Tag Archives: Victor Valley College

May 2026 is a wrap

The funnest part of my week was coming across this duck sitting with her eggs in the InShape parking lot.

Two days later the duck and the set up were gone. But this note was remaining.

Over the long weekend, I saw The Devil Wears Prada 2. So fun…

And of course, my favorite was Lady Gaga’s performance:

Wanna check out my blog post from May 31, 2025…. Click here: https://sonyachristianblog.com/2025/05/31/wrapping-up-may-2025-strong/

Good morning California.
It is May 30, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Early College Program Helps OAHS Students Graduate
with College Degrees from Allan Hancock College

This spring, a group of Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) seniors will achieve something few high school students can claim: graduating with associate degrees from Allan Hancock College while completing high school.  The students are part of the first cohort in Orcutt Academy’s Early College Cadre (ECC) program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while earning high school diplomas. This year, 26 students from the program are expected to participate in Hancock’s commencement ceremony on May 22, marking the culmination of four years of rigorous academic work. 

» Read more!


Removing Barriers, Expanding Access: Southwestern College
Advances Zero Textbook Cost Initiative

Through its Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Initiative, Southwestern College is working to ensure that all students have free, immediate access to instructional materials on the first day of class, eliminating one of the most common financial barriers to success. WC is expanding ZTC pathways across disciplines. Programs in development include Sociology, Economics, Geology, Math, Chemistry, Social Work & Human Services, Asian American Studies, and more.

» Read more!


Folsom Lake College and Sutter Health Celebrate New Instructional Healthcare Hub
at Rancho Cordova Center

Folsom Lake College and Sutter Health recently celebrated the completion of a new, state-of-the-art Instructional Healthcare Hub at the college’s Rancho Cordova Center. Made possible by a generous $2.5 million investment from Sutter Health, the newly upgraded facility features four modernized career education classrooms equipped with advanced medical technology.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Silicon Valley to get its first two-year degree focused on AI

As artificial intelligence continues to make waves in higher education, changing the way students are learning and forcing educators to rethink traditional assessments amid cheating concerns, Silicon Valley is about to get its first two-year degree in AI.

De Anza College’s new Associate in Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence will be available this fall, along with six new AI-focused credentials and more than 20 additional new degree and certificate programs, the school announced this week.

» Read more!

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The Chronicle of Higher Education: Nonwhite Students Now Represent
the Largest Share of U.S. College Enrollment

Nonwhite students now make up the largest share of American universities’ enrollment — though the diversity on campuses varies widely by institution, according to The Chronicle‘s updated database with the latest enrollment figures (from the fall of 2024). Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral institutions have grown more diverse over time, but associate institutions are still the only group to be majority nonwhite.

For the first time since The Chronicle started its database in 2018, the share of nonwhite students is slightly greater than the share of white students (49.7 percent). Minority students represent 50.3 percent of enrollment and nearly 8.9 million students. These percentages are calculated from the total enrollment where a student’s race is known, which does not include students who did not report their race or nonresident students.

» Read more!



Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

LBCC was honored to have U.S. Senator Adam Schiff on campus today to meet with our students and take their questions on a wide range of subjects. Our students stepped up, shared their views, and engaged in meaningful dialogue.

Thank you, Senator Schiff, for showing up for our students and our community.

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From American River College:

Co-hosted by the Electronics Technologies and Welding departments, the Solar Contest on May 9 challenged student teams to race head-to-head constructing professional ground-mount solar systems. This electrifying event showcased a powerful blend of grit, technical gear, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Following an intensive morning of building and a celebratory community lunch, the student “heroes” received awards for their precision and technical skill. The students’ tireless energy made the day a success.

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From Los Angeles Southwest College:

Congratulations to all of our Cougars and their families who were recognized as Dean’s and Presidential Scholars! We loved celebrating you and your incredible accomplishments on May 7th. Your hard work, dedication, and achievements make us proud, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do next. Go Cougars!

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From Victor Valley College:

Some of our favorite highlights from FAME (Fine Arts, Animation & Music Experience) this past month at VVC!

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From Las Positas College:

Over 30 employers and tons of students joined us for last month’s Spring Job and Internship Fair here on campus. exploring internships, and taking steps toward future careers!

The fair brought students together with opportunities for paid internships and full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles. Thank you to everyone who came out to network and make those connections.



And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Announces New Administrative Appointees

Recently, Bakersfield College announced new appointees to three key administrative positions – Vice President of Instruction, Athletic Director, and President. Each candidate was selected after an extensive nationwide search, interview process, and public forum where staff and community members could ask questions and provide feedback. BC is proud to welcome each new addition to its leadership team and look forward to the future they will help build.

Dr. Stacey Pfluger, President of Bakersfield College

Dr. Jessica Wojtysiak, Vice President of Instruction

Lynn Kennedy, Athletic Director and Dean of Instruction for Kinesiology and Athletics

» 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

Wrapping up March 2026 with roses

The season of roses has started as we wrap up March.

And beautiful sunrises –

I also wanted to share the Educate Elevate podcast episode on the Blue Economy. I’m very proud of this work being led by the California Community Colleges.

Check out this 30-minute video:

Good morning California.
It is March 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez Secures $1.03 Million in Federal Funding
for Río Hondo College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit

Federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez will allow Río Hondo College to advance the development of its Public Safety Scenario Training Unit (PSSTU), a facility designed to expand training for Police Academy cadets and public safety professionals. The $1.03 million in Community Project Funding will support the purchase of technology, equipment and modular furniture to create immersive training environments for cadets. The federal investment marks the second time Congresswoman Sánchez has secured funding for the project following a $963,000 Community Project Funding award in fiscal year 2024.

» Read more!


Irvine Valley College Foundation Receives $50,000 Gift from Irvine Company
to Strengthen Teacher Preparation Pathway

The Irvine Valley College Foundation has received a $50,000 gift from Irvine Company in support of the college’s Teacher Preparation Pathway (TPP), a collaborative initiative designed to create a clear, supportive route from community college to the teaching profession. The gift directly supports students pursuing careers in education by removing financial barriers, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthening program infrastructure. Notably, $10,000 of the donation establishes a new Teacher Preparation Funding Program, creating a sustainable source of support for future generations of IVC teaching students.

» Read more!


Citrus College Construction Program Leads State with Accreditation

The Citrus College Construction Management program has become the first community college in California to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), marking a significant milestone for construction education statewide. ACCE serves as the premier accrediting body for construction-related academic programs in the United States. It evaluates curriculum, faculty, facilities and student outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared for leadership and professional excellence in the construction industry. 

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

2025 Energy and Sustainability Award Winners Honored by California Community Colleges Board of Governors

 The California Community Colleges Board of Governors this week honored leading innovators and standout programs with the 2025 Energy and Sustainability Awards for their ongoing efforts of to achieve environmental sustainability while advancing the goals of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

Six awards were handed out at the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, March 24 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for outstanding achievements in energy and sustainability, include Riverside Community, Sonoma County Junior, and Kern Community College Districts; Shasta College; and leaders from Contra Costa Community College District and Mt. San Antonio College.

» Read more!

Here are the photos:

Kern

Santa Rosa

Contra Costa

Shasta

Mt. Sac



Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Yuba College:

Day one of 2026 Weld Camp is a wrap! High school students from across the area joined us for hands-on activities showcasing what our Yuba College Manufacturing and Welding program offers. Plus, they took home a cool souvenir!

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From El Camino College:

As we close out every Women’s History Month, our campus community came together for the 29th Annual Distinguished Women Awards & Reception.

We recognize and honor the contributions these individuals have made for El Camino College and the surrounding community.

The 2026 recipients include: Cynthia Cervantes, Mia Dobbs, Dr. Edith Gutierrez, Germany Kent, Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas, Dr. Lesley Meza, Mauren Barbara O’Donnell (In Memoriam)

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From Fullerton College:

The Business and CIS Division recently hosted a successful Entrepreneurship Week, inviting students to explore how to build their own opportunities under the mentorship of entrepreneur experts. An annual event, attendees explored different activities, including workshops, networking opportunities and insightful competitions.

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From Chabot College:

Last Thursday was ROCK DA MIC! A panel and open mic event that celebrated culture and community while promoting mental wellness for all. Shoutout to the event organizers and coordinators who put together an event where students could connect and express themselves through performing arts.

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From Victor Valley College:

We want to extend a RAMFAM shoutout to the “mayor” of Victor Valley College! The one and only Robert Sewell has received a lifetime achievement award in Washington DC for his 30 years of dedicated service to student leadership at Victor Valley College! Robert serves as the long-time ASB Advisor/Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for all things in the VVC universe! Congratulations Robert!

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And check out this video promoting Cañada College’s Middle College Program:



And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Marketing & Public Relations Earns National Recognition

Bakersfield College’s Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) team earned national recognition at the 2025 NCMPR (National Council for Marketing and Public Relations) Paragon Awards in Washington D.C., receiving Gold in the Social Media Post/Story (Still) category. The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at two-year community and technical colleges and are the only competition of their kind focused exclusively on marketing and public relations professionals in this sector.

The award-winning piece, ‘Caps Off, Renegades,’ offered a deeply personal glimpse into the pride, identity, and meaning students carried with them at the 2025 commencement ceremony.

» 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

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Chancellor’s AI Fellows Program

This week was the AI Futures Summit in Santa Clara. This year’s theme was Educational Innovation in the Digital Era.

One highlight of the summit was that the Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows Program hosted its first retreat for the inaugural cohort. This group includes 13 AI Fellows that will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 13, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Butte College Breaks Ground on Chico Center Expansion

Butte College officially broke ground on its Chico Center Expansion Project, a $27.2 million investment that will add nearly 24,000 square feet of new facilities to serve students in Chico and the surrounding communities.

» Read more!


Norco College Sees Success with Disposable Glove Recycling Pilot Study

Last spring, Norco College’s Sustainability and Climate Action Committee launched an initiative to redirect disposable glove waste away from landfills and into recycling centers. The project salvaged nearly six pounds of gloves, masks, and hairnets from the Coral in just one month.

» Read more!


Yuba College Manufacturing Team Wins National Championship
in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades

 Yuba College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is celebrating a national victory after three of its students claimed first place in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades, a televised competition that challenges the best and brightest in advanced manufacturing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and additive technologies. Competing June 10 to 12 at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois, students Phoenix Farrell, 19, Adam Davis, 21, and Wyatt Curry, 21, represented Yuba College in the final round against Central Alabama Community College, Everett Community College and Autry Technology Center. The trio walked away as national champions and with $100,000 in prize money. Half will go to support the college’s manufacturing program, while the other half was split among the three students.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges & Google Launch Nation’s
Largest Higher Education Systemwide AI Partnership

Google today unveiled a major collaboration with the California Community Colleges that will provide more than 2 million students and faculty across the state’s 116 community colleges with free access to AI trainingGoogle Career Certificates, and some of Google’s cutting-edge AI tools including Gemini for Education and NotebookLM. The announcement came during the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Futures Summit 2025, an event designed to drive digital transformation and innovation across the California Community Colleges. The system will also be one of the first members of Google’s AI for Education Accelerator, an initiative specifically designed to help prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. This announcement with Google represents a significant expansion and investment in workforce development within higher education, positioning California’s community college students at the forefront of the AI-driven economy.

» Read more!

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California Community Colleges Launches Nation’s
Most Ambitious AI Integration Initiative

This week at the Futures Summit 2025, the California Community Colleges – the largest and most diverse higher education system in the country – will officially announce the launch of its Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows program, a bold new initiative aligned with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide AI agenda and designed to make California the national leader in equitable AI education and workforce development.

The inaugural cohort of 13 AI Fellows will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges, which serve 2.1 million students and employ 88,000 professionals. Fellows will specialize in critical focus areas including AI assessment and learning analytics, AI infrastructure, AI professional development, AI research and innovation, AI student support services, AI in teaching and learning, and AI workforce development.

» Read more!

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California faces a nursing shortage. Community colleges can help

The road to becoming a nurse in California has been paved with roadblocks, sharp turns and bottlenecks. Where that education is offered has a lot to do with it.

As someone who has lived every long mile and continued to drive forward, I believe the solution lies in expanding the ability for California’s community colleges to offer bachelor of science degrees in nursing. 

Community colleges are where many nurses start. They should be where we have the chance to finish as we shift into our careers.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Many of our original and early faculty (or their families) from our opening in 1975… Walter Soellner, Linda Roy, Ron Fisher, Sami Ibrahim, Evonne Davenport, Karen Strelitz (wife of our first president, Gerald Strelitz), Rose Higashi and Susan Morgado (daughter of Gene Morgado, our original auto faculty)

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From College of San Mateo:

What an incredible Transfer Day at CSM!
Nearly 60 colleges, universities, and private schools from across California and beyond visited campus, providing students with the opportunity to meet representatives, ask questions, and learn about some of their dream schools.
A huge thank-you to our Transfer Services team for organizing this packed event and to our amazing student leaders for helping spread the word and guiding students to the fair.

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From Diablo Valley College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 9/11 Tribute Run at DVC Pleasant Hill yesterday! Our amazing DVC student veterans and supporters ran together across campus to honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in service after September 11, 2001. 🕊️ A special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.

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From Victor Valley College:

Earlier this month, Victor Valley College’s Workforce Development celebrated the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (IMM) Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony at the High Desert Training Center!

We proudly honored 10 outstanding employees from employer partners, including Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Rio Tinto, CEMEX, Church & Dwight, and Exquadrum. These graduates completed their year-long Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) and are now returning to their organizations with advanced technical skills.

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From Saddleback College:

This summer, the voices of Saddleback were heard around the world. Our Chamber Singers and Emeritus Chorale came together for Saddleback College Choir’s first international tour. From ages 18 to 90, singers shared the stage across four countries, proving that music truly connects generations and cultures.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Cadets in our fire academy climbed the six-story tower at the AHC Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc to memorialize the first responders killed in the September 11th attacks. They made the trip up the tower 19 times, the equivalent of the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Transfer Pathways Hosts Transfer Day for Fall 2025

On Monday, September 8, Bakersfield College’s Transfer Pathways department hosted Transfer Day for the Fall 2025 semester. This exciting event brings several colleges and universities to the Panorama Campus, giving students an incredible opportunity to learn more about their academic options once they have completed their time at BC.

More than 50 colleges and universities participated in the event, and representatives were eager to provide students with details about admissions, campus environments, degree options, campus housing, and more. The event drew several hundred student participants over the course of the day, and each attendee walked away with valuable information, and swag, from a variety of local, private, and national institutions.

» 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 first day of summer June 21, 2025

This Thursday marked the 4th year that the United States recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Check out this short video from The New York Times about it:

As for me ….

One of the best moments this week was attending the prison graduation at the California Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday.

Board Members Jennifer Perry and Bill Rawlings with our students graduating from the CRC.

Good morning California.
It is June 21, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mt. San Jacinto College Stem Cell Internships
Launch Future Scientists into Elite Research Labs

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) continues to transform students through life-changing internship opportunities in cutting-edge biomedical research labs, thanks to the college’s participation in the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges to Stem Cell Research Internship Program. Under the guidance of Dr. Nick Reeves, Associate Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences, this prestigious internship prepares MSJC biology students for advanced degrees and impactful careers in science and medicine.

» Read more!


Barstow Community College Partners with 160 Driving Academy
to Expand Access to Commercial Driver’s License Training

Barstow Community College is pleased to announce a new partnership with 160 Driving Academy to bring their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program to Barstow Community College. This collaboration will make truck driver training more accessible to local students and community members interested in joining the transportation industry.

» Read more!


Palomar College Professor Selected as U.S. Deaf Olympics Head Coach

Palomar College students might just know David Hamilton as an American Sign Language Assistant Professor, but he also has a lifelong love of basketball that led to five gold medals in the Deaflympics and a recent selection as the head coach of the U.S. Deaflympics basketball team.

» Read more!


Berkeley City College “Tops Off” New West Campus

Berkeley City College celebrated a milestone achievement in the construction of its new Berkeley City College West campus. One year after breaking ground on the project, the superstructure of the six-story, 60,000 square foot academic and administration building reached its highest point. To mark the occasion, Berkeley City College and Peralta Community College District leaders, students, faculty, and staff joined its construction partners KitchellXL Construction, and Ratcliff, and city leaders and community partners in signing a ceremonial beam.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

First-of-Its-Kind Partnership will Support Older Adults
in Higher Education and Workforce Development

The California Community Colleges, the California Department of Aging, and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency have launched a new statewide effort to support adult learners. This collaboration ensures older adults have access to higher education, job training, and opportunities to build new skills.

The agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides guidelines on how to work together with regional partners to establish career pathways for older adults. Whether going back to work or starting a new career, learners will have access to education and hands-on job training that opens new doors and builds a stronger workforce. Through this partnership, agencies are also expanding opportunities for caregivers by connecting them to health care career pathways and creating more job opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities, a key priority within the California Community College’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Folsom Lake College:

We’re so excited to share that FLC’s Oak Hall Science Building is being recognized by @Sacbiz as one of the “Best Real Estate Projects of the Year”!

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From Gavilan College:

Gurleen Khajuria, a STEM tutor and aspiring materials scientist, has been honored with the $20,000 2025 Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Scholarship. This prestigious award supports community college students transferring to UC Santa Cruz who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service.

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And check out this episode of Victor Valley College’s RAMPLIFI:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theatre Students Attend Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Recently, Professor Cody Ganger and 18 Bakersfield College Theatre students traveled to Ashland, Oregon, to attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). This unique educational opportunity was made possible through the support of the Renegade Innovation Fund. Nestled in the tiny town near the California/Oregon border, the OSF is in its 91st year of operation, making it one of the oldest and largest professional non-profit theaters in the nation.

The festival is home to the oldest existing full-scale Elizabethan stage in the Western Hemisphere, and in 1983, it received the Tony Award for Outstanding Achievement in Regional Theatre.

» Read more!

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

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog