Tag Archives: San Joaquin Delta College

Field Trip — McFarland Early College & Kern Valley State Prison Rising Scholars

Uncategorized March 2, 2024 Leave a comment

Governor Gavin Newsom announced two appointments to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors:

Congratulations! I am looking forward to working with them as we continue our work on Vision 2030.

Wrapped up my week with beautiful clouds and snapped this photo while walking Neo.

Thursday and Friday were hectic with events at my home grounds — Farewell reception for Steve Watkin, acting President of BC; KCCD welcome dinner hosted by Chancellor Tom Burke for the Board of Governors visiting Kern; event at McFarland High with the Board of Governors showcasing what wall-to-wall dual enrollment looks like; visit to the Kern Valley State Prison to connect with students who are enrolled in BC pathways. All four events were food for my soul and as I write this blog on Saturday, I could not be more grateful to BC and KCCD. A picture is worth a 1000 words….. Enjoy!

At the Steve Watkin event.

Chancellor Burke, BOG Medina
BOG student member Paul Medina at BC

At the KCCD dinner

Chancellor Tom Burke
Trustee Romeo Agbalog

McFarland High School’s Early College program.

The students at McFarland, Cougar-Renegades, and truly remarkable. Could do an entire blog on our visit. For now, here are a few photos.

Paul Medina, Sonya Christian, McFarland Health Pathways students, Bill Rawlings, Cheryl Aschenbach

Kern Valley State Prison Visit

The visit to see our Renegades taking classes in the Kern Valley State Prison was amazing. Again, I could probably do a whole blog on this experience. Instead here is one photo of Rich McCrow, the founding Dean of the program, and Bryan Hirayama, founding faculty along with two members of the Board of Governors – Bill Rawlings and Paul Medina.

Good morning California.
It is March 2, 2024
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Las Positas College Hosts Science on Saturday Lecture Series

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) popular lecture series, “Science on Saturday,” returned Feb. 4 through Feb. 25 at Las Positas College’s Mertes Theater. The series offered four different lectures with the theme, “70 Years of Science.” Each lecture was presented by leading LLNL researchers, joined by high school science teachers. 

» Learn more about Science on Saturday!

Saddleback College Cuts Ribbon on Gateway Building

Saddleback College and the South Orange County Community College District unveiled the latest addition to the Saddleback campus, the Gateway Building, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony. The ceremony was led by Board of Trustees President Tim Jemal, SOCCCD Chancellor Julianna Barnes, and Saddleback College President Elliot Stern. The ultramodern, three-story building contains two floors dedicated to student support services and a third floor featuring modern classrooms.

» Learn more about the Gateway Building!

West Hills Community College District Celebrates Selection
as a Parks California 2024 Route to Parks Grantee

West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the 29 Parks California 2024 Route to Parks grant recipients. Now in its fourth year, the program aims to break down barriers to accessing state parks and foster a deep appreciation for nature among participants. WHCCD’s project, known as the CATCH (Creating Access to California’s Heritage) project, is set to engage underserved, underrepresented, multi-generational, and “park poor” families in outdoor education opportunities. 

» Read more!

Santa Barbara City College Nurtures Pathway for Professional Journalism

The Channels, the student news outlet of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), welcomed the campus and community to tour their new collaborative workspace on the East Cliff Campus during a grand opening celebration on February 8. The Channels newsroom has relocated from a portable classroom on the edge of the East Cliff Campus to a newly redesigned space in the Administration Building at the heart of SBCC. This places students in the center of the action, giving them easier access to the administration, faculty, and staff and fellow media arts programs on campus. This move and investment emphasizes SBCC’s commitment to supporting and valuing students’ freedom of press and expression, recognizing journalism’s critical role in democracy and social justice, and operating with transparency.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Vision 2030: Access, Success and Support with Equity
for High School and Justice Involved Youth

Join a two-day convening exploring dual enrollment’s vital role, including opportunities for justice involved youth. This transformative initiative is led by dual enrollment and rising scholars practitioners bringing college experiences to students.

Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 in Riverside

» Learn more & register!

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Register Now for 2024 System Webinars

Please join us on Wednesday, March 6 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. for the next System Webinar and mark your calendars for the upcoming webinars. All webinars will be on Wednesdays from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

» Learn more & register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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From San Joaquin Delta College:

Vibrant poppies brightening up our day near the Science and Math Building!

