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2010
A 26-year-old refugee from Somalia and San Diego community college student has bested some of today's top scientific student minds in a highly competitive international science competition. Mohamed Musse, one of our four Mesa College students who presented research at the 10th Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS), held in November in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the recipient of a prestigious award for his poster participation.
Mohamed's research project and poster entry was called "Micro-Purification of Phosphofructokinase-1." His entry competed against 154 research abstracts submitted to ABRCMS in the Biochemical Sciences, Biochemistry category by students from top universities and research institutes. Only twelve awards were given in this category.
Mohamed's winning entry was based on experience and research he gained during a summer internship working at UCSD under the guidance of Dr. Percy Russell and Anita Williams, who supervised his research. It was in Dr. Russell's laboratory that Mohamed learned about research, and acquired experience in advanced lab techniques, and purifying proteins in a micro-scale.
The award consists of a gold medallion, a certificate of recognition, and monetary scholarship.
Mohamed is a student at San Diego Mesa College and a scholar in the college's Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program.
“This is an outstanding achievement and accomplishment for Mohamed, for our College, and for our UCSD research mentors,” said Elizabeth J. Armstrong, interim president of Mesa College.
According to Ed Alexander, Mesa College chemistry professor and Bridges program director, research abstracts were competitively submitted to ABRCMS. Only 150 students from ten unique divisions received poster presentation awards. Of these, only nine were awarded to community college students, and Mohamed's entry was the only award given to a community college student in the biochemical sciences division. This was the first time a Mesa College student presentation has won an award in that division.
“The accomplishments of Mohamed and all our Bridges students are a tribute to the outstanding quality of education afforded to students by our faculty at San Diego Mesa College,” said Dr. Alexander.
The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program at Mesa College is a science education program designed to support the success of community college students from underrepresented groups or populations affected by health disparities, who plan to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree in biomedical, behavioral or related sciences (www. sdmesa.edu/bridges). The program is funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD).
ABRCMS is the largest professional conference for biomedical and behavior students. This year's conference attracted approximately 3,100 undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, faculty and administrators. The conference serves as a key experience for participants, and to the development of young scientists.
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Contact: Jodi Corliss 619-388-2895; jcorliss@sdccd.edu
Lina Heil, 619-388-2759, lheil@sdccd.edu
High resolution photo is available.
Mesa College offers free training to 300 health care professionals
Health IT professionals to benefit from ARRA grant-funded training
(San Diego, Calif.—Dec. 3, 2010) -- San Diego Mesa College is offering free training to 300 health care professionals over the next two years through a grant funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the National Coordination for Health Information Technology. Mesa is one of 70-community colleges in the country, and the only one in San Diego County, to participate in this $84 million federally sponsored workforce-training initiative.
Individuals who complete San Diego Mesa College's Health IT Training program will be prepared to support Electronic Health Records in clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, private and public health agencies or offices, and vendors of electronic health records systems.
"Mesa College is pleased to help address the economic and workforce development needs for the San Diego region,” said Margie Fritch, Dean of School of Health Sciences/Public Service. “The college's new Allied Health Education and Training facility, which opened in 2009, enables us to train the current healthcare workers in state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms."
Training offered at Mesa College will focus on three workforce roles specifically identified by the Office of the National Coordination for Health Information Technology in Washington DC: Workflow Design Specialist, Implementation Support Specialist, and Technical/Software Support.
Thirty-eight students are already enrolled in the first of three training programs offered by San Diego Mesa College through the Employee Training Institute during the first year of this grant initiative. The training program for Implementation Support Specialist training begins January 20, 2011.
The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to meet requirements of the HITECH Act, which mandates that every U.S. citizen have an electronic medical record by 2014. Mesa College is part of the Western Region Health IT Program (WRHealthIT) Consortium made up of community colleges in Arizona, Nevada, California and Hawaii. The grant is part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and administered through the Los Rios Community College District.
Interested persons can find more information at www.sdmesa.edu/health-information/grant.cfm.
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Read more: Los Rios gets $5M stimulus grant for health IT | Sacramento Business Journal
Contact:
Lina Heil, 619-388-2759; lheil@sdccd.edu
or
Peggy Miller, Project Manager, Health IT Workforce Training
San Diego Mesa College
hitworkforcemesa@gmail.com
www.sdmesa.edu/health-information/grant.cfm
Lucha y libertad -- Struggle and liberty
Politics and culture in contemporary Latin American society explored in original Spanish language plays and poetry created and performed by Mesa College students
Three one act plays and poetry written and performed in Spanish by advanced language students of San Diego Mesa College will be showcased on one night only on Friday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Apolliad Theatre on the Mesa College campus in Kearny Mesa.
Lucha y libertad (Struggle and liberty) explores politics and culture in contemporary Latin American society. Three short plays and a poetry slam performance examine the struggles, hopes, and fantasies of the Latin American experience. The plays feature a story about immigration, another on kidnapping, and a contemporary retelling of the classic “Three Little Pigs” fairytale.
This annual fall student performance premiered in 2009. It is unique in that it is a cross-curricular theatrical production created by and featuring the students of Mesa College drama, Spanish and honors classes. The plays are written by the student playwrights, produced by student theatrical designers. Guidance is provided by Spanish Professor Dora Schoenbrun-Fernandez and Drama Professor John Polak, and with the cooperation and help from the Mesa College Dramatic Arts Department.
The performance is for one night only, Friday, December 10, 2010; 7:30 at the Apolliad Theatre at San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego 92111.
$5.00 general admission is requested to aid continuing funding of the program. Call 619-388-2228 for further information. Visit www.sdmesa.edu/drama for more information.
