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2011
When classes begin this fall at San Diego Mesa College, University City resident Charles Zappia will be at the helm of the college's School of Social/Behavioral Sciences and Multicultural Studies.
A U.S. historian specializing in the areas of labor, immigration and ethnicity, Dr. Zappia has been teaching at Mesa College since 1986. After a successful career in the classroom, he served as chair of the Social Sciences Department for nine years. He also served as Interim Dean from March 2009 through January 2011.
As head of the second largest school at Mesa College, Dr. Zappia oversees instruction in a diverse array of disciplines. The school offers courses, majors, and certificate programs in Anthropology, Architecture, Black Studies, Building Construction Technology, Chicano/a Studies, Filipino Studies, Geography, History, Interior Design, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Women's Studies. Approximately 150 faculty members teach 400 classes serving 12,000 students each semester. Most students transfer to four year institutions.
A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Zappia earned a B.A. in History at the University of Pittsburgh. He went on to receive a M.A. in History from San Jose State University and a Ph.D., also in History, from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a distinguished scholar and recognized leader in his field.
Dr. Zappia lives with his wife, speech pathologist Mary Jane Zappia, and their two college-student daughters, Angela and Gabriela, in University City.
The San Diego Community College District is pleased to announced that San Diego Mesa College has a new president: Dr. Pamela T. Luster.
Dr. Luster comes to Mesa College from Las Positas College in Livermore, California, where she has been serving as Interim Vice President of Academic Services. Dr. Luster's appointment is subject to ratification by the Board of Trustees at the district's governing board's May 26 meeting.
Dr. Luster brings considerable experience to her new leadership role at the San Diego Community College District's largest college. With student enrollment averaging between 22,000 and 24,000 each semester, Mesa College is one of the largest community colleges in California and the nation. Dr. Luster brings expertise in both instruction and student services. Prior to her current assignment at Las Positas College, Dr. Luster has served as Las Positas' Vice President of Student Services, as position she has held since 2003. From 2000 to 2003, she served as Dean of Academic Services, overseeing a number of programs and departments, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Library, Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, ESL, Automotive and Welding Technology, and Athletics/Health/Physical Education disciplines.
Prior to her work at Las Positas, from 1981 to 1997, Dr. Luster held a number of positions at West Valley College (Saratoga, California), serving as Dean of Career Education and Workforce Development, Assistant Dean, Coordinator and Instructor in the Disabled Students Program, and Adjunct Instructor of Speech/Language and Learning Disabilities.
Dr. Luster earned a B A. and M.A. (Speech Pathology and Audiology) at San Jose State University; and an Ed.D. (Educational Leadership, with an emphasis on Community College Leadership) at Fielding Graduate University. She has numerous awards, presentations, and publications to her credit, and a substantial record of involvement in the local community and professional service.
According to district chancellor, Constance Carroll, “Dr. Luster will be a wonderful addition to the leadership team of both Mesa College and the San Diego Community College District. She is experienced in campus leadership; is known for her organizational skills; understands the multi-college environment; has an interest in innovation; is active in the state; is student-oriented; has excellent relationships with faculty and staff; respects participatory governance; is devoted to the community college movement; and has a refreshing sense of humor. We are fortunate to have her join our team.”
Dr. Luster is looking forward to her new professional role. "I am honored to serve as the next President of San Diego Mesa College. The college enjoys a stellar reputation of academic excellence and student success; together we can build on these accomplishments, embracing a shared affinity for diversity and equity as the foundation of our work. I join the college and community with an open heart and open mind, ready to lead and learn."
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
San Diego Mesa College opens new Design Center
Renovated elementary school now home to college's Department of Architecture and Environmental Design
What: San Diego Mesa College will host a dedication ceremony for the new Mesa College Design Center, home of the college's Department of Architecture and Environmental Design. The project was originally a 24,000 square foot, six-building elementary school. The renovation involved interior alterations, repairs, technology upgrades and accessibility enhancements, along with exterior building and site improvements. The renovation is funded by the District's $1.555 Propositions S and N construction bond program.
