An Appreciation Reception hosted by Chairman, Ron Derenzi and the President’s Council was held in the Art Gallery on Thursday, February 15, 2018. The event was a chance for us as a college and the President’s Council to thank those that have so generously donated as part of the President’s Breakfast efforts the past 2 years. The President’s Breakfast fundraising efforts support the President’s Innovation Fund and also, now provides the funding source for Promise scholarships as part of the Promise Scholars Program. Over 100 guests attended the reception, enjoying art, jazz music, h’ors de’ouvres and wine. Guests were provided a wine opener gift set a token of our thanks for their generous support.

Ron Derenzi, Chairman of the President’s Council welcomed guests on behalf of the council and recognized the many elected officials who were in attendance. President Stanback Stroud welcome guests on behalf of Chancellor Ron Galatolo and the Board of Trustees of the San Mateo County Community College District. Dr. Stanback Stroud thanked all the donors for their generous support and the love they’ve shown the college over the years, which has allowed for the campus to continue its tradition of developing innovative projects and provided over 400 students to date, with Promise scholarships.

Guest had the opportunity to meet a few Promise Scholars who were in attendance. Promise Scholar Leanne Gajunia spoke as part of the short program about her experience as a first year college student being fully supported by the Promise Scholars Program. Leanne was a Middle College student who was able to get a head start on her college credits and will transfer as a junior next academic year. The investment of the donors in the room with her as she spoke, got her the support she needed to continue on in her educational journey.

We would like to thank alumna Daisy Li, owner and Annie Chan, catering manager of Moonstar in Daly City who generously donated all the amazing food! This was the second year in a row that Daisy Li provided food for the reception. Pacific Dining provided the water, coffee and tea service for donors, gratis. Guests enjoyed wine courtesy of Recology San Bruno and Republic Services who teamed up to donate white and red wine so our reception was complete!

We would also like to thank Paul Bridenbaugh for providing such a beautiful venue, where we were able to enjoy the artwork of 5 women artists as part of the current exhibition “Holding the Center” on display through March 16. Music Professor Zachary Bruno and the Skyline College Jazz Combo provided incredible background jazz music, greatly enhancing the ambiance of the event. The community and faculty and staff in attendance were quite impressed with the talented students and professor of music.

A special thanks to the leadership and staff who planned, organized and delivered such an exceptional representation of the college. From the Marketing, Communications and Public Relations office, Brian Collins and Mia Coo who picked up the food with Manny Tablan of the Administrative Services team, Connor Fitzpatrick who prepared the student speaker to deliver a compelling speech, Zaw Min Khant and Kevin Perez who provided photography and assistance with set up and Brittney Sneed who was involved every step of the way from RSVP to clean up and never misses a detail. From the President’s Suite, Bryan Besnyi, Belinda Chan and Becky Threewit who served wine, Golda Margate, Angelica Mendoza and Theresa Tentes who assisted with guest registration and greeting/mingling with our guests to make sure they felt at home and were available should anything arise that needed attention.

Under the leadership of Andrea Vizenor Director of Career and Workforce Programs and the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Program, we would like to recognize Claudia Paz, Visual Communications Coordinator in Career and Workforce Programs and Elizabeth Tablan, Program Services Coordinator in Career and Workforce Programs for serving as catering managers and assisting with the set up and execution of the event! You two were incredible and went above and beyond!

Career and Workforce Programs also recruited servers who were interested in working for the event. The servers who did an exceptional job of serving the donors with grace included:

• Ling Jung Chien, BAEC intership program intern and now student assistant,
• Jody Gonzalez, previous BAEC intern and now Short-term OAII
• Maria Hanna, Women’s Mentorship and Leadership Academy and student of the Hospitality & Tourism Management Adult School Bridge Program
• Emerita Hinojosa, Women’s Mentorship and Leadership Academy and student of the Hospitality & Tourism Management Adult School Bridge Program
• Eva Liang, BAEC internship program intern and now student assistant
• Linda Truong, Office Asssitant II, BAEC

Last, but certainly not least, we’d like to recognize Tykia Warden, Interim Executive Director of the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation, for her leadership and partnership in fundraising for the betterment of our college and in support of the amazing Skyline College students. She and her team have been with us every step of the way with all the fundraising activities of the President’s Council.