Contact: Dora Schoenbrun-Fernandez
(619) 388-2228 dschoenb@sdccd.edu
GIS Day
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
GIS Careers Spotlighted During GIS Day at Mesa College
Event to be held November 17 During National Geography Awareness Week
San Diego Mesa College celebrates GIS Day with a focus on careers on Wednesday, November 17th. The event is part of National Geographic Society's Geography Awareness Week -- an international forum for users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society. A panel discussion featuring GIS faculty, career center staff, and GIS professionals is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 7:30 pm, in Room G-101. Information, networking and refreshments will be offered.
GIS is not only changing the way we live, it's changing the jobs we do, too. GIS technicians are one of the most sought after careers, and the demand is continually on the rise. The US Dept. of Labor has identified GIS as a key emerging industry.
Mesa College offers one of the most comprehensive GIS programs in Southern California. The college offers both degree and certificate programs and is the only program in San Diego County specifically designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as a GIS Analyst.
The public is invited to this free event. For more information, see: www.sdmesa.edu/gis.
Contact: Lina Heil
Telephone: 619-388-2759
Email: lheil@sdccd.edu
Photo op: Student Veterans have been invited to “show their colors” (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard) during a luncheon honoring student vets.
Veteran's Day Event: San Diego Mesa College
Thursday, November 11th, 2010
Mesa Cafeteria Quad 11:00-1:30
Did you know that Mesa College has one of the largest veterans population of all public and private higher education institutions in the nation? Mesa College students will honor their student veterans on Thursday, Nov. 11 in the Mesa College Cafeteria Quad. Veteran students are encouraged to wear their unit or branch colors and enjoy free lunch and dessert, hosted by the Associated Students Government. The Mesa Honors Club is providing dessert. Veterans, active duty, reserve, spouses and dependents are invited to attend.
Speakers include:
• Melodie Alvavez, a military spouse at Columbia College, who will speak about her experiences and about her husband, a soldier who recently received the Purple Heart.
• Maurice Wilson, Retired Master Chief (MCPO USN Ret). Mr. Wilson currently serves as the Director of National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. which created the "Reboot" program that helps veterans transition to civilian life.
Information tables: Hosted by the Veterans Administration; National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., and representatives from military and veteran-friendly four-year institutions.
The San Diego Community College District is pleased to announce the appointment of the Interim President for San Diego Mesa College, Elizabeth Armstrong.
Liz Armstrong served as Vice President of Instruction at Mesa College from 2002 to 2008, when she retired. During this period of time, she did an exemplary job and earned the respect, gratitude and affection of the Mesa College community, administrators and staff throughout the San Diego Community College District, and the Board of Trustees. In 2009, she came out of retirement to serve as Interim Vice President of Instruction at Miramar College.
“Liz Armstrong has exactly the right experience statewide and in our district to lead Mesa at this time, from her academic preparation in chemistry, to her track record as an excellent instructional vice president in our district, to her strong knowledge of the college, to her admirable work ethic to her wonderful way of interaction with people. She is exactly the leader Mesa College needs at this point in its development. She was the best vice president I ever worked with when I was president of Mesa College and in my whole history.” Board President Rich Grosch agrees. Speaking for the five-member Board of Trustees, he said “Liz is absolutely the perfect choice.”
Expressing surprise and her well known humility, Liz remarked, “I am thrilled to be back to Mesa College. I have always had great affection for the members of the college community and the district. It is a great honor to serve the college, especially during this important accreditation year.”
Liz Armstrong's career includes over 35 years of service in higher education. Prior to coming to Mesa College, Liz served at Cañada College as Vice President of Instruction from 1999 to 2002 and Dean of Science, Technology and Learning Resources from 1989 to 1999. Liz also served as a faculty member at Skyline College for fifteen years. Her education includes bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry from San Francisco State University. In 2006, she received the Award for Administrative Excellence from the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA).
Interim President Armstrong will begin her service at Mesa on August 2, 2010, and is expected to serve through June 30, 2011, or when a permanent president has been selected and is able to begin service.
She succeeds Dr. Rita Cepeda, who was selected as chancellor of the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District.
Richard Dittbenner, J.D.
Director, Public Information & Government Relations
San Diego Community College District
3375 Camino del Rio South I San Diego I CA I 92108
v. 619-388-6914 I f. 619-388-6913
rdittben@sdccd.edu I www.sdccd.edu
Most of the 28 newly minted San Diego Mesa College radiologic technology graduates will move directly into well-paying jobs in the health care industry in spite of industry predictions for San Diego County that paint a slow recovery for employment with no solid job growth in the foreseeable future.
The graduates will participate in a special pinning ceremony at 7 p.m., Friday, August 6, at the Mesa College gymnasium. The ceremony is held each August following final clinical practice commitments conducted over the summer at one of 12 major health care centers in San Diego.
After they pass certification, the graduates become will become health care professionals who administer radiologic exams such as x-rays and MRIs. American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) the national average salary for a certified radiologic technologist is $53,953, but salaries in California can run higher.
Not your typical college student, those that enroll in the program are generally mid-career individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree and are looking for a career change.
The degree brings Michelle Pittsley, 28, of Kearny Mesa, full circle to childhood dreams of following in her dad's career footsteps. She entered the program in 2008 with a psychology degree from UCSD and after working for several years at a title research company.
“Despite having obtained a degree from a reputable university, I lacked the two-to five years job experience necessary to compete for many jobs,” said Pittsley.
“I was having a quarter-life crisis. I wanted to work in a profession that is in demand, benefits the community, and is growing with technological advancements.”
She found a pathway to that at Mesa College. "Surviving Mesa's Radiologic Technology program while working part-time has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done,” says Ptittsley, who took out loans and applied for scholarships get her through the two-year program. She says it is serendipitous that she was offered a job at her praticum facility, the UCSD Medical Center. “A perfect fit for a UCSD alum,” she adds.
“The practicum experience is the jewel of the Mesa College program,” according to George Ochoa, Administrative Director of Ancillary Services, Scripps Mercy Hospital, one of the program's health care partner facilities.
