly strengthens over a 24 hour period. These storms are powerful and can bring torrential downpours, flash floods, high winds, and can cause widespread power outages.

The bomb cyclone that hit the Pacific Northwest this week left more than 500,000 without power.

The National Weather Service in Medford, Oregon, said this storm was tied for the most-intense on record for its location.

I was in San Francisco when it hit. And although my flight was delayed, it was, thankfully, not cancelled.

The CC League’s Annual Convention was in Burlingame right next to the SFO airport. This is the annual convention when the Chancellor of the Community College system gives the State of the System.

I invited BOG members Pamela Hynes and Tom Epstein, and Bill Rawlings to join me for the presentation.

Sonya Christian
Pam Haynes

Tom Epstein
Bill Rawlings

Earlier in the week, we had the Board of Governor’s meeting where we recognized colleges and individuals who are leaders in the energy and sustainability work. Check it out later in the blog.

So glad, someone snapped this photo of the Chancellor’s Office staff and BOG members.

After the BOG meeting, the Exec Team had a planning meeting …. and then as few of us were walking out of the building Linda Vasquez snapped this selfie ….

Then back home to this sweet boy … check out the 43-sec video.

Good morning California.
It is November 23, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Honors Winners of 2024 Energy and Sustainability Awards

An American Green Zone Alliance certification, a Sustainability Career Center and a brand-new energy-efficient childcare center are among a handful of programs and leaders honored with the 2024 Energy and Sustainability Awards from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

A total of six awards were presented at the Board of Governors meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for their leadership, innovative projects and efforts to achieve environmental sustainability, include Pasadena, San Mateo County and Palo Verde Community College Districts; Orange Coast College; and leaders from San Diego Mesa College and San Bernardino Community College District.

» Read more!

Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (large district)
Pasadena City College
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (medium district)
San Mateo County CCD
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (small district)
Palo Verde College
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Faculty/Student Initiatives
Orange Coast College
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Climate Action Leadership
Farrah Farzaneh, San Bernardino County CCD

Monterey Peninsula College Awarded
American Water Charitable Foundation STEM Education Grant

Monterey Peninsula College Foundation was awarded a STEM Education grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation. With the generous support of this grant, MPC plans to implement a series of hands-on, work-based learning projects to engage at least 75 students and launch an engineering project competition in partnership with other local colleges.

» Read more!

New Inclusivity & Wellness Center Provides a ‘Beacon of Hope’
to Diablo Valley College Students

The opening of the new Inclusivity and Wellness Center at Diablo Valley College represents a significant step forward in supporting the diverse needs of the student body, according to school administration.  The administration’s goal with the center is to enable students to focus on their academic pursuits, engage in personal growth, and develop a stronger sense of community and belonging on campus. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

Governor @GavinNewsom visited @fccwestfresnocenter today & introduced the San Joaquin Valley Jobs First initiative which will create more jobs for our valley!

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From Mt. San Jacinto College:

MSJC students attended the Umoja Conference in LA from October 31 to November 2, 2024. This transformative event aligns with the Umoja program’s mission to enhance African Americans’ and other students’ cultural and educational experiences.

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From Foothill College:

Congratulations to team Legacy Companion, the winners of the 2024 Foothill College Case Competition. They will now present their proposal to Google execs! Thank you to Google for partnering with Foothill on this fantastic experiential learning opportunity.

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And as we wrap up National Apprenticeship Week, check out this video from San Diego College of Continuing Education:

In honor of the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week our Apprenticeship Readiness students and instructors share a special message as they visit the local Iron Workers Union.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosting In-Person Rural Enrollment Events Through December

The Outreach Department at Bakersfield College is hosting a series of in-person, rural enrollment events now through December. The unique events are designed to help new and returning students in rural areas of Kern County with enrollment, class registration, financial aid questions, and more. Our staff will be available to assist with applications, financial aid, counseling, and other services.

