Under the open skies of the UC Berkeley Memorial Glade on May 21, 2026, Berkeley City College (BCC) dismissed its latest class of graduates into the world. It wasn't just a celebration of final exams passed and credits earned; it was a testament to boundary-pushing resilience. Guided by the poignant, student-selected theme, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”, the commencement ceremony honored a massive, record-breaking cohort poised to shake up academia and industry alike.
The energy on the Laney College football field was electric as family, friends, faculty, and community partners gathered to honor the incredible journeys of the Class of 2026. This wasn’t just a graduation; it was a mass celebration of collective triumph, stubborn resilience, and the deep-seated Oakland pride that defines the Laney spirit.
On April 22, Adult Education project manager Nik Howell and faculty member Marla Leech led a group of Laney College students on an inspiring behind-the-scenes tour of the KQED headquarters in San Francisco. The visit was more than just a tour; it was an exciting opportunity to see the "Peralta-to-professional" pipeline in action.
The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) proudly announces that all four of its colleges – Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College – have been designated as Black-Serving Institutions (BSI), a state recognition for colleges and universities that demonstrate excellence in supporting Black and African American students.
Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson is featured in a two-part episode of the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast, exploring California’s new Black-Serving Institution (BSI) designation. This significant legislation, Senate Bill 1348, allows community colleges with a substantial Black student population (10% or 1,500 students) to seek BSI status. Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College are included among the California Community Colleges that meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the designation.
Congratulations to Dr. Denise Richardson, President of Berkeley City College, and her co-author, Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President of Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, for the publication of their article in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national magazine with over 35,000 readers.
