October 17, 2022

When Engineering Instructor Melanie Lutz received an e-mail from the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District informing her about an internship opportunity, she immediately knew that it would be a perfect fit for SCC engineering major, Andrea Solis Olguin.

Andrea is an international student who is deeply committed to environmental science, the human landscape, and sustainability. She is also the President of the SCC Beta Mu Gamma chapter, and is co-founder of Solano Community College’s STEM Club. She engages in community work by volunteering at the local wildlife center, and will now be working as an Outreach Intern with the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District.

Her tasks as an intern with FSSD will revolve around engineering and nature-based solutions to resiliency projects taking place in Suisun City. She will be working with engineering firms and government entities to communicate resiliency efforts to community members in vulnerable areas that are susceptible to the effects of climate change. Andrea hopes to transfer to a four-year university in the fall, and eventually earn her Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

The Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District has evolved from being a technical engineering entity into a valuable resource manager, a partner in local economic development, and an active member of the watershed community. The District has taken numerous actions to shift traditional thinking about the way wastewater utilities are run. They strive to obtain as much energy as possible from waste products, and to obtain renewable energy through solar power, wind turbines, and cogeneration engines.

Congratulations to SCC alumna Briana Travis, who recently passed the National Board written and hands-on exams and is now officially a doctor of dentistry.

Briana attended SCC from 2010 -’13 and received three associate degrees in University Studies: Science & Quantitative Reasoning, General Science and Chemistry. She says she loved her time at SCC.

“I learned from my time at SCC to take advantage of the diversity of classes that are offered from Solano to really enrich myself in many different fields. I was able to take a Career and Life Planning class that really helped me get a grasp of what I wanted to do in the future as a career, and I was able to explore other fields before focusing on pre-dental work, such as astronomy. I also learned how to study at SCC and that foundation really helped me when it came to undergraduate, graduate, and pre-doctoral schooling,” she said.

After passing both the national licensing exam and the clinical exam, Briana says it’s a huge relief. “I am elated to have reached this goal that I have worked basically all of my academic life to achieve. I am very thankful for all of the people in my life who have supported me in this endeavor like my parents, my family, friends, and SCC which was the foundation of my college career.”

From SCC, Briana went on to San Jose State University where she earned a degree in Biological Sciences and then she earned a master’s degree from Midwestern University in Arizona, also in Biological Sciences and will receive her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from Midwestern in Illinois in the spring.

“I hope to eventually own my own practice in the future, but I am not sure which state I will practice in yet. I also hope to volunteer my time in the public health sector to give back to the community where I practice. Also in the future I hope to become a dental school professor to also give back to the profession and teach future dental professionals.”

Congratulations, Briana! We are so proud of you! Especially her dad, DPS Chief Brian Travis.

The Solano Women’s Tennis duo of Katelyn Crismon and Denise Feria were awarded the ITA Regional Doubles Champions. Crismon/Feria beat several of Northern California’s top doubles teams en route to the fall title.

In the finals, the Falcons faced Sierra College’s tough team which was a neck-and-neck battle the whole way. Crismon/Feria found themselves down 6-7 and down a break of serve, but kept calm by playing high percentage shots and aggressive net play to capture the final 3 games of the match, winning 9-7.

This is their first tournament playing together, and just the beginning of their success. 

The US Tennis Association Pro Men’s Championship tournament kicked off on Sunday October 9^th at the College following a two year hiatus due to COVID. The USTA presented the College with the five year award and accepting the award were (L-R above left photo): S-P Celia Esposito-Noy, event coordinator Rafael Rovira, AD Erik Visser, tournament supporter Jay Shoemaker, and tournament director Phil Cello. 

The event ran through Sunday, October 16^th and was live-streamed at ATP WTA Live. This event was held at SCC from 2016-2019 and returned this year with more sponsors, volunteers, and spectators who were anxious to see many of the top players in the world.

Many thanks to all of the staff who worked tirelessly to prepare the campus and the courts for this special event. Spectators and sponsors commented on how beautiful the campus looked and the work done on the courts to ensure guests had shaded seating. 

Also, congratulations to the men's tennis team for receiving the Athletic Director's Award during the Pro Championship (photo below).

The Solano Community College 10th Annual Tee Off for Education Golf Tournament was played on Friday, October 7th . Golfers and volunteers enjoyed a beautiful day at the Rancho Solano Golf Course in Fairfield with friends, colleagues, business associates, and SCC alumni.

