Tag Archives: San Diego Mesa 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!

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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

CA CCs – Enhancing Academic Landscape

Uncategorized July 20, 2024 1 Comment

July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step foot on the moon.

Since then, 10 additional astronauts have walked on the moon. Harrison Schmitt and Gene Cernan were the last to walk on the moon, as part of Apollo 17 in December 1972.

NASA is again working toward a moon landing, with the Artemis program. Artemis 2, which will launch no earlier than September 25, will take 4 astronauts on a flyby of the moon. Artemis 3, planned for 2026, will be the first American crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego Mesa College Installs Accessible Wellness Vending Machine

San Diego Mesa College recently introduced a Wellness Vending Machine stocked with reduced cost and free essential items. The vending machine, created by San Diego company Dotstash, brings equity and affordability in the health space to students and the greater Mesa College community. The installation is part of The Wellness Vending Machine Pilot Program.

» Read more!

Lemoore College Breaks Ground: New Visual Arts & Applied Sciences Building

Lemoore College unveils the ambitious beginnings of a transformative project to enhance its academic landscape: the construction of the new Visual Arts & Applied Sciences (VAAS) building. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the college’s endeavor to enrich its facilities and academic offerings, signaling a forward-thinking approach to education.

» Read more!

Evergreen Valley College Hosts High School Students
at TRiO Upward Bound Program

This summer, EVC’s TRiO Upward Bound program has hosted high school students. They have been immersed in the experience of going to college by taking a sociology class (and earning college credit) and building friendships across a few of our area high schools. President Denise Noldon and Vice Presidents Matais Pouncil and Howard Willis spoke before them. All three were in the TRiO program and later worked for TRiO and their respective campuses. Chancellor Beatriz Chaidez also spoke to the EVC students.

» Learn more about the program!

In Case You Missed It

CalChamber Advocacy: Local Workforce Development and Economic Mobility Have Extensive Community College Underpinnings

Through diverse and innovative workforce development programs and initiatives, California Community Colleges are directly shaping the future of the state’s workforce by addressing industry needs, bridging skill gaps and providing students with practical training and opportunities for economic advancement and career success.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

Cheering on Coach Oeding as he leads the U.S. Women’s Water Polo team in Paris!

*****

From Lake Tahoe Community College:

LTCC students and Washoe Tribe members earned their S212 Sawyer Certifications in a recent wildland fire course, mastering safe chainsaw operation and clearing downed trees from the meadow trail.

*****

From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:

It was wonderful to hear about the growth, successes, and future plans of the @Bakersfield_Cal during the State of the City Luncheon hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. A special thank you to the City Council and Bakersfield city staff for steering the city in the right direction. I am excited for the present and future of Bakersfield on its path to becoming the 8th largest city in California.

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From El Camino College:

Today, the ECC Men’s Soccer Team was presented their 2023 state and national championship rings! We’re proud of our scholar athletes and all they have accomplished.

*****

And check out College of San Mateo’s episode of The College Tour:

Blast from the Past

From back in 2021, my remarks from BC’s Educators for Peace virtual event:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC and The Wonderful Company Collaboration
Receives Golden (VR) Goggles Award

A unique educational collaboration between Bakersfield College and The Wonderful Company was the recent recipient of the 2024 Golden (VR) Goggles Award, an award that recognizes innovative and transformative uses of VR training in the logistics industry. Through the collaboration, a program was developed that features forklift training simulators that utilize virtual reality software to teach proper operation and safety techniques.

» Read more!

And check out the video below –

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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

CACCs celebrating our very best

Uncategorized January 27, 2024 Comments: 2

This week started in Sacramento with a Board of Governors meeting.

One of the best things we get to do is celebrate the work of our community colleges, and this meeting was no different.

Chabot College, Glendale College, MiraCosta College and San Diego Mesa College have been honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors with 2023-24 Exemplary Program Awards in partnership with the statewide Academic Senate.

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

De Anza College Wins NEH Grant for Oral History Projects

De Anza has received its first-ever grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, providing $150,000 for an ambitious, three-year effort to create and expand oral history programs focused on historically marginalized communities.

