Congratulations to the College of Alameda Class of 2022
Spring semester concluded with joyful celebrations of student success at College of Alameda (CoA). On May 27, 2022, CoA held innovative virtual and in-person commencement celebrations titled GradFest. PCCD Trustees Linda Handy and Dr. Cynthia Napoli-Abella Reis, and PCCD Chancellor Dr. Jannett N. Jackson joined College faculty, administrators, staff, and students for the upbeat commencement festivities held on campus from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Graduating students and their families enjoyed great food, fun photo opportunities, free gifts, and copious amounts of good cheer.
The College conferred 285 Associates Degrees, 122 Associates Degrees for Transfer, and 316 Certificates to 356 graduates this year. CoA’s virtual commencement featured a keynote address by California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), Department of Educational Leadership Associate Professor Dr. G.T. Reyes. As an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership for Social Justice Ed.D. Program, he says on his webpage that he plays an active part in cultivating programs that have liberatory potential and power.
Valedictorian: Kalena Tran
Kalena Tran has attended schools in the Peralta system for two years, taking courses as a Biology Major. This upcoming year, she will be transferring to the University of California (UC), Davis, majoring in Nutrition Science. Kalena is interested in learning about the importance of food in the context of health, social-economic status, and agricultural practices. She is hoping to learn more about nutrition at UC Davis while also participating in related research projects.
Salutatorian: Samantha Yan
Samantha Yan was born in Hayward and grew up in Alameda. She graduated from the Alameda Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) in 2018 while also earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts: Natural Sciences through the College’s dual enrollment program. She returned to College of Alameda in 2021 earning two new degrees: an Associate of Arts in Humanities and an Associate of Arts/Liberal Arts in Science in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Samantha is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a concentration in material chemistry at UC Berkeley. In addition to her academic pursuits at UC Berkeley, she is involved with the New Student Services Program, which plans and executes orientation, and is a member of Cal Archery team as part of the Barebow division. Most recently, she competed at the 2022 USA Archery Collegiate Target Regions - West Regional competitions individually and also as part of Cal’s women’s and mixed barebow teams. After obtaining her baccalaureate, Samantha intends to spend some time exploring her other interests such as theater, sculpture, and fashion design before going to graduate school to study Material Science and Engineering.
President’s Medallion Recipient: Jennifer Stone
Jennifer Stone grew up in Northern California. She moved to the Bay Area to pursue her college education at CoA, where she discovered a love for computer science, engineering, and creative problem-solving. Jennifer is graduating with three degrees this year, including an Associate of Arts Liberal Arts Degree in Natural Science, and two Associate of Science Transfer Degrees (one in Math and the other in Physics) while maintaining an impressive 4.0 grade point average! Jennifer is the founder and president of an engineering club where she created community, opportunity, and education. In addition, Jennifer spent many hours at the CoA FabLab building a remotely operated vehicle and working on other innovative projects. She is excited about the prospect of working collaboratively with other engineers in her career. This fall Jennifer will be transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in Computer Engineering.
CoA Congratulates Alameda Science and Technology Institute Grads
On June 8, 2022, the Alameda Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) Class of 2022 celebrated their graduation on the Willie Stargell Field at Encinal High School. ASTI Principal Tracy Corbally recognized several major accomplishments, including the fact that a remarkable 40 percent of ASTI seniors have already earned one or more associate degrees from PCCD colleges! Combined, the ASTI Class of 2022 completed 2748 community college units, an average of 68 units with an average GPA of 3.75.
ASTI students performed well overall academically. Forty percent of ASTI grads received a total of 127 university admission offers; 77 percent will transfer to four-year colleges; 15 percent will continue their studies at community colleges, and one graduate will serve in the United States Navy. The remaining students will pursue internships and/or a gap year. Thirty percent of ASTI students are the first generation to attend college, 30 percent qualify for free and reduced lunches, and 50 percent of these students speak a language other than English at home.
College of Alameda had a special place in this year’s celebration. On behalf of President Jones and the entire CoA family, Acting Vice President of Instruction (VPI) Dr. Diana Bajrami greeted the class of 2022 and recognized the personal challenges that students faced while navigating online college and high school classes during the pandemic. VPI Bajrami talked about the positive outcomes that came to fruition as different education systems, community organizations, and foundations worked together to achieve goals. She also encouraged graduates to continue to work hard and realize their full potential.
College of Alameda Classified Professionals Appreciation Day Celebration Held on Campus
From the first moment that students inquire about applying to CoA to the day that they graduate or transfer to a four-year university, CoA's Classified Professionals play an essential role in helping students achieve their goals. Custodians and maintenance work to ensure our clean and safe facilities. Support staff members provide a wide range of services helping students navigate financial aid, applications, enrollment, and much more!
On May 25, 2022, the College celebrated the many contributions of Classified Staff members who serve our students, our college, and the district throughout the year. The well-attended outdoor event featured a delicious free luncheon and music. President Jones gave an uplifting appreciation speech and attendees enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and copious amounts of good cheer.
This article is an excerpt from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Nathaniel Jones III, College of Alameda President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. To view as a pdf, click here.