» 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

Relationships ….. the joy of life

Uncategorized August 31, 2024 Leave a comment

This past week, I attended the Women’s Equality Day event hosted by the League of Women
Voters, the American Association of University Women and Delta Kappa Gamma in
Kern County. Thank you Janet Tarjan for all of your efforts in making this happen.

Board of Governors President Amy Costa keynoted the event. Her speech was inspirational and brought in her personal experience while quoting stats on the disparities that still exist.

So appreciated the community college presidents coming out to support members of the Board of Governors.

President Prima Monarrez, President Rafe Trickey, Sonya Christian, President Sean Hancock, Trustee Yovani Jimenez

I enjoyed seeing Prima in her new role as President of Porterville College vibrant and engaged. It was wonderful getting to meet the new president of Taft, Dr. Rafe Trickey. Rafe brought his mother Loretta Schield and I remembered her from my past when I was president of BC.

Loretta Schield and Rafe Trickey. Photo obtained from Mayor Karen Goh’s Facebook post

Here is a little something about Loretta and her husband Mike who passed in 2020.

BAKERSPATCH? I got a nice email the other day from local resident Mike Schield, who describes himself as a Bay Area transplant who has lived here for 13 years and (thank you Mike) a regular reader of Bakersfield Observed and The Californian. In his words:

“It’s been most interesting to read all the kibitzing re Bako, B-town etc. Loretta (his wife) has been encouraging me to put in my two bits worth, so here goes. Frequently in discussion with my buddies for lo these many years, I refer to our community as Bakerspatch. I know it’s a little corny but Loretta and I both think that one of the beauties of our country is that it’s okay to be a little corny! Helps grease the slides! Also when I’m addressing local mail, I use Bfld. Try pronouncing that one! Keep up the great work, Richard.”

Source: Bakersfield Observed archives. http://www.bakersfieldobserved.com/2010_01_24_archive.html

Thank you Sean Hancock for driving all the way from Cerro Coso… you came the longest distance… it was so great to see you.

And Yovani Jimenez is just one happy person who brightens the day with his presence.

The picture below has only a fraction of those who had come out to the event. So enjoyed seeing old friends from Bakersfield College. Relationships… the joy of life!

Amy Costa, Sonya Christian, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg with folks from Bakersfield College
BOG Member Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian, Mary Helen Barro, BOG President Amy Costa, Janet Tarjan

Enjoyed catching up with Mayor Karen Goh.

Karen Goh, Sonya Christian, Kimberly Schmidt, Janet Tarjan

After the event, Amy and I, along with Jean Fuller, did a brief tour of the Bakersfield College campus with the new President Jerry Fliger. The campus looks great! Loved seeing the trees planted during the centennial celebrations growing taller. Enjoyed the draught resistant flowering plants.

Senator Emeritus Jean Fuller, BOG Member Amy Costa, President Jerry Fliger

Yovani snapped a fun selfie

The following day, we spent a couple of hours with the West Hills Community College District folks at Lemoore College. The photo was taken at the food pantry.

From left to right:
Chancellor Robert Pimental, President Carla Tweed (Coalinga College), Nan Gomez-
Heitzeberg, Amy Costa, President Jim Preston (Lemoore College), employees who
work at the pantry, and Ivan a student wrestler who also works at the pantry.

California Community Colleges
We take care of our students, our communities, and our planet.

Good morning California.
It is August 31, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coalition For Responsible Community Development and LATTC Receive
$20 Million Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant

The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) and were announced as one of 21 selected applicants of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants. The Community Change Grants program is designed to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.  

» Read more!

Mendocino College among partners to receive
$18 Million grant to address Pacific Coast ocean restoration

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the awards that are recommended for funding under the Transformational Habitat Restoration & Coastal Resilience grant program, with Mendocino College to be among the grantees.

The Nature Conservancy California has been recommended to receive $18 million over three years to launch the Pacific Coast Ocean Restoration Initiative, a comprehensive, collaborative statewide effort aimed at restoring and recovering degraded marine ecosystems across California.

