Your Monthly Update for November 2025

Dear VC Community,

Ventura College continues to build remarkable momentum in expanding student access and success. Being named among the top 200 community colleges in the nation for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is a powerful indicator of our shared commitment and impact. This prestigious recognition represents the highest standard of achievement among community colleges, honoring institutions that demonstrate outstanding outcomes in advancing student performance and impact. Congratulations colleagues on this exciting achievement.

Our strengths are advancing the student experience for diverse learners-- from entry to completion. This semester, we’ve seen students successfully transition to college through programs like Set Sail Saturday and Pirate Days, where new and returning students connect with faculty, staff, and vital campus resources to chart a clear course toward their goals.

I am also pleased to share that our next Set Sail Saturday is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, and seeing the collaboration across faculty, classified professionals, and student services to prepare our incoming students is truly inspiring. Planning Pirate Days is also well underway, with more than 400 future Pirates expected to attend. This year, we’re especially excited to welcome VACE (Ventura Adult and Continuing Education) as a participating partner, expanding opportunities for our adult learners to successfully transition to VC on their educational journey.

We continue to see encouraging outcomes in student progression and completion through expanded dual enrollment, innovative academic pathways, and the ongoing dedication of our faculty, counselors, and student support teams. Every initiative, event, and act of service strengthens our commitment to student success and positions us closer to the excellence recognized by the Aspen Prize.

As we approach Veterans Day, we proudly honor the service and sacrifices of our student veterans, staff, and community members who have served our nation. Ventura College is deeply grateful for your courage, leadership, and contributions to our campus community. Additionally, I hope to see many attend and support our veteran community at the Military Appreciation Game on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Looking ahead to the holiday season, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you. I hope you’ll join us for our Thanksgiving Employee Gathering on Tuesday, November 18, and our Employee Holiday Celebration on Thursday, December 4. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate one another, reflect on our shared successes, and give thanks for the supportive, collaborative spirit that defines Ventura College.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication, hard work, and Pirate pride as we continue moving forward!

With appreciation,

Dr. Luca Lewis

Interim President, Ventura College

University Transfer Fair | November 6
Military Appreciation Night Football Game | November 8
Veterinary Tech Open House VCEC | November 10
The Clothesline Project | November 10
Veterans Day - Campus Closed | November 11
VC Emergency Preparedness Training | November 12
Student Ceramics Sale | November 12 & 13
Harvey the Comedy | November 12 - 16
PACE Info Session | November 13
Paramedic Graduation | November 14
World Toilet Day Event | November 15
Thanksgiving Employee Gathering | November 18
Mini Horse De-Stress Event | November 19
Classified Lunch & Learn with NextUP & Foster Care | November 19
Thanksgiving Holiday | November 27 & 28
VC Employee Holiday Gathering | December 4
Classified Senate Holiday Potluck | December 17
Professional Development | See website for upcoming events

Professional Development Website

Congratulations Ventura College Aspen Prize Top 200 Aspen institute

Ventura College has once again been recognized nationally for its commitment to student success — named among the Top 200 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This honor highlights colleges with outstanding results in learning, completion, transfer, and equity. VC has earned this distinction in 2019, 2023, and 2025, reflecting a long-standing tradition of excellence and impact across Ventura County.

The Aspen Prize honors community colleges that demonstrate what’s possible when equity and excellence go hand in hand. Over the next 20 months, institutions will be evaluated on student outcomes, their sustainability efforts, and overall impact.

Two women are chatting and laughing together at a social event One holds a plate of food and their name tags read Felicia Duenas and Jennifer Garner They are standing indoors near a counter and kitchen equipment.

Two women stand side by side smiling at the camera during an indoor gathering. Their name tags read “Larissa Reyes” and “Nicole Kreutz.” Both are dressed in business attire with event ribbons attached to their badges

Three people stand together smiling at an indoor event. They each hold a drink and wear name tags that read “Ed BurnettTim Helms and Kathy Helms Behind them are windows showing a marina and framed portraits on the wall

The Ventura College Foundation hosted its annual Donor Appreciation event at the Ventura Yacht Club on October 21. After an update from college leadership, a student speaker, and Chair of the VC Foundation Board of Directors, Nicole Kreutz, faculty, community leaders, and elected officials came together to celebrate the amazing impact of their donations to the VC Foundation in 2024-25.

