The first ever Peralta Pumpkin Pursuit 5K Run & Walk, a fundraiser benefiting the Peralta Colleges Foundation, was held on October 18, 2025, a crisp sunny Saturday morning at Merritt College in the Oakland Hills. It might have been the first, but it won't be the last as too much fun was had by all who participated!

The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) and the entire East Bay community are mourning the loss of a true civic giant, the Honorable William “Bill” Patterson, who passed away following a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades. A close friend and mentor to many, Bill’s life was a testament to public service and an unwavering fight for equity and opportunity. 

“Kudos to Ahyan Malik and Léo Migliaccio, who demonstrated their leadership by organizing a mixer for Associated Student Government leaders,” said Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, during her Report to the Board on October 14th. The mixer took place at Merritt College on Monday, October 6th, and included nearly 30 student participants from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.

The Peralta Community College District's (PCCD) Parcel Tax Oversight Committee (PTOC) convened at PCCD headquarters on October 8, 2025, to review expenditures and receive in-depth presentations from the four College Presidents and the Finance team on how Measure E parcel tax funds are directly supporting core academic programs and student services.

Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson and the District Service Center (DSC) leadership team completed their district-wide tour on September 10-11, visiting Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College, with an encore presentation at the District Service Center on October 9, 2025. The roadshow provided a direct channel for communication with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators, focusing on strategic planning and new initiatives designed to unify and strengthen the district. 

The Peralta Community College District Children's Centers (located at Laney College & Merritt College) are currently recruiting and enrolling new families with children ages 2-5 years. The centers provide free/low-fee, high-quality childcare. Visit our website at https://www.peralta.edu/admissions/student-resources/child-care or scan the QR code in the flyer below to apply.

Over 70 leaders from the Peralta Community College District gathered in the Atrium on Friday, September 5th, for the Fall 2025 Shared Governance Summit. The Summit marked the formal launch of the District’s strategic planning to create a unified, equity-centered institution that prioritizes student success.

College of Alameda (CoA) has welcomed an exciting new discussion group to campus: the Health through Humanities (HTH) student club. Launched in September 2025, HTH provides a unique, interdisciplinary forum for students interested in exploring the moral, philosophical, and economic underpinnings of medicine and healthcare.

On September 8, 2025, the Peralta Colleges Foundation hosted the annual “Dr. William (Bill) Riley Swing for Student Success Golf Tournament” at the Sequoyah Country Club in the Oakland Hills. The golf tournament is the major annual fundraising event for the Foundation, which provides students at Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College with much-needed financial resources, including scholarships, grants, and mentoring.

Peralta Community College District employees recently gathered at Merritt College for a dynamic and engaging Flex Day focused on professional development. Organized by district-wide Professional Development Co-Coordinators Chelsea Cohen and Marla Leech, the event was yet another resounding success, bringing together educators from across the district to enhance their skills and prep for the Fall semester.