Article by Cherie Colin | Photos by Zaw Min Khant

Skyline College will launch the first Anesthesia Technology degree and certificate program beginning fall 2018. There are currently ten programs across the United States. This will be the first program to offer a degree in this health care specialty in Northern California. Completion of this program will prepare students for the national certification exam and allow a professional entry point to the field of Anesthesia.

Anesthesia Technologists are an integral member of the anesthesia care team and work collaboratively with the anesthesia care provider. They work in various clinical areas to include operating rooms, ambulatory centers, labor and delivery, catheterization lab, intervention radiology, endoscopy, and other diagnostic labs and clinics. They provide patient care support to in all age populations and apply specific knowledge in pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and principles of anesthesia.

Diane Alejandro-Harper is a certified anesthesia technical professional and currently serves as Manager of Anesthesia Technical Services at Stanford Health Care and is on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). She is serving as Anesthesia Technology Faculty Coordinator for the program and has been instrumental in leading the development of the program collaboratively with health care industry partners and the Surgical Careers Center.

Article and photo by Diane Alejandro-Harper and Raymond Hernandez

In its continued support of Skyline College’s commitment to social justice and equity, the Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning (CTTL), in collaboration with the Divisions of Academic Support & Learning Technologies and Student Equity and Support Programs, is pleased to announce that Skyline College will be sending its fifth delegation of faculty, staff, and administrators to participate in the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (NCORE) from May 29-June 2. Applications are now being accepted from Skyline College employees interested in serving as part of the 2018 NCORE Delegation.

This year’s Skyline College NCORE delegation will include up to eight faculty and classified staff (four from each group). Conference Delegates will be selected to represent Skyline College as a team engaged in professional learning activities intended not only to transform and inform their own personal and professional practices, but also to encourage transformative dialogue and to engage in equity-based practices at Skyline College. In addition to being the fifth cohort to have the honor and privilege of representing Skyline College at NCORE 2018, faculty and staff selected as Conference Delegates will receive: 1) support for conference travel and registration fees (including Pre-Conference Institute); 2) reservations to stay at the NCORE host hotel, the Hilton Riverside; 3) ASLT/CTTL assistance with travel arrangements and conference registration; and 4) presentation slots on the “Power of NCORE Series at Skyline College” in 2018-2019.

Applications for Conference Delegate Participation are submitted to skyprofessionaldevelopment@smccd.edu by Monday, March 5. Late applications will not be accepted. Delegate applicants should review their application with their dean/immediate supervisor, who must then provide a brief statement of support and their signature on the application. Faculty and staff selected to attend NCORE 2018 as Skyline College Conference Delegates will be expected to: 1) complete and submit the attached Application for Conference Delegate by March 5; 2) apply for Faculty or Classified Staff Professional Development Funding, if available; 3) facilitate a CTTL “Power of NCORE at Skyline College” activity/workshop in 2018-2019; 4) complete a Conference Delegate Report Form detailing conference highlights; and 5) submit all additional conference-related funding, approval, and reimbursement forms, as required by the College.

For applications, assistance in completing a competitive application, and/or for questions regarding the process, please contact Nina L. Floro at 650-73-4414 or floro@smccd.edu.

Article by by Nina L. Floro

 

 

Re:// Fresh – Re:// Imagine – Re:// Invent – Re:// Educate – Re:// Claim – Re:// Mix: Rock the School Bells 11 around the corner! Saturday, March 10, 2018

Rock the School Bells is back for its 11th year with a new team, and a new approach to our conference, but still with the same legacy, heart, and passion for Hip Hop Education!

In this new decade, we’re bringing it back to the basics. We are RE://Imagining the foundations of Hip Hop and its impact on our youth. Today, more than ever we need to RE://turn home to the elements that anchor Hip Hop Education. At the same time, let’s RE://Fresh on the work we do so we can RE://Energize our students, our communities, and most importantly, ourselves.
We welcome all students, educators, community organizers, activists, artists, and all of the like to join us as we take it back to the foundations and essential framework on why it is important to utilize a culture such as Hip Hop to connect with our students, clients, youth, and most importantly – one another!