When: Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:00 a.m. – Dedication and Remarks
10:30 a.m. – noon – Guided Tours, Refreshments
Media Contact:
Ursula Kroemer
Communications Director
Propositions S & N
(cell) (760) 705-6919
ukroemer@sdccd.edu
Media Contact:
Lina Heil
Public Information Officer
San Diego Mesa College
(619) 388-2759
lheil@sdccd.edu
Where: 7250 Mesa College Dr., San Diego, CA 92111-4998
See map at http://www.sdmesa.edu/map/index.cfm
Who: Program speakers include:
Elizabeth J. Armstrong, Interim President, San Diego Mesa College
Rich Grosch, President, Board of Trustees, SDCCD
Constance M. Carroll, Chancellor, SDCCD
David Umstot, Vice Chancellor, Facilities Management, SDCCD
Ian Kay, AIA, Chair, Dept. of Architecture and Environmental Design
Petra Rupp, Interior Design Major, Class of 2011
Background:
The $5.4 million renovation provides training facilities and state-of-the-art classroom space for nine degree and 14 certificate programs for the Architecture, Building Construction Technology, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture programs.
Sustainable Features:
All construction and major renovations by the San Diego Community College District are designed and built to obtain the highest possible certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The Mesa College Design Center project includes a number of sustainable features:
• Extensive use of natural lighting
• Design materials made with recycled content
• The landscape plan utilizes water-efficient irrigation and low water use plants and shrubs.
Visuals • Unveiling of bronze dedication plaque
• Tours of the facility
• Classroom observations/demonstrations
Project Partners:
• Architect: Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker Architects
• Mechanical Engineering: McParlane & Associates
• Electrical Engineer: Michael Wall Engineering
• Structural Engineer: Hope Engineering
• Civil Engineer: RBF Consulting
• Landscape Architect: Wimmer Yamada & Caughey
• Propositions S and N Program Manager: Gafcon, Inc.
• Campus Project Manager: Diane K. Malone, AIA NCARB LEED AP, Gafcon, Inc.
To obtain high-resolution renderings and/or construction photographs, please contact Ursula Kroemer at (760) 705-6919 or ukroemer@gafcon.com
The $1.555 billion Propositions S and N construction bond program is providing for new teaching and career training facilities, major renovations, and campus-wide infrastructure projects at City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges, and six Continuing Education locations. For more information, please visit www.public.sdccdprops-n.com.
Let the Tassel-Turning Begin
Mesa College Commencement Set for Saturday, May 14, 2011
Total Degrees Conferred Near 1,400
(SAN DIEGO) – San Diego Mesa College will hold its 47th commencement exercises at the Jenny Craig Pavilion, University of San Diego, on Saturday, May 14 at 4:00 p.m. The 2011 Mesa College class of 1,394 is the largest 2011 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. More graduates selected a business degree than any other. The five most popular degrees awarded were: an AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Business Studies (84); followed closely by Transfer Studies (71); an AS degree in Business Administration (70) and a Certificate of Achievement in Business (67), and an AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Social/Behavioral Sciences, Social Science (55). Thirty-one students are graduating with two or more degrees and 335 students with honors. The class of 2011 includes 10 valedictorians who achieved the rare and perfect grade point average of 4.0.
More than 350 graduates ranging in age from 17 to 72 are expected to participate in the commencement activities. The oldest graduate is John Gary Rinaldo, 72. He graduates honors and will receive an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts: Social Sciences.
The youngest is Gabriel Ruiz, 17, of La Jolla. Who graduates with high honors and will receive an Associate in Arts in Mathematics.
Student speaker is Aubrey Blackwell persevered through personal and family tragedies to graduate with an Associate in Arts degree in speech communications. Born and raised in Ramona, Aubrey has already begun classes at SDSU where she has maintained a 2.8 GPA. Not surprisingly, Aubrey plans to complete her degree in communication studies.
Receiving the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award is filmmaker Raul Celaya, a San Diego native who still calls Chula Vista home. He has earned numerous awards, and has experience working in stage, film and new media such as web-TV. His feature film, "That Evening Sun" starring Hal Holbrook and Mia Wasikowska, premiered in March 2009 to critical acclaim.
The 2011 graduating also class 28 military veterans; and Nine (9) graduates that identify themselves as military dependents
Twenty Seven students, including student government president Shahzeb Naqi, belong to a cohort of international students and represent countries as diverse as the Luxembourg, Pakistan, Indonesia, France, Vietnam, Spain, and Poland.