The tournament is a fundraising event by the SCC Educational Foundation. Revenue generated will be used to support College programs and scholarships for SCC students in financial need.

Since 2013, the SCC Educational Foundation has provided $2.3 Million in financial support and outreach for the College and SCC students. Please consider participating in this tournament next year as it to open to anyone who wants to enjoy a day on a great course while supporting a good cause. Also, it’s not too late to make a scholarship donation! Click here for more information:

https://foundation.solano.edu/scholarship/.

The 2023 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship applications are now being accepted and will close on January 12, 2023.

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is for community college students aiming to transfer to a four-year institution next fall. The application can be found exclusively on Common App for Transfer Students. 

We are asking faculty and staff at community colleges across the country to help the Foundation identify and support applicants for this scholarship.

Please contact Emily Burt in the Transfer Center for additional information.

Beta Mu Gamma  and Phi Theta Kappa hosted a listening session recently to learn from Native American/indigenous voices to honor and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This event is a prelude to future events for Native American History Month in November when BMG-PTK will organize on-campus space for Native American voices to teach our college community. Keep an eye out for those events.

HBCU Transfer Caravan

Wednesday, October 26th, 10AM-1PM, Building 1400, Back half of the cafeteria

Did you know that Solano Community College transfer students can receive guaranteed admission to one of over 35 HBCU campuses through the California Community College Transfer Guarantee Pathway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities? On Wednesday, October 26th, students will have a chance to visit with representatives from multiple colleges to decide which campus is right for them!

The requirements for admission through the CCC to HBCU pathway program are:

•            Minimum 2.0 GPA (some schools/majors require higher GPAS)

•            Complete an Associate degree (ADT) using the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education Breadth pattern

OR

•            Complete a minimum of 30 UC or CSU units

Students who qualify can meet with a counselor to receive a fee waiver to apply to up to four of our partner schools for free on the Common Black College Application (a few schools do not utilize this application, but the majority do).

To learn more about the program and our partner schools, visit https://www.californiacommunitycollegehbcutransfer.com/

HBCU Tour Scholarship Announcement

We are pleased to announce that we will be awarding scholarships to two students to attend an HBCU Tour during Spring Break next year (April 11^th-April 15^th). The scholarship will include the cost of the tour as well as airfare. This tour will include visits to HBCU campuses in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. More information is to come and students can learn more by attending the HBCU Caravan on the 26^th.

Did you know that in addition to full Library Services offered on the main campus, the Library offers an instant messaging chat service?

Ask Your Librarian Chat is available 24/7. The SCC Librarians staff the chatroom ourselves (Yes! A live person!) M-TH until 7pm, Friday mornings, and Sunday evenings. During these times anyone in the Solano College Community can ask questions about SCC Library services and get help with SCC Library resources/research. Our platform allows us to video conference, share screens, or simply help via chat.

Outside of these hours, chat is available and is staffed by non-Solano College librarians. In this case, you may receive assistance from a librarian at a different school & a SCC librarian may follow up via email.

When the chat session ends, you can request a transcript of the chat be emailed to you.

Visit us at: www.solano.edu/library OR click on the SCC Digital Library button in Canvas.

Academic Senate and Academic Affairs co-hosted a Tenure Tea on October 11^th, a chance to celebrate this year’s distinguished faculty (LaNae Jaimez, Erin Farmer, Commodore St. Germaine), our colleague who achieved tenure (Debbie Dorrough), and faculty emeritus Joe Conrad. We also took the opportunity to celebrate those who achieved tenure or earned the distinguished faculty award during COVID when we were not able to meet in person. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. Communities and advocacy organizations across the country connect with the public and one another throughout the month to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it, and to uplift survivor stories.

This is a chance for all of us to unite in the work to end domestic violence. We invite advocates, loved ones, supporters, and others to join together in solidarity, and to listen to and uplift survivors directly. With so many people speaking in a unified voice throughout October, we can raise our collective awareness about domestic violence to end abuse for good.

To find out ways to get involved or learn more, please visit the WEAVE, Inc. website.

