Laney College Honors the Legacy of Coach John Beam

Laney College will host Light the Path, Light the Field on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, a luminaria walk and tribute honoring the life and legacy of Coach John Beam. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Laney Bistro and concludes at Eagles Stadium, symbolically retracing the path Coach Beam walked with generations of students—from mentorship and learning to teamwork and community building.

The walk offers a moment of reflection, connection, and remembrance for students, staff, alumni, and community members to honor Coach Beam’s profound impact on Laney College athletics and the Oakland community.

Laney College Volunteers Make a Difference at Estuary Clean-Up

Laney College students, classified professionals, and faculty participated in a community clean-up of the Laney Channel on Friday, November 21. Led by Justin Mora, Internal Secretary for the Associated Students of Laney College (ASLC), the event encouraged campus pride, environmental stewardship, and collective responsibility.

Volunteers gathered outside the FabLab before spreading out along the channel and surrounding walkways to collect light litter, following safety guidance from Student Activities & Campus Life Director Dr. Atiya Rashada.

The clean-up emphasized small-scale, safe actions while reaffirming appreciation for the operations staff who care for Laney’s grounds year-round. This renewed effort, inspired by earlier ASLC service projects, demonstrated how even modest acts of service strengthen community connection and contribute to a more welcoming campus environment. Laney College extends its thanks to Justin Mora and all who participated.

Laney College Launches Bay Area AI Center of Excellence

Laney College celebrated the grand opening of the Bay Area Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence during an open house event on November 21st in Building F, Room 254. Students, faculty, industry partners, and community leaders gathered to explore the new space and learn about Laney’s state-approved AI programs, including certificates in Applied Generative AI, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing.

The event was hosted by Raya Zion, Employment Services Project Manager, and Tuan Nguyen, Department Chair of the AI Department, who highlighted the Center’s mission to prepare diverse Bay Area learners for AI-driven careers.

Leadership remarks were provided by PCCD Board President Louis Quindlen, Dean of Career & Technical Education Alejandria Tomas, AI Department Chair Tuan Nguyen, and BACCC Regional Director Michele Peregrin.

A panel of regional leaders—including Oakland Councilmembers Rowena Brown and Charlene Wang, Dr. José Ramón Lizárraga of UC Berkeley, Brian Gonzalez of Jobs for the Future (JFF), and Laura Combs of BAYWORK—discussed AI’s workforce impact, ethical considerations, and opportunities for economic mobility.

The AI Center of Excellence will serve as a regional hub for training, innovation, and collaboration, expanding access to high-demand technology pathways and supporting Laney College’s commitment to equitable workforce development.

Laney College Honors Veterans with Community Celebration

Laney College held a Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 18, in the Laney Quad, bringing students, faculty, staff, and community members together to honor and support our Veteran community.

The event featured a Veterans Day recognition ceremony, a job fair, and a Basic Needs resource pop-up coordinated through the Eagle’s Nest. Attendees enjoyed free food and had opportunities to connect with campus and community partners offering employment resources and student support services. The gathering reflected Laney’s ongoing commitment to uplifting Veterans and fostering a strong sense of appreciation and community on campus.

Laney College Art Department Hosts Annual Pottery & Print Sale

The Laney College Art Department held its annual Pottery & Print Sale from December 1–3 in the Tower Lobby, showcasing hand-crafted ceramics and original prints created by Laney student artists. The event offered the campus community an opportunity to support emerging artists, meet the makers, and purchase unique works perfect for holiday gifts. This sale continues to strengthen Laney’s vibrant arts community by providing students with real-world experience in presenting and selling their work while highlighting the talent and creativity within the Art Department.