» Read more!

Pasadena City College Joins Forces With Three Nonprofits
to Combat Youth Homelessness

On July 16, First Place for Youth, Heritage Housing Partners, and Pasadena City College announced a groundbreaking partnership to provide housing for transitional age youth in Pasadena. The collaboration has transformed two existing structures at 2322 E. Foothill Blvd. into six 375-square-foot studio apartment units for young adults transitioning out of foster care. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier in August.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Two Bakersfield women honored at state’s Latina Empresaria Luncheon

The 45th edition of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce convention wrapped up last weekend in downtown Bakersfield. Bakersfield College professor Olivia Garcia was inducted to the Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame. Also honored at the luncheon was Norma Rojas-Mora, receiving the Pioneer Empresaria of the Year Award.

» Read more!

Two wonderful women, colleagues and friends.  Not surprised that they received this recognition.

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C3 Converge 2024 – The Community College Climate Summit

Hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, C3CONVERGE 2024 is a pivotal summit that will inspire innovation, build resilience, and drive climate action through education. The summit unites educators, industry experts, and policymakers in a dynamic exchange of ideas, offering unparalleled networking, cutting-edge insights, and empowering educational strategies. C3CONVERGE 2024 workshops and discussions will deliver actionable outcomes and bring into focus a nationwide community of practice dedicated to sustainability and climate resilience.

Check it out September 17-18 in Sacramento.

» Learn more & Register!

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Futures Summit 2024

Led by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in partnership with Foothill-De Anza Community College District and hosted at De Anza College, this event brings together the largest system of higher education in the nation. The California Community Colleges is uniquely positioned to address the challenges and opportunities of our new AI-informed reality. 

This landmark event kicks off with a reception on 9/9, followed by a day of groundbreaking discussions on 9/10 at De Anza College in Cupertino.

» Learn more & Register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From El Camino College:

Yesterday we welcomed our Early College students for their first day of fall! The group of juniors from North Torrance High School is the 1st cohort and attended a variety of classes.

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From College of the Desert:

College of the Desert’s Welcome Day was a success!
Incoming and current students had the opportunity to attend a resource fair, tour campus, get COD swag and learn about college resources to start the year off right.

*****

From Los Angeles Pierce College:

A warm welcome to Pierce International Students! Did you know that our International Program hosts students representing a whopping 46 countries around the world?! We strive to be an inclusive and diverse campus and this is one way we do it!

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From Shasta College:

Hey Knights! We’re out here at Day on the Green for Welcome Week with fun games, prizes, music by DJ Bucky, and a dunk tank!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Room Features Quality Cuisine and Training

Marcia Overturf, one of the chefs inside the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College, describes the Renegade Room in just three words: “A hidden gem.” This single description, one that she has heard countless times directly from customers, perfectly encapsulates the college restaurant’s impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere.

Contrary to popular belief, the Renegade Room is open to everyone—students, staff, faculty, and even the public! As Chef Overturf emphasizes, “It is a restaurant for the community [where] everyone is welcome; it’s a place to try different cuisines—something you may have never tried before at a very good price.”

» Read more!

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

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Recognizing alternative forms of learning

Uncategorized April 27, 2024 1 Comment

Another wonderful action packed week.. testified at the Senate Fiscal Committee …
and Bessie came to visit.

Bessie and Neo

Good morning California.
It is April 27, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Pasadena City College, PUSD Celebrate Seven Dual Enrollment
High School Students Earning College Degrees

Local leaders and Pasadena educators gathered at PCC to celebrate seven students, who between them are earning 13 associate degrees in addition to their high school diplomas this spring. The event marked a major milestone for the college’s partnership with the Pasadena Unified School District. This is the first time that multiple dual enrollment students are earning their associate degrees in the same year.

» Read more!

