It has been a heavy season — in our region, in our nation, and in higher education itself. The deployment of federal agents to Coast Guard Island, the threats to undocumented and mixed-status families, and the dismantling of Federal programs like HSI, AANAPISI, and TRIO funding hit close to home. They are more than policy decisions; they are an assault on the very idea of education as liberation — as a pathway to belonging, dignity, and opportunity.

Laney College and Merritt College campuses were both filled with smiles, laughter, andharmless Halloween mischiefas children from the Childcare Centers participated in Halloween festivities. Dressed in adorable costumes - from superheroes and princesses to tiny pumpkins and firefighters - the children brightened everyone’s day as they made their rounds collecting candy and snacks. 

Editor's Update:  The article below was originally emailed to students and posted here on October 31st. As of November 7th, GOOD NEWS! CalFresh / SNAP / EBT benefits are becoming fully reinstated in California. You can read more about it from the California Governor's site here.

“Kudos to Ahyan Malik and Léo Migliaccio, who demonstrated their leadership by organizing a mixer for Associated Student Government leaders,” said Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, during her Report to the Board on October 14th. The mixer took place at Merritt College on Monday, October 6th, and included nearly 30 student participants from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.

The CIS/Cybersecurity Department brought the best of the industry to campus with a powerhouse Employers Day on Friday, October 3, 2025! 

Merritt College is embarking on a new digital chapter. The college has launched a completely redesigned website that sticks to its core mission: put students first. Making it easier than ever to access resources and support, the new website offers more accessibility than its predecessor.

Jasmine Bledsoe from Merritt College's Student Services Department shares her inspiring experiences at Merritt College. She emphasizes that it is an incredible opportunity for her to serve the community she grew up in and attended before transferring.

September District Service Center Roadshows

On September 10th and 11th, the District Service Center leadership joined me in visiting each of the colleges. It was a great experience engaging with colleagues about our strategic vision to create a unified, equity-centered district, streamlining programs, aligning resources, and forging clear, student-first pathways that remove barriers, accelerate success, and set a new standard for community college excellence.

Last month, three Peralta student leaders, Kosi Ugeh (Merritt College), Davina Malbrough (Merritt College), and Njemah Khan (College of Alameda), participated in the 2025 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.