Dear Colleagues,

As we approach commencement season across the Los Angeles Community College District, I want to take a moment to reflect on the joy, pride, and celebration that fills our campuses during this special time of year.

Commencement reflects the dedication, collaboration, and collective commitment demonstrated across our District every day in support of student success. Behind every graduate walking across the stage are faculty, staff, administrators, and campus teams who helped guide, support, encourage, and uplift students throughout their educational journey. This moment is also a celebration of each of you and the extraordinary work happening across our nine colleges to transform lives and expand opportunity for our students and communities.

Thank you to our faculty, staff, administrators, and campus teams whose dedication and commitment make these moments possible. Your work continues to shape student experiences, expand opportunities, and strengthen pathways to success across our District. Commencement season serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact each of you has on the lives of our students and communities every day.

This past month has been filled with meaningful moments that reflect the very best of our District. Throughout May, we proudly celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, honoring the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of AANHPI communities that help shape Los Angeles and strengthen our colleges. Across our campuses, students, faculty, staff, and community members came together to recognize the diversity, leadership, and achievements of AANHPI individuals whose experiences continue to enrich our District and remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

May also included several significant milestones that demonstrate the impact of partnership and innovation across our District. We celebrated the ceremonial housing MOU signing with California State University, Los Angeles, advancing efforts to address student housing needs and create new pathways of support for students. We also hosted the In-Language Fair, showcasing our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and meeting students where they are through culturally responsive outreach and services. Together, these efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for the students and communities we serve.

We have also celebrated new grants that will expand opportunities for our students, the Culinary Cup showcasing the incredible talent across our colleges, and the opening of new facilities that will serve future generations of learners. Across the District, this entire month has been a celebration of innovation, partnership, culture, student achievement, and opportunity.

As we move into June, we also look forward to celebrating Pride Month and honoring the LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and community members whose contributions help make our District stronger, more inclusive, and more welcoming for all. Pride Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our college communities, reaffirm our commitment to equity and belonging, and recognize the many ways LGBTQIA+ individuals contribute to the success, vibrancy, and excellence of our campuses and the communities we serve.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing student success. It is because of each of you that LACCD continues to transform lives and uplift communities across Los Angeles.

As we continue through commencement season, I hope you take pride in all we have accomplished together and the lives we continue to impact every day.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Watch the Commencement 2026 Teaser

Alberto J. Román, D.P.A.

Chancellor

Los Angeles Community College District

District Office Events & Updates

Office of Communications and Marketing

LACCD and Cal State LA solidified a partnership to expand access to safe, stable housing for East Los Angeles College students experiencing housing insecurity. Through this new partnership, residence hall spaces at Cal State LA will help students experiencing housing insecurity stay focused on their education and future goals.

Building on the LA Next transfer pathway program, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to equity, student success, and innovative solutions to the student housing crisis across Los Angeles County.

Special thanks to LACCD Board President Sara Hernandez for championing student housing access, and to the full Board of Trustees for continuing to expand basic needs initiatives.

Watch the NBC Broadcast

Office of Human Resources

LACCD Enrollment Update

Summer 2026 Enrollment Update:

Comparing Summer 2026 to Summer 2025 at Day -21, credit student headcount increased by 14% and enrollment grew by 10% districtwide. Class offerings increased by 2%, while enrollment per section rose by 7%. Enrollment growth was observed across within gender groups, with female and male student populations increasing by 15% and 14%, respectively. Growth was also evident across all age groups, with the largest increases among students under age 20 (+24%) and those age 55 and older (+33%). In addition, enrollment increased across all racial and ethnic groups, including Asian (+22%), Black (+12%), Filipino (+9%), Hispanic (+11%), and White (+21%) students. In contrast, noncredit student headcount decreased by 22% (from 6,754 to 5,268) and enrollment decreased by 23% (from 10,035 to 7,743). Course modality distribution shows 69% of classes are offered remotely, 22% in person, and 9% in a hybrid format. Remote classes have the highest fill rate (70%), followed by hybrid (57%) and in-person (45%) classes.

View the LACCD Summer 2026 Enrollment Update PDF

Campus Events & Updates

Los Angeles City College

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AAPI Heritage Month

In May, LACC celebrated Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a variety of events including “Arirang: Tradition, Diaspora, BTS Lecture” with Professor Mickey Hong; a May 6 Kickoff event with Asian snacks, music and dancing and an author talk with poet Brandon Som.

