Laney College President's Report – June 11, 2024

Laney College Graduation

Congratulations to the Laney College Eagles on your graduation! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your lives.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the staff and faculty who made this event a success. You are the backbone of our community, and your efforts have been invaluable. Here’s to the future and the continued success of our graduates!

"Hard to believe I have made it this far. I couldn't have done it without friends, family, and my amazing Laney College Graphic Arts instructor, Daniela Pachtrapanska. In January 2019 I told my instructor that I wasn't going anywhere. Fast forward to 2024, I've completed all the graphic arts courses. My instructor makes learning really fun. I've learned a lot from her, she is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Not only she is my instructor but also a friend. Thank you for having faith in me!"

–Fernando Sebastian

Highlights from the Undocumented Community Resource Center (UCRC)

• Opening and Student Support:
  • Opened the UCRC on May 8, 2023.
  • Served 867 students and counting since the opening.
• Newcomer Cohort:
  • Onboarded our first Newcomer Cohort during the summer.
  • Assisted them in waiving out-of-state fees.
• Collaborations and Outreach:
  • Collaborated with ROC and reached out to 35 students.
  • Assisted these students in enrolling and preparing for the Fall semester.
• Indocu-Action Week (October):
  • Broadcasted a virtual fireside chat with author Julissa Arce.
  • Curated a workshop where undocumented students created vision boards.
  • Featured a library display of books on undocumented experiences.
  • Organized a visit for 6 students to UC Berkeley.
• Program Promotion:
  • Promoted our program at the Caminando Juntos Conference.
  • Connected with Hayward Unified School District.
• California Dream Network Statewide Retreat (November):
  • 10 students participated in the retreat in collaboration with CHIRLA in Southern California.
• Undocumented Resource Fair (April):
  • Hosted our second annual fair with approximately 125 attendees.

Presentation Video of Lake Merritt Conservancy Oasis Architectural Design Contest | May 15, 2024

Students were challenged to creatively, functionally, and sustainably integrate an oasis into the environment as a place of refuge, safety, and belonging. The results were inspiring!

Award Winners

• Environmental Friendliness – Siow Fang Tan (#1): Butterfly garden and water filter towers celebrating clean water.
• Ease of Operation & Maintenance – Taryn Jones (#2): Ornamental Kiosk, a compact and practical space for entrepreneurs.
• Originality – Evonn Balcziunas (#13): Tea Tree Oasis with shade, seating, and native plants.
• Artfulness – Frida Veliz (#14): Minimalist design with creative use of materials, integrating into the landscape.
• Best Overall – Jack Liu (#18): Cave concept shop, blending seamlessly with the environment.

Honorable Mentions

• Web Gao (#15): “3D Mondrian” – Wonderfully original.
• Hafiza Abdelmageed (#10): “Roots” – Symmetrical tiered design.

Contest Participants

Jade Dang (#3), Chao Li (#4), Anthony Hill (#5), Julian Stangl (#6), Miguel Lopez (#7), Colette Cage (#8), Hyewon Kim (#9), Eric Sanchez (#11), Yojana Jeronimo Pablo (#12), Nafisa Lubaba (#16)

Thank you all for your inspiring submissions! The winning designs will be featured on the Conservancy’s website and showcased to the community. Stay engaged and keep imagining, because everything you imagine can be real.

The President’s Desk, with Laney College President Dr. Rudy Besikof — KGPC-LP 96.9 FM

Laney College President, Dr. Rudy Besikof, recently engaged in a captivating conversation with the Laney College Culinary Department, discussing life in the kitchen and preparing for a career in food. Dr. Besikof visited the Laney Bistro to talk with the department for his podcast, providing an insightful look into the culinary world and the exceptional programs offered at Laney College. A delicious conversation!