Recognition for our Innovative Excellence

Last month, the President’s Office received notification that the College of Alameda has been nominated for the Excellence in Workforce Development Award at the 2025 Innovation Island Excellence Awards! The nomination highlighted CoA’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and how our impact has set a remarkable standard in our community.

This nomination reflects the dedication and forward-thinking approach that makes the College of Alameda a leader in innovation. All employees at CoA are working diligently to serve the community. This nomination focuses on the efforts of our Career Technical Education faculty consistently evolving to prepare students for the jobs of the future. Below are the details related to the award:

This award recognizes an organization that has implemented creative and forward-thinking workforce development strategies. Whether through unique training programs, inclusive hiring practices, or educational partnerships, this business is preparing the next generation of workers with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

• Bay Ship & Yacht Co.
• College of Alameda
• The Reap Center

The Innovation Island Excellence Awards will take place on June 26, 2025, at Almanac Brewing Co. CoA is honored to be acknowledged for our contributions to community and economic development in the City of Alameda.

GO Cougars!

2025 Commencement – We Changed the Narrative

On Friday, May 23, 2025, the College of Alameda community came together in full celebration to honor our extraordinary and diverse Class of 2025. It was a momentous occasion filled with pride, joy, and reflection. As graduates prepared to take their symbolic walk onto the field, we reminded them of the significance of their achievements—the countless hours of dedication it took to earn certificates and degrees, and the courage it required to stay the course.

Our committed faculty were present in full regalia, standing proudly alongside their students to mark the culmination of this academic journey. The day also shone a light on the unwavering dedication of our classified professionals, whose behind-the-scenes efforts contribute immensely to student success.

The ceremony was brought to life by the incredible talents of our Music Department, with Professor Pearson once again delivering a performance full of heart and, as always, MAGIC.

We were deeply honored to welcome Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee as our keynote speaker. Her powerful address emphasized the importance of civic engagement and encouraged graduates to stay rooted in community as they enter the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions. Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson followed with a passionate reflection on the current educational landscape, urging our graduates to lean into their power and become agents of change.

President Fowler extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the entire faculty, applauding the graduates for assertively pursuing their academic goals. She also warmly invited them to return to CoA as alumni leaders and continue shaping the future of the college.

Classified Senate Vice President Angela Kimble represented the voice of classified professionals, expressing pride in the graduates' accomplishments and reminding them to hold fast to both faith and community in the next chapter of their lives.

Valedictorian Delena Jackson inspired her peers with a thoughtful and courageous message that truly embodied the spirit of a COUGAR—resilient, determined, and bold. The program concluded with a message from Associated Students President Erson Payopay, who offered warm wishes and encouragement to his fellow graduates as they move forward in their personal and professional journeys.

It was a day to remember—filled with inspiration, celebration, and the collective hope for a brighter future, fueled by the strength and brilliance of the Class of 2025.

Thank you to the 2025 Commencement Planning Committee for making the day special for all.