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From Long Beach City College:

State of the College 2024 was a hit! “BeLong Beach” came alive with stories of progress from Dr. Muñoz & Vivian Malauulu, celebrating our amazing community, faculty, and student achievements. Thanks to all who made it our biggest yet!

*****

And from DeAnza College:

We’re closing out #BlackHistoryMonth with this great video from the #MartinLutherKingJr event in January

Blast from the Past

In honor of Nan’s new appointment, I thought it fitting to share her video of remarks from Bakersfield College Opening Day 2020.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Panorama Invitational Exhibit Creates
Unique Opportunity For Young Artists

The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Jones Art Gallery is currently hosting the Panorama Invitational 2024. This unique event has taken place annually for more than twenty years, highlighting diverse artwork from local high school students. This year, there are more than sixty art pieces on display, ranging from a variety of different mediums including 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, and multimedia.

» 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

CA CCs occupy DC – the 2024 Grammys – CA storms – and more

Uncategorized February 10, 2024 Leave a comment

This week, I travelled to Washington, DC, for the 2024 Community College National Legislative Summit. We had a large delegation attend from the Chancellor’s Office and the Board of Governors: Amy Costa, Hildy Aguinaldo, Paul Medina, Casey Chang, David O’Brien, and Linda Vasquez.

I also participated virtually in the Rio Hondo Spring Inservice. The college has mobilized around the three strategic directions of Vision 2030. It was heartwarming to see their earnest focus on the various college-wide initiatives to advance the goals of Vision 2030.

I enjoyed the Grammys this year in my hotel room in DC …. when I looked to the left, I could see the Washington Monument.

I had a lot of favorite moments at the Grammys.  Here are just four of them.  I did not want my blog to get clogged up with only the Grammys …. although it was tempting. Check out the links at the Grammys website –

Miley Cyrus performing “Flowers”

» Check out the video

Billy Joel performing “Turn the Lights Back On”

» Check out the video

Joni Mitchell performing “Both Sides Now”

» Check out the video

Jon Batiste performing “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me”

» Check out the video

*****

While I was gone, California experienced some severe weather. The wind damaged the trees in my backyard as it did elsewhere –

And now back at home…. while we have a break from the rain, I continue to enjoy the clouds during my sunrise and sunset walks with Neo…. here are a few pictures so you can too ….

Good morning California.
It is February 10, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerro Coso Graduates 35 Students from
Tehachapi California Correctional Institution

Cerro Coso Community College is proud to announce the graduation of 35 students from our Incarcerated Student Education Program at the Tehachapi California Correctional Institution. Combined, these students earned nearly 100 associate degrees.

» Read more!

Barstow Community College Joins Fight to End Hunger

At the heart of Barstow’s
fight against hunger
stands Dr. Usha Gautam, a
beacon of compassion and
commitment. Her leadership
has ignited a wave of
community collaboration,
notably with the Barstow Community College Food Pantry.

» Read more!

Victor Valley College Hosts Community Influences
to Kick Off Black History Month

Victor Valley College welcomed approximately 30 Black and African American community influencers from the Victor Valley area to a special event aimed at highlighting the college’s successful Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. In partnership with the DVL Project and Millionaire Mind Kids, the three-hour event provided an exclusive tour showcasing various career pathway training opportunities, student support services, and the essential steps for students to embark on a path of opportunity.

» Read more!

Allan Hancock College Students
Present Research to Prestigious Biology Organization

Two Allan Hancock College students were invited to present their research project to a prestigious body of scientists and scholars in Seattle, Washington. Brianna Munoz Gonzalez and Katherine Goldstein traveled to Seattle, Washington, where the duo presented their research on native plant and bee populations to the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) during the organization’s annual meeting in January 2024.  

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

So many great photos from colleagues in DC this week!

Paul Medina shared a few –

From Yovani Jimenez:

Attending the 2024 @CCTrustees National Legislative Summit was an absolute privilege. Advocating for our community college students and representing @KernCCD at Capitol Hill was a standout moment. Grateful for the opportunity! #NLS2024#OurTimeisNow

Today, Team @KernCCD had a productive day. We attended a meeting at the @ENERGY headquarters to discuss our KCCD @CrelKccd programs and explore further areas of collaboration.

From Larry Galizio:

Honored to learn from Congressman Jimmy Panetta, keynote speaker for our CA Delegation Breakfast.

