MESA Hosts Biotech Brunch at Laney Bistro

On May 2, 2025, Laney College’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program hosted a brunch at the Laney Bistro, bringing together STEM students, faculty, and members of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). The event provided a valuable opportunity for students interested in biotechnology and related fields to connect with professionals and peers.

Held in a welcoming and informal setting, the brunch featured student speakers, faculty highlights, and networking that fostered community and encouragement among aspiring scientists and engineers. The gathering underscored Laney’s commitment to supporting student success and building inclusive pathways in STEM education. Students from Laney, BCC, CoA, and Diablo Valley College attended.

EOPS/CARE/NextUP/CalWORKs Awards Celebration 2025

On May 9, 2025, Laney College hosted its annual EOPS/CARE/NextUP/CalWORKs Awards Celebration at Preservation Park in Oakland. Under the theme “Unity, Collaboration, Innovation: Strengthening Bridges for Student Success,” the event honored students whose academic journeys have been supported through these vital programs.

The celebration featured remarks from Vice President of Student Services Dr. Lily Espinoza and Dean of Enrollment Services Lorena Lopez, affirming Laney’s commitment to equity and holistic student support. Student speakers shared moving testimonials about the impact of wraparound services on their personal and academic growth.

Graduates and transfer students were recognized for their achievements, and program counselors were acknowledged for their dedicated service. With over 100 attendees, the event highlighted the strength of community collaboration in advancing student success.

Laney College Celebrates 2025 Transfer Students

On May 14, 2025, Laney College hosted its annual Transfer Student Celebration at the BEST Center, honoring students transferring to four-year colleges and universities. The event brought together students, families, and faculty to recognize this important academic milestone.

Organized by Counseling Co-Chair Cynthia Taing and Transfer Center Program Specialist Laura Ramos, the celebration featured remarks from President Dr. Rebecca Opsata and Vice President of Student Services Dr. Lily Espinoza. Students were honored with certificates and commemorative Laney medallions, and several shared personal reflections during a moving Student Voices segment.

The ceremony affirmed the impact of Laney’s supportive community and the transformative power of education.

Honors and Awards Ceremony Celebrates Laney Student Achievement

On May 15, 2025, Laney College held its annual Honors and Awards Ceremony, celebrating the academic excellence, leadership, and service of outstanding students from the Class of 2025. The event featured keynote remarks by Geography Professor Mark Rauzon and recognized top scholars, including this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Dean’s Medallion Awards, honoring students for exceptional achievement in each academic division. Additional recognitions included ASLC, Classified Senate, and PAAAA scholarships and awards. Phi Theta Kappa awards were presented by students to students in the honor society. Students graduating with honors, high honors, and highest honors were recognized.

Acting President Dr. Rebecca Opsata closed the ceremony with words of pride and encouragement, marking a vibrant and inspiring celebration of student success.

Rene Rivas Classified Senate Scholarship Recognizes Student Achievement

Laney College student Donjai “DJ” Holland was one of two recipients of the 2025 Rene Rivas Classified Senate Scholarship, awarded districtwide by the Peralta Classified Senate. Holland, a peer tutor and Public Health & Biostatistics major, was recognized for her commitment to educational equity and support for underrepresented students in STEM. She plans to pursue graduate studies at UC Berkeley.

Joevel Quiatchon, a veteran and Sociology major from the College of Alameda, was also awarded a scholarship. Both recipients were selected by the family of the late Rene Rivas, who thoughtfully reviewed applications and awarded each student a $500 scholarship in support of their academic journeys.

Laney College extends its congratulations to both students and gratitude to the Rivas family and Classified Senate for continuing this legacy of student support.

Laney College Celebrates Young Adult Program Graduates

Laney College proudly celebrated the achievements of 15 students from the Oakland Unified School District’s Young Adult Program (YAP), who earned Certificates in Foundations of Art. Ten of these students crossed the graduation stage during Laney’s 2025 Commencement, many for the first time, marking a powerful milestone in their educational journeys.

The result of a growing partnership between Laney and OUSD, the certificate program supports young adults with disabilities, ages 18–22, in gaining college-level experience and creative confidence. This year’s cohort was the largest to date and reflects a broader commitment to inclusive, collaborative education. As Student Accessibility Services Coordinator Dr. Nate Failing noted, this achievement symbolizes not only personal triumph but also the expanding opportunities made possible through dedicated support and partnership.

Laney ECT Students Tour Davies Symphony Hall

Students from Laney College’s Environmental Control Technology (ECT) program participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall this semester, gaining firsthand insight into large-scale commercial HVAC systems. The trip was sponsored by Johnson Controls in partnership with Local 39 and aligned with ECT coursework.

Led by the venue’s engineering team, the visit included access to mechanical rooms, control centers, and energy systems supporting the landmark facility. Organized by ECT Department Chair Sappho Su, the experience gave students a real-world perspective on the systems they study in class.

Students described the trip as both educational and inspiring, reinforcing Laney’s commitment to hands-on learning and industry preparation.

Laney Puente Students Visit UCLA for Transfer Exploration

Laney College’s Puente Program continues to support Latinx and first-generation students on their transfer journey through immersive college exposure experiences. In May, a group of “Puentistas” visited UCLA for a special transfer-focused campus tour, led by Puente Counselor/Coordinator Laura Contreras.

From Laney to Westwood, students explored academic resources, connected with former Laney Puente students now at UCLA, and gained valuable insight into university life. This visit is one of many impactful experiences designed to help students visualize and prepare for their next steps beyond Laney.

The journey continues—and so does Laney’s commitment to equity and student success.