SHARE:  

Your Monthly Update for November 2023

Dear Pirate Crew,

In the past few weeks, we have been witnessing the unfolding conflict in Israel and Gaza. It brings us great sorrow that this tragedy is taking place across the globe, and it compels us to come together in our community to emphasize the significance of unity in the face of division and violence.

At Ventura College, we are dedicated to nurturing an environment where the diversity of voices, cultures, and perspectives within our community is cherished as our greatest asset. Our campus culture exemplifies the idea that differences need not be a source of division; rather, it is our distinctions that enable us to collaborate in ways that enhance both ourselves and the world around us.


We know that these times prove to be difficult as tensions grow. I wanted to share and encourage our employees who may be feeling the impact of these events to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program by calling (800) 854-1446 or visiting unam.com/lifebalance. 


As we hold those affected by this conflict in our thoughts and hearts, let us draw strength from the inherent power of our togetherness for which I am thankful.


As we transition to November and move towards the holidays, I find it an excellent time to slow down, reflect, and be thankful. This is also a time to recognize and celebrate indigenous people during Native American Heritage Month and our Veterans, who bravely and honorably protect our country. 



It fills me with gratitude to serve our Flagship, Ventura College, in an environment that focuses on providing excellent educational opportunities for our students. I am VERY THANKFUL that Ventura College has extremely dedicated, knowledgeable, and talented employees that passionately strive to achieve our mission. People are the greatest resource of Ventura College, and I am very grateful to work alongside each and every one of you.   

 

Have a restful and safe Thanksgiving,  

Kim

On October 30, President Hoffmans and Trustee Chancer received a visit from U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal. They toured the campus and visited the Veterans Resource Center, our Food Pantry, and The Compass Welcome Center and discussed basic needs for students, financial aid, and undocumented student support.

Student Gratitude Lunch!

This past week, our students at VC and VCEC enjoyed a full Harvest Meal served by students and staff. Students were also treated to a turkey give-away which included all of the ingredients needed to make a full, traditional meal at home. It's the season of GRATITUDE and we have so much to be thankful for!

Koffee with Kim

  • Wednesday, November 29 at 10 a.m.

Celebration of Successes

  • Holiday Gathering - December 7 at 11:30 a.m.

Highlighting the amazing Administration, Faculty, Classified Professionals, and Students that make up our Pirate family. This month's highlights include: Gabriel Aragon - Classified, Julissa Deluna - Student, JP Bareng Schumacher - Administrator, and Ali Fazelpour - Faculty.

Read their stories here!
 

Gabriel Aragon - Classified

Julissa Deluna - Student

JP Bareng Schumacher - Administrator

Ali Fazelpour

Ali Fazelpour - Faculty

Alyssa Cazares, Office Assistant Bilingual (EOPS)

Ventura County Oral History Symposium - November 18

Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation, in celebration of Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary, have been hosting an Oral History Symposium this week at Ventura College. The symposium will wrap up on Saturday, November 18 from 9 a.m. til noon in ASC-150. Speaker Glenda Jackson will give a presentation titled "Over a Century of Memories: Photographs, Memorabilia, and Ephemera of Ventura County".

Student historians, faculty, and several special guest speakers have been presenting an oral history of our beautiful and fascinating county, taking participants on a walk down memory lane, learning about culture, politics, development of the land, our agriculture, and people. On Thursday, November 16 from there was an evening panel discussion on “The History of Ventura, its Culture, Politics, and Development” with special guests Betsy Blanchard Chess, Al Guilin, Gwen Alferes, and Susie Arellanes-Willeford.

Find out More!

Holiday Gathering and SockTacular!

Our Holiday Gathering will be held December 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Guthrie Hall. Get ready for this super fun event including our annual Socktacular contest and the Classified Senate Gift Basket Silent Auction. Can't wait to see you there!

Vet Tech Pet Food Drive at VCEC

Help an animal in need. Participate in the Vet Tech Pet Food Drive at Ventura College East Campus. They are accepting collections of dry and canned dog and cat food and treats. Drop off in the VCEC Lobby until November 20. All donations will go to Sparc Pet Pantry.

Ventura College Theatre Arts presents "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later"

Shortly after the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, playwright Moises Kaufman and his team interviewed 200 Laramie, Wyoming residents to create "The Laramie Project." Ten years later, the team re-interviewed many of the same people to address the reasons for Shepard's death and to explore time's effect on memory. Four Performances at the VC Performing Arts Center. Tickets: General Admission: $15. Student, Staff, Senior: $5

Thursday, November 30 | 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 1 | 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 2 | 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 3 | 3:30 p.m.

Learn More & Purchase Tickets

Eddie Beltran shows off the new sign at VC East Campus

Recap of the Campuswide Annual Retreat

Ventura College hosted its annual retreat at the Crowne Plaza on October 13 to discuss the Educational Master Plan. There were 122 faculty, staff, students, and administrators who attended. We received a lot of great feedback on goals and objectives for our next educational master plan. A subgroup of the College Planning Committee will review the retreat feedback and use it to develop a first draft of the next plan.  