East Los Angeles College

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ELAC Student Noor Raad Named 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar

East Los Angeles College is proud to announce that student Noor Raad has been named a 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar. She is one of only 60 community college students selected nationwide from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants. With this honor, Noor becomes the 13th Jack Kent Cooke Scholar in ELAC history, continuing the college's long tradition of producing top-tier scholarship recipients.

Scholars are selected on the basis of academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership. Noor has embodied these qualities throughout her time at ELAC. As a second-year Associated Student Union Vice President of Advocacy, Honors Program student, and California for All College Corps participant, she has balanced rigorous academics with meaningful service. She works with the ELAC Foundation on basic-needs initiatives, volunteers at a downtown Los Angeles food drive, and serves as a legal research intern presenting accessible legal information to underserved communities on topics including family law, civil rights, and tenants' rights.

The scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year in funding, along with personalized advising, access to a nationwide network of more than 3,900 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, and opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support.

"This recognition is a testament to Noor's dedication, resilience, and hard work," said ELAC President Dr. Monte E. Pérez. "ELAC is honored to have played a role in her journey, and we can't wait to see everything she accomplishes next."

Noor's selection follows that of fellow ELAC student Prisma Santiago, named a Cooke Scholar in 2025. This is a reflection of ELAC's sustained commitment to empowering high-achieving students with the resources they need to thrive.

who has been named the recipient of the 2026 AIA California Educator Award. This is one of the most prestigious honors in architectural education.

Hamner first joined ELAC in 1992 as an adjunct professor. Over the following three decades, he helped build one of the most respected community college architecture programs in the country, becoming a full-time professor in 2005 and serving as department chair from 2006 until his retirement in 2021. He continues to teach and mentor students today.

Central to his legacy is a commitment to access. By providing underserved and underrepresented students a rigorous, supportive pathway into architecture, Hamner has helped reshape what the profession looks like. ELAC graduates have gone on to be sought after by top architecture programs and firms across the country.

The AIA California awards jury captured it well: "Michael Hamner's legacy is highlighted by his commitment to educating young professionals from underserved communities and delivering to them really good, really solid, thoughtful architecture classes. What's also impressive is what he's done with a community college system for the betterment of not only the students, but the profession itself."

His recognition doesn't stop there. Hamner was named a 2026 USC Distinguished Alumni Award recipient alongside his wife and partner, honoring their decades of design leadership and service. A USC graduate with more than 42 years of professional practice, he founded his own firm in 1989 and holds architectural licenses in California, Hawaii, and Louisiana.

For more than 30 years, Professor Hamner has demonstrated that where a student starts does not determine where they can finish and that an ELAC education carries real weight far beyond the classroom.

Youth Center presented him with the prestigious Amigo de Los Niños Award at the 45th Annual Hollenbeck Salute to the Los Angeles Dodgers Luncheon, held at Dodger Stadium.

The award honors individuals whose work meaningfully strengthens the lives of young people across Los Angeles. Dr. Pérez joins a distinguished list of past recipients that includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, Tommy Lasorda, and Fernando Valenzuela. A testament to the significance of the recognition.

Dr. Pérez's path to this honor is deeply personal. Raised in East Los Angeles and shaped by his early involvement in the Chicano Movement, he has spent his career turning those formative experiences into action by championing access to higher education, youth empowerment, and opportunity for underserved communities. As president of ELAC, the largest community college in California, he continues to lead with that same commitment every day.

"Dr. Pérez is a powerful example of what it means to rise from the community and continue giving back to it," said Hollenbeck Youth Center President Priscilla Hernandez. "His leadership, his history in the Chicano Movement, and his lifelong commitment to our neighborhoods make him a true Amigo de Los Niños."

The luncheon also carried a celebratory backdrop, coinciding with the Dodgers' back-to-back World Series championships in 2024 and 2025. The gathering brought together civic leaders, educators, youth advocates, and community partners. A fitting reflection of the collaborative spirit that defines Dr. Pérez's leadership and ELAC's mission.

Los Angeles Harbor College

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CalWorks Gala

The CalWORKs Program proudly celebrates eleven graduates, marking a significant milestone in student achievement and program impact. The event was characterized by powerful stories of perseverance, resilience, and success, reflecting the transformative role of CalWORKs in supporting student journeys.