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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
Lina Heil
Information Officer
San Diego Mesa College
7250 Mesa College Drive
San Diego CA 92111-4998
Teach-in at Mesa College to Take on California Budget Cuts
A teach-in is similar to a general educational forum on any complicated issue, usually an issue involving current political affairs. Teach-ins are meant to be practical, participatory, and oriented toward action. (Wikipedia)
WHO: San Diego Mesa College faculty, students, staff and administrators
WHAT: Teach-in on the California Budget Cuts and its impact on students, faculty and colleges
WHEN: Wednesday, April 27, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Free speech stage, behind the Cafeteria
WHY: Community colleges are facing drastic budget reductions for 2011-12, as it has for the past three years. These reductions are coming in the form of limited funding for enrollment at the same time the demand for classes and enrollment are increasing. Mesa College has had to drastically reduce its summer session, with further cuts expected to impact fall and spring semesters.
PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPS:
Interviews: Talk to the students who can't get the classes they need and whose futures are being placed on hold, and faculty whose classes are being cut, and people affected by the budget cuts.
Photos: Students, faculty and staff. Outdoor location, open mic, easy access to students and faculty.
Contacts: Professor Jennifer Cost, 619-388-2363; jcost@sdccd.edu
Lina Heil, 619-388-2759 (day of on cell: 619-302-5380)
MEDIA ALERT
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES EXPO AT MESA COLLEGE
WHY:
The San Diego Workforce Partnership reports 10.3% unemployment in San Diego County in January 2011.* Come out and talk people who are affected and ready to do whatever it takes not only to get the job done, but simply, to get the job.
WHAT:
A two-day community career opportunity fair for college students and the general public. The event features education workshops, career and self employment opportunities, a career café, plus food, prizes and giveaways. More than 40 organizations, including SeaWorld, Panda, Nordstrom and San Diego San Diego Sherriff and Police departments, will be on-hand to discuss career opportunities.
WHEN:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15, Mesa College Quad.
WHO:
Students, job seekers, employers/organizations, college counselors and faculty. Presented by San Diego Mesa College Career Center and Job Opportunity Today
INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPS:
• Students/public mingling and talking with counselors and regional employers
• On Thursday, talk to students about what they think about classes being cut and how that affects their career plans. Also employers and counselors and educators.
• Friday, event is open to general public. Tape segments on Thu., run Thu. night and Friday morning.
For more information contact:
San Diego Mesa College
Lina Heil, Information Officer
PH: 619.388.2759 CELL: 619.302.5380; lheil@sdccd.edu
Career OpportunitiesToday
Keith Rosemond
Tel 866-776-9562 Ext # 101, Cell 858-837-4751; info@jobopportunitytoday.com
*Source: http://www.sandiegoatwork.com/
COLLEGE STUDENTS GET UNCOMFORTABLE TO EXPERIENCE HATE/LEARN TOLERANCE IN “TENTS OF TOLERANCE”
In three large tents set up in the Cafeteria Quad, student participants will be given an alternate identity before they enter differently themed tents and even a bus to experience discrimination and prejudice.
Based on an exhibit from the Museum of Tolerance, this experiential event gives students a clear look at all forms of discrimination including race, gender and disability. Posters around campus invited students to ‘COME GET UNCOMFORTABLE WITH US.” Many are willing to do so -- students were lined up to participate before the event opened this morning.
We invite the media to see what Mesa is doing to promote civility and world peace, and to hear what students are saying about their experience. Take on a new identity and experience it yourself!
Great photo ops.
• Date: Tue., Apr 5, 2011
• Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Location: Main Cafeteria Quad Area
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed on Saturday, March 26, to help clean up a branch of Tecolote Canyon adjacent to Mesa College.
This will be the fourth year for the Canyon Day clean-up, a collaborative venture between Mesa College, Tecolote Canyon Nature Center, San Diego Parks and Recreation and the Linda Vista Town Council. Organizers aim to break last year's record of unloading a full dozen shopping carts and six truck loads of trash, recyclables 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 for elementary school children who will be touring the canyon during the Mesa College Canyon Classroom on April 1.
Participants receive free Canyon Day tee-shirts, certificates of participation, and enjoy canyon talks by Mesa College faculty and Tecolote Canyon expert Eloise Battle. The clean-up will be led by Ranger Janice Lavalle. High school students can earn community service credits.
During the clean-up, Mesa College biology and geology professors will be on hand to give canyon talks.
