Laney College Awarded Grant to Continue Food Distribution to Students
Last week Laney learned it had been awarded a $44,600 grant from the Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB). The application and subsequent award come thanks to the work of Alfred Brown, Food Services Supervisor; Atiya Rashada, Director of Student Activities and Campus Life; Gary Albury, Associate Dean of Student Success; and Amy Marshall, Laney Facilities and Campus Operations Director. Funding from this grant will support our food distribution operations and relocate our pantry facility.
The vision is to use these funds to provide our community with a student-centered space, intentionally designed to provide an element of privacy as well as to dignify the process, so that students do not feel stigmatized in accessing food free of charge and other expanded food services we plan to continue offering on campus. In many ways, the new space will be designed and marketed like a farmers' market, which should result in an increase in student participation and overall visibility of our expanded food services area. Food access and food insecurity remain a challenge for our students, but it is one that Laney is working to address.
Special thanks to Food Services Manager Neil Burmenko for leadership that is recognized throughout our system.
Laney College Flex Day Tackles Stress, Welcomes Wellness
Following the District Thursday FLEX Day, the Laney community came together with a focus on wellness to kick off the Spring 2022 Semester during its January 21, 2022 College FLEX activities. Thanks to the dedication and leadership provided by Marla Leech, Felipe Wilson, members of the Professional Development Committee, and a number of colleagues-turned-presenters, the day was full of opportunities for professional and personal enrichment. As a distinctive keynote event, the College invited Sonia Russell and David Walker, CEO and CSO of BlackFULLness (https://www.blackfullness.com/) to lead a session on “Decolonizing and Demystifying Wellness” that was very well attended.
Laney College FLEX Days have the tradition of having the feel and benefit of top professional conferences thanks to all who contribute, and the College looks forward to coming back together in March for similar growth and development. Kudos to all!
One-Stop Saturdays Go Online, On-Campus in January 2022
On January 15, Laney College hosted One-Stop Saturday Enrollment events that were available to the public on campus and online. During the virtual event, 100 students were counted as participating in either the general zoom space or in breakout rooms where Students Services support was provided, general questions were answered, and information was shared about resources for students, including our outstanding learning communities at Laney College. More directly, students were able to receive assistance with registration as well as support from financial aid, counseling, the Cashier's office, and the Library, which checks out laptops.
On the 22nd, the event was held in person, with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators coming on a brisk Saturday morning and early afternoon to support students. Programs on campus were given tables for students to visit and receive information, and as with both events, translation services in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish were made available, along with information about accessing campus for in-person classes. Additionally, refreshments were served.
Thanks to the many Laney colleagues who made these events a success, including those at the College and the District who helped promote them.
This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Rudy Besikof, Laney College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. To view as a pdf click here.
