Laney College Takes Convention Center by Storm at 21st Annual Oakland Black Colleges Expo

Laney College was among the approximately 100 higher education institutions to feature its programs at the National College Resources Foundation’s Black Colleges Expo on February 18. The day featured many events and speakers (including Councilmember and Laney College Champion Treva Reid, pictured below with President Besikof), along with a concert-style dance jam that had hundreds of area high schoolers, parents, and supporters dancing on the convention center floor.

COA Music Professor Glen Pearson Wins a 2024 Grammy Award

COA Music Professor and Performing Artist Glen Pearson, alongside the esteemed Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Music Director Scotty Barnhart, achieved the pinnacle of recognition in the music industry by clinching the Grammy Award for “Basie Swings the Blues” in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album category.

Black History Month and Lunar New Year Celebrations Continue at Berkeley City College

Berkeley City College’s joint celebration of Black History Month and Lunar New Year continued with a packed two weeks of events during college hours in the BCC Atrium. On Tuesday, February 13 the Oakland Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club visited Berkeley City College.

Merritt Hosts Landscape Horticulture Tour

On Wednesday, January 31, Merritt's Landscape Horticulture Coordinator Molly Sealund led a tour of 50 seventh graders from Ascend Middle School.

Laney College Joins Community Partners at the Oakland Chinatown Lunar Year Bazaar

For the third consecutive year, Laney College participated in the Oakland Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar on January 27 and 28. Our warmest thanks to the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce for inviting Laney to their 32nd year of holding this wonderful event. Activities included tabling as part of as well as remarks offered by President Besikof.

Chancellor Gilkerson Explores Innovation at College of Alameda

On Friday, January 12, 2024, College of Alameda students, faculty, and staff were delighted to welcome Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson for a special visit to the campus. The day commenced with meetings with COA's administrative team and leaders of student, faculty, and classified professional constituency groups, offering a platform for introductions and direct exchange of ideas with the diverse voices that contribute to COA's unique identity.

Black History Month and Lunar New Year at Berkeley City College

Berkeley City College will be kicking off its first-ever joint celebration of Black History Month and Lunar New Year with events hosted in the atrium all through this month. The opening event was held on Thursday, February 8 with President Denise Richardson providing opening remarks, followed by music, a slideshow, and a preview of upcoming events.

Merritt College Hosts Two Community Connection Events

Merritt College recently hosted two events focusing on community connection and underscoring to young people the value of attending college. On Thursday, January 11th the Youth Exposure and Axcess Hub (YEAH) and Merritt Women's Basketball program brought 200 OUSD and SFUSD middle school students to campus for a college fair.

Not Even Rain Can Dampen On-Campus Enrollment Efforts

On January 13th and 20th, Laney College staff, counselors, classroom faculty, and administrators continued the tradition of holding this successful onsite registration event for returning students and the public. Despite inclement weather, the College’s One-Stop planning group managed to offer all pre-semester services while providing breakfast, and even in a downpour, students still took advantage.

Marketing and Outreach Efforts Boost “Spring is Free” Enrollment Results

In an effort to promote the “Spring is Free” initiative for students enrolled in six or more units, the College of Alameda has ramped up its marketing and outreach activities. Working in collaboration with the District Public Information Office to promote Spring is Free @ PCCD, the College of Alameda launched an extensive advertising campaign in November.