5 Things to Know Weekly Update

May 4, 2026

Dear Colleagues:

As noted last week, I am away from campus until Friday, and will be sorry to miss some of the events here – most notably, the Knowledge Exchange on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MPR. If you did not attend last year, make sure you do this time – it’s the opportunity to benefit from all the learning that your colleagues have done all year (without having to go to a conference or webinar or do the research yourself). Thanks to Erin Craig for making this event an institution.

Meridith

Flyer titled “The Knowledge Exchange” from Golden West College featuring a photo of faculty and staff discussing a research poster, inviting attendees to explore academic research and student support practices; event details include Wednesday, May 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at MPR 100, with contact information for Dr. Erin Craig.

Another event NOT to miss is the AANHPI Heritage Month Kickoff luncheon and mixer on Tuesday, May 5, from 1-3 p.m. at the Multicultural Center (have you been there? If not, now is the time to go). Thanks to Andre Manukyan, Jolynna Dang and our ASPIRE program for arranging.

Flyer for a Golden West College ASPIRE event titled “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Staff, Faculty & Student Mixer & Luncheon,” inviting attendees to gather for food and conversation; includes illustrations of plated meals and event details: 1:00–3:00 p.m., MPR 100, and “All are welcome.”

If you were able to attend the Take a Break celebration last week, where Trustees Parker, Hornbuckle and Moreno thanked everyone for their work on accreditation (along with the Chancellor), you would have heard that Kate Green was chosen as one of the top six educators in Orange County! There was a large group that surprised her last week, including her son sneaking in from Massachusetts. Kate is incredibly deserving of this honor – as she said in the OC Register, she reminds students that if they learned to walk, they can learn chemistry. 😊

Golden West College professor Kate Green, recently named an Orange County Teacher of the Year, stands smiling with her family while holding an award and a ceremonial check; OCDE Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean sits beside them in a wheelchair in GWC's Stem Center.

Thanks to everyone who turned out from Denim Day, a reminder that society should never blame the victims of sexual assault. Here’s the photo of the big group that Greg Parks took:

Large group of Golden West College employees gathered indoors for Denim Day, wearing denim and posing together to show support for survivors of sexual violence.

You still have time to check out the student art show, Discipulus, which will run until May 15. I took some pictures of my favorite pieces (below), and there are dozens of other creations in every medium imaginable.

Framed print of a stylized green plant with yellow flowers arranged in a radial pattern, displayed on a white gallery wall with a small label beside it.

Gallery wall featuring several student artworks, including paintings and a framed piece, alongside a small sculpture on a pedestal with an award ribbon, at a Golden West College art show.

I’ll be back Friday for more Math CoP fun and the ASGWC End of Year event….see you all then.

GWC Mission Statement

Golden West College provides culturally affirming educational opportunities for our students and community to achieve upward mobility. Our academic excellence, exceptional student services, and community partnerships empower students to achieve personal and academic goals and contribute toward an inclusive and equitable society.