Clovis Community College, Madera College
Join Achieving the Dream

Clovis Community College and Madera College are among eight community colleges that have joined the ATD Network of more than 300 institutions across the country as part of the 2024 Network cohort. The colleges will enter into ATD’s Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program.

» Read more!

Final Beam Signed for Butte College’s
New State-of-the-Art Science Building

The Butte College Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the college’s new science building by signing the final beam that will top off the 72,276-square-foot facility. The campus community gathered at the construction site at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17.

» Read more!

Rio Hondo College Community Unites
to Celebrate Grand Opening of Campus Pride Center

Río Hondo College students, staff and community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the grand opening of the institution’s first Pride Center on Feb. 15.  The Pride Center provides students with a place to bond in community and access support resources.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Equity in Support: Strengthening Behavioral Health Services
through Partnerships

Join us on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “Equity in Support: Strengthening Behavioral Health Services through Partnerships.”

» Register online!

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Application Period Open for California Community Colleges
Chancellor’s Climate Fellows Program

Are you passionate about climate action and sustainability? Would you be excited to make a two-year commitment to support statewide level climate related work with Chancellor Sonya Christian and the Chancellor’s Office?

If so, please apply for this exciting opportunity to become a Chancellor’s Climate Fellow. Fellowships are available in four focus areas including community engagement, curriculum development, workforce and campus facilities.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Calbright College – it was great seeing the Calbright team at the ASU+GSV Summit!

The Calbright team was thrilled to participate in the conversation at the recent @asugsvsummit to discuss the intersection of AI and equitable education design! Our thanks to the organizers for convening a group of inspiring professionals to advance these important ideas.

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From Shasta College:

Shoutout to our Forestry & Natural Resources club for their work in cleaning up a mile-long stretch of Old Oregon Trail near campus. 7 students & 2 faculty filled 3 55-gallon bags and collected large waste items. What a fantastic way to honor Earth Day! Way to give back

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From Hartnell College:

#ThrowbackThursday: In March, Hartnell MESA students explored Elkhorn Slough Reserve and attended the impactful Black Men in White Coats Conference. Proud of their learning journey!

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And check out this amazing dancing from Rock The School Bells Hip Hop Conference at Skyline College:

Blast from the Past

Here are my remarks about Competency Based Education and recognizing alternative forms of learning, from Day 2 of Bakersfield College’s virtual Opening Day 2021:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Performing Arts Presents Metamorphoses

The Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce their latest performance for the Spring semester entitled Metamorphoses. Based on the original writings from legendary director Mary Zimmerman, adapted from the classic Myths of Ovid, the play combines both the modern and mythical for a must-see spectacle of love, loss, and transformation.

Performances will be held in Bakersfield College’s Edward Simonsen Outdoor Theatre: Saturday 4/27, and Sunday 4/28 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are now available online: $12 for general admission; $8 for students, staff, seniors, and veterans. Visit BC’s Online Events Calendar for additional information!

» Read more!

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

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education – MLK

Uncategorized January 20, 2024 1 Comment

This past Monday, as we paused to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I re-read his piece “The Purpose of Education.”

We must remember that intelligence is not enough.
Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.
The complete education gives one not only power of concentration,
but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dressed in a cap and gown. King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 with a bachelor’s of arts degree in sociology.  
Source: The Atlantic Journal-Constitution.

I was happy to attend Bakersfield’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast Celebration and see some of my colleagues from Kern CCD. Steve Watkin, acting President of BC was honored at this event.

During the holiday season, my travels were at a minimum and I spent 3 glorious weeks doing my zoom meetings sitting by the fireplace. This week, I was back on the road starting in Sacramento then Oakland.

The Chancellor’s Office Executive Team had a 2-day work session in Sacramento, focused on Vision 2030 and ensuring we support colleges to achieve our goals.

On Tuesday evening, I participated in a panel, Leadership on the Line, with CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake. The event was hosted by the Campaign for College Opportunity.

