Laney, OUSD Hold Well-Attended Manufacturing Day

On Thursday, October 10, Laney College welcomed 200 high school students from the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) for OUSD Manufacturing Day. The event took place in partnership with OUSD, the City of Oakland’s Economic and Workforce Development Office, and a wealth of industry leaders that included Brimstone, DOER, ERG Aerospace, and Gatorade/PepsiCo. As part of the day, students from seven high schools engaged in hands-on activities to explore advanced manufacturing pathways. Also, attendees were treated to rousing opening remarks from Dr. Gilkerson and Laney College leadership.

Laney showcased nine Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Architecture, Machining, Welding, Carpentry, and Culinary Arts. Students enjoyed CNC machining, laser engraving, and a snack-based tiny home design contest, among other creative activities.

A big thank you to Laney faculty, staff, and administration for making this event a success. We’re thrilled to help students discover the future of advanced manufacturing!

Students “Rush” to Join Clubs Thanks to ASLC

Laney College's Associated Students of Laney College (ASLC) recently held Club Rush events on the Quad to engage students and showcase the variety of student organizations on campus.

The events provided an opportunity for students to learn about and join clubs, fostering campus involvement and community building. With interactive booths and activities, students connected with club representatives, discovering ways to get involved in academic, cultural, and recreational organizations.

The events successfully promoted student engagement and highlighted the vibrant student life at Laney College. Special thanks to ASLC leaders and Director Atiya Rashada and staff!

“Throwvember” Event Bridges Laney Art Center, Students, Community

On November 1, Laney College’s Art Center hosted THROWvember, a lively community event that welcomed students, staff, and community members from 5-7 p.m.

Attendees brought dishes to share, participated in a spirited costume contest, and enjoyed beginner-friendly pottery challenges.

The event offered a fun, creative space for both familiar faces and newcomers to connect, marking a successful kickoff to community engagement at the Art Center.

Laney Building & Skilled Trades Continue Tiny House Project

Professor Matthew Wolpe (pictured in background, left) recently led Laney College Architecture students on a tour of the Tiny House project, a collaboration with Shelterwood Collective. The collaboration included Architecture Professor Barry Yu (pictured right), whose leadership has brought notable increases in enrollment since he started serving as Department Chair.

This project was skillfully built by students from Laney’s Beginning and Finish Carpentry programs, showcasing their craftsmanship and applied learning in sustainable design. Since the project’s inception, each semester has seen the razing and completion of homes that ultimately go out as finished projects as a direct means to combat housing insecurity. Integral to those efforts, even dating back to his time as a part-time instructor, has been Professor Wolpe, along with colleagues Cynthia Correia, Karl Seelbach, Myron Franklin, and many others across our Building and Skilled Trades programs at Laney.

Theatre Launches Performances of Jeffrey Lo Play

Laney College’s Theatre Arts Department presented A Kind of Sad Love Story by Jeffrey Lo, a heartfelt play exploring the complexities of life, love, and even car maintenance. The play explores the unique, memorable experience that comes with the bittersweet sides of relationships.

Performances ran at the Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center from October 30 to November 8, with matinees on select dates and evening shows on others. Attendees had the opportunity to make a freewill donation at the door.

Thanks to colleagues Ralph Peet, Michael Torres, and Alejandro Acosta, who continue to offer performances of distinction to our Laney and Oakland community that continue to draw attention from the acting and production milieu, attention that has led to career opportunities for students.

First Year Experience Program - 'Transfer Track'

On Tuesday, November 5th, students from the First Year Experience Program's 'Transfer Track' cohort, accompanied by Laney faculty member Steve Zetlan, toured the Cal State East Bay campus. Now in its second year, Laney’s new Transfer Track learning community supports a group of students who take their first-semester classes together and share the goal of transferring to a four-year university.

Readying itself for New Center, Laney Welcomes Business Community

On November 7, Laney College hosted a community conversation connecting its Business Department with area business leaders as the official opening of the Laney Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) nears.

Guests at the convening included students, leaders of the five multi-ethnic chambers in Oakland, the Small Business Administration (SBA), Alameda County’s Workforce Office, and Oakland Rotary #3. All contributed to a rich discussion about upcoming collaboration opportunities, especially in the new Center. Cristy Johnston-Limon, Deputy Director of the City of Oakland Workforce Development Division, served as the keynote for the event, and she spoke about her office’s efforts and vision for small business and entrepreneurship, in addition to future connections with Laney’s new center.

Special thanks to faculty and colleagues in the Business Department, Employment Services Center, and our campus community including Professors Kim Glosson, Kim Bridges, Frederick Jackson, Dean Tarek Eljarrari, Project Manager Raya Zion, Judy Mei, and Becky Opsata, who joined President Besikof in planning, coordinating and attending the event. Also, thanks to Director Sofia Navarro and her team in the city’s Workforce Development Office for their collaboration with us.

The College looks forward to the official Grand Opening of the Center in the coming months!

It’s Trick AND Treat for Kids at Halloween Event for Peralta’s Children’s Center

The Laney Children’s Center’s annual Halloween event was a delightful success, thanks to Laney and Peralta Colleges as well as student leaders from the Associated Students of Laney College (ASLC), all of whom volunteered to help create a spooky and fun atmosphere for the children. Dressed up and handing out treats, ASLC members played an active role in bringing the Halloween spirit to life. Adding to the excitement, attendees were surprised by a special appearance from the Laney Eagle mascot, with whispers that it may have been none other than President Besikof himself inside the costume (Such whispers may have been validated when the Laney Eagle finished in last place behind all of the children in the “Red Light, Green Light” race officiated by Athletic Director John Beam.).

This festive event not only provided joy for the kids and families but also underscored the commitment to community and engagement across campus.

This article is taken 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, November 12, 2024. To view it as a PDF, click here.