VIVE Mars Best Horror Shot Winners

Congratulations to the Berkeley City College Multimedia Arts students for earning second place in the global VIVE Mars “Best Horror Shot!” film competition for their spooky short “Night of the Living Dodo.”

The talented team includes:

• Yunha Kim – Director, Film Editor, Storyboard Artist
• Sasank “ROCKET” Seelam – Technical Director, Virtual Camera Operator, Render Supervisor
• Dorothy Abuan – Animation Director, 3D Modeling/Rigging Lead, Motion Capture Actor
• Will Letchworth – Voice Actor (The Rogue Scientist & Dodo)

This achievement was made possible by the RVPA internship program, which is sponsored by the Film Commission via the California Community College Foundation. As a result of their support BCC’s Multimedia Art students were able to use their internship hours to push the boundaries of horror and visual storytelling. In addition to the award, the team received video equipment for Berkeley City College.

Check out their winning video and behind-the-scenes production work here. Bravo to our creative team!

BCC Votes!

On Election Day, the Associated Students of Berkeley City College and the PCCD Student Trustees hosted a fun and informative event titled “BCC Votes!” during College Hour. The event provided students with voter registration information, guides, and stress-relief tools like squeeze balls and fidget spinners to ease Election Day nerves. Students also participated in a social media event, sharing photos in Election Day attire and enjoying free pizza.

Special thanks to Dean Raniyah Johnson and the student representatives for organizing this meaningful event!

Berkeley City College’s Remodeled Website Launches

On October 10, 2024, Berkeley City College launched its newly-redesigned website, marking the completion of a year-long project. The shift from WordPress to the HubSpot CMS platform aligns BCC’s web presence with the broader Peralta Community College District.

The new website aims to enhance user experience, implement the Academic & Career Communities Guided Pathways model, and leverage HubSpot’s advanced tools for interactive event calendars and employee directories. This redesign is a key component of the college’s 2024-28 Educational Master Plan, designed to improve student engagement, enrollment, and retention.

We are immensely grateful to Public Information Officer Tom Rizza and Web Developer Tania Leonian for their tireless dedication to facilitating a seamless transition to the new website. They worked closely with the campus community, engaging with student focus groups and shared governance presentations to ensure the site aligns with the needs and priorities of both students and staff.

“I want to thank President Denise Richardson for her support in getting this project off the ground, along with the engagement and excitement from the broader campus community, for their guidance through the design and decision-making process. I would also like to thank Tania Leonian, Aaron Harbour, and John Freeman for their work in getting this project to where we stand today,” said PIO Tom Rizza. “We believe it’s something that will be transformative in the way students and community members interact with the college for many years to come.”

Berkeley City College Biotech Students Shine at CIRM Trainee Conference

From October 14-18, 2024, Berkeley City College and the Peralta Colleges hosted the 8th Annual Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW), highlighting the resilience and aspirations of undocumented students. This year’s theme, “Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible”, explored the challenges undocumented students face, particularly in employment, while celebrating their achievements. Key events included:

• October 14 – Navigating Together: A Community Conversation on UndocuDreams
• October 15 – Healthcare Entrepreneurship & Licensure (virtual session for undocumented students in healthcare)
• October 16 – Overview of Immigration Options (webinar by Immigrant Legal Defense)
• October 17 – Curanderx Toolkit Skillshare (exploring Latinx healing traditions for mental and emotional well-being)
• October 18 – USAW State Conference at Woodland Community College, featuring keynote speaker Cinthya Cisneros, a Latina entrepreneur and business owner.

Latinx Heritage Month Closing Activities

Berkeley City College wrapped up its celebration of Latinx Heritage Month in October with events that brought together students, faculty, and community members in cultural appreciation and connection. Highlights included:

• October 15 – La Pachanga at the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza, where BCC students and employees engaged with the community, sharing resources and learning about BCC’s academic offerings.
• October 31 – Dia de los Muertos altar unveiling in the BCC Atrium, offering a space for students to honor departed loved ones through traditional ofrendas.

These events were organized in partnership with Puente, MESA, the Basic Needs Center, and the Hispanic Serving Institution team. Thank you to all who contributed to this vibrant celebration of culture!

Fall Mid-Semester Flex Day

On October 16, 2024, BCC held its mid-semester Flex Day, offering a range of engaging activities and collaborative sessions. Highlights included:

• An update from BCC administrators
• A workshop on refining BCC’s Mission, Vision, and Values
• Results of the mascot survey, where students selected the top four options: Coyote, Butterfly, and a tie between Penguin and Owl. Students will now create concept designs for each mascot, with another survey to follow.
• A panel discussion celebrating BCC’s 50th anniversary, featuring former leaders who provided inspiring recollections of the college’s history and growth.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Flex Day a meaningful and inspiring event!

Taco ‘Bout Safety

On November 1, 2024, Abdul Pridgen, Interim Executive Director of Public Safety at PCCD, visited Berkeley City College for a “Taco ‘Bout Safety” session. During this informal gathering, Pridgen shared his vision for campus safety and security, inviting feedback from administrators, faculty, staff, and students. Topics included the Clery Act, the District’s partnership with local law enforcement, and the use of security technologies to ensure campus safety.

A big thank you to Director Pridgen, for facilitating this important conversation.

BCC Budget Townhall

On October 31, 2024, BCC hosted a town hall meeting in the college auditorium to discuss the current budget situation and its future outlook. Led by PCCD COO Greg Nelson and President Denise Richardson, the session provided transparency into the college’s financial standing and the impact of California’s Student-Centered Funding Formula.

A virtual suggestion box was also provided, allowing the community to submit ideas on how to maximize BCC’s resources and improve financial efficiency. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important discussion.

Gratitude to Retired Educator Judi Sui for Generous Donations

Berkeley City College extends deep gratitude to Judi Sui, a retired educator, for her generous $20,000 donation to support students in need.

Her gift includes a $10,000 endowed fund, the H. Yamamoto Scholarship, in honor of her mother, and a separate $10,000 scholarship aimed at helping students facing financial challenges to remain enrolled.

Ms. Sui was inspired to give after visiting the Downtown Berkeley Front Row Festival on August 24, where she learned about the struggles students face and wanted to provide support to those who need just a little help to achieve their academic goals.

We thank Ms. Sui for her kindness and commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students.

“I wanted to support students who might be struggling to remain enrolled, and I hope this helps some students continue their education,” said Ms. Sui.

Her generosity and commitment to helping students in need are truly inspiring. We thank Ms. Sui for her kindness and for making such a meaningful impact on the lives of Berkeley City College students.

President Richardson Inducted into Berkeley Rotary Club

On October 9, 2024, President Denise Richardson was inducted into the Berkeley Rotary Club, adding another chapter to her distinguished career in public service and education.

“Dr. Richardson brings a lot to Berkeley Rotary,” said Joan Collignon, who sponsored the induction. “We’re excited to support her success in this community.”

President Richardson also shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity to collaborate with the Rotary: “The club’s commitment to service, education, and equity aligns perfectly with BCC’s mission and values. I look forward to working with Rotary members to positively impact our community.”

This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Denise Richardson, Berkeley City College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. To view it as a PDF, click here.