Michele Siqueiros, Sonya Christian, Millie Garcia, Michael Drake, Jessie Ryan

On Wednesday, I presented to the Association of Community College Administrators-Association of Chief Business Officers at their annual budget meeting in Sacramento. It was fun connecting with President Claudia Habib and Chancellor Marvin Martinez.

On Thursday, I spoke at the inservice for the Peralta Community College District, in Oakland, where we discussed Vision 2030, climate and Generative AI.

Good morning California.
It is January 20, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Beloved Educator, Author Celebrates 50 Years At Citrus College

A longtime resident of La Verne, Dr. Dale Salwak first joined the Citrus College community as a full-time faculty member in 1973. Raised in a family of educators, he was a natural. In fact, he quickly developed a reputation for having an innovative and engaging classroom.

» Read more!

Skyline College Hosts Winter Research Scholars Internship Program

Starting January 2nd, the STEM division hosted 25 students as part of the Winter Research Scholars Internship program. The two-week program, which ran from Tuesday, January 2, 2024, to Friday, January 12, 2024, in Skyline College’s Fab Lab, introduced students to scientific research, topics, and skills that will help them gain further research and industry internships in STEM.

» Read more!

Cuyamaca College Opens New Queer Student Center

On November 14th, 2023, Cuyamaca College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Queer Student Center. The celebration, complete with music, food, and enthusiastic support from the community, reflected the college’s sincere commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students.

» Read More!

Glendale Community College’s Baja Program Celebrates 50 Years

Glendale Community College (GCC) has been offering field classes in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico since 1974. The program aims to expose students to a pristine and complex natural environment coupled with a unique experience in Mexican culture.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Four spring transfers share their journeys from community college to USC

USC recently posted a feature about 4 of their more than 350 spring undergraduate transfer students. Xander Singson (Los Angeles Harbor College), Jasmine Adhoot (Pasadena City College), Foris Huang (El Camino College), and Alexia Ruiz (Los Angeles City College) shared their experiences going from community colleges to USC.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Diego College of Continuing Education President Tina Maria King:

My family and I enjoyed walking with @sdcceedu in the MLK Parade along with all of our students, employees & community members. This year’s float was extra special, it was a dedication to ECC’s late Artist in Residence Rossie Wade’s “Black Family Sculpture”.

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From Cerritos College Trustee Marisa Perez:

Packed house at the @cerritoscollege @CerritosComplet Cerritos Complete info session. Glad to see so many parents and students!

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From Barstow Community College:

SPS (Special Programs & Services) hosted our first-ever collaboration event with TLSC (Teaching and Learning Support Center) today – “Jitters with Tutors”! Our goal was to introduce new and returning SPS students to the incredible services TLSC offers. From faculty-led workshops to personalized 1:1 tutoring, TLSC provides a wide range of support services.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Renegade Pantry Hosts First Farmers Market of 2024

On January 16, 2024, Bakersfield College hosted our first Renegade Nexus Farmer’s Market of the semester. This month’s market offered bananas, oranges, cabbage, red chard, chicken, and more. All items handed out were provided for free in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK). 

» Read More!

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

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

2023 Thanksgiving

Uncategorized November 25, 2023 Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving from the marina!

Here is a copy and paste of the email I sent to the Presidents and Chancellors of the California Community Colleges:

As I am winding down my workday and getting into Thanksgiving mode, I thought I would drop you a quick note.  I am at Marina Del Rey today where my daughter lives, enjoying the warmer temperatures, sailing boats and the other sights and sounds of the marina.

My first Thanksgiving was the fall semester, many decades ago, as a foreign student in grad school.  Since then, I have wholeheartedly embraced this American holiday full of blessings and gratitude symbolizing harmony and unity.  For me it has been an annual ritual … where permission is given to take a moment to pause, experience the richness of life, and appreciate how connected we are to each other and to this planet.