Others include Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Tri-City Medical Center, Veterans Administration San Diego Medical Center, UCSD Medical Center, UCSD Thornton Hospital, and Palomar Medical Center.
The reason the Mesa College graduates have such a high placement rate is partially due to the practicum experience. “For us, it's like a two-year interview... I know if the students are committed, if they are gentle with patients and their work habits. It makes it easy to make a hiring decision,” says Ochoa. Himself a Mesa graduate, Ochoa has hired more than 50 Mesa graduates during his 24 years at Scripps.
Persons interested in the Radiologic Technology diploma program offered at Mesa College, can call 619-388-2684 or go to www.sdmesa.edu/alliedhealth.
San Diego Mesa College is now accepting applications for seven $1,000 scholarships which will be awarded to full time students who desire to sing with the Mesa College Vocal Ensemble or play jazz with the Mesa College Jazz Band this fall semester.
The scholarships are the E. F. K. Music Scholarships (three $1000 scholarships); the Gustavo Romero Music Scholarships (three $1000 scholarships), and the Shellist Memorial Music Scholarship (one $1000 scholarship).
All students who are new to the Mesa College Vocal Ensemble or Jazz Band and plan to be enrolled full time at Mesa College are invited to apply; they need not be music majors. Auditions will be held Monday, July 26, and you must be preregistered to audition. An online application and complete eligibility requirements can be found at www.sdmesa.edu/music, or by calling 619-388-2221.
Mesa College offers one of the most the most comprehensive music theory programs in San Diego County. The music program is designed for students with interests in continued study and in a wide range of careers in academic, vocational and commercial music. Associate degree and certificates of completion are offered. Classes in theory, electronic music, voice, and jazz that provide non-music and music majors alike the opportunity to learn about and create music. Since 1995, the department has awarded nearly $25,000 in scholarships to music majors transferring to 4-year institutions. If you care about music and want a superior music education, Mesa College is the best choice.
The department is chaired by jazz performer and saxophonist James J. Romeo, and its faculty includes world-class performing musicians such as jazz artists Bob Magnusson and Bob Boss, classical guitarists George Svoboda and Randy Pile, and pianist/vocalist Jaeryoung Lee. More information is available at www.sdmesa.edu/music.
Dr. Barbara R. Kavalier Named Acting President, San Diego Mesa College
(JUNE 24, 2010—SAN DIEGO) Dr. Constance M. Carroll, chancellor of the San Diego Community College District, has announced that Dr. Barbara R. Kavalier, Mesa College's Vice President of Student Services, will serve as Acting President of Mesa College effective June 26 until an Interim President has been selected.
She fills the void left by Dr. Rita M. Cepeda, who leaves Mesa to become the sixth permanent chancellor of the San José/Evergreen Community College District on July 15, 2010.
Dr. Kavalier has served as Vice President of Student Services at San Diego Mesa College since January 2008. Before assuming the vice presidency at Mesa College, she served as the Associate Vice President of Student Services at Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Washington, where she was responsible for providing vision and strategic direction to student support and auxiliary services. Prior to that, she served for more than 15 years as an administrator with the Dallas County Community College District.
Dr. Kavalier received her doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin; she is the author of two books: The Entrepreneurial Community College and The Hiring Game: Reshaping Community College Practices, and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member for the doctorate degree program in Educational Leadership at San Diego State University.
The search for a permanent president for Mesa College will begin this fall, with the goal of selecting a new leader who can take office on or shortly after the start of the next year, which begins on July 1, 2011.
Contacts:
Lina Heil, Information Officer San Diego Mesa College, 619-388-2759; lheil@sdccd.edu.
Glorimar Maldonado Nosal, Chief of Staff, White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanics, 202-401-0078, Glorimar.Nosal@ed.gov
Links to photos provided below. If you require an exclusive photo, please contact Lina Heil 619-388-2759; lheil@sdccd.edu. Copies of commencement speeches are also available.
San Diego Mesa College Class of 2010 Celebrates Transformational Experience Obama Administration Official Juan Sepúlveda Delivers Commencement Address
(San Diego, Calif., May 19, 2010) -- Everyone who knows her knows that she is a Star Trek junkie. So it wasn't out of character for Dr. Rita M. Cepeda, president of one of the largest community colleges in California and the nation, to open her 2010 commencement address talking about transformational forces in the universe.
“The ties that bind us are many, but the one thing we all share is the belief that education is one of the most powerful transformational forces in the universe,” Dr. Cepeda remarked to the 327 graduates of Mesa College who, along with their families and friends, filled the pavilion at the University of San Diego on Saturday, May 15.
“Today, more than other day, I know you are feeling deep within you the limitless power that comes along with knowledge and its quest,” she continued.
Graduates ranging in age from 18 to 69 participated in the ceremony that honored the largest graduating class in the San Diego Community College District. The Mesa College class of 2010 numbered 853 graduates who received 1,131 academic degrees and certificates.
Juan Sepúlveda, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, was the commencement speaker.
In his address, Sepúlveda called the graduates “heroes” and told them that “our country needs you to keep moving forward with your education.” He asked them to do three things: 1) to get one more piece of paper, or degree; 2) to share their stories to inspire others to go to college; and 3) to “remain true to yourself and follow your passion.”
Sepúlveda's comments were reinforced by Dr. Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District, who added, “By completing your education goals, you have not only forever changed and transformed your own lives, but the future of your families, and the overall good of your community.” Dr. Carroll also noted that the graduates were making an impact on the nation's goal of increasing the number of college graduates in order for America to be more competitive in the world.
“We were honored to have a senior level White House administration official address our graduates, and we are delighted that person is Juan Sepúlveda.” said Dr. Cepeda. Sepúlveda first visited Mesa College in August 2009, when he hosted a community forum on educational excellence for Hispanic Americans at the San Diego college campus.