» Read more!

Cerritos College Economic Development Center
for Corporate Training Receives $500K Grant

The Cerritos College Economic Development Center for Corporate Training received a $500,000 grant from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP)

» Read more!

Orange Coast College President Earns National Honor

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) recognized Orange Coast College president, Dr. Angelica Suarez, as the recipient of its 2024 National President’s Award — the first California community college president to be honored with this prestigious award. This award is the highest honor NASPA bestows on a college or university president or chancellor.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

LIFT 2024 Webinar Series

The Classified Professional Leadership and Career Advancement Series is developed and hosted by the Leadership Institute for Tomorrow in collaboration with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

The four webinars are scheduled on Fridays during the noon hour 12-1 p.m.

The first webinar will be on Friday, February 9:
Cracking the Code: Navigating Campus Politics for Classified Professionals

» Learn more & Register Now!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Napa Valley College:

Congratulations to President Torence Powell for being among ‘the 24 to Watch in 2024,’ as recognized by The Press Democrat!

His impactful words resonate: ‘For many students, their success is determined by their potential to receive support in basic needs. To provide assistance in those areas significantly increases their chance of success and persistence.’ A true advocate for student well-being!

*****

From Cañada College:

Yesterday marked a journey into the heart of Shogatsu at the Cultural Center. From the allure of osechi snacks to the artistry of mochi-making, we embraced diverse New Year traditions. Kite-making and Daruma goal-setting added interactive joy, creating a day filled with cultural richness and shared experiences!

*****

From Compton College:

Every student is a success story!

Compton College 2023 graduate Shyanne Bradley wants others to know that even in times of crisis, one can always change their circumstances. “I’m just like anyone else that is indecisive about going to school but I want to emphasize that even as a mom, attending college is possible. It’s harder, but possible,” said Bradley.

The mother of two enrolled at Compton College in the summer of 2021 and graduated in 2023 with three associate degrees — in biological and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities. Bradley was also honored as a 2023 Presidential Scholar, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

“To have Compton College in my corner has given me the push I need to be the best I can be, and I know I can continue to do so much more,” said Bradley. “I’m doing this for myself and my children so they can see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

*****

From Antelope Valley College:

Our Achieving the Dream coaches met with students, classified professionals, faculty and administrators to learn more about the student journey at AVC. Our coaches engaged in meaningful conversation with various members of our campus community, and will use the feedback provided to enhance the student experience at AVC.

Blast from the Past

Check out this video from Bakersfield College’s Opening Day Spring 2021, about Competency Based Education:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Promotes Healthy Nutrition With Food Smarts Workshop

The Office of Student Life at Bakersfield partnered with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) for a series of workshops highlighting healthy food and nutrition choices. They hosted the first of these workshops on January 23rd in the Campus Center on BC’s main campus and Zoom.
 
During the workshop, over 50 students learned about healthy living, positive nutrition choices, and cultivating healthy behaviors in themselves and their families. Throughout the workshop, attendees were invited to sample some delicious foods made with healthy ingredients.

» 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

Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges

Uncategorized December 9, 2023 Comments: 2

What a great first week of December!

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

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

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

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

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

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

CCC Faculty Selected for STEMSEAS Community College Oceanic Expedition

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

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

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

» Read more!

» Learn about STEMSEAS!

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

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

» Read More!

Calbright Offers Student Leadership Training With Real Life Opportunities

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

» Read more!

Gavilan College Awarded $1.5M to Create Juvenile Justice Program

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

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

» Read More!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

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

*****

From Allan Hancock College:

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

*****

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

*****

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

Blast from the Past

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

And From the Home of the Renegades

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

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

» Read More!

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CCs – helpers in difficult times

Uncategorized September 16, 2023 Comments: 2

This week was a sober week of reflection and prayer…

Monday marked the 22nd anniversary of the horrific September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the crashed jet in Pennsylvania, left 2,996 dead. The events of that day forever changed the global landscape, plunging the US in to a war on terror – the main phase lasting nearly two decades.

