Tag Archives: San Diego College of Continuing Education

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

Hello August 2025

Uncategorized August 3, 2025 Comments: 3

Good morning California.
It is August 2, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego College of Continuing Education Awarded $169k Grant to
Launch First-Ever Rising Scholars Program for Justice-Impacted Students

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) has been awarded a $169,387 three-year grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to launch its first-ever Rising Scholars Program at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC), a milestone achievement to advancing restorative education and reentry support.

» Read more!

Coastline College Makes History with Launch
of Pace+ Competency-Based Education Program

On July 14, 2025, Coastline College officially launched Pace+, the first direct assessment Competency-Based Education (CBE) program in the California Community College system—marking a transformative milestone in higher education. Designed to expand access, flexibility, and equity, Pace+ empowers students to earn college credit by demonstrating mastery of skills rather than adhering to traditional semester timelines. Unlike traditional models based on classroom hours and academic calendars, Pace+ measures learning by what students know and can do, not by how long they sit in class. Students advance by mastering real-world competencies, allowing them to move faster, study flexibly, and save money.

» Read more!

MiraCosta Grant Targets 46 Percent RN Shortage
with Apprenticeships and CSU Partnerships

To combat a critical 46 percent shortfall of registered nurses in the San Diego region, MiraCosta College has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Rebuilding Nursing Infrastructure state grant to significantly expand its nursing program. The funding will allow the college to increase student enrollment by 26 percent, enhance clinical training through new simulation technologies, establish CSU transfer partnerships, and create an innovative LVN-to-RN apprenticeship model.

» Read more!

Glendale Community College Professional Development Center
Partners with City of Glendale to Strengthen Workforce Development

The Professional Development Center (PDC) of Glendale Community College recently announced it partnered with the city to provide more than 300 Glendale employees with training on standard operating processes, customer service, leadership development and project management through a California Community Colleges Fund grant from the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP).

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Community College Daily: Nudging for success: How behavioral science can support smarter student decisions at community colleges

Community college students face a maze of high-stakes decisions — applying for aid, selecting courses, managing work schedules, and taking on loans. Yet many of these choices are made quickly, emotionally, and sometimes without fully understanding the long-term consequences.

This is where behavioral science can help.

» Read more!

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Commentary: Let’s ensure every California student
can fearlessly apply for financial aid

We are witnessing in real time the fears and worries of students from immigrant families become reality under the Trump administration. Worry that if they apply for federal financial aid, they could jeopardize the safety of their parents. Fear that working towards their educational goals could result in Immigration and Customs Enforcement showing up at their families’ homes and detaining them.

Now the college dreams of many California students are in jeopardy as they contemplate how to pursue an affordable higher education because accessing financial aid for college ­— including the state’s Cal Grants — requires filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a federal form managed by the US Department of Education.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Shasta College:

It’s been an exciting month for Career Technical Education at Shasta College! Students from TRIO Upward Bound Summer Program got hands-on experience in CTE programs: Welding, Auto, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Agriculture, GIS, Water Treatment Technology, and Digital Arts.

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From Gavilan College:

Gavilan College showed up strong at the Gilroy Garlic Festival! We joined the opening ceremony, lit the Giant Garlic, and spent the weekend connecting with our community. Shoutout to our team who made it happen. Yes, we had garlic stress balls.

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From DeAnza College:

We were pleased to welcome the Hwaseong City Talent Development Foundation, their student delegates and the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce to campus today! Thank you to President Omar Torres and Kat Filley, CEO of the @SVChamb, for speaking at the event.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Performing Arts Hosting Afrocuban Folkloric Percussion Concert

Bakersfield College’s Performing Arts Department has announced details for a special concert presented by students and musicians in the Afrocuban Folkloric Percussion summer class. The concert will present traditional Afrocuban music telling the stories of Yoruba folklore. This unique opportunity will take place Sunday, August 3 at 2:00 PM in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.