Post-graduation outcomes demonstrate strong momentum toward career and educational advancement: five students will transfer to California State Universities, one will attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, two will enter the workforce full-time, and three are continuing to explore their next steps.

The celebration underscored the program’s deeply rooted sense of community, with students, staff, and families coming together in a supportive, family-like environment that fosters belonging and shared success. Graduates consistently expressed gratitude for the program’s comprehensive support, including personalized counseling, holistic wraparound services, financial and resource assistance, and dedicated support for student-parents.

Students also highlighted the program’s effectiveness in simplifying complex college processes, cultivating strong and meaningful relationships with staff, and building the confidence and motivation needed to pursue their future goals. Collectively, these outcomes reinforce the CalWORKs Program’s critical role in advancing student success, equity, and long-term economic mobility.

EOPS Year-End Celebration

The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program concluded the academic year with its annual Year-End Celebration at the DoubleTree Hotel in San Pedro, commemorating the achievements of more than 150 graduates. The event brought together students, families, and staff for an evening of recognition, reflection, and celebration, as graduates were honored with EOPS sashes and recognized for their academic accomplishments.

This year’s theme, Legacy: Milestones and New Beginnings, reflected both the students’ educational journeys and a significant moment for the program. The celebration also honored Dr. Dawn Reid, Dean of Student Services, who will retire in June after more than 35 years of dedicated service to EOPS. As the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Reid delivered an inspiring address encouraging graduates to carry forward their legacy and uplift future generations.

The event highlighted the transformative impact of EOPS in supporting student success and underscored the resilience, determination, and achievements of its graduates. Overall, the celebration served as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on student accomplishments while looking ahead to their continued academic and professional pursuits.

Cruising for Cultura: A Campuswide Celebration

Harbor College had the honor of hosting the Great-great Grandson of General Emiliano Zapata!! Our students, faculty and staff got to also enjoy a mini car show and traditional Mexican dancers.

I learned how to organize my ideas, speak with confidence, and communicate clearly with different audiences. These skills helped me prepare for the LAUSD Student Innovation Challenge by teaching me how to present my ideas with purpose, structure, and confidence.

Winning the LAUSD Student Innovation Challenge was an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for how dual enrollment has helped me grow as both a student and a communicator. Communications C1000 showed me that communication can turn an idea into action, and I plan to continue using those skills in school, leadership opportunities, and my future goals. Communications C1000 helped me build confidence in my voice and encouraged me to pursue new goals in leadership, innovation, and public speaking."

Los Angeles Mission College

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Los Angeles Mission College Opens Student-Parent Hub, Celebrates Launch of NEST Initiative

On Wednesday, May 13, Los Angeles Mission College celebrated the opening of its new Student-Parent Hub with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by campus and District leadership, community partners, student-parents, and faculty & staff.

The Student-Parent Hub was created to support parenting students by providing a welcoming space where they can study, access resources, and spend time with their children while on campus. The space connects student-parents with support services and information designed to help them balance their academic and family responsibilities.

The event also celebrated the launch of NEST (Navigating Education and Support for Thriving Families), a new $1.4 million initiative supported by the ECMC Foundation. Through partnerships with five colleges, including four within the Los Angeles Community College District, NEST will help expand access to childcare resources, benefits navigation, and other support services for student-parents.

The Student-Parent Hub and NEST initiative supports the college and District’s ongoing efforts to expand resources and support services for parenting students.

(From Left) 2026 Classified Appreciation Awards Winners: Dana Yarbrough, Estefani Sanson, Jena Sovereign, and Javier Portillo

Classified Staff Appreciation

On Thursday, May 14, Los Angeles Mission College celebrated its dedicated staff at the annual Classified Appreciation Luncheon. Guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts Department, participated in a raffle hosted by the college’s deans, and recognized this year’s Classified Award winners.

Congratulations to:

• Dana Yarbrough – Most Enthusiastic 🏆
• Jena Sovereign – Team Player 🏆
• Javier Portillo – Best Customer Service 🏆
• Estefani Sanson – Classified of the Year 🏆

The event also recognized staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries, including several employees with more than 35 years of service to the college, and honored staff members retiring this year.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients, and thank you to the classified professionals whose work supports students and the campus community every day.

‘Zoot Suit’ Opening Night Raises $15K for LAMC Theater Department

On Friday, May 15, the Los Angeles Mission College Foundation hosted a VIP reception and opening night performance of Zoot Suit, Luis Valdez’s groundbreaking play presented by the college’s Theater Arts Department.

