9th Annual Umoja Rights of Passage

The Berkeley City College Umoja learning community hosted its 9th annual Rites of Passage ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the BCC Student Lounge, honoring 11 Umoja graduates as they celebrated the completion of their studies at Berkeley City College and looked toward the future in transfer and career. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, family members, and alumni in a heartfelt celebration of achievement, perseverance, and community. Throughout the ceremony, graduates reflected on their educational journeys and the impact Umoja had on their personal and academic growth. Students shared stories of resilience, transformation, and support. Family members and faculty were invited to share praise and hope for the graduates’ future endeavors.

Thank you to Umoja Coordinator Shannon Penn and the Society of Scholars staff for their work organizing a great event!

End of Year Employee Appreciation Party

On Tuesday, May 5, Berkeley City College hosted its End of Spring Semester Celebration in the college atrium. The event brought together BCC employees for a shared lunch and a moment of reflection as the 2025–26 academic year came to a close. President Denise Richardson took the opportunity to recognize this year’s Annual President’s Awards recipients:

• Faculty Award: Matthew Freeman
• Classified Professional Award: Dana Cabello
• Administrator Award: Kyla Oh

FAFSA and Student Educational Plan Events Highlight Black Student Success Week

As part of Black Student Success Week, Berkeley City College hosted a Student Education Plan (SEP) and Financial Aid support event on Wednesday, April 22, in the campus Atrium. The event welcomed hundreds of students and focused on helping them choose classes, plan their academic pathways, and connect with key support services for the upcoming semester.

Counselors worked directly with students to explain and develop Student Education Plans and encouraged them to make SEP appointments. Students learned how SEPs help ensure they stay on track academically while saving time and educational costs by creating the most efficient path to completion. Counselors also highlighted that SEPs are required for financial aid eligibility and may be linked to priority registration in certain cases. Free food helped create a welcoming and supportive environment where students could engage with staff and ask questions.

“Our FAFSA and Student Educational Plan push was a true example of collaboration in action,” said Acting VPSS Ajani Byrd. “Big appreciation to Dean Lissette Flores and the Financial Aid Team for bringing together multiple days of programming in support of our students. These efforts take time, planning, and coordination. Special appreciation goes to Thao Hoang, Jaimie Redmon, Susan Liang, Kent Nguyen, Sylvia Hernandez, Michael Nguyen, and Loan Nguyen for a job well done. Thank you as well to Susan Truong, Fatima Shah, and the General Counseling team for adjusting schedules to ensure the work moved forward without disruption.”

Grad Fair Celebrates Class of 2026

The Berkeley City College Grad Fair took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Atrium was filled with class of 2026 graduates celebrating their achievements and preparing for commencement together. Students decorated their graduation caps, picked up their tassels and regalia, and were treated to free Class of 2026 swag. A photobooth offered an opportunity for graduates to express their excitement for the upcoming festivities! Thank you to the Commencement Committee, especially Dean Raniyah Johnson, for their work in organizing another great Grad Fair!

Wellness Center Organizes BCC Prom

The Berkeley City College Wellness Center hosted a student-led Prom event on May 1, 2026, bringing together approximately 70 students for an evening filled with music, dancing, and community. Student organizers developed an impressive social media campaign to promote the event and recruited fellow students to volunteer as DJs, photographers, and event staff, creating an atmosphere that was both welcoming and memorable.

The prom held special meaning for many international students, several of whom experienced their very first prom at the event. Domestic and international students came together to celebrate, build friendships, and create lasting memories in a joyful and inclusive environment. In a message shared by the Peralta International Program, organizers reflected on the significance of the evening, describing it as “the prom we never had” that became “a night we’ll never forget.”

Congratulations to the Wellness Center Peer 2 Peer mentor team for organizing a memorable and fun event!