From the FACCC:

We are pleased to collaborate with the @ASCCCNews and the Chancellor, as well as other system partners, in our advocacy endeavors within the @CalCommColleges. Here’s to effecting positive change in Washington D.C. #Advocacy#HigherEducation

*****

From San Joaquin Delta College President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:

Had a great time Friday welcoming more than 100 @StocktonUnified ag students to the Delta College farm in Manteca. @JanetARivera1 and I even got a turn in the excavator! Agriculture is our region’s heritage and it’s exciting to pass that on to the next generation

*****

And check out this interview from KRON with Merritt College President David Johnson:

Blast from the Past

My remarks from the Jean Fuller Women in Leadership Panel – March 4, 2021

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Annual Financial Aid Fest and Resource Fair

Understanding the Financial Aid process can often be overwhelming for college students. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Department at Bakersfield College hosts the annual Financial Aid Fest to educate and assist students as they navigate through the financial aid process.

» 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 Veterans Day – CA CC finding ways to serve those who serve our country

Uncategorized November 11, 2023 1 Comment

This Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to thank all of our nation’s veterans. To our active-duty military, military veterans, military reservists and dependents – thank you for safeguarding our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

Community colleges have a key role in supporting student veterans as they transition to civilian life. With an estimated 1.8 million military veterans living in California, many are looking to our community colleges for debt-free education and skills training. Each year, approximately 55,000 veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents enroll at a California community college, and can access the many services we provide, including veterans resource centers, priority registration, tutoring, food pantries, credit for prior learning and more.

For this Veterans Day, the American Legion with USAA offers suggestions for how we can “Go Beyond Thanks.” Let’s take a moment to quietly reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of veterans, and to consider how we can all find ways to serve those who serve our country.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Dr. Blas Villalobos, a member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

Dr. Villalobos served in the United States Marine Corps from 1999- 2003. During this time, he was deployed to Iraq where he served as a Squad Leader. He earned several awards during combat operations including: The Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze campaign stars; and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

After his military service, Villalobos attended Long Beach City College. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Long Beach State, and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Southern California.

Read more at https://lbcc.edu/press-release/lbcc-alum-dr-blas-villalobos-selected-community-college-league-distinguished-alumni?utm_content=271375363&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-1114279671770693632

Spent several hours this morning … yes, I wake up around 4:00 a.m. … reading all my previous Veterans Day blog posts … here is one from 2015. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2015/11/11/veterans-day-vet-fest-and-remembering-americas-best/. With a message from Prof. Paul Beckworth.

“We don’t fight to hold ground.  We fight to win.”  This was said by a Navy SEAL as he reflected on his numerous combat engagements in the current conflicts overseas.  As I look back on another Veterans Day at BC, I think about what we have come from.  I look back with pride at 102 years of Bakersfield College history and how BC alumni have fought in every conflict since World War I. 

I laugh when I read about World War II veterans coming to BC in the late 1940s when it still on the BHS campus, and the high school administrators’ anxiety about the smoking, and bad language the student-veterans used on campus.

I am proud that those vets were called “DARS,” by administrators, which stood for Damned Average Raisers, because they did so well in class that they skewered all the grading curves.  The tide of student-veteran involvement has ebbed and flowed over the decades.  It was very active in the years after the Vietnam War, with the Veterans Club“running the campus,” as the late Vernon Valenzuela remembered.  I saw it resurrect in 2010 thanks to the OIF/OEF veterans agitating for a veteran space.  Not only has the club resurrected, it has thrived.  Now, BC has a new Veterans Education Advisor, a new veterans’ student development class, plans for a larger space for the veterans lounge, and a college president who values what you bring to the table.

After your years of service it is now your time, as Bakersfield College student-veterans, to move forward.  You have a great responsibility.   You have a great responsibility to you; A responsibility to use your military experience to better yourself, your family and your community.  You have a responsibility to get educated, and pursue your goals in a timely, productive manner.  It is indeed frustrating at times.  It isn’t easy.  If it was easy, everyone would do it.  But, you aren’t everyone.  You are the real 1%.  Only 1% ever served in the military.  If you are part of that elite percentage, then college is simply another challenge to overcome before the next challenge.  The fact that you are at Bakersfield College says this about you: You don’t fight to hold ground.  You fight to win.

From the bottom of my heart, I am proud of all of you winners.

Thank you for your service.  Happy Veterans Day.  Job Well Done!

*****

I started my week at the California State Assembly for the Dual Enrollment Oversight Hearing.

On Tuesday, I was at El Camino College for the Vision 2030: Pathways to Equity and Economic Mobility in Healthcare summit. The event explored how innovations in healthcare will transform the earning power of our students.