REGISTER FOR RTSB11 !
To register for the RTSB11 conference, please visit www.rocktheschoolbells.com and head to the “Registration” page!
VOLUNTEER FOR RTSB11!

A great way to see behind the scenes and network! We cannot be a success without our amazing volunteers. If you’re interested in joining the RTSB Volunteer team, please visit www.rocktheschoolbells.com and head to the “Volunteer” page!

Article by Kim Davalos

 

 

The Skyline College Library recently hired four staff members.  Pia Walawalkar is a full-time Librarian, while Chris Burns, Ramon Calhoun, and Daniel Ng are Adjunct Librarians.  All are excited to assist the students and to work with the faculty and staff at Skyline College.  Here are their bios and photos.

Chris Burns has been a librarian with SMCCC D for three years, and also works with the San Mateo Public Library. He has prior experience with the San Mateo County Libraries, the SFO Library and Archive, and the EPA’s Library and Archive. Burns lives in San Francisco and is currently working on an MFA at Mills College in Oakland, CA.

Ramon Calhoun received a bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Masters in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University. During the past few years Calhoun worked as a Library Assistant at the Academy of Art University, and with Taylor and Associates Library Management. Before becoming a librarian, Ramon’s background has been in program administration, project management, and marketing/communications.

Daniel Ng was born and raised in the Bay Area. He attended the University of California, Irvine and received a bachelor’s degree in both English and Psychology. He received his master’s degree in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University. For the past two years, Ng worked for the Fresno County Public Libraries as a Librarian creating programs, conducting reference interviews at the reference desk, and performing library outreach to the communities in Fresno County.

Pia Walawalkar joined Skyline College Library as Librarian – Outreach and Equity. Prior to this position, Walawalkar worked for over three years at Notre Dame de Namur University where she served as the Instructional Design Librarian. Pia is passionate about partnering with faculty to impact student’s success and fostering cross-campus connections to build and engage a vibrant campus community.

 

 

Skyline College may receive more students from an elite Chinese high school in the coming years. A group of students and teachers from Hebei No. 42 High School in Hebei Province, China visited our campus on February 8, 2018. Hebei No.42 High School is one of the most prestigious schools in China, sending many of its graduates to colleges and universities overseas. During the visit to Skyline College, the group had an opportunity to meet the College President, Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud, as well as to see the campus and interact with current international students from China.

The visit was co-hosted by the International Student Program (ISP) and the College’s Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA). Hanqing Bian, CSSA President, and Sufang Tang, ISP Student Ambassador, took the lead in providing a campus tour upon the group’s arrival. The group was then greeted by alumni from Hebei No.42 High School, who are currently attending Skyline College. The group engaged in lively discussions that included CSSA members and ISP Student Ambassadors. They discussed various topics such as university transfers and student life and support services available to international students. Professor Hellen Zhang, Accounting Professor as well as a Skyline College alumna, joined the meeting to provide an introduction to the college. Students commented that among all three colleges they visited within the District, Skyline College is “the most beautiful” and they had the best visit at the college. We hope that those who participated in the visit will join Skyline College in the future!

The International Student Program is part of Global Learning Programs and Services Division. If you need more information, please email skyinternational@smccd.edu or call 650-738-7021.

Article by Chikako Walker | Photo by Wissem Bennani

The Skyline College Strategic Planning and Allocation of Resources Committee (SPARC) met on  February 8, 2018.

Comprehensive Program Review Process Update

Adam Windham, AFT Curriculum Committee Chair, gave an overview of the current Comprehensive Program Review (CPR) process. In the past, Curriculum Committee held the CPR presentations. Moving forward beginning this spring, the CPR presentations will be conducted under SPARC as part of the Institutional Effectiveness Sub-Committee. The Curriculum Committee will continue to review courses and curriculum as part of the CPR.

Budget Update

Eloisa Briones, Vice President of Administrative Services advised the committee that we would be notified of the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Preliminary Revenue Allocations from the District in the near future.

Strategic Planning

Interim Dean of Planning, Research and Institutional Effectiveness Jacque Honda asked the committee members to break into groups and review our College strategic goals – what initiatives have been accomplished and which goals may need to be updated. The different teams gave input on these five areas covered by the goals — Instruction, Equity and Excellence, Facilities/Technology, Fiscal, Community Connection.

Next meeting is March 22, 2018 (Thursday) from 2:10 to 4:00 p.m. in Room 6-203

Please join Global Learning Program and Services Division in congratulating Franck Yao for his invitation to participate at the “Future We Want Model United Nations: a Global Initiative for Young Leaders” (FWWMUN) Conference on March 2018 in Manhattan, New York. He is one of 2000 delegates from 110 countries attending this prestigious conference.

Franck is an International Student from Côte d’Ivoire studying Business Administration at Skyline College. He is a proud African driven by passion and is committed to developing youth opportunities and communities around the world. Even while still in high school, Franck developed two social projects at his school that were in line with the United Nations’ Quality Education and Climate Action Sustainable Development Goals. Franck also led a social campaign to advocate for global warming that led to the development of fourteen tourism and climate change clubs all over Abidjan, the economic capital of Cote d’Ivoire.

After graduation Franck visited the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan and became part of the Competitive College Club, a cohort advising program organized by EducationUSA which supports talented yet disadvantaged students by informing them and helping them to develop the skills and they need to compete for admissions and scholarships at U.S. colleges and universities. It was at a college fair organized by EducationUSA that Franck learned about Skyline College.

“Being selected as one of the United Nations youth ambassadors is a dream that came true and this would never have happened without the support of Skyline College.” Franck said, “Being an international student here gives me the opportunity every day to benefit and take advantage of powerful resources that empower and help me develop strong leadership skills which constantly spark the genius of my inner self.”

World Federation of Model United Nations Associations (WFMUNA) with the support of Italian Diplomatic Academy, NGO affiliated with the United Nations Department of Public Information sponsors the events. WFMUNA was established to unite all major Model United Nations associations and clubs worldwide with the aim of creating a platform for knowledge sharing and coordination. A passionate guardian of UN principles, WFMUNA commits to supervising quality in MUN conferences globally, to monitoring the conduct and ethics of MUN organizations, and to making Model United Nations programs more accessible for all.

As a Global NGO committed to educating youth through Model United Nations programs and conferences, WFMUNA seeks to bring together future generations of leaders from all corners of the globe to gain first-hand experience in international relations, to produce high quality resolutions aimed at empowering future leaders to bring about the “Future We Want,” and to submit these resolutions to relevant UN agencies and world leaders for consideration.

Article and Photo by Emma Briones

 

The Men’s Basketball program is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of KeDraun Buckner.  A sophomore from San Francisco, Buckner was a special person, player, teammate and friend.  His impact on the program will be remembered forever.

The Trojans will play its final home game of the season at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14 against City College of San Francisco (ranked #1 in California).  On that night, the Trojans will honor all of its sophomores, including Buckner.

Please come out and support these young men who are representing, competing and grieving all at the same time.

For those interested, the schedule for Buckner’s service are attached.

Article by Justin Piergrossi

February  15, 2018

Cypress Lawn

1370 El Camino Real, Colma, CA

Memorial: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Repass: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 

Last December, Skyline College was presented with a generous donation of $50,000 to the Promise Scholars Program to support students interested in vocational training.

The Promise Scholars Program is part of the students first priority for both Skyline College and the San Mateo County Community College District. The program helps students achieve their dreams by removing financial barriers to achieving higher education and providing support services.

Having initiated the Promise Scholars Program over two years ago, Skyline College has already seen a significant boost in first-year completion rates.

The San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation is partnering with Skyline College and the District to raise funds for this important program. High school graduates and students who recently completed their GED/HSE and who enroll full-time to earn a certificate or a degree are eligible to apply for this exceptional program. $1,200 can send a student to college for the year and the goal is to provide 500 Promise scholarships next year!

Skyline College and the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation wish to thank all the generous donors who have supported Skyline College’s Promise Scholarship.

For more information visit the SMCCC Foundation’s new website at foundation.smccd.edu and click on the “What to Support” or “Ways to Give” sections.

To make a donation visit the Foundation’s donation page (https://foundation.smccd.edu/donate.php) or contact Tykia Warden, Interim Executive Director, at 650.574.6566.

Article by Dafna Kapshud