Chancellor's News Brief

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to update you from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Annual Leadership Congress here in Seattle. It has been an engaging experience so far, filled with valuable discussions and networking opportunities.

While here, I participated in the National Asian/Pacific Islander Council (NAPIC) board meeting, where we focused on addressing the needs and challenges faced by our diverse student populations.

During the Board meeting, I heard about issues first-hand from other states. As a result, I have a deeper appreciation but also obligation for serving in higher education in California. To paraphrase: There are some states that have passed a law making it illegal for public colleges in their state from being a member of an organization that advances DEIA work. The ACCT is struggling to support colleges in those states while not diluting the mission of providing equal opportunity for success.

It is disheartening to acknowledge that some leaders do not support the fundamental belief that equity gaps should not exist, especially given the generational discrimination that people of color have faced, which has significantly hindered their success through no fault of their own.

I want to emphasize a crucial truth: talent, intellect, and ability are distributed equally across the globe. Yet, as we stand in 2024, in the United States, we still see clear disparities in equity. It is unacceptable that a student’s success in the USA should be so closely tied to their race or ethnicity.

Regardless of whether they are first-generation college students, come from the lowest socio-economic quintile, attended specific high schools, or belong to historically marginalized groups, all students should have an equal chance to succeed. Since this is not the case, it is our responsibility to create the conditions for their success.

I gained other insights in use of AI to help our employees provide services more effectively, to support faculty in the classroom and to save on some of our cost of operations. But the biggest impact of this conference is the work we have the privilege and obligation to do, to eliminate the equity gap.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our college community.

With gratitude,

Dr. Whitney Yamamura
Chancellor

Please send examples of persistent innovation, by which I mean having a good idea and then putting in the hard work to make that vision a reality. The more examples submitted, the better I can highlight your successes in future letters and in the community!

Your Baby’s Amazing Brain (YBAB) is a 48-foot traveling, walk-through interactive mobile exhibit designed to showcase the importance of developing minds in babies, infants, and toddlers from birth up to age 5. It features 15 interactive displays in multiple languages highlighting important areas of young minds.

The exhibit will be located in the main quad near the bookstore at OCC

• October 29 – 30, 2024, 11 am – 6 pm
• October 31, 2024, 11 am – 4 pm

Sponsored by the Orange Coast College Foundation and the CCCD Foundation

October is Relationship Violence Awareness Month. As we work to end relationship violence, we must embrace the many ways we can heal from violence, hold space for survivors, and center those most marginalized.

At the recent National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) conference in Kansas City, Tom Boscamp, the Coordinator of Coastline College's Veteran Services Center, received two prestigious honors. He was elected to NAVPA's Board of Directors, a position that will enable him to influence the leadership and direction of veterans' programs across the country. This election underscores the trust and respect he has earned from his peers in the veterans' affairs community.

Additionally, Boscamp was awarded the esteemed NAVPA Service Award, which recognizes individuals who show exceptional commitment to serving veterans through educational and resource initiatives. His accomplishments reflect the dedication and excellence of Coastline College's Veteran Resource Center, highlighting its commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans.

In that spirit, we invite veterans and their families to join us for Veterans Movie Night at Coastline’s Newport Beach Campus, featuring a screening of “Inside Out 2”! Strong Families/Strong Children will also provide an activity area for kids. We hope to see you there! Friday, October 25th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm. – Register here to Attend.

Orange Coast College’s Horticulture Department will celebrate Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, with a Marigold Sale on Friday, October 25 and November 1, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Horticulture Department at OCC is renowned for its annual plant sales, typically held each semester. Due to high demand and the marigold sale selling out in under four hours at last year's inaugural sale, the department has added a second date for this year's sale.

The marigold sale is perfectly timed for Día de Muertos, a holiday that honors and remembers deceased loved ones and is celebrated annually in Mexico and throughout Latin America, typically on November 1 and 2. The marigold flower, or cempasúchil, is native to Mexico and is traditionally used to adorn ofrendas (altars) built by family members of the deceased.

The event is free to the general public. The marigolds are in one-gallon pots and priced at $5 per plant. All proceeds will go toward student scholarships and projects.

• What: OCC Horticulture Marigold Sale
• When: October 25 & November 1, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Where: OCC Horticulture, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa
• Parking: Park in Lot H or G, Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa

Chancellor, Week of October 28

Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Friday.