» 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

Our Time is Now – July 2025

Uncategorized July 26, 2025 Leave a comment

Such a fun week of good work….

The Board of Governors meeting, where the Board approved the July 2025 update to Vision 2030.

https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/docs/vision2030/vision-2030-report

Here is the small by mighty executive leadership at the Chancellor’s Office.

Swearing in our new board member Lilian Coral –

I love this photo of senior leadership that was snapped right before the BOG meeting – Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomaneng, and Kathy Lynch.

The team that works hard and plays hard!

A fun photo snapped by Jennifer Perry on our walk to Mulvaney’s:

Then it was off to Denver for Achieving the Dream’s K-College Institute: Strengthening Pathways Through Dual Enrollment.

What fun reconnecting with Karen Stout at ATD

And the song of the week…..

My Uber driver was playing this song during my ride, and it has been in my head.
Check out This Love by Maroon 5.

Now back home to Neo morning walks. Check out this happy boy… 17-second video:

Good morning California.
It is July 26, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College Celebrates Successful First Mentorship Program

Lake Tahoe Community College’s inaugural Classified Staff and Director Mentorship Program wrapped up last month with outstanding results. The six-month pilot program paired new employees with experienced mentors for monthly group sessions and one-on-one meetings focused on professional development and campus culture.

» Read more!

San Diego Miramar College Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant
from San Diego Foundation to Advance Health Equity for AANHPI Students

The San Diego Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the San Diego Miramar College Foundation to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving mental health outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students at San Diego Miramar College. The grant will fund the “Mental Health Equity for AANHPI Students” project, a comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to destigmatize mental health care and expand access to critical services for AANHPI students.

» Read more!

Four Laureates Selected for Inaugural Cuesta College Music Conservatory Award

Cuesta College has long served as a bright light for music education on the Central Coast. Through a generous gift from Carol and Eric Olsen, Cuesta College builds on that tradition with the launch of the Cuesta College Music Conservatory, a premier program to support a select group of advanced music students.

These students will perform in ensembles, engage with the community, and focus intensively on musicianship and artistic growth. Each student receives $8,000 annually to support their education, participates in mentorship meetings, and contributes to the campus and greater community through music-related service.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

KCRA: 78-year-old defies the odds,
becomes oldest police rookie in California history

The 78-year-old recently attempted a feat that most people half his age wouldn’t dare try. Myers, who was 77 at the time, decided to enlist in the police academy.

“This is the last chance I have to do something like this, period,” Myers said. “I may be too old to do it. I’m certainly close to too old, so I have to do it now or never.”

Last year, Myers enrolled in the POST Academy to become a peace officer. He felt like it was a calling he’d had since he was a boy.

» Read more!

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Adult School Stories: A 70-year-old retiree finds satisfaction in her GED studies

Maria Bernarda De Leon always wanted get an education, but growing up in a low-income family in Honduras, it wasn’t an option.

Now 70-years-old and retired, De Leon is finally acting on her long-time wish by taking classes at Allan Hancock College (AHC), a community college that serves the Santa Barbara region. The school offers students a wide variety of free and low-cost classes, including adult basic education, high school diploma equivalency and even income tax preparation.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

SDCCE & SDCCD proudly marched in the Pride Parade, wearing our “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” shirts—designed by talented Digital Media student Jessi Noreault! It was a joyful day of unity and celebration.

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From Woodland Community College:

Eagles Welcome Day at Lake County Campus was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who showed and made it a day full of energy, connection, and Eagle Pride

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From Ohlone College:

Our Summerfest Production was a major hit! Cheers to our students who starred in our Once Upon a Mattress Musical.

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From Moorpark College President Dr. Julius Sokenu:

Proud to join the College/Career Readiness STEM Pilot Program at #OxnardCollege, funded by a federal grant to advance participation in #STEM careers for low income & underserved students, facilitated by Dr. Klein Williams of OC, Dr Gonzalez, Pres. of OC & Dr. Anderson, VPAA at VC

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And check out this video celebrating Madera Community College’s 5th anniversary:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Kern Transit Offering Free Rides for BC Students

Kern Transit has announced that it is resuming the Free Rides for Students program, which provides no-cost bus rides for students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Students can catch a ride on any Kern Transit bus and be transported to any Kern Transit stop! The program is effective as of July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026. Each student will just need to show a valid student ID to the driver at each boarding. The program also includes Dial-A-Ride Services throughout Kern County.

» 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

Closing out June 2025

Uncategorized June 28, 2025 1 Comment

I started my week in San Diego.

And you know what I am going to say….. what I always say…. What’s not to like about San Diego.

This photo looks surreal.  There was a band playing at the amphitheater and people enjoying their Sunday evening.

Another –

On Monday, I spoke at the Veterans Symposium in San Diego, where I called on our
colleges to fully embrace Credit for Prior Learning as a way to recognize and honor the
military experience of our student veterans.

The energy in the room was inspiring—a powerful reflection of the shared commitment to those who have served.

I’m especially proud of the dedicated staff who lead this work across our system, with heartfelt appreciation for Heather McClenahen and her steadfast leadership of our Veterans Program.

Heather McClenahen, Sonya Christian, Gina Browne, Mia Keeley

Was happy to snap this picture with Marvin Martinez, Pam Haynes, Chris Ferguson

Good morning California.
It is June 28, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Calbright College Connects Adult Learners with Work-Based Learning
in High-Growth Tech and HR Careers

California’s only fully online statewide community college focused exclusively on adult learners working through a unique competency-based education model—today announced the launch of the Calbright Career Bridge Program, a new pilot initiative that integrates paid work-based learning experiences into its career support offerings for program completers. 

» Read more!

Del Norte Healthcare District Donates $1 Million to College of the Redwoods

College of the Redwoods is happy to announce a $1 million contribution from the Del Norte Healthcare District in support of the college’s vision create a state-of-the-art healthcare training center on their Crescent City campus. This generous investment will fund advanced healthcare training equipment, helping prepare local students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector.

» Read more!

Cloverlane Foundation Launches New Program
for Nursing Students at Allan Hancock College

The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Check out this selfie of the California Community Colleges executive staff with the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. Podcast’s “Best in Show” award from NCMPR:

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

The Cultural Events Taskforce came together for a dynamic summer retreat—reflecting on past successes, brainstorming fresh ideas, and laying the groundwork to strategically plan inclusive, engaging events for the year ahead.

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From Orange Coast College:

OCC students are studying abroad in Kyoto, Japan! They are learning all about drawing, watercolor and architectural history, all while exploring & getting inspiration from the breathtaking city of Kyoto.

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And From the Home of the Renegades

Umoja Celebrates 10th Anniversary

This year, Bakersfield College proudly marked the 10th anniversary of the Umoja Community ASTEP (African American Success Through Excellence and Persistence) program with a vibrant gala that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in celebration of a decade of achievement, growth, and unity.
 
Rooted in the Kiswahili word for “unity,” Umoja is more than a student support program — it is a powerful movement grounded in African American culture, identity, and educational equity. Over the past decade, Umoja at BC has helped foster student success by integrating culturally responsive curriculum, dedicated mentoring, and a strong sense of belonging.

Here’s a video message I sent for the event:

» 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

Glorious May 2025

Uncategorized May 10, 2025 1 Comment

Mama duck with 7 ducklings. If you listen carefully, you will hear Neo in the background.

And for the first time, the Catholic Church is led by an American pope. On Thursday, the cardinals at the papal conclave elected Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, as the head of the Catholic church. He has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, and is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru. He is the first pope born in the United States, and the first to hold either U.S. or Peruvian citizenship.

