RAÍCES Latinx Graduation @ Laney College

Peralta’s first in-person RAICES graduation event. This year’s graduation was hosted at our very own Laney College Theatre last May 18th, 2023, from 3 PM to 7 PM. The theme, "seguiré soñando y seguiré volando”, which loosely translates to "I will keep dreaming and I will keep flying", is a recognition of the aspirations and accomplishments of our Peralta Latinx students as they continue to dream and achieve their educational, personal, or professional endeavors.

Peralta Colleges 15th Annual African/ African American Graduation 2023

On May 20th, 2023, the Peralta Association of African American Affairs (PAAA) celebrated graduation for Peralta students. This event was hosted at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, CA. Over 100 students participated in this graduation throughout the four Peralta Colleges. "Reemergence! Celebrating Black Student Success” is the theme of this year's graduation. The celebration was marked by libation, drumming, inspiring speaker remarks, uplifting music, and the personalized recognition of the 2022-2023 African and African American graduates from the College of Alameda, Berkeley City College, Laney College, and Merritt College. As always, this cultural celebration is in service to our African/African American students and highlights the significance of their educational achievements to their families and the broader community as well.

Thank you to the many individuals for making this occasion so memorable.

Classified Professionals in Action: Laney Caring Campus Joint Session and Presentation

On May 31, 2023, Laney College classified professionals presented to the college administration the Caring Campus initiatives for the upcoming Fall 2023 semester. Developed by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change, Laney College classified professionals embarked on the Caring Campus initiative in Spring 2023. Classified Professionals are a central role in making students feel welcome on campus and helping them stay on their educational paths. Additionally, it shows the pivotal role that administrators play in supporting classified professionals in student engagement work.

Classified Senate Present Ms. Hope Lane and Classified Senate Vice President Katrina Santos attended the upcoming 2023 Classified Leadership Institute on June 6-9, 2023. They will also be presenters at the conference this year. This is the first time that Laney College presented at the conference. The conference is the only conference in the California Community College system that focuses on classified professional development and is led and organized by classified professionals.

Some of Laney's Newest Colleagues, Graduates Talk Student Support on Peralta's KGPC 96.9 FM

There was no break in the Peralta Radio Studios for Laney College, with two great episodes of The President’s Desk on 96.9 KGPC spreading the word up and down California about how Oakland’s greatest Eagles are flying! What began as a pilot-type idea is now 42 episodes in, and so many thanks go to Felicia Bridges (who cohosts with Rudy) and Executive Director Mark Johnson for their collaboration with the College. Also, in addition to President Besikof’s questions and thoughts, listeners hear about job opportunities every week from Employment Services Specialist Raya Zion, and students Randi Cross and Alison Fletcher join and support the show as well, with Arlene Lontoc booking guests. Guided Pathways efforts have taken on new wings at Laney through the SOAR student support program, and President Besikof welcomed specialists Jay Gomez and Tania Mitchell (below, left) - the Support Specialists to discuss the support students can receive. Additionally, they shared how their own experience as students shaped where they are today. Students needing help of any kind can reach them at (510) 986-6929 or (510) 464-3284, even if it is to get information about tutoring, counseling, or even student clubs! The entire interview may be found at https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk.

Celebrating graduates and talking about the Umoja Program at Laney was the order of the day for the next episode, with boisterous laughter also appearing throughout the show. Special thanks to Program Specialist Shanice Millican and soon-to-be HBCU transferee Yemisi Obalade. Also pictured along with Shanice, Yemisi, and President Rudy are Alison Fletcher and Randi Cross.

This article is an excerpt 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, June 13, 2023. To view the report as a pdf, click here.