Sadly, our community recently lost three amazing women associated with the Peralta Community College District, including student Ginger Coplan, former counselor and dean Susan Cota, and longtime counselor Alze Mae Roberts.
Ginger Coplan
We lost a beloved student of the Peralta Community on December 29th, when Ginger Coplan passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Ginger was a lifelong learner and indeed had graduated with degrees and certificates from many different programs across the district. She completed programs in Culinary Arts and Baking at Laney College, and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the College of Alameda.
Most recently, she was pursuing a degree in Automotive Technology, embodying a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and growth. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, including Laney College Cosmetology Professor Christina Edwards. The Board of Trustees closed their meeting on January 14th in her honor.
Dr. Susan Cota
The Peralta Community College District mourns the passing of Dr. Susan Cota, a dedicated educator and trailblazing leader. Dr. Cota's career included significant contributions to the Peralta Colleges, where she served as a counselor for students with disabilities at Merritt College for nine years. She later returned to the district as the Dean of Students at the College of Alameda from 1989-1991, leaving a lasting impact on faculty, staff, and students across the district's four colleges.
Dr. Cota went on to be President of Las Positas College and then became the first Hispanic female chancellor appointed in the California Community College system, leading the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. Her commitment to underserved communities and her advocacy for students with disabilities were hallmarks of her career. She will be remembered for her sharp intellect, humor, and generosity, as well as her numerous accomplishments, including securing funding for disabled student programs and overseeing major facilities improvements.
Alze Roberts
The Peralta Community College District community also mourns the loss of Elze Mae Roberts, a dedicated counselor who served students at both Merritt College and the College of Alameda. Known for her unwavering support and dedication, Ms. Roberts went above and beyond for her students. As the primary counselor for the College of Alameda's athletic program, she provided invaluable academic guidance, career advice, and life skills, ensuring student-athletes thrived both on and off the field. Her commitment extended beyond academics, helping students secure scholarships, internships in Washington, D.C., and opportunities to serve on key committees.
Ms. Roberts' impact reached beyond the colleges, as she helped connect students with reentry programs, giving them second chances at success. She was also an active member of PAAAA - the Peralta Association for African American Affairs.
At her memorial service on February 7th, Oakland Mayor and former PCCD Trustee Kevin Jenkins recognized her lifelong dedication to education, advocacy, and community empowerment, stating, "Her legacy as a mentor, activist, and leader continues to shape Oakland." Her contributions to the Peralta Colleges and the wider community will be deeply missed.
