A spirit of pride and collaboration filled the air on January 28th as Laney College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the stunning Tiny House crafted by its talented Carpentry students. Under the expansive Construction Canopy, students, faculty, and community members gathered to witness the culmination of months of dedication and hard work.
L to R: Collete Cann, Rafasz Sanhueza, Wei Li King, Federico Pisant, and Marian Sun
The event, celebrating the incredible craftsmanship of Laney's Carpentry students, showcased the Tiny House before its significant donation to the Winnemem Wintu Tribe.
President Dr. Rudy Besikof described the ceremony as a resounding success, highlighting the project's profound impact."This Tiny House is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the dedication of our students," Dr. Besikof stated. "It's a tangible example of how education can translate into real-world skills and meaningful contributions to our community."
Carpentry Department Chair Karl Seelbach and CTE Dean Alejandria Tomas were also present to commend the students on their exceptional achievement. They emphasized Laney College's unwavering commitment to providing students with practical, career-technical education that fosters skill development, employability, and a sense of social responsibility. Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson and Board of Trustees President (and former Laney College CTE faculty member) Louis Quindlen also took part in the celebration.
L to R: Karl Seelbach, Dr. Rudy Besikof, Matthew Wolpe, Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, and a representative from the Winnemem Wintu Tribe
Attendees enjoyed light refreshments and the opportunity to connect with fellow community members, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment. The Tiny House itself served as a powerful centerpiece, its meticulous construction and thoughtful design reflecting the dedication and skill of the students who brought it to life.
Students who worked on the Tiny House including Collete Cann, Rafasz Sanhueza, Wei Li King, Federico Pisant, and Marian Sun, were given the opportunity to speak and each expressed pride in their work, gratitude for the experience, and excitement for a future in the building trades.
The donation of the Tiny House to the Winnemem Wintu Tribe underscores the project's commitment to cultural respect and community support. This meaningful collaboration serves as a shining example of how education can build bridges and create lasting positive change.
Students interested in the Laney College Carpentry program should visit the website at https://laney.edu/cte/carpentry.