I ended my week visiting the Home of the Renegades – Memorial Stadium for the last Bakersfield College football game. It was so much fun…. here are a few photos

Good morning California.
It is November 11, 2023. Veterans Day.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coastline College Veterans Service Coordinator
Earns Veteran of Distinction Award

To commemorate Veterans Day this year, Representative Michelle Steel is awarding Coastline College’s Veteran Services Coordinator Tom Boscamp the Veteran of Distinction Award from her Congressional District. Boscamp, a U.S. Army veteran, is being recognized for his tireless service in aiding active duty and veterans in starting and completing their education at Coastline. 

» Read more! 

College of Alameda Hosts AUSD Educational Summit

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, College of Alameda opened its doors to a remarkable event, “My Sister’s Dynasty and My Brother’s Legacy,” a groundbreaking educational summit designed to empower Black and Multi-Ethnic students. This special event, hosted in collaboration with the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) Office of Equity, brought together a diverse group of speakers, presenters, and attendees.

» Read more!

Butte College Dual Enrollment Student
Takes Top Honors at National FFA Convention

Joe Schohr, a sophomore at Gridley High School who is concurrently pursuing his education at Butte College, took top honors at the National FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event. The National FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) is a highly competitive contest that recognizes exceptional FFA members for their ability to recite and interpret the National FFA Creed and respond to challenging questions.

» Read more!

Folsom Lake College Celebrates Enrollment Milestone

Folsom Lake College, a member of the Los Rios Community College District and a leading institution of higher education in the Greater Sacramento region, is thrilled to announce a momentous achievement in its history. The college has reached a significant milestone with its enrollment surpassing 10,000 students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

StateScoop: How 1 Billion Data Points Could Improve
Career Outcomes for California Students

In late October, California’s Cradle-to-Career office — which manages a statewide education and workforce data project — collected its first data installment with more than 1 billion data points across 200 different categories, including K-12, college admissions, post-college employment opportunities. Officials told StateScoop it’s a vital step towards building the first longitudinal data system in the state.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Smiles, hugs, and tears this week at Delta as we dedicated our newly renamed forums in honor of Filipino American historian Dr. Dawn Mabalon, longtime counselor and mentor Tony Fitch, and the legacy of Campesino farmworkers.

*****

And a Veterans Day Message from San Diego College of Continuing Education President Tina King and Retired US Navy Commander Edgar Lucas:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC at the 37th HACU Conference

Bakersfield College had a presence with faculty, staff, and administrators at the recent 37th annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Conference in Chicago, Illinois. This event serves as a crucial platform for collaboration, fostering discussions on policy matters, emerging trends, and impactful opportunities that significantly influence Hispanic community education.

» 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

CA CCs proactively supporting our students

Uncategorized November 4, 2023 Leave a comment

Enjoyed connecting with the legendary George Boggs to write a piece titled Proactive Access.

Here is an excerpt:

Since their founding, our community colleges have been innovative and responsive in providing postsecondary education to millions of Californians, but in Spring 2020, they were faced with a serious challenge to their open access mission. Colleges were forced to close to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Colleges shifted almost overnight to classes and services online, but many students didn’t have access to computers or high-speed Internet.  As colleges struggled to find ways to keep students enrolled, institutions distributed laptop computers to students and set up Internet hotspots in college parking lots.  College leaders understood that access was more than just providing an open door.  It meant finding ways to proactively support students.

Find the 1200-word essay here: https://workforceandeconomicmobility.com/2023/10/26/proactive-access/

*****

Had fun attending the Colegas Annual Conference themed, “Raices de Excelencia: La Cultura Cura” in Long Beach. Here is a selfie of the all of us who attended from the Chancellor’s Office Ebony Jeffries, Siria Martinez, Lizette Navarette.

Presented to the Cradle to Career Data System Board of Directors with Ben Chida.

Wrapped up my week at Cypress College for the North Orange County Community College District’s Focus on the Future event, where I presented on Vision 2030. Was happy to connect with State Senator Josh Newman who is a huge supporter of community colleges.

The NOCCCD’s Focus on the Future was designed to provide district employees and other educators with a high-level view of the future of education.

A fireside chat with NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland hosting a question-and-answer session with state Senator Newman on workforce development and partnership.

President Joanna Schilling along with Jolena Grande, member of the Board of Governors took Senator Newman and I on a tour of the college’s baccalaureate program in Funeral Service, and the new baccalaureate in Dental Hygiene.

Good morning California.
It is November 4, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Champions of Higher Education

This week the Campaign for College Opportunity revealed this year’s Champions of Higher Education – exemplary and committed California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that are leading the state in conferring the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling ADT earners on guaranteed pathways to a bachelor’s degree, and intentionally working to support Latinx and Black students on their path to a degree. 

This year’s community college honorees include:

Champions of Higher Education

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • Clovis Community College
  • East Los Angeles College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Grossmont College
  • Madera College
  • Mission College
  • Moorpark College
  • Mt. San Antonio College
  • San Joaquin Delta College

2023 Equity Champions

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • College of San Mateo
  • College of the Desert
  • Crafton Hills College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Glendale Community College
  • Long Beach City College
  • West Valley College

Honorees will be celebrated on November 14th at 10 am on Zoom.

» Read more about this year’s honorees & register for Zoom event!

Rio Hondo College Partners with
Summer Research Program to Empower STEM Students

Approximately 20 Río Hondo College students recently dove into the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – working in labs, conducting research projects and presenting their findings – through the College’s first-year partnership with Cal Poly Pomona’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program.

» Read more!

Fullerton, Cypress Colleges Join California Virtual Campus Exchange

Earlier this month, Fullerton College and Cypress College became the 49th & 50th colleges to join the California Virtual Campus Exchange as teaching colleges. The program provides access to online courses for students at community colleges across the state.

» Read more!

2023 California Community Colleges Distinguished Alumni

The Community College League of California announced honorees for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jimmy Panetta (Monterey Peninsula College), Advaith Thampi (Irvine Valley College) and Blas Villalobos (Long Beach City College) were selected this year. They will be honored at the League’s Annual Convention later this month.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

KQED: Chancellor Sonya Christian
Has Big Plans for California Community Colleges

This week, I was thrilled to speak with Mina Kim on KQED. We discussed plans to address declining enrollment, ease transfers from community college to the UC and Cal State systems and create more community college baccalaureate degree programs.

» Read more & listen to the interview

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PPIC: Making the Most of State Investments in Dual Enrollment

Daniel Payares-Montoya & Mary Severance spoke with Dr. Sandra Fuentes, Interim Dean of Early College at Reedley College, discussing how dual enrollment can help historically underserved students success in college.

I also think career exploration and internship opportunities are huge. We partner with community businesses to offer internships in aeronautics, agriculture, manufacturing, welding, and so on. Historically, many students would not look for internships until they were completing their junior or senior year in college. And many of our students have changed majors three to five times. We’re hoping that offering internships tied to dual enrollment will help students align their pathways a lot sooner.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Tina Maria King:

Thank you to @chaffeycollege for having me as one of the keynote panelist for the Black and Brown Minds & Mattering, 2nd Annual Conference. A Celebration of Black and Latino Culture. I am so proud of the work thats being done to uplift BIPOC students and employee voices. As an Afro-Latina my advocacy and leadership is predicated on the continuous growth and understanding of how to best engage and support our communities.

*****

From Madera Community College:

Please join us in wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our President, Dr. Ángel Reyna!

*****

From Diablo Valley College:

Happy Friday! We would like to end the week with a couple of pictures of our beautiful campus. Next time you are on campus, stop by the lake between the Student Union and Music Building and just relax. 🦋 This a great place to gather your thoughts and to end a busy week. #ourbeautifulcampus#pictureoftheday

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Receives First Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Provided by Grant Funded By Kern COG

Bakersfield College is thrilled to announce the installation of the first of four off-grid electric vehicle charging stations, known as the EVEN Recharge Hub, as part of a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG). This delivery underscores Bakersfield College’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future Electric Vehicle Technicians in the State of California.

» 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

CA CCs on the move

Uncategorized September 23, 2023 Comments: 2

What a busy week! Across the country and back.

On Saturday, headed out to Morgantown home of West Virginia University where my best friend from high school teaches in the Life Sciences department.

On Sunday headed with the team to Washington DC to elevate the visibility of the work being done at California Community colleges. The team included – Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales and Vice Chancellor of Government Relations David O’Brien; from the Board of Governors, President Amy Costa & Pamela Haynes; from the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Executive Director of Workforce Development Tim Aldinger.

Then headed to San Diego for the DEI Conference and then back home Friday night.

Here are some photos:

Morgantown visiting my friend who cooked great Kerala dishes and event packed some food for the road…. yuuum.

A delicious Kerala meal for the road
At the Kennedy Memorial, Morgantown

***

Washington DC visit

Department of Education:

Department of Energy:

Department of Labor:

Senator Alex Padilla:

A must-do photo of the Washington monument every time I visit DC:

Check out Little Amal who visited DC. Little Amal represents a fictional nine-year-old Syrian girl, representing displaced children today. The giant puppet was created by the South Africa-based Handspring Puppet Company.

“The Walk” tells Amal’s life story, her search for her mother and her flight to safety.

Check out this video from Georgetown University about it:

Goodbye for now DC

David O’Brien, Pam Haynes, Amy Costa
Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, David O’Brien, Pam Haynes at Dulles. Heading out to San Diego

*****

After a few jam-packed days in DC, we headed to San Diego for the DEIA in Action Institute.

At the conclusion of my talk, I invited the leadership at the Chancellor’s Office to come up on stage with me – John Hetts, Daisy Gonzales, Pamela Haynes, Marc LeForestier, Lizette Navarette and Aisha Lowe. Check out the photo.

John Hetts, Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, Pam Haynes, Marc LeForestier, Lizette Navarette, Aisha Lowe

What a wonderful week!

Good morning California.
It is September 23, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

CCC Presidents Selected for Aspen Presidents Fellowship

Tawny Dotson, Michael Gutierrez, Jim Limbaugh,
Claudia Lourido-Habib, and Julius Sokenu

The College Excellence Program announced the cohort of college presidents for the 2023-2024 Aspen Presidents Fellowship. Several of our California Community College Presidents were selected:

  • Tawny Dotson, Yuba College
  • Michael Gutierrez, Hartnell College
  • Jim Limbaugh, West Los Angeles College
  • Claudia Lourido-Habib, Porterville College
  • Julius Sokenu, Moorpark College

Congratulations to all!

» Read more about the 2023-2024 Presidents Fellows

Las Positas College Hosts Black College Day

Las Positas College hosted its first annual Black Family Day. “It really ties into our educational master plan, which is to be the destination campus for Black students and other students of color here in the Tri-Valley,” said LPC President Dr. Dyrell Foster.

» Check out the news coverage!

Cerritos College Hosts Event For The College Tour Episode

Cerritos College is featured in a 30-minute episode of The College Tour, an Amazon Prime streaming series. This week, Cerritos College hosted an exclusive screening of the episode at their Performing Arts Center.

» Learn more about Cerritos College on The College Tour!

Check out the video below:

San Joaquin Delta College Launches Free Public Fitness Court

Delta College celebrated the opening of a new outdoor exercise facility known as a Fitness Court, part of an initiative by National Fitness Campaign (NFC) to plan, build, and fund healthy communities across the country.

» Learn more about the fitness court!

In Case You Missed It

NANDI: Reimagining Success

The Nandi Symposium will center the voices of Black women while also creating space for all professionals and students in the California Community College System to be in community with one another. The Nandi Symposium is being brought to you in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

When: Thursday, October 5; 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Where: Westin Los Angeles Airport

For more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nandi-symposium-tickets-700528769407?aff=oddtdtcreator

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From MiraCosta College President Sunita Cooke:

@MiraCosta⁩ representing ⁦@NCAAWA⁩ Annual Gentlemen’s Gourmet scholarship fundraiser. TY to our talented chefs, volunteers, and donors! Shout out to Trustee Raye Clendening, ⁦⁦ @RepMikeLevin⁩ ⁦ @jim_desmond⁩ ⁦ @joegreen760⁩ ⁦ @satiaaustin

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From CA Assembly Member & Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon:

Yes! This is exactly why we formed the paid Community College Internship for the Assembly. This is such an important program. Community college students are incredibly diverse, and have so much to offer. Uplifting them benefits everybody.

The Assembly’s community college interns are placed in Member offices (both Republican and Democrat) to learn how the legislature functions. One of these interns, Frank Arenas, works in my office. He’s an aspiring attorney, and has been a wonderful addition to the team.

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From Lassen College:

Thank you to our amazing students and staff for representing LCC this morning at The Out of the Darkness Community Walk. This walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

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From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:

Grateful for an inspiring State of the College event at @PCollegePirates, celebrating their achievements and future vision with Dr. @PortervillePrez and the PC team. I am excited for what’s to come!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Learning Resource Center in Delano

Bakersfield College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning for the newly finished multipurpose building at BC’s Delano campus. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the college in its commitment to providing enhanced and expanded educational opportunities to students in North Kern.

» 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