Long Beach City College Alumni Newsletter
January 2018

Happy New Year! 

Message from the Assistant Director,  
Alum n i Development
 
Dear Alumni,
 
At the start of each new year I find myself reflecting on the past year's successes, as well as challenges we faced personally, with friends, family, and community .  I am optimistic for the coming year and look forward to embracing all the opportunities 2018 has to offer. I feel blessed to make this journey surrounded by so many wonderful present and past students of Long Beach City College.
 
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a phone banking campaign to call current students to remind them to enroll in our Spring Semester.  I left numerous messages, but was touched by those with whom I had personal contact.  The energy and enthusiasm that I felt on many of those calls made me realize why I do this job.  I was not alone, but surrounded by faculty and staff also connecting with our students, which reflects the common goal of our Viking Community and the commitment to supporting the success of our students. 
 
I look forward to this new year and the opportunity to meet and connect with more of you, our collective alumni and continue to foster the support for LBCC.
 
Warmly, 
   
Jennifer Bourgeois
Assistant Director, Alumni Development 

Alumni Spotlight:  James Benton (Ben) Souders
 
In November we lost a great Viking warrior alum, James Ben Souders who passed away at age 86 after a long illness.  "Benny" was born in El Dorado, Kansas in 1931 and moved to Long Beach with his family in 1940.  Ben grew up in Long Beach, and after graduating Long Beach Poly in 1949, he went on to play baseball for Joe Hicks at Long Beach City College.  After LBCC he attended Fresno State University, where he continued to play baseball and was an outstanding pitcher, graduating in 1953.  After college, he became an elite softball player for the Long Beach Nitehawks and Lakewood Jets, among other teams.

Ben was proud of his 30 year career with the Long Beach Fire Department and served as Fire Chief from 1984-1988.  Ben was a long-time teacher of Fire Science at Long Beach City College and was a mentor to many young Vikings, inspiring them to join the brotherhood of firefighters.

Ben served on the board of the Long Beach chapter of the American Red Cross for many years after retirement.  He was a generous financial supporter of LBCC Athletics and the College Promise.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joan, son Jim and two stepchildren.


Athletics Update:
 
Women's Basketball
The No. 14 women's basketball team lost to the No. 11 East Los Angeles Huskies on Wednesday evening, January 10th, 69-58 in their home opener of the 2017-18 campaign.
 
On January 12th, the Vikings defeated Pasadena College 68-61 at El Camino College.  
 
Men's Basketball
The men's basketball team are off to a great start and defeated the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners 85-78 on Friday evening in the Hall of Champions. The Vikings outshot their opponents in field goals and in three pointers to help seal their second consecutive victory.
 
For more on LBCC Athletics and schedules... 

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2018 Hall of Fame Nominations

We need your help!  Our 2018 Hall of Fame is in the works and are looking for 4-5 candidates to join the ranks of the LBCC Hall of Fame Inductees.  Please stop by the Foundation and fill out a form, or click below to print out a copy of the form and return to Jennifer at the Foundation to get your nomination considered.  The deadline for nominations is March 30, 2018.  
 
Alumni Survey Deadline January 31st!
 
There is still time to complete our LBCC Alumni survey.  If you have yet to do so, please select the link below to complete our LBCC Alumni survey by January 31, 2018.  Your feedback if very important to us!  Four participants will win a $50 Amazon gift card!  Thank you!
Be a part of the "Walk of Honor"

The brick walkway in front of the LAC Auditorium provides you with an opportunity to make a unique and charitable imprint at LBCC. Your $150.00 tax-deductible gift will get your name and special message, major, graduation date, etc. etched in your personal brick, as well as support the LBCC Alumni Association.   You can either download this form and return to the Foundation or select below to order online. 
You don't want to miss this!
March 23, 2018
Library/Learning Resources Spring Fundraiser
Author Richard Montalvo, Jr.  
Wings of Armageddon
LBCC Bistro
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
Grab your clubs and friends and join us for a day of fun!

May 10, 2018
LBCC 35th Annual Golf Tournament
Recreation Park
1:00 p.m. shotgun
 

LBCC State of the College Address

Mark your calendars for the upcoming State of the College Address.

Friday, February 2, 2018
11:30 am
LAC Hall of Champions Gym

If you would like to RSVP for this event, contact Katherine Conchada at (562) 938-3177.
Upcoming Career Workshop

On January 22, 2018 and January 31, 2018, the Career Development Center is hosting Career Workshops for undecided and undeclared students in LAC's A-1097.  All workshops will be from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. For more information, contact Michael Hubbard at (562) 938-4850 or [email protected].
Support the LBCC Alumni Association by joining, renewing your membership, or making a gift today!
  Long Beach City College  Alumni Association | 562.938.4317 | [email protected] | lbcc.edu/alumni
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