Last weekend, Mediterranean Storm Daniel passed through eastern Libya, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding that resulted in large-scale destruction. Two dams in Libya’s northeast collapsed, with the eastern city of Derna hit hardest. Libya’s Red Crescent organization estimates that 11,300 people have died, and the city’s mayor says the death toll could reach 20,000.

Last Friday night, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco, killing at least 2,946 people and injuring at least 5,674 more. The 6.8 magnitude quake is the deadliest earthquake in Morocco since 1960, when a 5.9 magnitude quake killed at least 12,000.

I remember my visit to Morocco and Marrakesh. I rode the Marrakesh train and sat on the platform between the cars in the open air.

There are times when the pain and tragedies we see and remember become almost overwhelming. I remember Mr. Rodgers’ reassuring advice for children when terrible things happen – “look for the helpers.”

Often Community Colleges become the helpers…often during emergencies… places of love and strength and support as we navigate difficult times.

Good morning California.
It is September 16, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cañada Fashion Student Crowned Judges’ Winner at Comic-Con

Rachel Petterson is a dedicated Cañada College Fashion student and a full-time software engineer. She just won her first fashion show at the world-famous San Diego Comic-Con. Her design, “Totally Minnie,” was a fusion of Minnie Mouse’s timeless charm with the bold spirit of the ’80s.

» Read more about Rachel’s win!

ECHO Music Series to bring world class classical musicians to Cuyamaca College

On September 27, Cuyamaca College will launch its fifth annual ECHO Chamber Music Series, once again bringing world-renowned classical musicians to the East County campus.

» Read more about the ECHO Chamber Music Series!

San Diego Mesa College Included In Generation Hope’s
Inaugural FamilyU Seal List

Generation Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all student parents have the opportunities to succeed and experience economic mobility, announced today that San Diego Mesa College is among one of fourteen colleges chosen in its inaugural FamilyU Seal recipients. The FamilyU Seal program is a national certification for higher education institutions making significant strides in intentionally serving parenting students.

» Read more about FamilyU Seal!

In Case You Missed It

Community Voices: The Constitution binds us together;
now let’s work for a future where the Union is more perfect

Nick Strobel wrote this piece for The Bakersfield Californian – since tomorrow is Constitution Day, I wanted to share it with you:

“We establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty not just for ourselves but also for our Posterity. The intention is that when we act, we should work toward what is good for future generations. Those future generations are not just our children or grandchildren but includes those people we will not know because they will be born long after our own lives are through.”

» Read the article

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Constance Carroll:

“The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities has just concluded its 2-day meeting, with Chair Dr. Jill Biden & Co-chairs Lady Gaga and Bruce Cohen. Santa Rosa JC President Angelica Garcia is also on the Committee. What a great experience!“

*****

From Wendy Brill-Wynkoop:

I am continuing to be impressed by this board of outstanding @CalCommColleges educators and @FACCC staff who are committed to our students. Thank you for your hard work and service. #trusteducators

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From Reedley College:

We had an awesome time showcasing our campus to prospective students at Fresno Area College Night! Thanks to everyone who dropped by! #FutureTigers #GoTigers

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From the Michelson 20MM Foundation:

Thank you to Hildegarde Aguinaldo, VP of the @CalCommColleges Board of Gov for sharing her experience and for reaffirming the CCC’s commitment to supporting student parents through the bold framework of Vision2030 under the leadership of @sonyachristian #studentparentsummit

*****

Check out this video from Moorpark College for HSI Week 2023:

And From the Home of the Renegades

One Book Kickoff Event Held at BC

On Wednesday, September 13, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association and Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) partnered with the Kern County One Book Project to host the annual One Book Kick Off Event. Each year, BC hosts the kickoff event to highlight the One Book Primary Title choice, and this year we highlighted Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig.

» Read more about the One Book Kickoff!

» And check out this Faculty Spotlight on Faith Bradham

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I leave you this week with a few photos of Neo contemplating life:

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