Merritt College Celebrates 40-Year Legacy with Oakland PAL Track Meet

Merritt College recently commemorated our long-standing partnership with a remarkable community organization led by one of our most beloved colleagues. On Saturday, March 22, the Oakland Police Activities League (PAL) celebrated 40 years of track and field by holding its annual Oakland PAL Community Meet here at the College. Ms. Margaret Dixon, our retired Administration of Justice Professor, former OPD officer, and founder of the Oakland PAL track team, hosted this event that drew over 300 young athletes from across the Bay Area. The meet also served as a reunion of sorts, as more than 70 former Oakland PAL alumni showed up in support. We are extremely proud and appreciative of our ongoing connection with Oakland PAL since so many of these young people eventually found their way to Merritt classes over the years. Moreover, this relationship underscores our commitment to being the College in the Community rather than just another community college!

Merritt College Hosts Regional Basic Needs Summit

Last week Merritt College hosted the regional meeting of the Alameda County Public Higher Education Basic Needs Alliance (APHEBNA), which brought together Basic Needs and Student Services representatives from Laney, BCC, College of Alameda, Merritt, Las Positas, Chabot, Contra Costa, Diablo Valley College, Cal State East Bay, Chico State, and UC Berkeley. Attendees engaged in community building and group exercises, where they reflected on the achievements, challenges, and student-impact stories at their respective campuses. We were also appreciative of Chancellor Gilkerson joining the discussion, as groups worked on developing "Roadmaps to Success," and identifying key milestones and processes to guide the alliance’s collaborative efforts for the coming year. The day ended with our Basic Needs Coordinator Susana Abdurahman leading a tour of the Merritt Basic Needs Center. Great job, and big shout out to her and the team!

Merritt College Classified Professional Staff Member of the Year

Finally, I am pleased to announce that after due consideration of the nominations submitted by Merritt Classified Staff, Ms. Jamila Saleh has been selected as our Classified Professional Staff Member of the Year. The recognition is an acknowledgment of her exceptional job performance and dedication in the various roles she has held during her employment tenure. In her role as the Executive Assistant for the Office of the Vice President of Student Services, Jamila not only excels in her core responsibilities, but goes above and beyond by extending her support to other service areas, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the entire department. Additionally, Jamila has been instrumental in supporting the IEPI (Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative) grant, where she successfully helped implement initiatives that have had a positive impact on Merritt College’s student services and institutional goals.

Please join me in congratulating Jamila!