Tag Archives: Ventura College

September 27, 2025

September 24 plan: McDonald’s fries for Mom’s birthday. Reality: work hijacked the day, so I honored mom with bonus potato chips. Happy birthday mom. Miss you everyday.

It was back to Orange County this week as we kicked off the California Adult Education Summit in Anaheim.

This annual event is presented by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education in partnership with the CAEP Technical Assistance Providers, North Orange Continuing Education, the Sacramento County Office of Education, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 27, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego City College Celebrates Grand Opening of AANHPI Connections Center

San Diego City College proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Connections Center on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The event, held at the Business and Technology Quad, marked the official launch of the college’s newest identity space dedicated to fostering belonging, cultural pride, and student success.

» Read more!


Solano Community College Unveils Solar-Powered Soofa Signs,
Ushering in a New Era of Smart, Sustainable Campus Communication

Solano Community College (SCC) proudly announces the installation of solar-powered Soofa Signs across its Fairfield campus, marking a significant stride toward sustainable innovation and enhanced community engagement. These state-of-the-art digital kiosks, powered entirely by solar energy, provide real-time information on campus events, transit updates, and community news, aligning seamlessly with SCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and modern communication. 

» Read more!


College of the Siskiyous Partners with NACCE
to Launch Everyday Entrepreneur Program

College of the Siskiyous (COS) is proud to announce its participation in the Everyday Entrepreneur (EE) Program, a national initiative led by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses in their local communities. The program is designed to serve both students and community members with the ambition and passion to create or expand a small business.

» Read more!


Citrus College Expands Nursing Program

Citrus College is significantly expanding its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare more graduates for successful health care careers. This growth is in response to increased student demand and will help address the region’s critical shortage of skilled medical professionals. For more than a year, Citrus College has collaborated closely with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to grow the scope of the program. Last month, the BRN granted the college its official approval to increase enrollment from 30 to 120 students each year, opening the door for more aspiring nurses to begin their careers.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

OPINION: Rural community colleges are uniquely positioned to tackle complex regional challenges and drive community transformation. Here’s how

Every person deserves a place close to home where they can learn, grow and build a better future. In rural areas, that place is often a community college.  

But in today’s environment, community colleges are under threat. Enrollment has been declining for most of the past 15 years as increasing numbers of Americans question the value of higher education. Recent reductions in federal support for college programs and for low-income Americans will almost certainly create additional pressure on community colleges to deliver education more effectively and efficiently.  

But improving delivery alone will not be enough to regain trust, enrollment and government investment. Rural community colleges must become rural development hubs, delivering value by bridging economic, social and civic sectors to address regional challenges.  

» Read more!

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Santiago Canyon College/UC Irvine Partnership
Streamlines Master’s Degree in Accounting

Students who earn an associate degree in accounting at Santiago Canyon College are well-prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, as well as promotional opportunities, in such areas as accounts receivable/payable, income tax preparation, payroll and more.

However, those seeking to aim higher are encouraged to enter a unique program that will fast-track them toward an eventual master’s degree in this in-demand field.

Created through a partnership between SCC and UC Irvine, the SCC and UCI 2+2+1 Masters of Accountancy Pathway Program closes the gap between a community college and a graduate degree. Students spend two years completing prerequisite courses at SCC, earn a bachelor’s degree at UCI (or another accredited four-year university) over the next two years and complete UCI’s Master of Professional Accountancy Program the final year: hence the term “2+2+1.”

» Read more!



Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

California Native American Day – A celebration with drummers, dancers, cultural practitioners, artists & poets

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From Cañada College:

Womxn of Color Collaborative kicked off Fall 2025 with a powerful Community Circle!
Students, faculty, and staff shared reflections on today’s social and political climate, found affirmation, and wrapped up with food & fellowship. 

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From Ventura College:

La Batalla Esta Aquí We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a multimedia presentation explaining the Chicano/a Movement. Thank you Dr. Elias Serna for this great discussion about ethnic studies.

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From College of Marin:

Club Fest 2025 is in the books! Thanks to everyone who joined us, here’s to an exciting year ahead!

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From De Anza College:

Welcome Day was a blast! Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. We were so glad to see so many of you back on campus today for the start of fall quarter!



And From the Home of the Renegades

VP of Student Services César Jiménez Named to 20 Under 40

Bakersfield College is proud to celebrate Vice President of Student Services César Jiménez, who has been recognized as one of Bakersfield’s 20 Under 40.

At 39, César has already built a career defined by service and community impact. Born and raised in Chicago, he came to Bakersfield in 2023 and quickly found a home here, embracing the city’s mix of opportunity and small-town connection. “I have been loving every single moment living in this great city,” he says.

» 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

Bienvenue Juillet 2025

Happy Fourth of July!

Trivia for you …. the Statue of Liberty was officially presented to the United States on July 4, 1884.

There are numerous replicas throughout the world….. including Paris.

My first visit to Paris. Sunset on the Seine – so beautiful.

Bon Jour California.
It is July 5, 2025.
C’est un grand jour pour être un champion du collège communautaire



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Moorpark College Joins Forces with Lifetech Resources
to Support Student Well-being

Moorpark College is proud to announce a new partnership with Lifetech Resources to provide essential hygiene products to students in need. A reception was hosted at the college’s Raider Central Basic Needs Center on June 11 at 3 p.m. where Lifetech Resources presented a donation of 1009 bottles of 3-in-1 cleansers.

» Read more!


East Los Angeles College, Vincent Price Art Museum Showcase Innovative STEAM Project “We Place Life at the Center” at 2025 AAMG Conference

– East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and the Vincent Price Art Museum (VPAM) are pleased to announce its selection to present the innovative exhibition and educational platform “We Place Life at the Center / Situamos la vida en el centro” at the 2025 Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG) Conference. Curator Joseph Valencia and Anthropology Professor Christine Sepulveda served as featured panelists, sharing insights from their interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges art, science, and environmental justice.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

KTLA: Cured Diabetes Patient Graduates from El Camino College

Janine Roberson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 7. 

Now, however, after years of dialysis treatment and the aforementioned surgery, Janine, now 37, has a quality of life that is “better than ever,” Cedars-Sinai said in a media release

On June 13, she graduated with an associate degree from El Camino College in Torrance, making a significant step in her pursuit of getting a double major in child development and psychology to become a child life specialist, helping children with chronic illnesses and serving as a mentor for their parents.  

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Allan Hancock College:

Thanks to everyone who came out to Hancock’s 2025 West Coast College & University Wine Festival. This year’s guests had the opportunity to taste a variety of wines produced by winemaking programs at Hancock, Cal Poly, and other colleges and universities.

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From Citrus College:

Here are some snapshots from the spring 2025 study abroad experience in Seville, Spain, which also included excursions to nearby places like Morocco.

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From Ventura College:

Summer ceramics class at Ventura College!

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From San Joaquin Delta College:

Congrats POST Academy Grads! Your hard work, discipline, and dedication have paid off. You’re ready to serve with honor — and we couldn’t be prouder!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Choir Students Perform on International and Regional Stages

Bakersfield College’s voice students had the opportunity to participate in two major performances this summer, both locally and abroad.

Several Voice Majors joined the 92-year-old Bakersfield Master Chorale on a performance tour of Ireland, singing in historic cathedrals and participating in a workshop with members of Anuna, Ireland’s leading professional choir. BC student Krystal Grant performed multiple solos and worked directly with a Gaelic language specialist—an experience that was both personally and musically transformative.

» 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

Happy Seventh Birthday Bessie!

Here are a few glimpses from the ebb and flow of my week — shifting tide from lighthearted laughter to quiet reflection.

Happy Seventh Birthday Bessie

Watch this 1-minute reel of Bessie that I posted on instagram. I have created only two reels ever. The first one last year on her birthday. Now the second one… again on her birthday.

Bessie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 10, 2025. She was my daughter’s baby.

Last weekend was the finals for the French Open…. my mom’s favorite.

American Coco Gauff took the women’s singles title. Although she was down against world Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka, she claimed her second career grand slam singles title – becoming the youngest American to win the title since Serena Williams in 2002.

Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s singles title in an epic comeback over Jannik Sinner. It was a great match – a six hour instant classic.

Alcaraz, 22, defended his title by coming back from two sets down and saving three championship points to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2).

On June 6, 1944, photojournalist Robert Capa captured one of the most iconic images of World War II during the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach.

Amid chaos and gunfire, Capa took a series of photographs as American troops stormed the shore. One of the most famous, often referred to as “The Face in the Surf,” shows a lone soldier struggling through the water…. Despite technical issues that damaged most of his negatives, the surviving images became powerful symbols of war and human endurance.

Check out this YouTube video about it –

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As for me, this week I was able to make it to Los Angeles Trade-Tech College for their 100th anniversary celebration.

Fun selfie snapped by Chancellor Alberto Roman.

From Left to Right: Chancellor Alberto Roman, Former Senator Laphonza Butler, President Alfred McQuarters, Sonya Christian, Trustee Sara Hernandez

Good morning California.
It is June 14, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Barbara Community College School of Extended Learning students
offer community comfort via aprons and quilts

The SBCC School of Extended Learning’s Home Economics programs are doing much more than sewing and quilting … they’re giving back to community members who are struggling with illness and other life challenges. After discovering that local clinics did not have aprons available for patients, SBCC sewing instructors Judi Brooks and Emily Adams asked for volunteers and got students to work making colorful aprons from leftover fabric and ribbon. Dozens have been donated to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of SB and Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and will be available to UCLA as well. 

» Read more!


Laney College Journalism Student Earns National Fellowship & Full Ride

Laney College is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement by The Citizen’s co-editor in chief, Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, who has been selected as one of only three national IRE/ProPublica fellows. The prestigious fellowship includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Conference this June in New Orleans, where Lylah will join a select group of journalists from across the country.

» Read more!


Oxnard College hosts the first Latina GDP report

Oxnard College hosted an event April 15 on the first Latina GDP report, with remarks by two of the authors: Matthew Fienup, the executive director of CLU’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting; and David Hayes-Bautista, the director of the Center for Latino Health and Culture at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: Eliminating programs that improve
higher education access is a huge mistake

President Donald Trump’s “skinny budget” proposal aims to eliminate a group of eight federally funded programs known as TRIO that support higher education access and success for individuals from “disadvantaged backgrounds.” 

Eliminating these programs would be a huge mistake. 

How was I, a daughter of migrant farmworkers whose parents have limited formal education and live in poverty, able to beat the odds and land a faculty position at a selective university in the U.S.? TRIO.

» Read more from Mayra Puente’s commentary piece!

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Zora Elling, age 10, is Irvine Valley College’s youngest grad

Check out this recent article from The Orange County Register –

Ten-year-old Zora Elling is an avid reader who enjoys taking care of the family chickens, solving puzzles and convincing her family to join her in adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.

She’s also about to become an Irvine Valley College alumna — the youngest in school history, in fact. She’s slated to graduate from the community college on Thursday, May 22, with an associate’s degree in science for transfer in mathematics.

And she’s breaking the record set last year by an older sister, Athena. And Athena, who graduated at 11 years and five months, beat the record set by their oldest brother, Tycho, who was a few days shy of his 12th birthday when he graduated from IVC in 2023.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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From Norco College:

The pre-demolition ceremony at the Corona Education Center marks the first step toward bringing more CTE and STEM education to our region. Thanks to our community’s support through Measure CC, Norco College is one step closer to opening new doors of opportunity.

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From El Camino College:

Last week, the ECC Fashion Department hosted its annual showcase of Warrior couture! Take a look at some of our favorite designs from Premiere Night.

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From Ventura College:

Congratulations to the Ventura College Chamber Singers on their performance in London’s iconic Cadogan Hall! Next up for this crew is Florence, Italy! This extraordinary concert brings together choirs from around the world in a celebration of music, art, and innovation.

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And check out this video highlighting Lassen College’s Early Childhood Education program:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Grand Opening of Renegade Athletic Complex

On June 11, 2025, Bakersfield College (BC) celebrated a significant milestone with the official ribbon cutting of the new Renegade Athletic Complex, followed by the dedication of the weight room in honor of legendary coach Carl Bowser. The event, held on the Panorama Campus, showcased BC’s commitment to enhancing student-athlete experiences and honoring its rich athletic history.

The Renegade Athletic Complex, a 58,904-square-foot facility funded by Measure J, is designed to support BC’s growing athletic programs. The complex includes a full-size basketball court, locker rooms, a sports therapy wing, concessions, and more, providing state-of-the-art resources for student-athletes. This facility underscores BC’s dedication to fostering teamwork, competition, and growth among its students.

» 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

Happy Easter 2025

I hope you are having a restful and beautiful Easter weekend. A few years ago, I shared an Easter Message from Andrea Bocelli at his Easter Sunday performance on April 12th 2020 from the Duomo Cathedral, Milan.

Today, I’d like to share his rendition of Amazing Grace from that day:

Good morning California.
It is April 19, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Hartnell College Launches Climate and Environmental Resilience Ambassadors (CERA) Program with NOAA Grant Support

Hartnell College is proud to introduce the Climate and Environmental Resilience Ambassadors (CERA) Program, an innovative initiative designed to empower students as leaders in climate adaptation and environmental resilience. Funded through a $2 million subaward from California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the program will equip students with essential skills and hands-on experience to address pressing climate challenges. Hartnell’s work is part of a larger $71.1 million dollar project entitled Climate Resilient Monterey Bay, sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) through the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, and focused on bolstering climate adaptation efforts in the region.

» Read more!


El Camino Faculty Member Honored for Leadership,
Dedication to Student Success

The Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) recently named El Camino College counselor and Transfer Center Coordinator Dr. René Lozano as the recipient of the 2025 John Vasconcellos Faculty of the Year Award. This award is presented each year to a faculty member whose leadership at the campus or district level significantly benefits faculty.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

10-year-old girl set to be Crafton Hills College’s youngest grad

Crafton Hills College is about to see its youngest scholar walk the graduation stage.

Alisa Perales is set to become the youngest graduate at the Yucaipa, California, college with two associate degrees at the age of 10.

The whiz kid from San Bernardino, who will take the title with degrees in multiple sciences and mathematics, is on track to receive her diplomas with a GPA “close” to 4.0, according to California Community Colleges.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Skyline College:

Celebrating Thingyan with singing, poetry, music, and fundraising to support earthquake relief in Myanmar, bringing together joy, community, and compassion.

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From Napa Valley College:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s ¡Viva Mariachi! Festival an unforgettable celebration of culture, music, and community at Napa Valley College! From the matinee to the evening concert, your energy, support, and enthusiasm filled our Performing Arts Center with joy and celebration.

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From Ventura College:

New ASVC officers pose with the President!

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From Santiago Canyon College:

Big win for SCC! Our Model UN team earned its 6th straight Outstanding Delegation award at #NMUN2025 in NYC!
Shoutout to:
Jenna Darwish & Sabine Farhat – Outstanding Paper
Elyse Halbreich – Committee Chair + NMUN-DC Staff


And From the Home of the Renegades

Garden Fest 2025

Bakersfield College is excited to host Garden Fest 2025 on Saturday, April 26 on BC’s Panorama Campus. This annual gathering is one of the most anticipated community events of the year, and the 2025 iteration promises to be one of the best ones yet!

The BC Horticulture Department coordinates the event each year with the goal of bringing the community together to celebrate agriculture and support the academic mission of the department. More than 100 vendors will participate, offering everything from crafts, home décor, fresh fruit and veggies, gardening products, plant sales, food, and much more. There will also be activities for the whole family throughout the day, including seminars and cooking demonstrations.

» 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

Let’s remember – every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

This week was a heartbreaking one as a helicopter collided with an airplane in Washington, D.C. The crash took the lives of 67 people. Among the victims were a group of children returning home from a national figure skating development camp, along with their coaches and family members.

Lives taken too soon …..
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/31/us/dc-plane-crash-victims/index.html

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This week, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office lost a dear colleague, John Stanskas.

John Stanskas presenting to the Board of Governors in Sep 2024

A friend of John’s shared this poem in a social media post, and I wanted to share it with you:

“Write It on Your Heart” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.

Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

Good morning California.
It is February 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Berkeley City College Students Win Global Animation Award

Congratulations to the Berkeley City College Multimedia Arts students for earning second place in the global VIVE Mars “Best Horror Shot!” film competition for their spooky short “Night of the Living Dodo.” This achievement was made possible by the RVPA internship program, which is sponsored by the Film Commission via the California Community College Foundation.

» Read more!

Check out the video below:


Butte College Celebrates First Graduating Class of Accelerated Nursing Program

Butte College honored its first graduating class from the accelerated registered nursing program at a pinning ceremony on December 20, 2024, at the Paradise Alliance Church. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 45 students who completed the rigorous three-semester program, launched in January 2024, to address the critical shortage of registered nurses in Butte and Glenn Counties and surrounding areas.

» Read more!


Reedley College Cuts Ribbon on Fine & Performing Arts Center

After years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, groundbreaking, and building, Reedley College proudly held its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the McClarty Center For Fine and Performing Arts November 19, 2024. 

» Read more!


California First Partner Visits Pierce College to Support Fire Response Efforts

Amid the challenges of wildfires sweeping through Southern California, Pierce welcomed California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to our Equestrian Center, where a large animal evacuation shelter has been operating in partnership with L.A. County Animal Care and Control. The shelter is currently home to approximately 225 animals, including horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund
Receives $1 Million Donation From Jay Pritzker Foundation

The Jay Pritzker Foundation has donated $1 million to support the California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund, which is providing vital aid to students, faculty, and staff impacted by this month’s devastating wildfires in Southern California. The ongoing emergency has impacted more than a dozen Los Angeles-area colleges and counting as fires continue to burn in the region. 

» Read more!

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Upcoming Webinars

Join us on Tuesday, February 4, at 12:00 p.m. for the latest addition to the #CalCommColleges #AI webinar series.
» Register today!

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “The State Budget: Proposition 98 and Proposed Governor’s Budget Resource Allocations.”
» Register for the series!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Modesto Junior College:

The MJC Fire Academy proudly presented 29 candidates with the Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement. “We are one of the premier training facilities. The program at MJC has earned a well recognized reputation and many of our candidates obtain jobs in fire departments throughout the state.” shared Matt Curless, Modesto Fire Department Captain and Academy Coordinator. In just one semester, students learn to successfully navigate an intense training program and complete an all-inclusive set of State Fire Marshall certifications, preparing them for real life scenarios. The Fall 2024 ceremony was unique, as Captain Curless’ son received his certificate.

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Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu shared these photos of Assemblywoman Julia Brownley’s recent visit to their campus:

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From Ventura College:

Last night the Ventura College Foundation hosted the Grand Opening of the new Gibbs Diesel Mechanics Center, a cutting-edge training facility.

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From Hartnell College:

The first day of Spring Semester at #HartnellCollege is officially in the books. Let’s make this an incredible semester, Panthers!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Spring 2025 STEM Resource Fair

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted a STEM Club and Resource Fair in the Science and Engineering building. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with representatives from the BC STEM Clubs and resource programs, who were ready to share invaluable insights, financial support, and other essential resources.

» Read more!

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

Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

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