The Great California ShakeOut Drill

We took part in the annual Great California ShakeOut, testing our emergency notification system and evacuation procedures. The drill helped us prepare for earthquakes and gave our IT team valuable data on system performance. District and campus IT are addressing minor technical issues, with a follow-up drill planned to confirm reliability. The Safety and Wellness Committee is also updating campus evacuation maps, while the Incident Management Team continues strengthening emergency planning and communications.

Student Housing Project Update

Our Student Housing Project has reached a milestone, with construction documents completed and submitted to the Division of the State Architect. The project has been broken into two phases. The first phase includes the rough sitework and utilities, and the second phase includes the rest of the site work and the building. The District has gone through the pre-qualification process for contractors which resulted in six pre-qualified construction companies. The construction phase of the project is scheduled to go out to bid on November 7, 2025. The groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated in Spring 2026.

Centennial Division Celebration

Ventura College’s Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences celebrated the college’s centennial with three events on October 29. The morning featured a symposium with Forest Service Tribal Liaison, Peter Crowfoot Zavalla and Professor of History, Michael Ward, who discussed the protection of Native American sacred sites. In the afternoon, the Liberal Arts and Public Humanities Initiative hosted a symposium exploring the college’s liberal arts mission, and the ways in which the people in the communities we serve find and create meaning. The day concluded with an evening celebration honoring VC alumna Ola Washington, with music by New Zealand composer Mark Menzies and poetry by Santa Paula poet Luzmaria Espinosa.

Pirate Student Ambassador Training and Development Program

Our Pirate Student Ambassador Program launched a series of professional development trainings this fall to strengthen leadership, intercultural competence, and collaboration among student leaders, advancing the college’s mission of inclusive excellence, student success, and engagement.

Twenty-five student ambassadors recently completed the Intercultural Development Inventory and Intercultural Conflict Style trainings, gaining insights into their communication styles and strategies to promote equity and teamwork. From October 29–31, more than 50 students joined the Vital Strengths Experience to identify their leadership strengths and practice collaboration and conflict resolution.

Last week, our Outreach Team had the pleasure of visiting with the staff and students at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE). We are excited to welcome VACE as a participating partner, expanding opportunities for adult learners to successfully transition to Ventura College and continue their educational journey with confidence and support.

Our Classified Senate organized a series of fun Halloween events designed to foster community, creativity, and connection.

Halloween Decorating Contest: Our Exec Team toured campus to judge the decorating contest, recognizing departments for their creative and festive displays. This friendly competition has become a valued tradition at VC!

Monster Mash Celebration: The celebration continued with the Monster Mash Snack Potluck and the announcement of the contest winners. Congratulations to our winners!

Best Overall Theme: Basic Needs & Dreamers Resource Center
Most Creative: Foster and Kinship Care Education Program
Best Group Effort: Financial Aid

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event

Led by our Ethnic Studies faculty, SimHayKin Stensgard, this event highlighted the importance of honoring Indigenous heritage, culture, and contributions. Attended by staff, faculty, and students, the event emphasized the ongoing significance of Indigenous voices in shaping our understanding of history, identity, and community.

Flex Day Highlights

VC's Fall FLEX Day featured an inspiring keynote presentation by Jennifer Borrero on Advocacy & Support. Her message centered on the importance of creating equitable spaces where students and employees feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Classified professionals participated in a dedicated Classified Track, which included an engaging open forum with Acting President Dr. Luca Lewis. This provided an opportunity to connect directly, share ideas, and strengthen collaboration across campus.

Celebrating Día de Los Muertos

Ventura College hosted its annual Día de los Muertos celebration on October 28 at the Campus Student Center. The event, themed “Stepping into Sacred Stories,” invited students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate in a community altar exhibit honoring loved ones and cultural traditions. The evening featured live performances, food, and interactive activities, creating a vibrant space for remembrance, learning, and cultural appreciation.