Join us for the Autumn Harvest Festival on Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Building 1000 – Horticulture Pavilion, Fairfield Campus

You will enjoy:

• SCC Homegrown Organic Pumpkin Sale*
• Plant Sale*
• Jam Making
• Seed Planting – Free Seed Starters
• Pumpkin Carving and Painting
• Dance Performance, and more!

*Proceeds will help support the SCC Horticulture Program

ASSC Halloween Costume Parade

12 Noon-12:40 PM

Departs 1400 Amphitheater at 12 Noon

Student Costume Contest – Prizes! 

Contest Judging: 12:45-1:45 PM, Bldg. 1400, Cafeteria

Hosted by Horticulture Program, Student Life, and ASSC

Below is information about our Day of the Dead celebrations centered around a Solano Community College Ofrenda (Altar) that will be displayed in the Herger Gallery until November 7. The Day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2. Mexico and other Hispanic communities celebrate these days with a variety of traditions. A very common tradition is an Ofrenda or Offering. Ofrendas are not for worshiping the deceased but rather for remembrance and celebration of a life lived. Each Ofrenda is unique because the objects on it typically represent the things those who’re remembered on it used to enjoy.

We’re asking the SCC Community for help in identifying SCC students, faculty, and staff as well as Solano friends, family and loved ones that have passed away. It is our goal to include them in the Ofrenda as a tribute to their dedication to the college and the Solano community. Please fill out this Microsoft form Solano Community College Ofrenda by October 26, 2022 to include someone in the Ofrenda. Additionally, please fill out the same Microsoft form, if you’d like to contribute anything else to the Ofrenda. Make sure you’re using your solano email to log in to Microsoft forms. The QR code on the below flyer will also take you to the form if you’re scanning on your mobile device.

October 17-23 Undocumented Student Action Week

Tuesday, October 18 Cafecito, Pan Dulce & Community

8:30 – 10:30 AM 1400 Building, Fairfield Campus

Tuesday, October 18 SCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Ceremony

7:00pm, Bldg. 1400, back half of the cafeteria

Wednesday, Oct. 19 Puente Mentor/Student Mixer (By invitation only)

6:00-8:00 PM, Transfer Center, Bldg. 400, Fairfield Campus

Hosted by Puente Project

Wednesday, October 20 Ovi Vasquez, Keynote Speaker – Undocumented Student Action Week, 12 Noon-1 PM, Library/LRC Lobby, Bldg. 100, Fairfield Campus, Hosted by Undocu Student Resources

Thursday, Oct. 27 Filipinx-Chicanx Solidarities and Similarities: A Panel Discussion & Mini-Lecture

Facilitated by Dr. Amanda Morrison, Ethnic Studies Professor and Maria

Isip-Bautista, Social Justice Studies Professor, 3:30 – 4:45 PM, Library/LRC Lobby, Fairfield campus

Thursday, Oct. 27 Autumn Harvest Festival

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Horticulture Pavilion

Halloween Costume Parade: Noon-12:40 PM, Departs from 1400 Amphitheater

Halloween Costume Contest: 12:45 – 1:30 PM, Back Half Cafeteria

Hosted by Horticulture, Student Life, and ASSC

Thursday, Oct. 28 Dr. Huey P. Newton Day Celebration: Speaker and Film

4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, The Nest, Room 437, Bldg. 1400

Hosted by A2MEND and SOAR

Friday, October 28 Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

5:00-8:00 PM, Bldg. 1300, Fairfield Campus

Ofrenda Viewing, Herger Gallery, Bldg. 1300

Decorating Calaveras Arts and Crafts & “Coco” Movie Night

Congratulations to the winners of this year's student elections:

President-Munir Omar

Vice President-Mikaila Habana

Student Trustee-Sumiya Rabag

The SCC Career Center has a lot of resources for students who are either looking for a job or need assistance in figuring out what career will work best for them. Please let them know they can stop by in-person Tuesday through Thursday from 10am-4pm or virtually on Mondays from 9am-4pm and Fridays 9am-3pm.

Help us help you! When submitting a helpdesk ticket:

• Describe your issue/request in detail
• Provide any error messages, and screenshots
• Provide your location (remote, on campus, room number, etc)
• Provide a contact phone number
• If submitting for a co-worker, provide their first and last name
• Don’t try to contact technicians directly – they might be out or busy. Instead, contact us at:

helpdesk@solano.edu

864-7000 extension 4690

No need to contact both – they go to the same ticketing system