Laney College President's Report – May 14, 2024

Laney Custodial Staff Earns Inaugural Award

On April 26, 2024, Laney College Custodial staff were recognized with the first “Above and Beyond” Award at the College’s Employee Appreciation event. While individuals are recognized each year with the “We Rise” employee awards, this new distinction will now recognize one entire unit or office at the College that teams up to support students and the campus community at a level of excellence.

Thank you to the Laney College custodial staff, for your unwavering dedication and for exemplifying the true spirit of teamwork and service! Also, special thanks to Hope Lane, Elena Sanchez, Kinetta Barnett, Janice Browne, Moussey Tariku, and all who made Employee Appreciation 2024 a success.

Clean Slate Event Offers Support to Present, Future Students

On May 7th, 2024 Laney College's Restoring Our Communities (ROC) Program hosted a Criminal Records Relief event, partnering with four legal organizations: Alameda County Public Defender's Office Clean Slate Program, East Bay Community Legal Center, Root & Rebound and Legal Aid at Work. Designed to help both formerly incarcerated Laney College ROC students and local community members, record relief is an important remedy to various barriers to employment, housing, and more.

Since 2018, ROC has partnered with Clean Slate of Alameda County to remedy hundreds of records for students and has now added more partners to respond to a growing need. These events are much more than referrals and warm hand-offs-- they have become on-site clinics where students speak directly to an attorney and receive a legal service specific to their experience. These partnerships would be impossible without the continued support from both the Peralta Board of Trustees and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.

Student Club Raises Addiction Recovery Awareness through Film Screening, Discussion

An eye-opening discussion with ROC and the We Will Rise Recovery Club took place with a viewing and discussion of “The Anonymous People,” a documentary that sheds light on the journey of recovery and advocacy. This event was a must for Health Ed, COSER, Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology majors, as it explored the societal impact of addiction and recovery at an event that also featured some delicious food and drinks. For more information about Restoring our Communities or the We Will Rise student club, reach out to Vincent Garrett, Student Services Specialist at (510) 229-8859.

Laney Alumnus is Star of (NASA) Show

A guest speaker from NASA visited last Wednesday to discuss his work experience as an engineer. Miguel Guerrero-Gonzalez graduated from Laney College before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona to study Aerospace Engineering. Miguel graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2022 and is now a Resident Quality Engineer for Zin Technologies, powered by Voyager Space and NASA Launch Services Provider, Safety, and Mission Assurance. His lecture was part of Professor Mallory Barkdull’s class but was open for the Laney/Peralta community to attend.

Fair Showcases Work of Laney Undocumented Resource Center

The April 26 Undocu-Resource Fair was a gathering dedicated to supporting undocumented individuals and families, offering essential resources, and fostering community connections. Special thanks to Erandi Garcia, Liliana Moncada, and all who participated.

Attendees had access to legal assistance, educational opportunities, healthcare access, and mental health support. Alongside the sharing of vital information food was provided, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

Laney College CTE Rocks the (Open) House

On Saturday, April 29th, Laney College hosted its Annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Open House. It was a celebration of possibilities as we opened our doors to showcase the transformative power of Career and Technical Education programs where passion meets purpose, and dreams find their wings. Faculty across a myriad of disciplines, staff from the three divisions of the College, President Besikof, Vice President Opsata, and Trustees Quindlen and Gonzales Brito we among those on hand, with opening remarks provided by President Besikof and Raya Zion with the Employment Services Center.

Over 400 potential students, parents, and community partners were in attendance. In addition, 10 industry and community partners, including labor unions, tabled to demonstrate how our certificates and degrees lead to fulfilling careers. With about 100 Laney College employees supporting the event, students were able to register on the spot. Over the weekend, Laney College gained 240 new students and 537 seat enrollments for the Fall 2024 semester. We also gained 225 new students and 316 seat enrollments for the Summer 2024 session.

Special thanks to Raya Zion, Alejandria Tomas, Kim Gonzales, and all of the faculty and staff who once again made this Laney-distinctive event a success that provided opportunity to students and the greater Oakland community.

Laney Represented as Peralta Celebrates The AAPI Graduating Class of 2024

The AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) graduation ceremony celebrates the achievements and contributions of students from Asian American and Pacific Islander backgrounds as they complete their academic journey at Peralta Colleges.

It’s a vibrant and culturally rich event where graduates, adorned in traditional attire or academic regalia, are honored for their hard work and dedication. The ceremony includes cultural performances, speeches from community leaders, and the presentation of special awards, highlighting the unique experiences and accomplishments of AAPI graduates. Family, friends, and community members gathered to share in the joy and pride of these graduates, fostering a sense of unity and celebration within the AAPI community.