On October 29, the celebration continued at VC East Campus where staff and students came together to create altars and collective displays, enhancing the sense of community through music, entertainment, and hands-on experiences.

The STEM project has reached a significant milestone with the successful placement of the modular buildings. Much of the underground utility work is complete and work is actively underway around the newly installed buildings, including improvements to the accessibility ramp and retaining walls. The project is on schedule for completion by the end of January 2026.

Do you have students interest in our Vet Tech Program? Encourage them to attend our open house. Industry professionals will give a panel discussion and attendees will visit our state-of-the-art veterinary lab. Monday, November 10 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | VC East Campus in Santa Paula

The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to violence and honors survivors. Please stop by to view the display, write messages of support, and learn about prevention and healing resources. Content may be sensitive; support resources will be available.

Monday, November 10 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | MCE/MCW Quad

Step into the delightful world of "Harvey", Mary Chase’s classic comedy about Elwood P. Dowd, a charming young man whose best friend is an invisible, six-foot-tall rabbit! As Elwood’s peculiar companion turns his family’s world upside down, laughter and heartwarming surprises abound. Don’t miss this whimsical tale that reminds us that a little imagination can make life wonderfully extraordinary! Directed by Will Pellegrini. FREE preview on November 12. All shows at the VC PAC.

November 12 | 7 p.m. (Free Preview)
November 13 & 14 | 7 p.m.
November 15 & 16 | 3 p.m.

Join us for the Student Ceramics Sale — open to the public and featuring amazing handcrafted art by our talented students! November 12 and 13 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Art Gallery 2

Celebrate World Toilet Day and learn about our Water Science Program. Sip hot chocolate from toilet mugs and help raise awareness for the 3.4 billion people worldwide still living without safe toilets or access to water treatment systems. All are welcome to join this FREE, family-friendly event!
Saturday, November 15 | 10 a.m. - Noon | MCW Quad

Join us for our employee Thanksgiving Gathering to enjoy sweet treats. Basic Needs will launch the student Giving Tree at the event. Tuesday, November 18 | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Guthrie Hall

Feeling stressed? Take a break and meet the mini horses. They will melt your stress away!

Wednesday, November 19 | Noon - 2 p.m. | Guthrie Hall Lawn

Join us for our annual Military Appreciation Night Football game. All Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists and their family members receive free admission to the game where our VC Pirates will take on Mt. San Antonio. Kickoff at 6 p.m. See you there! Saturday, November 8 | 6 p.m. | VC Sportsplex

Attend Pirate Athletics Home Events!

Wednesday, November 5 | Women's Volleyball vs Allan Hancock | 6 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Thursday, November 6 | Women's Water Polo vs Bakersfield | 3:15 p.m. | Ventura Aquatic Center

Friday, November 7 | Women's Water Polo vs TBA | TBA | Ventura Aquatic Center

Friday, November 7 | Men's Water Polo vs LA Valley | 11:15 a.m. | Ventura Aquatic Center

Friday, November 7 | Women's Soccer vs Santa Barbara | 7 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Saturday, November 8 | Women's Water Polo vs TBA | TBA | Ventura Aquatic Center

Saturday, November 8 | Men's Water Polo vs TBA | TBA | Ventura Aquatic Center

Saturday, November 8 | Football vs Mt. San Antonio| 6 p.m. | VC Sportsplex

Monday, November 10 | Women's Volleyball vs Desert | 5:30 p.m. | VC Large Gym

Tuesday, November 11 | Women's Soccer vs Oxnard | 6:30 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Thursday, November 14 | Women's Basketball vs Fullerton | 6 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Saturday, November 15 | Women's Basketball vs LA Valley | 1 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Tuesday, November 18 | Men's Basketball vs LA Southwest | 7 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Friday, November 21 | Women's Basketball vs Santa Monica | 6 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Wednesday, November 26 | Men's Basketball vs Santa Monica | 5 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

Wednesday, November 26 | Women's Basketball vs Compton | 7 p.m. | VC Athletic Event Center

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