Mesa College is known for its high transfer rate to four-year institutions, a fact that was reflected in the variety of degrees earned by the 2010 graduating class. The most popular degree awarded this year was Transfer Studies, which enables graduates to transfer to the University of California or to a California State University having met lower-division general education requirements. Business Administration, Dental Assisting, Social Sciences, Accounting, Medical Assisting and Computer Information Sciences are other top degree choices.
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About San Diego Mesa College:
Among the largest community colleges in California and the nation, San Diego Mesa College is a fully accredited two-year college offering 170 associate degree and certificate programs. In 2008, the college was recognized for its commitment to diversity by Minority Access Inc. The largest of three colleges in the San Diego Community College District, Mesa Collegeranks as San Diego's top transfer institution. The college also serves as an important economic catalyst for the region. Its career programs include six allied health fields, biopharmaceutical, multimedia, animal health technology, American Sign Language, hospitality, fashion, architecture, interior design and more. Situated on a sprawling, suburban 104-acre campus in Kearny Mesa, the college's small classes, outstanding faculty, and reputation for quality offer an unparalleled academic experience. www.sdmesa.edu
Photos: To access the photos double click on the links below (or copy and paste into the url), right click on the image and click “Save As” to download. Larger format and/or exclusive photos are available, please contact Lina Heil 619-388-2759; lheil@sdccd.edu.
1. Graduates Denise Gonzalez-Cortez (l) and Lindsay Jones (r), flank Dr. Rita Cepeda, President, San Diego Mesa College, and commencement speaker Juan Sepúlveda, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. http://www.alandeckerphoto.com/MesaGrad2010GALLERY/htmls/DSC_9917.html
2. (l-r) San Diego Mesa College graduates are applauded by Dr. Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District; commencement speaker Juan Sepúlveda, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans; and Dr. Rita M. Cepeda, President, San Diego Mesa College. http://www.alandeckerphoto.com/MesaGrad2010GALLERY/htmls/DSC_1655.html
3. Dr. Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District; 2010 commencement speaker Juan Sepúlveda, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans; and Dr. Rita M. Cepeda, President, San Diego Mesa College. http://www.alandeckerphoto.com/MesaGrad2010GALLERY/htmls/DSC_9324.html
4. Dr. Rita M. Cepeda leads the processional, followed by Juan Sepúlveda, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans; Dr. Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District; and Rich Grosch, President of the Board of Trustees, San Diego Community College District. http://www.alandeckerphoto.com/MesaGrad2010GALLERY/htmls/DSC_9347.html
5. Juan Sepúlveda at the commencement podium. http://www.alandeckerphoto.com/MesaGrad2010GALLERY/htmls/DSC_9532.html
MEDIA ALERT! SATURDAY 5/15/2010
2010 Mesa College Commencement Exercises
• Saturday May 15, 2009 4 PM
• Students check-in at 2:30pm (in back of Jenny Craig Pavilion)
• Doors open for guests at 3:00pm
• Procession begins at 4:00pm; reception follows in Eagan Plaza
• Jenny Craig Pavilion, University of San Diego
• Directions: log on to www.sdmesa.edu/commencement
• Commencement Speaker: Obama Administration Official Juan Sepúlveda, Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.
• Best opportunity for photos is before the ceremony (students assembling at rear of JCP), or after the ceremony in Eagan Plaza (at the front of the JCP).
COMMENCEMENT FACTS: Mesa College's 46th graduating class is comprised of 853 students who will receive degrees or certificates will receive 1,131 academic degrees and certificates: 522 Associate in Arts degrees and 326 Associate in Science degrees. Of this group, 353 or 42 percent are men, and 495 or 58 percent are women. Of the 283 who will receive certificates degrees, 105, or 37 percent, are men, and 178, or 63 percent, are women.
Eighteen students will graduate with two or more degrees and 308 students with honors. The class of 2010 includes 12 valedictorians who achieved the rare and perfect grade point average of 4.0.
Student speaker Judith Ann Wright, 47, returned to school almost 30 years after high school graduation to start a new life. She is graduating with honors, earning a 3.8 grade point average (GPA), and an Associate in Science Degree in Biology/Allied Health Track. From Mesa, Judi plans to continue her education and become a registered nurse specializing in drug and alcohol counseling.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lina Heil, 619-388-2759; lheil@sdccd.edu
Call for student feature ideas.
Photos available upon request.
Let the Tassel-Turning Begin
Mesa College Commencement Set for Saturday, May 15, 2010
Obama Administration Official Juan Sepúlveda to Address Class of 2010
(SAN DIEGO) – San Diego Mesa College will hold its 46th commencement exercises at the Jenny Craig Pavilion, University of San Diego, on Saturday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m. The 2010 Mesa College class of 853 is the largest 2010 graduating class in the San Diego Community College District, which also includes City College, Miramar College and Continuing Education.
With this commencement, Mesa College has awarded a total of 46,394 certificates and degrees. The Mesa graduating class will receive diplomas from the 170 academic programs offered by the two-year community college. The most popular degree awarded this year was Transfer Studies, which enables graduates to transfer to the University of California or to a California State University having met lower-division general education requirements. Business Administration, Dental Assisting, Social Sciences, Accounting, Medical Assisting and Computer Information Sciences are other top degree choices.
More than 300 graduates ranging in age from 18 to 75 are expected to participate in the commencement activities. The oldest graduate is Tam Kim Pham, 75, of Poway, who will receive an Associate of Arts in History. The youngest is Rissa Kymble Dickey, 18, of Clairemont. She graduates with high honors and will receive an Associate of Arts in Spanish.
Obama Administration Official to Address Class of 2010
Commencement speaker is Juan Sepúlveda, director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. In this capacity, he is responsible for directing the efforts of the White House Initiative in engaging Hispanic students, parents, families, organizations, and anyone working in or with the education system in communities nationwide as active participants in improving the academic achievement of Hispanic Americans. Sepúlveda first visited Mesa College in August, 2009, when he hosted a community forum on educational excellence for Hispanic Americans.