The event raised approximately $15,000 in support of the LAMC Theater Department, including a $10,000 contribution from Kroger. Guests attended a pre-show reception featuring remarks from California State Senator Caroline Menjivar, California Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, college leadership, and Foundation representatives.

The evening also included a silent auction featuring original artwork and signed posters from the production. A painting donated by renowned artist Salomón Huerta raised $3,000 during the auction.

Funds raised during the event will support Theater Arts students and program needs, including scholarships, emergency assistance, equipment maintenance, and student access to local theater experiences.

Los Angeles Pierce College

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Pierce College Choir Participates in LA Opera Community Production

On May 8 and 9, the Pierce College Choir participated in LA Opera’s Community Opera Project through LA Opera Connects, performing Benjamin Britten’s Noah’s Flood at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles.

The production brought together professional artists, educators, students, and community ensembles from across Southern California. It featured a 100-piece orchestra, nearly 200 choral singers, handbell performers, and soloists under the direction of LA Opera Music Director and conductor James Conlon.

Through LA Opera Connects, students worked alongside professional musicians, singers, directors, and teaching artists while gaining experience in a large-scale collaborative production. The project emphasized mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement, connecting college choirs, school ensembles, and community choruses in a shared performance experience.

Throughout rehearsals and performances, Pierce students collaborated with artists from a range of ensembles and received direct exposure to the preparation and performance standards of professional opera and orchestral productions. Students were recognized for their professionalism, preparation, and participation throughout the process.

Performing Noah’s Flood at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels under Maestro Conlon’s direction marked a significant performance opportunity for the Pierce College Choir and highlighted the role of community arts partnerships in supporting student learning and artistic development.

Special thanks to Dr. Garineh “Gaga” Avakian, Professor of Voice and Choral Music at Los Angeles Pierce College, for organizing and arranging the opportunity for students.

The Industrial Technology Building Takes Shape at LA Pierce College

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Pierce College celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of the new Industrial Technology Building (ITB) as the last beam was placed atop of the single-story, 51,000 square foot facility.  In front of crowd of over 50 people, two members of Ironworkers Local 433 set the last beam signed by the construction crew, general contractor, project team and LAPC community.

Since construction began in May 2025, the general contractor, Icon West, has made steady progress on the project.  In addition to the installation of the 300 tons of steel, the structure was formed by 8-inch and 12-inch concrete masonry units (CMU), installed by the men and women of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 4. With the project now approximately 33% completed, over the next six months, the general contractor will be focused on the installation of the electrical floor boxes, subsurface plumbing lines throughout the site and pouring the Slab on Grade (SOG) throughout. By the end of the year, the installation of the metal deck roofing will begin.

As the future home for the Automotive Service Technology, Engineering Design and Technology, Machining, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machining, and Welding academic programs, this state-of-the-art instructional and laboratory facility is on track to open for classes in the Fall of 2027.  Located adjacent to the bond-funded Expansive Automotive Building, the proximity of these programs will create valuable opportunities for collaboration for students.

Designed by PBWS Architects, the Industrial Technology Building reflects Pierce College’s signature architectural style, featuring contemporary arched portals, white plaster walls, and courtyards. The main entry plaza faces the intersection of Mason Ave and Olympic Drive. The spacious and inviting outdoor plaza offers a comfortable gathering space protected by a roof canopy and illuminated by natural light from the oculus above. The site landscaping will create a green buffer, with thoughtfully curated types of trees, shrubs, and plants that contribute to both aesthetics and environmental comfort.

Pierce College Speech Tournament Draws Strong Student Participation

Pierce College students showcased their public speaking talents during a lively speech tournament held Friday in the 600 Building, where competitors, faculty and spectators gathered for a day of presentations, competition and Brahma pride.

A total of 63 students registered to compete in the tournament, while hundreds more attended to watch the opening and final rounds. Students competed in informative and persuasive speech categories on topics ranging from sleep deprivation and anxiety to positivity in media and mindful social media use. Participants and attendees also enjoyed lunch during the event, which marked another successful and memorable tournament for the Pierce College speech community.

