Chancellor's News Brief

Change, especially at the national level, can often feel like stepping into the unknown. It’s natural to feel both concern and anticipation during such times. Yet, moments like these serve as a reminder of the mission that guides us: our commitment to empowering students, fostering lifelong learning, and ensuring equitable access to higher education.

As a district, we are part of a community college system that has long been the engine for social and economic mobility. For more than 75 years, the Coast Community College District has navigated political shifts, economic fluctuations, and societal challenges while remaining focused on the needs of our students and the communities we serve.

From our origins on the land of the former Santa Ana Army Base to the expansion that followed, our district has continuously adapted and innovated to meet the evolving needs of our region. Our history is rich with examples – from post-World War II expansion through to our post pandemic reality. It’s this steadfast dedication to student success that has guided us through previous challenges and will continue to guide us forward.

Our mission remains our North Star, providing clarity and purpose even in times of change. Let’s continue to stay the course, focused on providing educational opportunities that equip students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our shared work. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and our 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!

Coastline College is spreading joy this season with its Holiday Food Pantry Donation Drive! Spearheaded by Human Resources and Student Equity, the drive aims to support students experiencing food insecurity. Donations are being accepted from November 7 through November 22, with convenient drop-off boxes at all four Coastline College campuses.

Requested items include non-perishable foods like peanut butter, canned goods, pasta, rice, oatmeal, canned soup, and essential personal care items. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure every student has the support they need this holiday season.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 26, when we’ll hold a Pop-Up Holiday Pantry Event from 11 am - 1 pm at the Student Services Center, where your generous donations will go directly to students in need. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

The Golden West College Psychology Department, Psychology Club, and Psi Beta Psychology Honor Society partnered to host the College’s first ever “GWC Psych Day” event on Nov. 14.

Psych Day is an annual event showcasing psychology programs and research, typically seen at four-year university campuses.

As part of GWC’s event, more than 200 students and employees attended a talk by keynote speaker Dr. Nancy Segal from California State University, Fullerton titled “Twins and Other Curious Kinships: The Science and the Fascination.” Dr. Segal is well known for her groundbreaking research on twins, including the “Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart,” which explored the impact of genetics vs. environment on human behavior.

GWC’s Psych Day also included a College and community resource fair, a transfer speaker panel featuring transfer students from CSUF, Cal State Long Beach and UC Irvine, therapy dogs, and a free pizza lunch for all.

Orange Coast College's marketing and public relations department won 12 Medallion Awards at the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations District 6 annual conference and awards ceremony held on November 7 in Tucson, Arizona.

The Medallion Awards recognize outstanding communication achievement at community and technical colleges throughout the U.S. OCC is part of the NCMPR's District 6, which includes Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and areas around Guam.

Coast was recognized with three gold, four silver, and five bronze awards for creative work produced during the 2023-2024 academic year. OCC won gold awards for the sailing schedule, a video promoting an OCC Doyle exhibition, and a social media post highlighting the student-built house. The College also nabbed silver awards for the professional mariner schedule, OC Children’s Book Festival webpage, a staff spotlight, and the Aquaponics Lab Tour social media video. OCC took home five bronze awards in the “Video,” “Microsite/Landing Page” and “Social Media” categories, including the OCC Pirate Athletics video and OCC Performing Arts landing page. Below is a complete list of the awards.

GOLD

• Academic Catalog or Class Schedule
• Promotional Video-Long Form
• Social Media Post or Story A

SILVER

• Website
• Academic Catalog or Class Schedule
• Excellence in Writing - Short Form
• Social Media Post or Story B

BRONZE

• Microsite/Landing Page
• Promotional Video - Short Form
• Video Shorts
• Social Media Page
• Social Media Post or Story B

Chancellor, Week of November 18

Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday and Wednesday.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Serban is Acting Chancellor, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.