"This is perfect opportunity for neighbors and college and high school students to do something good for our community while learning about the canyons that surround us." said Tom Kaye, President of the Linda Vista Town Council.
Interested persons should show up at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 26 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)
Mesa College MVB to host Camp Pendleton MVB on Friday, February 22, Armed Forces Night
Marines in training for All-Marine volleyball team tryouts
San Diego Mesa College will host the men's volleyball team from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on Friday, February 25. The college has designated the evening as “Mesa MVB Armed Forces Night.” The Marines players are in training for tryouts for the All-Marine team, which then goes on to compete with other teams representing the other branches of the US military. The public is invited to attend.
All military and dependents will be admitted free of charge with a military ID. Normal Mesa College parking fees have also been waived for this event. In addition, donations will be accepted for the Semper Fi Fund, a Camp Pendleton-based foundation which assists injured or critically ill Marines and other members of the US Armed Forces.
The Friday match, and a second match between the two teams to be played at Camp Pendleton on March 9, are a result of a request from Camp Pendleton coach Adam Miller to Mesa MVB coach John Landicho, for a couple of matches for the USMC team.
The Friday match will be the first competitive match for the Marines players, which reinstated its volleyball program under Coach Miller's leadership in September of 2010.
“Mesa men's volleyball is extremely proud to support these Marines in their volleyball journey,” says Coach Landicho. “For us to help them with something that provides critical balance in their lives is so small an act compared to the important jobs they do in protecting our country. We are grateful for their service and for the opportunity to help them out.”
For further information on the Mesa-Camp Pendleton MVB matches, contact Coach Landicho at mesamvb@gmail.com or call 858-518-5240.
For information on the Mesa College MVB, please visit www.sdmesa.edu/athletics/basketball-men/index.cfm; for the Semper Fi Fund, please visit www.semperfifund.org.
Lina Heil
Information Officer
San Diego Mesa College
7250 Mesa College Drive
San Diego CA 92111-4998
PH: 619.388.2759
FAX: 619.388.2969
lheil@sdccd.edu
www.sdmesa.edu
Accreditation Reaffirmed for San Diego Mesa College
(San Diego, CA, Feb. 3, 2011) – Accreditation has been reaffirmed for the next six years for San Diego Mesa College, one of the largest community colleges in California and the nation. Interim President Elizabeth J. Armstrong received the notification on February 3, 2011 from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
“We are proud to be reaffirmed of our status as an accredited institution of higher learning through this important reaccreditation process,” said President Armstrong.
The report commended Mesa College for its student services leadership and student engagement; for the library's extensive on-line resources, especially in the areas of access and services for remote users; for fostering a campus environment that welcomes and respects diversity; and for reenergizing student involvement.
The Commission noted four recommendations to the college: to develop an integrated planning process; to accelerate the development and assessment of course level student learning outcomes; to improve communication concerning the process used for technology planning and engage non-users in technology; and to improve the system for program review of the administrative services division.
The college is required to provide a follow-up report to the Commission by March 15, 2011 on three of the recommendations.
“We have already begun to address each recommendation,” noted President Armstrong. “The accreditation self-study is actually a unique ongoing review process that allows the college an opportunity for continual improvement.”
The report follows a week-long accreditation team visit to the college in October, 2010. In preparation for the accreditation team visit, Mesa College conducted an extensive self-study and prepared written reports for the Commission. Administrators, faculty and participated in the intensive accreditation process.
Accreditation is a voluntary system of self regulation developed to evaluate overall educational quality and institutional effectiveness. The ACCJC accreditation process provides assurance to the public that the accredited member colleges meet the standards; the education earned at the institutions is of value to the student who earned it; and employers, trade or profession-related licensing agencies, and other colleges and universities can accept a student's credential as legitimate.
San Diego Mesa College is the largest of three colleges within the San Diego Community College District. With close to 26,000 students, Mesa College is among the largest community colleges in California and the nation. The college offers a diverse curriculum and 170 degree and certificate programs. Its innovative faculty, many with earned doctorates, includes Fulbright and Rhodes Scholars, as well as numerous published authors. The college and its faculty provide education for students preparing for university transfer, for immediate employment, for skills-upgrading and career training. The student body represents a vibrant mixture of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
A copy of the accreditation report is available on the college website at http://www.sdmesa.edu/instruction/accreditation/index.cfm.
Commencement photos posted