Student speaker Judith Ann Wright, 47, returned to school almost 30 years after high school graduation to start a new life. She is graduating with honors, earning a 3.8 grade point average (GPA), and an Associate in Science Degree in Biology/Allied Health Track. From Mesa, Judi plans to continue her education and become a registered nurse specializing in drug and alcohol counseling.
Class of 2010 Student Statistics
The Mesa College 2010 graduating class is comprised of 1,131 students who will receive academic degrees: 522 Associate in Arts degrees and 326 Associate in Science degrees. Of this group, 353 or 42 percent are men, and 495 or 58 percent are women. Of the 283 who will receive certificates degrees, 105, or 37 percent, are men, and 178, or 63 percent, are women.
Eighteen students will graduate with two or more degrees and 308 students with honors. The class of 2010 includes 11 valedictorians who achieved the rare and perfect grade point average of 4.0. One of the valedictorians, Lenard Le Tran, is receiving two associate degrees -- one in Art Studies and another in Pre-Engineering Studies, Math.
Student Profiles
Commencement will be a family affair for step brothers Ryan Alexander and Marc Loski, and cousins Claire Parrish and Carmen McCartney.
Thirty-one graduates are veterans; 17 identify themselves as military dependents.
Nine students belong to our cohort of international students and represent countries as diverse as the French West Indies, Italy, Tajikistan, Norway and Sweden.
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Summer session at Mesa College begins in June 1 and 22. For more information, call 619-388-2682 or log on to www.sdmesa.edu.
About Mesa College:
Among the largest community colleges in California and the nation, San Diego Mesa College is a fully accredited two-year college offering 170 associate degree and certificate programs. The largest of three colleges in the San Diego Community College District, Mesa ranks as San Diego's top transfer institution. The college also serves as an important economic catalyst for the region. Its career programs include six allied health fields, biopharmaceutical, multimedia, animal health technology, American Sign Language, hospitality, fashion, architecture, interior design and more. Situated on a sprawling, suburban 104-acre campus in Kearny Mesa, the college's small classes, outstanding faculty, and reputation for quality offer an unparalleled academic experience. www.sdmesa.edu
Mesa College to Honor Olympic Medalist Coach Arnie Robinson Annual STAR Awards Honors Student Athletes
Keynote Speaker is 2009 Mesa Graduate
Joshua Lee Denz California 2009 Scholar Male Athlete
Track and field Olympic medalist Arnie Robinson will be honored at the San Diego Mesa College 2010 STAR Awards Program, 12 p.m., Thursday, May 5, in the Mesa College gymnasium.
Robinson, a graduate of Mesa College, has coached at Mesa College since 2005.
Keynote speaker for the event will be Joshua Denz, a former Mesa College STAR Award recipient and 2009 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Male Scholar Athlete Award Recipient.
With 20 men's and 20 women's competitive teams, Mesa College has one of the largest competitive community college athletic programs in the region. The annual STAR Awards recognizes the academic achievements, community spirit, and athletic excellence of Mesa College student athletes.
Awards are given in a variety of category including highest individual and team GPAs, team community spirit award, team attendance award and more. According to athletic director Dave Evens, student-athletes at Mesa College have a 34% transfer rate to 4-year institutions. “We are very competitive in all intercollegiate sports as members of the Pacific Coast, Orange Empire, and Foothill Conferences,” notes Evans.
The award program is presented by the Mesa Academic and Athletics Program (MAAP) at San Diego Mesa College, which assists student-athletes in achieving their educational, career and personal goals.
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Arnie Robinson
STAR Awards 2010 Honoree
Track & Field Olympic medalist Arnie Robinson is a native San Diegan. After attending Morse High School and Mesa College (1969), he took the title of 1970 NCAA long jump champion while at San Diego State, Coach Robinson achieved his greatest fame in his post-college years. A winner of the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Trials long jump, Robinson was third at the 1972 Olympic Games and took the gold medal in 1976. He was the 1971 Pan American Games champion and was second in 1975. A veteran of 10 international competitions, Robinson was also the first World Cup long jump champion in 1977. Overall, he won seven national long jump titles, six of them outdoors. From 1976 to 1978, he was the top-ranked long jumper in the world. Coach Robinson retired after the 1979 season but is still ranked 18th on the U.S. all-time list and continues to coach at Mesa College.
Championships
1972 Olympics: Long Jump (3rd)
1976 Olympics: Long Jump (1st)
1977 World Cup: Long Jump (1st)
1971 Pan-Am Games: Long Jump (1st)
1975 Pan-Am Games: Long Jump (2nd)
1970 NCAA: Long Jump (1st)
Joshua Lee Denz
2009 Scholar Male Athlete by the California Community College Commission on Athletics.
Joshua Lee Denz was named 2009 Scholar Male Athlete by the California Community College Commission on Athletics. The Scholar Athlete award is the highest student achievement honor awarded annually by the COA, which oversees intercollegiate competition at the 104 member colleges and nearly 27,000 student athletes of the California Community College Athletic Association each year.
Joshua and Female Athlete of the Year Rachael Johnson (Solano College) were honored at the Celebration of Student Athletes Luncheon, held in March during the 13th Annual CCCAA Convention in Ontario, California. Joshua is the third athlete in the history of Mesa College to receive this award.
A stand-out athlete and scholar, Joshua was earlier named Mesa College's 2009 STAR Athlete of the Year. He has excelled academically with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 with 48 units completed. The Men's Water Polo and Men's Swim Team Captain also received “Most Inspirational” team honors. A distinguished former Marine and color guardsman plans on majoring in Kinesiology and hopes to pursue a career in Sport Psychology.
