Merritt Faculty Attends CCCAOE Conference

The California Community College Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE) is a state-wide, membership-driven organization of career educators, faculty, staff, and administrators, with a focus on shaping career education throughout California. A few weeks ago, they held their Annual Fall Conference down in Palm Springs and Merritt sent a team of faculty leaders and administrators to attend. Our very own VPAS Marie Amboy serves on the Board for CCCAOE as the Regional Vice President representing the SF/Bay region. The Fall Conference theme was Superpowers United: Embracing Diversity, Amplifying Impact, and Shaping the Future, and the focus was on highlighting the innovative work happening in Career Education across the state. Our team had the opportunity to learn about new funding opportunities coming down from the Chancellor’s Office, as well as learn from colleagues about new and innovative ways to address low enrollments and maximize earnings through the SCFF. Here is a quote from one of the attendees:

"As a first-time CCCAOE conference attendee, I felt informed, inspired, and—honestly—overwhelmed. We have substantial work ahead to advance workforce opportunity and mobility. However, I will return to my college bolstered by the knowledge that colleagues and partners across the state are asking the hard questions, offering guidance and support, and striving in solidarity for a brighter economic future for our students. I look forward to the next conference to share ideas and stories."

- Nghiem Thai, Librarian and CE Faculty Coordinator

We are delighted that our team came back to Merritt refreshed, energized, and better prepared to serve our students.

Merritt Celebrates Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos

Merritt College was pleased to organize two special events: the Children’s Halloween March and Puente’s Dia De Los Muertos event. In the case of the former, the Child Development faculty-led children who attend our lab school to the library and the student services offices. At the library, they met our dear librarian Ms. Adoria Williams, who read them a story and gifted them cool bookmarks and rubber duckies. They then were escorted by Ree'shemah Thornton, the Dean of Enrollment Services, through the offices of the R Building, where joyful and kind staff, faculty, and students provided them with sweets. When the children were picked up by their families, they shared the smiles and yummy treats we gave them, so thank you to all who sent them home with their hearts warmed and full.

At the Dia De Los Muertos ceremony students and staff were drawn by the rhythmic sounds of drums and the chachayotes (Náhuatl) worn by La Danza dancers. The aromatic smell of burning sage filled the air as professors Isela Santana and Alejandro Garcia, as well as former and current Puentistas created an inclusive environment to help heal and strengthen our communities who are navigating through grief and honoring those who have gone on before us. We appreciate the Puentistas who worked collaboratively with Puente advisors Jose Salcedo and Sabina Letang to honor loved ones and mentors who have contributed so much to our lives.