Laney Eagle’s Nest and Food Distribution – Fall 2023

As part of Laney’s continuing efforts to meet Student Basic Needs, the College has established a hub providing access to resources designed to keep them enrolled and successful in their academic pursuits. Named the Laney College Eagles Nest, this unique on-campus center fosters a culture of holistic well-being by helping to eliminate life barriers, such as food, housing, and economic injustice, that may jeopardize students’ academic and personal success.

Summer 2023 Enrollment

Summer 2023 is in full swing at Laney. The college is currently teaching 126 sections of classes, with a total of 3,041 students in them. This is an 8% growth over the number of students who took summer classes last year. Classes are being taught in all academic divisions, from African American Studies through Wood Tech. Particularly exciting are the career education courses that are being taught as part of the CE Summer Institute.

Acting on a petition from the renowned Lowell Observatory in Arizona, the International Astronomical Union officially named asteroid 1889TL34 as 28148 Fuentes, after Laney College Dean of Math and Sciences, Mr. Angel Fuentes Figueroa. “The totality of the body is in fact its own solar system orbiting the Sun forever named after me.” After capturing the body on his telescope, Fuentes notified his family in Puerto Rico immediately of the honor, mentioning that he was able to show his mother the asteroid immediately.

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.

Laney Student Honored with 2023 National Academy of Arts & Sciences Award

Laney College student Susan Bradley became the first student to ever be honored with the 2023 Governors Service Medallion Award by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). NATAS also serves as the organization that provides the Emmy Awards. Susan earned this honor thanks to her continual contribution as a photographer for NATAS, but only after three years of service.

KTVU - Oakland Has New Interim Fire Chief

Photo credit: Michael Moya

RAÍCES Latinx Graduation @ Laney College

Capping off a successful Spring 2023 semester, Laney College held its graduation fully in person. The graduation took place on May 26 at the Laney Field and included speeches from Laney President Dr. Rudy Besikof, Oakland City Council Member Treva Reid, and Valedictorian Kenneth Z. Lester.

Professor Mark Rauzon will be the seabird observer on a research expedition to the Bering Sea and beyond on a Canadian Ice Breaker. Leaving Victoria BC on July 5th, Prof. Rauzon will be collecting seabird distribution data when the ship is underway and when the ship is on station.