(San Diego, Calif., April 9, 2010) -- San Diego Community College District and Mesa College will host the first-ever UC San Diego transfer outreach program in a community college setting at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 14 on the Mesa College campus. Open to all community college students, “An Afternoon with UC San Diego,” will provide information and guidance to prospective UC San Diego transfer students. The session will open with a welcome and introduction by Dr. Constance M. Carroll, SDCCD Chancellor, followed by remarks from Dr. Marye Anne Fox, UC San Diego Chancellor.
“We are pleased to extend our community outreach program, An Evening with UC San Diego, to transfer students at Mesa College. Our goal is to inform Mesa students that a UC San Diego education is attainable and we want them here on our campus,” said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. “Community colleges are a great avenue to UC San Diego, especially since the UC Regents increased our transfer enrollment this year. Our transfer students are important and that's why we've created a new housing neighborhood on campus, specifically for transfer students, complete with modern apartments, dining facilities and retail stores.”
This outreach program demonstrates the University's commitment to strengthen the transfer route as a path to UC.
Dr. Constance Carroll, chancellor of the San Diego Community College District stressed the importance of community colleges in statewide transfer. “Overwhelming numbers of the graduates of California's universities began their studies at community colleges. From high-quality instruction to small class sizes to specialized services to affordability, our community colleges provide tremendous benefits. The colleges of the San Diego Community College District value our partnership with UC San Diego and are proud of our record of student transfer to that institution.”
At the outreach event, students will hear from UC San Diego representatives about the admissions process, financial aid resources, research opportunities and student life from a transfer student's perspective. There will also be information tables set up so students can gather information and ask questions.
All community college students interested in transferring to the UC system are eligible to attend. To register, go online to SanDiegoCalSoap.com or call 858-569-1866.
National Expert on Education and Diversity to speak this Friday at Mesa College
Dr. Pedro A. Noguera to address middle and high school students
at 4th annual African American/Latino Male Leadership Summit
One of America's most important voices for healthy public education, Dr. Pedro A. Noguera, is the keynote speaker for the 4th annual African American/Latino Male Leadership Summit for middle and high school youths at Mesa College. The summit will be held this Friday, April 9, at from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room G101.
Dr. Noguera is a national expert on school reform, diversity and the achievement gap is also noted CNN commentator and author, whose work includes The Trouble With Black Boys, The Color of Success, and Unfinished Business.
He is also a dynamic speaker who translates social theory into concise, hip language with emotional impact and intellectual rigor. His remarks at the summit will focus on strategies for success and the importance of achievement. He will address the 200 African American and Latino male middle and high school students who were nominated to attend the summit by their school counselors.
The public is invited to attend a welcome reception from 6:00 to7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, at the Mesa College Art Gallery. An Educators' Workshop and Book Signing will also be held on Friday, April 9 at 11 a.m. in Room G101, Mesa College. For more information, call 619-388-2230.
More on Dr. Pedro A. Noguera (for NYU faculty bio, click here)
Dr. Pedro A. Noguera is one of America's most important voices for healthy public education. An expert on school reform, diversity, and achievement gap, he is currently a professor at the Steinhardt School of Education at the New York University, and Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education. Dr. Noguera is also a part-time high school teacher, author of several groundbreaking books, a regular guest on CNN, and a dynamic speaker who translates social theory into concise, hip language with emotional impact and intellectual rigor.
More on the African American/Latino Male Leadership Summit
Launched in 2007, the Mesa College African American/Latino Male Leadership Summit is designed to address the ever increasing problem of declining college enrollment of African American and Latino male students in higher education. it is the only summit of its kind in California. The summit's goal is to empower, educate and support African American and Latino young men in the pursuit of their professional and personal endeavors.
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Contact: Lina Heil 619-388-2759; lheil@sdccd.edu On cell day of: 619-302-5380
SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE TO HOST FOURTH
AFRICAN AMERICAN LATINO MALE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
190 high school students/24 role models/professionals join together to discuss
What does it mean to be an African American or Latino male leader?
PHOTO OPS: Young men learning, interacting one-on-one with professional African American and Latino role models
When/Where: Friday, April 9, 2010 • 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, Mesa College G-101 and various rooms (see program below; best time talk with students directly is during the lunch/closing session)
Who: Approximately 200 African American and Latino male high school students, inspirational speakers, and 24 career professionals who will lead workshops.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Pedro A. Noguera is one of American's most important voices for healthy public education. An expert on school reform, diversity, and achievement gap, he is currently a professor at the Steinhardt School of Education at the New York University, and Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education. Dr. Noguera is also a part-time high school teacher, author of several groundbreaking books, a regular guest on CNN, and a dynamic speaker who translates social theory into concise, hip language with emotional impact and intellectual rigor.
Why: The Mesa College African American/Latino Male Leadership Summit is designed to address the ever increasing problem of declining college enrollment of African American and Latino male students in higher education. The Summit was by Mesa College created in direct response to startlingly low success rates of African American and Latino males in San Diego and across the nation. African American and Latino males have a higher rate of not completing high school, and incarceration. The numbers show that fewer seek post-secondary education, and those that do have a higher fail rate.
What: Launched in 2007, it is the only summit of its kind in California. The Summit's goal is to empower, educate and support African American and Latino young men in the pursuit of their professional and personal endeavors. A unique feature of the summit is the small workshops/breakout sessions led by successful professional role models; students rate this as one of their favorite and beneficial sessions. The summit is open to all interested high school students.
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Mesa College student journalists earn awards at statewide conference
The Mesa Press, Mesa College's student newspaper, earned two awards at the statewide Journalism Association of Community Colleges conference at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles on April 8-11.
News editor Jennifer Karnan, 26, of Point Loma, earned Honorable Mention in the mail-in Profile Feature competition, during the convention that drew more than 600 students, teachers and professional journalists from all over California. Jennifer's story was about the gender transition of Mesa College Communication Studies professor Katie Holton. Judges gave Jennifer special praise for her selection of such an important topic.
