Your Monthly Update for March 2024 | |
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Dear Pirate Crew,
Spring typically has the promise of sunshine and warmer weather. This year, Punxsutawney Phil groundhog predicted an early spring for 2024. Not sure if his prediction will be correct due to the massive amount of rain and mountain snow that we have seen this year? However, the news article claims that “the furry friend has been accurate more than 80% of the time dating back to the first Groundhog Day…in 1981.” Fingers crossed for spring flowers soon.

As a college president, I have the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of education every day. As I start to advance towards my retirement and reflect, there is one issue that continues to bear upon my mind: the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, it is crucial to acknowledge the progress women have made and reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality in leadership.
Throughout history, women have confronted systematic barriers to leadership roles, including limited access to education, discriminatory hiring practices, and societal norms favoring male leadership. In our nation's leadership, progress for women in executive roles has been gradual. A significant milestone was reached on January 20, 2021, when Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and woman of color to serve as vice president. Despite these challenges, women have persistently broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings, demonstrating their capability and resilience across diverse fields.
In higher education, we have seen strides in increasing the representation of women in executive leadership roles. However, there is still a long way to go. According to a study by the American Council on Education, women make up only 30% of college and university presidents and men continue to outnumber women significantly. This underrepresentation not only limits the diversity of perspectives at the leadership level but also sends a message to young women that their leadership potential is limited. Furthermore, current presidents do not mirror the student body demographics at colleges and universities.
In my role, I am committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive and lead. I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that women in leadership can have on our students, faculty, and community. It is time for us to break down the barriers that hold women back and create a future where leadership is truly inclusive and representative of our diverse society.
This Women's History Month, let us celebrate the achievements of women in leadership and recommit ourselves to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all. Together, we can break barriers and empower women to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Articles/Studies:
· Women in Leadership: Challenges and Recommendations
· The American College President
Best wishes,
Kim
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Koffee with Kim
- Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. in Guthrie Hall
Captain’s Chat
- Wednesday, April 17 at 2:30 p.m.
Celebration of Successes
- End of Year Celebration & Retiree Recognition – Thursday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m.
- Commencement - Friday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m.
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In honor of Women's History Month, this month's highlights feature four amazing women on our campus. This month's highlights include: Maria G Crisosto Calderon - Classified, Basic Needs Specialist, Devin Varela - Student Employee, Marketing Department, Jennifer Kagawa - Faculty, ESL instructor at VCEC, and Vanessa Stotler - Administrator, Director of Outreach and Marketing. | |
Maria G Crisosto Calderon - Classified | |
Jennifer Kagawa - Faculty | |
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Celebrating Excellence: VCCCD's Classified Employees of the Year
At the March VCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, we had the privilege of recognizing four Classified Employees of the Year. These individuals were honored for their outstanding achievements, serving as examples of dedication and excellence in their respective roles.
The awardees are:
- Brian Derderian - VCCCD District Administrative Center
- Kristin Robinson - Moorpark College
- Fidelia Flores - Oxnard College
- Erika Hurtado - Ventura College
Fidelia Flores from Oxnard College has been selected as the Classified Employee of the Year to represent VCCCD. Fidelia's dedication and contributions make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. Join us in celebrating these exceptional Classified Employees of the Year as they continue to exemplify the spirit of excellence and service at VCCCD. Photo L to R: Dr. Rick MacLennan (VCCCD Chancellor), Brian Derderian (DAC), Kristin Robinson (MC), Erika Hurtado (VC), Fidelia Flores (OC), Bernardo Perez (VCCCD Board of Trustees, Chair)
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Ventura College Outreach on the Move During Higher Education Week
Outreach team has done an incredible job of meeting with hundreds of local students. They visited nine high schools in three days! Great work, team!
Day 1: Ventura, Pacifica, and Oxnard
Day 2: Adolfo Camarillo, Hueneme, and Channel Islands
Day 3: Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Rio Mesa
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CDC Grand Opening of Outdoor Classroom
The Child Development Center marked a milestone last month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the the opening of its outdoor classroom. The yard buzzed with excitement as children, families, center teachers, directors, deans, and executives gathered to witness this momentous occasion. The newly installed shade structures add an architectural aesthetic and highlight the center's dedication to creating a comfortable, protected space for children.
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Coach Steve Mooshagian Honored
Ventura College's football community is brimming with pride as Coach Steve Mooshagian is inducted into the California Community Colleges Football Association Hall of Fame. This well-deserved recognition not only celebrates his outstanding contributions to VC but also serves as a testament to the impact he has had on the lives of those he has coached. Please join us as we congratulate Steve and commemorate his remarkable legacy!
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Ventura County Office of Education’s 805 Industry Day at Ventura College
This month we hosted 805 Industry Day to share information about our Career Education programs with local school counselors and administrators. There were presentations from CE faculty, and tours of our programs including diesel mechanics, emergency medical technician, water science, agriculture, and child development.
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Our First Lawyer Mentoring Event Was a Success!
Thank you to the 16 lawyers who gave up their Friday evening to attend a Lawyer Mentoring event sponsored by Ventura College’s Pathway to Law School. We had 22 students in attendance who had opportunities to talk to lawyers from various fields of law including Claudia Bautista, Public Defender and Stephen Slyker, Prosecutor. The lawyers spoke directly with students offering them tips and advice on how to go to law school and work in the field of law. Several students signed Lawyer Mentoring Agreements with the lawyers who agreed to mentor them so that they can go to law school. Stephen Slyker and Daniel Gonzalez, co-coordinators discussed program purpose and Dr. Marian Carrasco Nungaray explained the program requirements on how to transfer to universities and colleges.
