The first ever Peralta Pumpkin Pursuit 5K Run & Walk, a fundraiser benefiting the Peralta Colleges Foundation, was held on October 18, 2025, a crisp sunny Saturday morning at Merritt College in the Oakland Hills. It might have been the first, but it won't be the last as too much fun was had by all who participated!

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.

Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson and the District Service Center (DSC) leadership team completed their district-wide tour on September 10-11, visiting Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College, with an encore presentation at the District Service Center on October 9, 2025. The roadshow provided a direct channel for communication with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators, focusing on strategic planning and new initiatives designed to unify and strengthen the district. 

Over 70 leaders from the Peralta Community College District gathered in the Atrium on Friday, September 5th, for the Fall 2025 Shared Governance Summit. The Summit marked the formal launch of the District’s strategic planning to create a unified, equity-centered institution that prioritizes student success.

Peralta Community College District employees recently gathered at Merritt College for a dynamic and engaging Flex Day focused on professional development. Organized by district-wide Professional Development Co-Coordinators Chelsea Cohen and Marla Leech, the event was yet another resounding success, bringing together educators from across the district to enhance their skills and prep for the Fall semester.

OAKLAND, CA — On September 2, 2025, the Peralta Community College District and Merritt College celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Horticulture Complex on the beautiful campus in the Oakland Hills. Funded by the generous support of northern Alameda County voters through Bond Measure G, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for education, sustainability, and innovation for generations to come.

At the August 14th District-wide Flex Day at Merritt College, Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson delivered a powerful and forward-looking address to faculty, classified professionals, and administrators. Her message was clear: it’s time to stop competing and start collaborating to better serve students across Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.  

We have more exciting news from Women’s History Month in March, this time focusing on honors for Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson.

Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, highlighted the celebration of Women's History Month across the district's colleges in her report to the Board of Trustees on April 8th. Following her March 8th report, which concluded with a video celebrating the women leading the Milvia Street construction project at Berkeley City College, the Chancellor noted that the recognition of women's contributions continued throughout March with various events.

Berkeley City College celebrated a milestone achievement in the construction of its new Berkeley City College West campus. One year after breaking ground on the project, the superstructure of the six-story, 60,000 square foot academic and administration building reached its highest point. To mark the occasion, Berkeley City College and Peralta Community College District leaders, students, faculty, and staff joined its construction partners Kitchell, XL Construction, and Ratcliff, and city leaders and community partners in signing a ceremonial beam.