Laney, Merritt College Remembers Legacy of Former Longtime Colleague, President
The greater Peralta community joins Mrs. Juliet Crutchfield in mourning and celebrating the passing of her husband Earnest Crutchfield, former Merritt College Counselor and longtime President of Laney College.
Earnest Crutchfield first joined Peralta in 1964 as a Counselor at Merritt College, later becoming President of Laney from 1986 - 1999. During his tenure as President, he left a legacy of support for students and even today has the longest single presidential tenure of leadership in the college's history. As the leader of his college, Crutchfield especially held a passion for the Laney programs, especially those in Career Education. Mrs. Crutchfield especially recalled his passion as an educator in supporting Laney’s thriving Culinary Arts Program. The wings of his leadership extended beyond the College, as he joined other African American college presidents across the nation in a symbolic walk of the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
Laney and Merritt celebrate President Crutchfield, his leadership, and the legacy he has left with so many in the Peralta community. In Fall 2024, Laney and Merritt will come together to host a celebration of life honoring this educational leader.
Art Gallery, Wood Technology Host “Hands On” Reception
April 10 saw a day of sharing both art and innovation in a public exhibition in the Art Gallery that was curated by Building and Skilled Trades Professors Myron Franklin & Rosendo Del Toro (Wood Technology).
There were 40 hand-made works from the Wood Technology, Carpentry, Fabrication Lab, and Japanese Joinery departments at Laney on view. In addition, a special presentation by Japanese Joinery instructor Jay van Arsdale was made. Jay demonstrated the intricate artistry and structural integrity of traditional Japanese woodworking techniques. Through his expertise and passion, he illuminated the timeless beauty and functionality of joinery methods deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship.
Wellness Center Annual Self-Care Fair
The Laney College Wellness Center hosted its annual Self-Care Fair on Wednesday, April 10th, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Laney Quad. The event brought community and campus-based wellness organizations together in one place to ensure students are familiar with nearby resources. As a bonus, there was a clothing closet giveaway, a live DJ, refreshments, raffles, and so much more!
Located on the second floor of the Laney Tower, the Center provides mental health and wellness services to students. Also, Laney has two student clubs devoted to mental health awareness thanks to the innovative work brought forward by staff members under the leadership and coordination of Mental Health Specialist Susan Yee and Student Services Specialist Danielle Burroughs.
Master-Mind: Health, Wealth & Happiness
The Oakland Rotary Club #3 hosted an interactive public lecture event focusing on Health Wealth and Happiness on April 11 in one of the College’s forum halls. Students, community members, and students – including members of the Laney College Baseball team –enjoyed dinner and a full evening of inspirational, guiding talks that included community members Jesse Schmidt, Christy-Johnson Limon, and Kathleen Uribe.
Given the fact that this was the first time holding the event at the college, it was well attended, with over 50 people on hand. The Oakland Rotary Mastermind series was created to connect the community with Rotarians who share key knowledge, wisdom, and insights about how to succeed in life and business and how Oakland Rotary builds and fosters a better community.
Laney College and Rotary #3 are certainly no strangers to each other. Laney colleagues attend meetings and Rotary events thanks to a budding relationship. The College also appreciates Rotarians who include Laney in their “Service over Self” credo. Often, they support the college’s enrollment and other events by handing out food, making money, and in-kind donations such as those that support the December Toy Drive, and they engage leadership at times on ways to strengthen campus presence in the community.
Laney thanks the Oakland Rotary for its ongoing support, partnership, and friendship.
Coding “Bees” Swarm Campus for Third Hackathon Event
Technology and innovation reconvened at the Bistro for a third consecutive year, as the College hosted The BeeLikeCoders Hackathon on April 12. Organized and held by the Associated Students of Laney College Student Government, this day-long event was the place to be that day for all coding enthusiasts, from the seasoned pro to the coder who is just getting started.
The day was filled with bee-inspired projects, workshops, and networking opportunities, and weary coders were treated to bee-themed snacks and refreshments throughout!
Students Get Help Enrolling in Well-Attended 2024 Springfest
The Laney College Quad was full of students taking part in the April 17 Spring Fest enrollment and engagement event. Built from the success of beginning-of-term One-Stop Saturdays, the events are designed to connect with faculty, staff, and resources while providing students with answers to questions about the schedule and enrolling. Adding to the day were contests providing chances to win Laney merchandise as well as a bookstore gift card. As if that were not enough, Live music & light refreshments were provided.
Laney recognizes and appreciates the many areas across the College that organized and participated in the event.
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, April 23, 2024. To view it as a PDF, click here.