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Basic Needs Recognized at Bellwether Awards
The Ventura College Basic Needs Center (BNC) was honored as a 2024 Bellwether Award Top 10 Finalist for their entry entitled: The Ventura College Basic Needs Center Fosters Increased Student Success. Out of over 200 applications from community colleges around the country, the VC BNC was selected as one of the best programs in the nation. Led by Alma Rodriguez, financial aid officer and BNC lead, and supported by Maria Crisosto Calderon, Mark Huff, Jennifer Kalfsbeek-Goetz, Alina Leos, and Janeene Nagaoka, the BNC team inspired buzz at the event by showcasing how effective the BNC is in meeting the needs of the whole student, leading to higher success rates. Successes shared at the conference include: BNC participants have a 25 percent higher Fall-Spring persistence rate than those who do not visit the BNC; BNC participants take on average one additional course each semester than those not using the BNC – allowing them to complete programs quicker; and, students who utilize BNC services earn more Bs and As in their classes. Despite not securing the top prize, the BNC's impact on student success was evident, demonstrating the importance of holistic support services.
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Congratulations to our Dean's List Students!
Last month, more than 300 students were honored for their academic achievements in our Dean’s List celebration for spring and fall 2023. Approximately 1,000 people including family and friends attended the event. Our Deans played a role in planning and organizing the event. Campus colleagues volunteered to greet students and their families, hand out the certificates and pins, and read names. Student Trustee Damaris Figueroa attended to represent the VCCCD Board, Dean Aaron Jones emceed the event, and VPAA Jennifer Kalfsbeek-Goetz gave the keynote address. She told the honorees that they were in the top 6 percent of the college by earning this honor and that this achievement highlights the fact that they are future leaders and are likely to transfer to their preferred universities.
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Shop for Free Office Furniture!
Browse for office furniture March 18 and 19. Selected items will be tagged and delivered to your VC classroom and/or office space during Spring Break. No appointment is needed. Please bring a tape measure, post-it note, pen and your space dimensions. All Ventura College Classified Professionals, Faculty & Administrators are invited. Call FM&O for questions 805-289-6340
March 18 & 19 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Wright Event Center
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Diversity in Culture Festival Event Highlight - Save the Date
Don't miss the opportunity to join a Zoom chat with Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author of "Braiding Sweetgrass." Her book has been chosen as our One-Book, One-Campus book for the year. This talk explores the dominant themes of the book which include the cultivation of a reciprocal relationship with the living world. Listeners are invited to consider what we might learn if we understood plants as our teachers, from both a scientific and an indigenous perspective. Please attend and invite your students and student workers. April 10 | 1 p.m. | Zoom
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Culture Festival - April 10 and 11
The 8th Annual Diversity in Culture Festival is right around the corner! Join us for presentations, workshops, performances, student clubs, community organizations, food, and a cultural marketplace. Don't miss the Student Poetry Slam with award winning spoken word artist, Joaquin Zihuatanejo. The event is open to the campus and community.
For more information, please contact Gigi Fiumerodo at mtfiumerodo@vcccd.edu
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Ventura College Pirate Days are coming!
Pirate Days will be held on six Thursdays this spring: March 28, April 11, April 18, April 25, May 2, and May 9. A partnership across multiple student affairs departments, Pirate Days bring graduating seniors from feeder high schools to the Ventura campus to receive an abbreviated ed plan, learn about campus resources, and experience student life all in an effort to prepare them for success at VC. In spring 2023 over 750 seniors participated.
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Help Us Plan for the 100 Year Celebration!
In 2025 Ventura College will celebrate its 100 year anniversary. Are you interested in helping plan a year of celebrations? We need you! Please contact Vanessa Stotler at vstotler@vcccd.edu and let's get this party started!
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Professional Development
Ventura College is happy to bring Professional Development opportunities to staff, faculty, and administration to help develop new skills and stay up to date on current trends that are always evolving within our campus community. Upcoming event information can be found in the Classified Professional Development Corner, SharePoint, and the Master Calendar.
Upcoming Events
- March 20 Classified Lunch & Learn
- April 4 Classified Professional Spring Retreat
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April 10 & 11 - Diversity in Culture Festival
- April 17 Classified Lunch & Learn
On-Going
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State Vision Resource Center: The Vision Resource Center is a portal for professional development and colleague connection throughout all of California’s Community Colleges.
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USC Race and Equity Center: The Alliance unites community colleges across the state of California for high-quality professional learning experiences on an array of racial equity topics.
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Showcasing the people, initiatives, and breakthroughs at Ventura College that are helping to lay the foundation for a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus.
- As part of the Student Equity Plan in collaboration with Hanover Research VC conducted fifteen in-depth interviews with faculty and staff members from eight academic and support units across Ventura College.
- As part of the Student Equity Plan in collaboration with Hanover Research VC will conduct in-depth student focus groups later this semester.
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Spring is here and it's a great time to get out for a walk! Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour, there's a route for you. Grab a co-worker and start planning your next walk!
- Brisk walking helps reduce body fat and lower blood pressure
- Walking can help decrease the risk of heart attack and bone fracture
- Brisk walking can reduce depression and improve cancer survival rates
- This map can be found at the bottom of the Student Health Center webpage
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Acknowledge the great work of your peers! A "Pirate Treasure" is a way to recognize colleagues and say thank you for outstanding support to our college community. | |
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