The top winners in the Informative category were:

• 1st Place ($200): Trinity Priester Padilla — “Sleep Deprivation”
• 2nd Place ($100): Ana Macaller — “Anxiety”
• 3rd Place ($75): Joshua Albert — “Doritos Are Bread”
• 4th Place ($25): Steven Sortorubio — “Dementia”
  Steven is a dual enrollment student from Canoga Park High School
  

Top winners in the Persuasive category included:

• 1st Place ($200): Mia Suarez — “Radical Optimism”
• 2nd Place ($100): Troy Dillion — “Seek Positivity in Media”
• 3rd Place ($75): Leslie Alvarado — “Limit Social Media”
• 4th Place ($25): Melanie Barboza — “Mindful Perceptions”

The tournament highlighted the strong communication skills, preparation and enthusiasm of Pierce College students while continuing a tradition of campus engagement through public speaking and academic competition.

Los Angeles Southwest College

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Deans’ and President’s Scholars Awards Celebrate Student Excellence

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Los Angeles Southwest College proudly hosted the annual Deans’ and President’s Scholars Awards at the SSEC Quad, recognizing the outstanding academic achievements and leadership of our students.

Held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the celebration brought together more than 1,200 students, family members, faculty, staff, and community supporters for an afternoon dedicated to honoring excellence and perseverance. The event featured inspiring speeches and presentations from LASC Deans and the College President, who applauded students for their commitment to academic success and personal growth.

Award recipients were recognized for their exceptional scholastic accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to the campus community. Families and guests filled the Quad with excitement and pride as students crossed the stage to receive their honors.

Following the formal ceremony, attendees gathered for a reception where students and their loved ones celebrated this important milestone together. The event reflected the strong sense of community and support that continues to define the LASC experience.

Nurse Appreciation Week 2026

Los Angeles Southwest College proudly celebrated Nurse Appreciation Week on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, bringing together alumni nurses, current students, faculty, staff, and community members for an inspiring day dedicated to honoring the nursing profession across generations.

Held in the SSB Lobby and SOCTE Rooms 131 & 129, the event highlighted the incredible impact nurses continue to make in healthcare and in our communities. Attendees enjoyed engaging guest speakers who shared their professional journeys, words of encouragement, and insights into the evolving field of nursing.

Guests also experienced exciting live nursing simulations and had the opportunity to tour LASC’s state-of-the-art Nursing Lab, where future nurses are gaining the hands-on skills and training needed to succeed in today’s healthcare environment.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year’s Nurse Appreciation Week celebration such a memorable and meaningful event. We are proud to celebrate the compassion, resilience, and commitment of nurses—past, present, and future.

Thank You to Our Welcome Center Team and Volunteers

As we reflect on another successful year of monthly food giveaways, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible LASC Welcome Center staff, student workers, and volunteers who make this important program possible.

Each month, hundreds of LASC students receive produce bags and groceries that help support not only themselves, but also their families. These giveaways provide meaningful assistance to our campus community and help ensure students have access to nutritious food and essential resources throughout the year.

Behind every distribution is an extraordinary amount of preparation, coordination, teamwork, and physical effort. From organizing and unloading supplies to assembling bags and assisting students on distribution days, our team consistently shows dedication, compassion, and care in serving others.

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

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LATTC Takes the Golden Chef’s Hat Trophy at the 6th Annual LACCD Culinary Cup

On May 8, LATTC proudly hosted LACCD’s 6th Annual Culinary Cup, welcoming Los Angeles Harbor College and Los Angeles Mission College for an exciting culinary arts competition. The event featured special guests, including judges, Chef Josh Trovato from Hell’s Kitchen Season 14 and Michelin-starred chef Luigi Fineo—as well as Lorenza Errighi, Deputy Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles. This year’s Culinary Cup showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and teamwork of our students and faculty, and it was another great day of collaboration and pride across our college community.

Trade-Tech proudly took home the overall Culinary Cup with the event category results as follows:

LATTC’s Architecture, Carpentry, Sign Graphics Programs Lend a Hand to This Year’s Culinary Cup

Attendees of LACCD’s 6th Annual Culinary Cup enjoyed the event from the college’s Culinary Arts building, which was transformed using decorative elements reminiscent of the Italian island of Sicily. While the day’s competition was focused on Culinary Arts, other areas from throughout LATTC were able to lend their skills toward making the event a shining success.   

Read all about the synergistic collaboration in LATTC's latest news post and view the accompanying social post.

LATTC Serves as Host Location for LA Game Con 2026

On May 9, LATTC served as the host location for the Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC)’s 2026 LA Game Con bringing together more than 300 attendees from throughout the region for a day of esports competitions, informational panels, and cosplay competitions.

The event hosted at LATTC is timely. The Game Art & Design program is currently in its first year at the college, led by program instructors, Mr. Robert Silva and Mr. Gabriel Peregrino. From sketching characters to building fully realized game worlds, students are collaborating, experimenting, and bringing their ideas to life.

Read LATTC’s news post that sheds light on this already beloved program and learn how the program is helping future student game designers turn passion into possibility.

Read the news post

Los Angeles Valley College

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Upcoming Events

LA County Vote Center

Sunday, May 23 – Tuesday, June 2

LA Valley College, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters, is a multi-day Voting Center and Mail-In Vote Ballot Box location for the 2026 Statewide Primary Election. 

Farmers Market

Sundays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Good Times Farmers Market is hosting a farmer market at LAVC every Sunday. There will be fresh produce, live music, food, beverages, baked goods and handcrafted items.

LAVC Commencement Ceremony 2026

Tuesday, June 9 at 9 a.m.

Join us as we celebrate our Class of 2026!  Family, friends, faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the academic achievements of our graduates at the Valley College's Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will also be livestreamed this year on YouTube Live. 

West Los Angeles College

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Celebration Season Begins

From Athletics to Umoja, May has been filled with celebrations recognizing the achievements, creativity, and community spirit of West Los Angeles College students and programs.

A new tradition debuted this year with the Umoja/BSU Sneaker Ball, which brought together students, families, faculty, and staff to celebrate African American student success and community achievement. The evening featured student-led performances including a libation ceremony, dance, and spoken word presentations. Umoja’s 18 practices were highlighted throughout the program, and faculty members were recognized for implementing those practices in their classrooms. A2MEND participants also reflected on their recent conference experience and the impact of the program on their academic journeys. The evening concluded with the presentation of eight scholarships ranging from $250 to $500.

Recognizing Employee Milestones

Great institutions are built by dedicated people. Each spring, West recognizes employees for milestone years of service while also celebrating retirements and honoring those who have shaped the campus community.

This year, nearly 20 employees celebrated anniversaries ranging from 30 to 50 years with the District. Among them was Darrell Roberson, affectionately known as “Mr. West,” who will retire this spring after 47 years of service at West Los Angeles College. Roberson is also a proud WLAC alumnus, making his connection to the college especially meaningful.

Climate Palooza Returns to West

Climate Palooza and Climate Career Week once again brought together high school and college students, educators, industry leaders, and community members for a week focused on sustainability, innovation, and career exploration.

Hosted by the California Center for Climate Education at West, the event featured vendors, live music, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences designed to introduce students to climate-focused careers and educational pathways. Students also participated in a field trip to AltaSea, where they explored emerging environmental initiatives and innovations shaping the future of the blue economy.

Additional highlights included a Community Day Arts Festival, sustainability-themed performances, and a dedicated climate career day for high school students. Throughout the week, students connected with peers and professionals while learning about opportunities to help build more sustainable communities.

2nd Annual Rising Scholars Symposium

West Los Angeles College hosted the Los Angeles Community College District’s 2nd Annual Rising Scholars Symposium this year, welcoming educators, community partners, formerly incarcerated individuals, and students from all nine District colleges.

Centered on the theme “Second Chances for Greener Futures,” the symposium highlighted the impact of education, reentry support, and career pathways for justice-impacted students. Attendees participated in presentations from campus Rising Scholars programs, received updates from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, and heard powerful stories of resilience and achievement during a student panel discussion.

The symposium also included a resource fair featuring reentry service providers, community organizations, and university partners, connecting students with support services, educational opportunities, and transfer resources.

LACCD In the News

About the Los Angeles Community College District

LACCD (www.laccd.edu) is the nation’s largest community college district, educating about 250,000 students annually at its nine colleges that serve the residents of more than 36 cities and communities from 900 square miles of Los Angeles County. Since 1969, the District has been providing an important learning pathway for students seeking transfer to four-year colleges or universities while also offering two-year degrees and certificated training programs to Southern California’s diverse workforce in many specialized trades and professions.

Members of the LACCD Board | Sara Hernandez, J.D., President | Andra Hoffman, Vice President | Steven F. Veres, Second Vice President | Gabriel Buelna, Ph.D. | Nichelle Henderson | Kelsey K. Iino, Ed.D. | David Vela |

Brian Campos, Student Trustee

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