Merritt Landscape Horticulture Complex Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On Tuesday, September 4, our Merritt College family, district leadership and support team, students, community members, and architectural/construction partners came together to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the Landscape Horticulture Complex! This new facility is not only a stunning building—grand in design and innovative in function—but it is also a living testament to Merritt’s commitment to the community we serve. It is a place where education, sustainability, and opportunity will flourish together for generations to come.
The project is the culmination of committed and directed effort, so I want to take a moment to recognize the faculty—specifically Chris Grampp and Laura Forlin—whose dedication and imagination many years ago first planted the seed for this project. Molly Sealund and Nia Hill also deserve special recognition for their contributions. To our District Leadership—our Chancellor, our Board of Trustees, and all those who supported this endeavor—thank you for believing in Merritt and for ensuring that this project was carried forward with purpose and commitment. And of course, our deepest appreciation goes to the architects, builders, and everyone on the planning and construction teams. Their skill, craftsmanship, and diligence are evident in every space and detail of the facility.
Merritt College Launches New Website
We are thrilled to announce that Merritt College’s new website officially launched on August 19! We are now positioned to better serve students, faculty, staff, and community partners, and we’re excited to see how it will enhance access to programs, services, and resources. The redesigned site offers a fresh look and major improvements, including:
This project was the result of a year of thoughtful planning and hard work. We extend our sincere appreciation to the District Communications Office and to former student worker Kay Umaporn, whose dedication and attention to detail made this migration possible. Together, they carefully reviewed the extensive content on our previous site, collaborated with many across the College, and successfully transitioned us to the HubSpot platform. The District Communications Office is continuing to test and refine the site to ensure the best possible experience for students, employees, and community members. Thank you for your patience, feedback, and support during this important upgrade.
Merritt Alumni Spotlight: Marvin Sadler
In closing, I would like to share with you the testimony of a former Merritt student. I met Mr. Marvin Sadler a couple of weeks ago, as he was roaming the campus. We struck up a conversation and he told me that he attended Merritt College years ago, and that his time on this campus had a profound impact on his education and life. When I asked him what he might say to our current students, classified staff, faculty, and administrators, here is what he conveyed:
“Everyone experiences a moment(s) in their lives when someone or something sparks their inner flame. The flame illuminates the pathway of next steps, unlocking potential, creating clarity, and serving as an adrenal boost of empowerment.
I am a former student of Merritt College, who served as part of the Associated Students of Merritt College (ASMC) from 1999 to 2001. One of our most memorable accomplishments was getting the Board of Trustees to approve the Dr. Huey P Newton and Bobby Seale Student Lounge Memorial plaque. My time at Merritt helped this eager East Oakland young man to understand that there were an infinite number of opportunities out there for students like me.
After finishing my Associate's Degree at Merritt College, I transferred to an HBCU (Langston University) to complete a Bachelor's, then later a Master's Degree. Today, I am entering my fifteenth year of proudly working in a Community College in Portland, Oregon, helping to guide, advise, and motivate the next generation of community college students. Thank you to all those involved for igniting my spark and illuminating my pathway. I know that Oakland shaped me, but the catalyst was Merritt College!
With Sincere Gratitude and Love to Oakland and Peralta Community College District.”
This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. David M. Johnson, Merritt College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. To view it as a PDF, click here.