Good morning California.
It is May 10, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego College of Continuing Education Breaks Ground on $50-Million Renovation to Historic Theatre

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the $50-million renovation of its historic 275-seat theatre at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC). More than 150 people attended the event, including employees, students, community members, partners, and local elected officials.

» Read more!

Butte College celebrates Latinx culture with inaugural
‘Festival de Nuestras Voces’ event

Butte College hosted its inaugural ‘Festival de Nuestras Voces’ (Festival of our voices) on Wednesday, an event dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the diversity and heritage of Latinx and Hispanic cultures. The festival featured a lineup of live music and performances by local artists, offering students a taste of cultural music and dances. Additionally, guests enjoyed authentic cultural foods, art displays that reflected the heritage of the community, and keynote speeches that explored queer identity and immigration.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College Wins National Award For
Advancing Institutional Equity And Belonging

Long Beach City College (LBCC) was named the national winner of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Award of Excellence in the category of Advancing Institutional Equity and Belonging. This distinguished honor was presented at the AACC’s annual national conference in Nashville and recognizes LBCC’s trailblazing efforts to embed equity, belonging, and inclusion throughout its campus culture and operations.

» Read more!

San Jose City College Embraces Diversity At Spring Cultural Festival

San Jose City College students and faculty gathered for the Spring Cultural Festival on April 30. The festival aimed to celebrate cultural pride and connection. Traditional dances were held on stage. The Vietnamese Student Association performed a fan dance, and the Latinx Unity Zone, or LUZ, did baile folklórico. Attendees also participated in water activities hosted by the Burmese Student Association, or BURSA.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

More, but not enough, Californians accessing free money for college, career

Over 3.9 million school-aged children across the state now qualify for at least $500 with CalKIDS, the savings account launched by the state in 2022. It automatically awards at least $500 to low-income students and English learners with the goal of helping families save for college or career training. In 2024, EdSource found that fewer than 8.3% of eligible families had claimed their account, despite fanfare surrounding the launch. 

» Read more!

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Community Voices: Kindness is not political

From Nick Strobel –
“Kindness is not political” is on a magnet being produced by a fellow member of my church to distribute everywhere. This is not some sappy, sweet sentiment message but, rather, a reminder that regardless of your political views, we’re called to treat all people with a sense of human dignity and respect. This used to be a commonly-held expectation but in today’s social climate, it can seem like a radical counter-culture statement at times.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Still feeling the joy from our Black Graduate Ceremony last night! It was an evening of pride, culture, and achievement. Congratulations to all the graduates—you inspire us!

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From Los Angeles Harbor College:

Congratulations to the brand new LAHC E-Sports team, led by Professor Nick Garcia, for winning 1st and 2nd place in the first annual Los Angeles Regional Consortia (LARC) SMASH BROS Cup! The students have been practicing and having scrimmages since last Fall. Their hard work and dedication paid off.

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From Shasta College:

As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, we sealed a whole lot of Knight pride into a time capsule — including a commencement booklet and stole, local publications, a letter from President Dr. Frank Nigro, and more!

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From Allan Hancock College:

Thanks to @SBCAG_info for stopping by our Santa Maria campus and celebrating CycleMAYnia with our students, faculty, and staff!

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From Lake Tahoe Community College:

LTCC welcomed Assemblymember @hhadwickAD1 to campus for a tour and a discussion about the student support programs helping Coyotes thrive, shared by LTCC leaders and a student representative. Thank you for supporting our students and community!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Jazz Combos Releases New Album of Original Compositions

The Bakersfield College Jazz Studies program is proud to announce the release of Funky Orca, a full-length album that features 12 original jazz compositions. The songs on the album are composed by BC Jazz students and were recorded in the PAC music lab on BC’s Panorama campus between 2023-24.

Over 50 songs were recorded for Funky Orca, and the album’s 12 tracks were carefully selected by the program’s faculty and staff. “This album is a really solid and diverse collection of tunes,” says Tiner, “and it’s a very entertaining listening experience from start to finish.”

» 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