In addition, photo editor Daniel Dreifuss, 19, of Scripps Ranch, earned Honorable Mention in the on-the-spot Sports Photo competition for his image of a USC women's tennis match. This marks the first time The Mesa Press has earned a photography award at a JACC conference.
About 47 colleges competed in the mail-in categories and events at the conference. The conference also included dozens of workshops and training seminars, including a powerful keynote speech by Mark Katches, editorial director for California Watch, a project of the Center for Investigative Reporting and the largest watchdog team operating in the state of California.
The Mesa Press is advised by Janna Braun, associate professor of journalism, and is currently edited by Sarah Swasey and Brook Dailey. Swasey, 20, of Mission Hills, captured one of the 2009 top individual prizes, first place in the on-the-spot News Writing competition
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Mesa College student journalists earn awards at statewide conference
Jennifer Karnan of Point Loma recently earned an award at the statewide Journalism Association of Community Colleges conference at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles on April 8-11.
The 26-year-old student at Mesa College earned Honorable Mention in the mail-in Profile Feature competition, during the convention that drew more than 600 students, teachers and professional journalists from all over California. Jennifer's story was about the gender transition of Mesa College Communication Studies professor Katie Holton. Judges gave Jennifer special praise for her selection of such an important topic.
In addition, photo editor Daniel Dreifuss, 19, of Scripps Ranch, earned Honorable Mention in the on-the-spot Sports Photo competition for his image of a USC women's tennis match. This marks the first time The Mesa Press has earned a photography award at a JACC conference.
About 47 colleges competed in the mail-in categories and events at the conference. The conference also included dozens of workshops and training seminars, including a powerful keynote speech by Mark Katches, editorial director for California Watch, a project of the Center for Investigative Reporting and the largest watchdog team operating in the state of California.
The Mesa Press is advised by Janna Braun, associate professor of journalism, and is currently edited by Sarah Swasey and Brook Dailey. Swasey, 20, of Mission Hills, captured one of the 2009 top individual prizes, first place in the on-the-spot News Writing competition.
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Tecolote Canyon Clean-up Slated for Sat., March 20 at Mesa College
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed this Saturday, March 20, to help clean up a branch of Tecolote Canyon adjacent to Mesa College.
This will be the third year for the Canyon Day clean-up. Organizers aim to break last year's record of unloading a full dozen shopping carts and six truck loads of trash and non-native plants. The mission: to clean and restore and preserve the canyon – and to ready it for tours offered towards the end of the day, and at the upcoming Canyon Classroom in April.
"The Canyon Clean-up is a wonderful event supported by young and old, college and community,” said Tom Kaye, one of the organizers and President of the Linda Vista Town Council. “It's the perfect opportunity for neighbors, Mesa, and college and high school students to do something good for the canyons that surround us."
High school students can earn community service credits by participating. Participants also receive Canyon Day tee-shirts, certificates of participation, and enjoy canyon talks by Mesa College faculty and Tecolote Canyon expert Eloise Battle. The Canyon Clean-up will be led by Ranger Janice Lavalle.
Interested persons should show up at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 20 at the head of the Tecolote Canyon Trail near the corner of Genesee and Marlesta streets in Clairemont. Free parking is available at Mesa College. For more information, directions and required waiver forms for minors, go on-line to www.sdmesa.edu/canyonday.
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Great photo ops!
Contact:
Lina Heil 619-388-2759
Don Barrie 619-388-2942 (on cell day of 619-208-6507)
Great Photo Op Tomorrow: Mesa College booth at High Tech Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Wyland Hall
Come capture the fun at the Mesa College booth at the San Diego County High Tech Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Wyland Hall. TONIGHT (with parents) AND TOMORROW (students).
With one of the largest exhibits at the fair, Mesa College professors of biology, chemistry and physics go out in full force with hands-on exhibits that how science can be wild, wacky and fun. More than 2,000 students attended the fair in 2009; with more budding scientists expected this year as the fair opens to middle school students for the first time.
From Last Year's Photo files: Mar 12, 2009 ... At the 11th San Diego County High Tech Fair yesterday, Denise Ngo, ... the fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. (John Gastaldo / Union-Tribune) ... www.signonsandiego.com/photos/2009/mar/12/24610/ - Cached
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High Tech Fair: Tuesday, March 9th, 8 am to 2 pm, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Wyland Hall
Special Session for Parents and Middle/High School Students
Tuesday, March 9th, 5:30 - 7:30pm, Special Session for Parents and Middle/High School Students
Lina Heil
Information Officer
San Diego Mesa College
PH: 619.388.2759
FAX: 619.388.2969
7250 Mesa College Drive
San Diego CA 92111-4998
lheil@sdccd.edu
www.sdmesa.edu
Civil Rights Legend Rosa Parks Memorialized at San Diego Mesa College
Unveiling and Dedication of Transit Center Slated for February 25
San Diego, Calif. (February 4, 2010) – After more than a year of planning, six weeks of construction and nearly in time for what would have been Rosa Parks 96th birthday on February 4, San Diego Mesa College will unveil a Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) transit center and surrounds honoring the civil rights activist. An unveiling and dedication of the memorial project will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the transit center -- the first MTS stop to be built on the Mesa College grounds -- located at the new east gateway entrance to Mesa College.
The Rosa Parks Memorial Project celebrates the legacy and attributes of civil rights activist Rosa Parks and especially the “Quiet Strength” that all people have within them to take a stand against repression and injustice. The augmented MTS bus shelter features panels displaying the history and images of Rosa Parks. Photographic transparencies of actual Mesa College students laminated in between safety glass are displayed above the benches.
Adjacent to the transit center is a “Quiet Strength” reflection area. The reflection area features Terra Cotta colored cast concrete curved walls, seating and a rose vessel. Total cost of the project is $150,000. Funding for the Rosa Parks Memorial Project was provided by the Mesa College Foundation. Portions of the project were completed as part of the Mesa College East Campus Improvement Project.