We Love our Pirate Crew!

On October 31, Ventura College hosted a coffee cart for an Employee Appreciation Event. Employees were able to mingle, play Halloween themed word games and enjoy each other’s fun and creative costumes. The VC Classified Senate also hosted their annual Halloween Decorating Contest with the Executive Team as the judges. There were some amazing decorated offices and doors. Winners included Best Door: Chemistry Lab & SCI 214, Best Small Office: Veterans Resource Center, Best Large Office: Financial Aid/Basic Needs/Dreamer Center, Best Theme: Library (and honorable mention to Financial Aid/Basic Needs/Dreamer Center), and Spooky Spirit Award: Office of Institutional Effectiveness - Day Road Center.

Celebrating Veterans Day

The VC Veterans Resource Center had a great lineup of events and workshops to commemorate Veterans Day. The events included a Veterans Tailgate and free entrance to the VC Football Game, a Claims and Appeals Workshop, two days of Thank a Veteran Card events, and a Marine Corps. birthday celebration.

Last month, Congressman Salud Carbajal stopped by the VRC along with President Kim Hoffmans and VCCCD Trustee Joshua Chancer, to visit the center and meet some of our Veteran students. Carbajal served eight years in the US Marine Corps Reserve, including active duty service during the Gulf War in 1992, so he was very interested to meet our Veteran students and hear about how we are able to serve them.

Student Photography Exhibit

On November 1, Ventura College hosted a Student Photography Exhibit Opening Night Reception at the New Media Gallery. The exhibit, “A Glimpse Through the Lens,” runs through November 29 and showcases student photography from Ventura College and Moorpark College.

  • November 1 - 29 | Studio Arts Building

Over 50 University Reps Visit VC

On November 2, Ventura College hosted a University College Fair for students planning to transfer to a UC, CSU, or other University. There were over 50 University representatives on campus to answer questions.

Increasing Awareness of the Impact of violence and Abuse

On November 8, Ventura College hosted The Clothesline Project: A Visual Display of Violence Statistics. Employees and students were invited to write their stories on t-shirts, and read the impactful stories of others. The event helped to increase awareness of the impact of violence and abuse, honor a survivor’s strength, and break the silence that often surrounds violence.

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

  • Flex Day - January 5            

On-Going

  • State Vision Resource Center: The Vision Resource Center is a portal for professional development and colleague connection throughout all of California’s Community Colleges.
  • 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.
Professional Development Website

The Annual Foundation Gala

On Friday, October 20, the Ventura College Foundation hosted its 40th Anniversary Gala at the Museum of Ventura County. Close to 200 esteemed guests, including elected officials, VCCCD Chancellor Rick MacLennan, Board of Trustees Chair Bernardo Perez, and Student Trustee Damaris Figueroa gathered for an unforgettable evening.  


Attendees enjoyed a lively cocktail reception on the outdoor plaza with captivating performances by the Ventura College Jazz Band. The evening continued with a heartfelt acknowledgment by VC Foundation's Board Chair and VC Alum, Nicole Kreutz, recognizing the contributions of current and past board members in fostering the Foundation's growth and mission of supporting student success. Ventura College Alum and Faculty Member Liz Kraus, along with ASVC President Mark Huff, shared inspiring stories of how Foundation scholarship support impacted their educational journeys as students. 

Find Gala Photos Here

More than $600,000 Available in VC Foundation Scholarships for Students!

Help us spread the word to Ventura College students!

· The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023 Paramedic, Agriculture, Diesel Mechanics, and Advanced Manufacturing Programs. The deadline for application submissions is November 28, 2023. 

· General Scholarship Application will close on Jan. 21, 2024. 

Contact Micsin Martinez at micsin_martinez1@vcccd.edu or 805-289-6161 for scholarship marketing materials for students, to schedule a classroom visit, or a special scholarship application workshop for your program.

Find Out More!

Be a part of the $40 for 40 Years Campaign!

Will you celebrate the VC Foundation’s 40th Year of Service to Ventura College by donating $40 or more for our 40th?

To ensure that the VC Foundation can grow our critical student support into the next decade:

· Sign-up for Monthly Payroll Donations. Text "AyeGive" to 41444

· Give Online. Set-up a recurring or make a one-time credit card donation. Text "Give2VC" to 91999

· Donate by check. Please make your gift payable to the “Ventura College Foundation” and note the designation of your donation on the check. Gifts are accepted at the VC Foundation office located in the Day Road Center (DRC – 71 Day Road), or mailed to the Ventura College Foundation, 4667 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003

 

Need help determining where to give, please consider donating to the Fund for VC (Greatest Need), the VC Promise, or VC Basic Needs. For more information about the VC Foundation’s employee giving options, contact Julie Harvey, Development Manager at 805.289.6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu.

Find Out More About Donating

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.

Acknowledge your Peers
Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  YouTube  LinkedIn

Click on the icons above to follow our social media!