Last week we were at the League convention decompressing, catching up, and supporting each other in this cherished California Community College work.  As is the tradition with the fall League gathering, the state Chancellor gives the State of the System address, during which time, I enjoyed being able to share the message that the state of California Community Colleges is strong.  Our people have been focused on outreach, engagement and re-engagement work, coupled with retention initiatives and customized student support.  We see the positive impacts of these efforts on our students:

Alyssa Hernandez’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of dual enrollment, as she took general education classes in high school, saving both time and money on her path to a bachelor’s degree.

For justice-involved individuals like Maurice “Mo” Faulkner, education became a powerful tool for rehabilitation and a journey from a correctional facility to earning an Associate Degree for Transfer a 4.0 GPA and reduced sentence.

Adrienne Navarro’s story echoes the resilience of student veterans, as she pursues her doctorate in nursing at Duke University after starting her journey at a California Community College.

Together, we are shaping the future of higher education in California, and I am excited to continue this journey with you.

A quote from President John F. Kennedy that Barstow Community College shared:

Good morning California.
It is November 25, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Diablo Valley College Student & Team
Secure 1st Place at UC Berkeley’s Cal Hacks Competition

Saurabh (Sunny) Jayaram, a computer science student at Diablo Valley College and his teammates recently won 1st Place at UC Berkeley’s Cal Hacks 10.0, under the InterSystems Challenge, at the Metreon in San Francisco. 

» Read More!

Foothill College Welcomes NASA Astronaut
for STEM Equity Seminar Event

Earlier this month, NASA Astronaut Dr. Yvonne Darlene Cagle went to Foothill College for a “fireside chat” to discuss her academic journey, career path, and what has propelled her in her research. 
» Read more!

Check out the video below:

Sacramento City College
Names Library for Author Joan Didion

Sacramento City College will be renaming the college’s library in honor of renowned author Joan Didion. The building will now be known as the Joan Didion Learning Resource Center, in recognition of a generous $500,000 gift from Didion family and the Sacramento Historical Society (SHS). 

» Read more!

Pasadena City College students explore, commit to HBCUs at college fair

More than 110 students from Pasadena City College and local high schools were admitted to historically black colleges and universities during a traveling college fair, which featured live DJ performances, food, and remarks from actor and producer Yara Shahidi.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

PPIC: A Conversation with California’s Public Higher Education Leaders

How can California’s higher education system efficiently and effectively prepare a broad range of students to meet the challenges of the future? Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with the leaders of California’s public systems—Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges; Michael V. Drake, President, University of California; and Mildred García, Chancellor, California State University.

» Find out more and register at https://www.ppic.org/event/a-conversation-with-californias-public-higher-education-leaders-2023/.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

East Los Angeles College Music Professor Jesus “Chuy” Martinez played the sousaphone in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. He was among 400 band directors and music educators selected to march in the parade.

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From Cerritos College:

Congrats to our accounting instructor Charles Osaki! He was honored as one of L.A.’s top 100 accountants by @LABJnews Charles founded the Pathway to Success Program at Cerritos College, which supports first-generation and underrepresented college students. https://bit.ly/3SSWY2O

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From Shasta College:

We hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving! Our International students celebrated a special “International” Thanksgiving! Many thanks go to our amazing Food Services and Physical Plant teams as well as the generosity of all the staff who helped. Happy Thanksgiving, Knights!

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From Yovani Jimenez – thank you for sharing this photo of Kern CCD colleagues (including Anthony Culpepper, who is now President of LA Southwest College!)

The @ccleague annual convention was an incredible experience! Witnessing community college leaders from every corner of the state come together to support #Vision2030 and exchange ideas on innovative approaches to enhance our local educational institutions was truly inspiring.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts Vet Fest 2023

Bakersfield College hosted their annual VetFest celebration in honor of veterans on November 15th, 2023 at BC’s Panorama Campus. This event is dedicated to continuing a tradition of showing honor and gratitude to all current and past members of the Armed Forces who have given their time and risked their lives in defense of our country’s freedoms.

» Read more!

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

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog