Your Monthly Update for May 2024 | |
Dear Pirate Crew,
The end of the year celebrations and graduation hold a special place in my heart as it marks my final tenure at Ventura College after 31 years in our district. As I look back on my time, I am filled with nostalgia for the meaningful moments shared with our exceptional students and employees. Throughout my five-year tenure as president, I have been inspired by the unwavering service and determination of everyone, regardless of your role on campus, to support our students. I want to express my gratitude to you who have stood by our students, pushing them forward even in their most challenging moments. You have been integral to their journey, often providing the encouragement needed for students to pursue their dreams without hesitation.
It is with a heavy heart that I say a word of farewell to each of you as I start the next chapter of my life. I am nervous about this big change but mostly I am excited. My plans are to move closer to my family in Texas, attend my son’s wedding in August, and travel in September. What I am calling my “Ultimate Retirement Trip” includes 2.5 months (Sept.-Nov.) out of the country visiting Portugal, all parts of Spain, France, Croatia, and Greece. I cannot wait!!!!
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The last few months, I have been taking extra time off to slowly acclimate to retirement. I recently took a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii and went on a night-time scuba dive with the manta rays. These giant (13-15 feet wide) gentle creatures were amazing. I rented a GoPro to take pictures and videos underwater. I struggled a bit because I could not see the screen without my readers…LOL. Fortunately, some of the pictures did turn out as you can see at the top of this page. I am really looking forward to more exciting adventures like this in retirement.
Also celebrating retirement is Andrea Adlman, Mitchell Cervantez, Jerry Chilcott, Michael Clark, Philip Clinton, Eileen Crump, Bernard Gibson, Maureen Jacobs, Martin Martello, Kelly Neel, and Lynnette Taylor. My sincere congratulations to all of us.
As I am rounding out my final days (1 month and 12 days but who’s counting), my heart is full of joy and gratitude to have been able to work at Ventura College with extraordinary colleagues.
Best wishes and I hope you have a wonderful summer,
Kim
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This month's highlights include: Classified: Marisol Luna-LĂłpez, Student Outreach Specialist, Student: Lara Kassab, Faculty: Jeff Wood, Professor of Physics, Administrator: Yvonne M. Corral, Bursar | |
Marisol Luna-LĂłpez- Classified | |
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2024 Commencement Ceremony
Our graduation ceremony marks the culmination of students' academic journeys at Ventura College. Graduates will celebrate their achievements alongside families and friends. It is a proud moment for everyone. Please join us in this final celebration of the semester. All offices will be closed to allow employees to join the festivities. If you would like to volunteer, please click the button below.
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Celebrating Student Success!
Last week was full of celebrations! MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement program - photo above) celebrated our students at the annual MESA Awards Banquet. A keynote presentation was given by Elio Morilla, CEO of Marian Media. VC students were recognized for their outstanding achievements. Many of these amazing students are transferring to their dream universities in the fall. Congrats to all!
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The University Transfer Center hosted a banquet to celebrate all of our students who are transferring to 4-year universities in the fall (photo above). Live music by the Ventura College Jazz Band kicked off the evening, followed by dinner and recognition ceremony. Our students are transferring to UCLA, USC, CSUCI, UCSB, CSULA and more. What a collection of impressing achievements! We wish you the best as you move on to the next academic adventure! | |
EOPS Recognition Night
In our EOPS recognition event (photo above), "Evening with the Stars," EOPS students were honored for receiving certificates of achievement, scholarships, degrees and/or transferring to a university. Approximately 100 EOPS students plus their guests attended this event.
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Veterans Are Celebrated!
Our Veterans Resource Center celebrated Ventura College Veterans, Active Duty and Dependents on May 8. Students and their guests were treated to a catered dinner and participated in a Graduation Stole Ceremony. The VRC staff transformed our student dining area with tablecloths, centerpieces and a delicious dinner. Congrats to our VRC Grads!
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Congrats to the VC Future Business Leaders of America!
Four students from Ventura College Future Business Leaders of America Business Club competed at the 2024 Spring FBLA California State Business Leadership Collegiate Conference held in Emeryville last month. The team came home with MVP, and third and fifth place awards. Congratulations to Luca Falvo, Luke Ybarra, Ana Montfort, and Jessica Rojas. The MVP Conference Award went to Luca Falvo.
Over 150 students from colleges across California competed in events to demonstrate their mastery of essential business concepts and to demonstrate their career competencies and job-related skills.
Members also participated in workshops to promote entrepreneurial ideas, build financial literacy skills, develop job-seeking skills, and help prepare for productive careers. Students were accompanied by business faculty Valerie Stewart and Crystal Kallik.
Future Business Leaders of America – Collegiate is an international organization of college students preparing for business careers. Their mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
This was the first time Ventura College participated in this event. Thank you to Jessica Perez and ASVC and for their help and financial support.
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Congratulation Retirees!
Last week we celebrated our Ventura College retirees at our End of the Year Celebration. Pictured above, left to right, are Eileen Crump (15 years of service), Kim Hoffmans, (31 years of service) and Maureen Jacobs (23 years of service). Congratulations also go out to Andrea Adlman, Mitchell Cervantez, Jerry Chilcott, Michael Clark, Philip Clinton, Bernard Gibson, Martin Martello, Kelly Neel, and Lynnette Taylor. Thank you for your dedicated service to our students and college community!
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The Ventura College School of Nursing, Class of Spring 2024 held their Pinning Ceremony to honor the graduates on Monday, May 13 at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center. Congratulations to these incredible students. We wish them the best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of their lives! | |
Finals Jam
VC and VCEC students gathered for a lively "Finals Jam" as they prepare for the end of the semester. They enjoyed music, tasty snacks, and geared up with free testing materials - a great way to unwind, connect with peers, and alleviate stress before diving into final exams. The event provided a welcome break from studying and allowed students to recharge their batteries in a fun, supportive environment.
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Santa Paula High School Students Visit VC Child Development
Last month we welcomed students from Santa Paula High School's Human Services Academy and Dual Enrollment Program for a field trip hosted by our Child Development Department.
Led by Professor Deanna Hall, students delved into the Teacher Resource Education Center for Students (T-RECS), rotating through three small group activities including a stimulating scavenger hunt to explore educational resources. Professor Patthoff facilitated a discussion on the role of play in supporting social emotional development. The highlight of the trip was the opportunity for the SPHS students to observe preschoolers in classrooms and outdoor play areas, gaining real-life connections between their coursework in CD V 61 Child, Family, Community and the child development practices used at our Child Development Center.
The day concluded with a campus tour showcasing Ventura College's resources, including Basic Needs, the Tutoring Center, and the Health Center.
This enriching field trip deepened students' understanding of child development and strengthened the partnership between Santa Paula High School and Ventura College. Expect more collaborative experiences in the future.
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Baseball Tailgate
On April 19 students, along with their friends and family, gathered at the Ventura College Baseball Field for an energetic tailgate before the big game against Oxnard College. They enjoyed music, delicious food, and games while showing their support for the home team.
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Celebration to Kick Off AAPI Month
Ventura College held a AAPI celebration for students to immerse themselves in the rich cultures of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Students participated in activities, listened to music, and enjoyed a meal that showcased the diversity of AAPI heritage. Students were invited to join in creating an AAPI club to build opportunities and events for AAPI students and employees.
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Pirate Days Wrap Up
As Pirate Days have ended for 2024, we reflect on the amazing journey we've had. Over the past seven weeks, Ventura College has proudly hosted 18 local high schools, welcoming more than 700 future pirates to our campus. Throughout Pirate Days, our commitment has been to offer valuable support and resources, from helping students with their education plans to introducing essential campus resources. Our goal is to empower every student to pursue their academic and personal success. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every interaction has been meaningful. Whether through counseling sessions, engaging campus tours, or the resource fair, we've equipped students with the knowledge and tools necessary for navigating higher education. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us on this adventure.
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Admissions & Records Office Gears Up!
SPRING SOIREE - The Admissions & Records office hosted its first Spring Soiree for Dual Enrollment (DE) students this month. The event offered DE students and families the opportunity to meet with other students, learn about campus resources, and hear from a panel of past and present DE participants.
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES - As the Spring semester winds down the A&R office is gearing up to review 3,057 degree and certificates for completion! Of the 3,000+ degrees or certificates, 519 of them were identified through our rapidly growing Auto-Grad project. Amazing - keep up the good work!
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Congratulations VC Men's Tennis Team!
The Ventura College men's tennis team concluded their 2024 season in triumphant fashion, securing a 5-0 victory over American River College from Sacramento in the 3C2A State Championship. This victory marks the third state title for Ventura College under the leadership of longtime head coach Nelson Emery, their first since 2010.
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Student Leadership Banquet
On May 3, the ASVC held a Student Leadership Banquet, a mixer for student leaders and advisors who demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and dedication to their campus community. Attendees enjoyed an evening of recognition and networking at Orozco's de Ventura. Through speeches and awards, students were celebrated for their contributions to campus life and encouraged to continue making a positive impact in their future endeavors.
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Top 50 Women in Business!
The Ventura College Foundation’s Executive Director, Anne Paul King was named a 2024 Top Women in Business awardee by the Pacific Coast Business Times on April 25 at the Santa Barbara Hilton.
With over 33 years in the nonprofit sector, King oversees the foundation’s $3.7 million annual budget and $29.6 million in assets by building a solid donor base for direct student support, vital resources, and campus initiatives to support student dreams. The 2024 Top Women in Business class includes women from the tri-counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura based on personal achievements, leadership roles and community contributions.
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Celebrating Earth Day at VC
Eco-friendly activities, local resources, and workshops were held as part of the Earth Day Celebration at VC and VCEC. Students learned about sustainable practices and engaged in hands-on projects aimed at promoting environmental conservation. From planting native species, decorating ceramic pots and learning about local ways to get involved in these efforts. This was a campus collaboration between ASVC, Inter Club Council, faculty, and staff.
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Campus Improvements!
Many of our parking lots are getting a much needed facelift over the summer. Some of the parking lots noted in the photo above will be closed between Monday, May 20 and Friday, June 28. Please note dates for each lot. Thank you for your patience!
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Professional Development
Ventura College is happy to bring Professional Development opportunities to staff, faculty, and administration to help develop new skills and stay up to date on current trends that are always evolving within our campus community. Upcoming event information can be found in the Classified Professional Development Corner, SharePoint, and the Master Calendar.
On-Going Events:
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State Vision Resource Center: The Vision Resource Center is a portal for professional development and colleague connection throughout all of California’s Community Colleges.
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USC Race and Equity Center: The Alliance unites community colleges across the state of California for high-quality professional learning experiences on an array of racial equity topics.
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Showcasing the people, initiatives, and breakthroughs at Ventura College that are helping to lay the foundation for a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus.
- As part of the Student Equity Plan in collaboration with Hanover Research VC conducted fifteen in-depth interviews with faculty and staff members from eight academic and support units across Ventura College.
- As part of the Student Equity Plan in collaboration with Hanover Research VC will conduct in-depth student focus groups later this semester.
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Acknowledge the great work of your peers! A "Pirate Treasure" is a way to recognize colleagues and say thank you for outstanding support to our college community. | |
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