Student Excellence in Motion: Creativity, Performance, and Purpose

College of Alameda continues to demonstrate the extraordinary creativity, leadership, and determination of our students across disciplines.

This month, CoA proudly uplifted the artistry of our students through the A.D.A.M. Fall Fashion Exhibition, an event centered on expression, innovation, and storytelling through design. The exhibition highlighted how fashion can communicate identity, culture, and lived experience, demonstrating once again that our students are the heart of our institution’s creative excellence. We honor the work of Jewell Bachelor (above, right), Laisha Gobea Cervantes (above, left), and all the students who displayed their creativity and passion at the exhibition. We celebrate our program faculty for creating real-world experiences for our students.

We also celebrate the achievements of the College of Alameda Dance Program, which continues to shine at campus and community events. Their dedication, discipline, and artistic vision reflect the  strength of CoA’s performing arts programming and the power of movement to bring our community together.

The department participated in the 80th United Nations Charter Anniversary and 60th Flag Raising Ceremony, where they earned the college and Professor Danny Nguyen an honorable recognition and participation. The program wrapped up the fall semester with the “Winter Spice” performance on December 5, 2025, another exciting showcase of student choreography and collaboration. We extend gratitude to students and Professors Danny Nguyen and Amal Elwardi.

The program has received invitations to perform at two Chinese New-Year Celebrations in Spring 2026. The Chase Center on February 1, 2026, and The Vietnamese Consulate Celebration at San Francisco City Hall on February 8, 2025. More details will be shared, but we encourage the Peralta Community to come out and celebrate culture and our dance students.

Men’s Basketball has had an exciting preseason and is ready to compete. Our student athletes are working hard on and off the court. Participating in a rigorous practice regimen under the leadership of Coach Payton and Assistant Coach Mooses, as well as an active learning community. We look forward to supporting these young men throughout the season, but we are particularly excited about the CoA vs. Merritt College game on December 18, 2026, at 6pm at CoA. A meaningful cross-town matchup that brings together two Peralta communities in the spirit of healthy competition and student engagement. Last year, CoA was victorious, and the Cougars expect the same outcome this year.

Our Health and Wellness initiatives remain strong, offering students enriching opportunities for support and growth. Events such as campus wellness check-ins, stress relief workshops, and skill-building activities reinforce our commitment to supporting the whole student. The most recent activity supporting a community of wellness was the Hot Co-CoA event coordinated by our very committed wellness team members Lisa Sawadogo, Rashmi Guttal, and others supporting behind the scenes.

A Festive Gathering of Gratitude and Community

In the spirit of community, joy, and reflection, College of Alameda hosted the Gingerbread and Gratitude Celebration, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to connect, create, and celebrate the close of the semester.

The event invited participants to decorate gingerbread houses, hang messages of appreciation on the Tree of Gratitude, capture memories in the holiday photo booth, and build community over a cup of Hot Cocoa and appetizers. The celebration embodied CoA’s values of belonging, wellness, and care, reminding us of the importance of creating warm, supportive spaces for students and employees.

As we close the fall term, we continue to uplift the power of gratitude and shared humanity across our campus community. We thank Nickey Herdia, Chungwai Chum, Abdo Al “Mumin” Abuzaid, Wanda Lee, Pedro Del Rosa, and Associated Students for making this event possible.