Oakland, June 29, 2023

Dear Peralta Community,

Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the admissions systems used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill illegally violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively overturning Affirmative Action programs. This is an unfortunate decision.

Over 400 High School and Middle Students Visit CoA ACCESO Center

CoA’s ACCESO Center hosted over 450 students from eight Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) high schools and middle schools in the past academic year. Participating schools included: Castlemont High School (OUSD), Encinal Middle School (AUSD), Oakland International High School (OUSD), Life Academy High School (OUSD), Alameda Community Learning Center (AUSD), NEA Community Learning Center (AUSD), and The Unity Council of Oakland (OUSD).

The Class of 2023 Celebrates In-Person for the First Time Since 2019

This year the College of Alameda’s Class of 2023 celebrated Commencement and Transfer Events fully in person for the first time since 2019. On May 18, 2023, 44 students participated in the College’s Transfer Event. Students received gifts, a cupcake decorated with the name of their transfer schools, and a special outdoor display of all of the schools that they are transferring to. CoA counselors Maha Elaidy, Vivian Virkkila, and Student Accessibility Services Director Rachel Goodwin greeted students and their families. Each of the students rang a ceremonial bell as they departed the event.

College of Alameda celebrated its 2023 graduates with a fully in-person event on May 26 on the CoA soccer field. The commencement ceremony included speeches from Acting CoA President Dr. Diana Bajrami, incoming President of the Faculty Senate of College of Alameda Jennifer Fowler, and Valedictorian Verlie Carmack Collins.

College of Alameda scholars Nickesha Brice, Jaqueline Torres, and Macarena Valenzuela have each been awarded a full $1,500 scholarship to attend the American Association of University Women (AAUW) National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) at the University of Maryland in Baltimore on May 31, 2023.

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Peralta Board of Trustees approved Dr. Reza Majlesi as the dean of the STEM Division at College of Alameda. Dr. Reza Majlesi has served COA/PCCD in different roles over the last 15 years. In addition to being a part-time and tenured biology faculty, Dr. Majlesi has served as chair of the Biology/Kinesiology cluster and as a member of different participatory governance committees.  

More recently, Dr. Majlesi has served as the interim dean of the STEM Division and in this role has collaborated with student services and the Puente/Accesso program to provide programs and services that address inequalities in the field of STEM.  

In each of these roles, he has demonstrated dedication to academic excellence, commitment to equitable student success, and a commitment to STEM education. Dr. Majlesi is devoted to advancing the Guided Pathways work and working with faculty to ensure that the college offers innovative programs that will prepare students for success in STEM fields. Moreover, Dr. Majlesi is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and is committed to continuing to serve COA/PCCD and our communities.  
 
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Reza Majlesi on his appointment as the Dean of the STEM Division!

Alameda Chamber Lunch & Learn Seminar Features The Power of CoA

The Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance Education Program hosts a monthly seminar Lunch & Learn speaker series featuring guest presenters with essential knowledge on relevant business-related topics. On April 13, 2023, College of Alameda (CoA) Acting President Diana Bajrami was invited to present a seminar about the Power of CoA, focusing on how employers may recruit talent through the College's various internship, apprenticeship, and job placement services.

Dear COA family,

The Department of Ethnic Studies in collaboration with the Office of the President would like to wish our community a Joyful Celebration of the Asian Pacific Islander and DESI American (APIDA) Month.

Students from the College of Alameda Umoja program came together to create a sense of community and camaraderie on campus while enjoying a movie day. The students loved the event and are looking forward to even more exciting occasions in the future. Food, entertainment, and laughing were all in attendance. The event was organized by Umoja Counselor Valarie Carey and attended by students Saji Muanza, Chanceline Zannou, Muhammad, and Kholood B.