The memorial project honors the legacy and teachings of civil rights activist Rosa Parks, who had a special relationship with Mesa College. Mrs. Parks first visited the college in 1992, and later that year named Mesa as the San Diego-Mexico branch of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. Mrs. Parks continued to visit the college through 1995.
“Mrs. Parks was not only an iconic figure of the Civil Rights Movement, she was a warm and caring presence to many people,” said Dr. Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor, SDCCD, and former Mesa College President. “Our students and faculty looked forward to her visits to Mesa College, and all of us were inspired by her combination of humility and courage.”
Rosa Parks died in 2005 at the age of 92. At that time, the Mesa College Foundation explored the possibility of honoring the late civil rights activist, and provided funding to explore a memorial on the grounds of Mesa College.
In 2007, Mesa College reviewed eight proposals from a variety of interested artists. In November 2008, the project was awarded to a trio that includes San Diego Public Artists Nina Karavasiles and Mario Lara, and diversity specialist Dr. Gerda Govine-Ituarte, Ed.D.
The public is invited to attend the unveiling. For more information, see www.sdmesa.edu/rosa-parks. For high-resolution photos or renderings, please contact Lina Heil or Ursula Kroemer.
69 International Students from 26 Countries Begin College Life
at San Diego Mesa College
This week, 69 international students from Oman, Kazakhstan, Australia, Brazil, Korea and other countries across the globe are getting an introduction to college life, and daily life in the US and San Diego, at San Diego Mesa College.
Each year, Mesa College welcomes more than 100 international students representing dozens of countries. The student applicants find out about Mesa College through online searches, word of mouth and recommendations educational institutions in their home countries, and especially from family who live in San Diego and California. The spring semester count of international students increased 22 over last spring's enrollment.
All incoming international students are required to attend a three-day orientation session. The orientation, held this week, acquaints students with required immigration assessments, academic requirements, application processing and registration. They are also given an introduction to daily life, and become acquainted with programs, services and resources at Mesa, one of San Diego and the nation's largest community colleges.
This spring, Mesa admitted 69 students. Incoming students include a total of 22 students from two countries, 12 from Brazil and 10 from Korea, a full 31 percent of the incoming total international student cohort. The other students come from 24 countries, broken down as follows: Australia, 1; Belgium, 2; Britain, 1; Canada 1; China, 3; Finland, 1; France, 5; Germany, 2; Indonesia, 2; Israel, 1; Italy, 2; Japan, 2; Kazakhstan, 2; Kuwait, 1; Laos, 1; Mexico, 1; Oman, 1; Pakistan, 1; Philippines, 1; Poland, 1; Spain, 2; Sweden, 1; Taiwan, 5; Vietnam, 5.
“At first, the students are quiet and wide-eyed,” says International Student Admissions Supervisor Ivonne Alvarez, “but by the third day of orientation, they are confident and relaxed, comfortable among new friends, and eager to begin their studies.” The college has a dedicated counselor for international students, and an International Student Club to offer support and camaraderie.
Spring classes begin at Mesa College on January 26. For more information on the Mesa College program for International Students, call 619-388-2717. For general registration information, log on to www.sdmesa.edu.
MESA COLLEGE PAIR OFF TO US FIGURE SKATING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kova and Ross first African-American ice dancing team to compete in novice ice dancing competition.
A pair of Mesa College students depart this Saturday, bound for the AT&T 2010 United States Figure Skating National Championships, Jan. 14-24, in Spokane, Washington. Kassy Kova and Justin Ross will become the first African-American ice dancing team to compete in Novice Dance at the competition.
Kova and Ross are a rising ice dancing team from San Diego who met and trained at the San Diego Ice Arena, located just blocks from their homes in Mira Mesa.
“Both of us were raised by single moms who wanted to find something active for us to do that was close to home,” said Ross, 19. Their friendship grew with their skills and the two have skated as a nationally competitive ice dancing team since 2005. They take to the ice weekdays at 4 a.m., perfecting their dance routines. Mesa College classes fill the rest of their weekdays, and weekends find them at the gym working out.
“To work this hard, you've really got to love what you do, which we both do,” said a confident and accomplished Kova, age 16.
Over their five-year partnership, the athletes and friends have trained and danced together, climbing through the ranks to finish seventh in the nation in their last year in the Intermediate Division (2008); fifth at US Sectional Championships their first year in the very competitive Novice Division (2009); and now capturing the Pewter Medal at Sectionals in November.
That marked a first. Kova and Ross are the first African American ice dancing team to take home a medal in the Novice Division of a US Figure Skating Sectional Championships. “We're so proud to have the opportunity to open a door that hasn't been opened before,” said Kova. “We're pouring all of our efforts into getting our programs polished and ready for the national stage.”
Kassandra “Kassy” Kova and Justin Ross are both second year students at Mesa College. Kova graduated from high school at the age of 15 and immediately enrolled at Mesa to pursue an Associate Degree in Transfer Studies; she hopes to obtain a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego. Ross is all about dance and is pursuing an Associate Degree in Dance to further his chosen career as a professional skater and coach.
Mesa College President Rita M. Cepeda is leading a campus-wide campaign to help defray the costs for the students' training and competition. For more information, see www.sdmesa.edu or www.kovaandross.com.
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Contact:
Kassy Kova and Justin Ross
US Figure Skating Novice Ice Dance Team
www.kovaandross.com
Kassy Kova: 858-722-7183
Justin Ross: 858-414-0822
Suzan Cioffi, Publicist 858-722-3365
Lina Heil, Mesa College Information Officer 619-388-2759
Photos Available (see below)
High resolution images available courtesy of Kova and Ross. Please contact Lina Heil 619-388-2759
Kova and Ross_FreedanceKassy Kova and Justin Ross _ US Figure Skating Sectional Championships Pewter Medalists
Commencement photos posted