5 Things to Know Weekly Update

April 27, 2026

Dear Colleagues:

Well, I forgot to mention many important events last week, so apologies to several people (especially the art department, which opened their student show last Thursday, and the theater department, which began the last show of the semester, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder). I have not seen either yet, since I was in Sacramento learning about TOP and CIP codes (yikes), but will see both this week and hope you will, too. I am including some photos of my favorite place in Sacramento – the Peace Garden near the capitol which is blooming right now. Check out all the flowers blooming on our own campus, too.

Meridith

Blooming red and pink rose bushes in a landscaped garden near the California State Capitol in Sacramento, with palm trees and government buildings visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Close-up of bright pink roses in full bloom in a garden near the California State Capitol in Sacramento, with lush green foliage and additional rose bushes in the background.

Thanks to Michelle Palma and her counterpart at OCC, we hosted the California Geographical Society Conference this past week, with more than 100 geography faculty, guest speakers and a fascinating poster session (see photo). Not all of our campus events are academic, and it would be wonderful to host more like this (being a college 😊).

Academic research poster from Sacramento State analyzing 15-minute parking clusters in Sacramento’s central city, featuring charts, maps, and diagrams that show building uses, density, and parking patterns.

We also learned in the middle of last week that Men’s Volleyball would compete for the state championship for the second year in a row. On Friday, in a teeny tiny gym at LBCC packed with high-energy Rustler fans, they won. Congratulations to Coach Amado and his phenomenal student-athletes! And so nice to see some of our other coaches there to support the team!

Golden West College men’s volleyball team poses on the court with coaches, holding a banner reading “3C2A Men’s Volleyball Champions 2025–26,” wearing medals and championship hats after their title win.

Thanks to our Career Center and outreach by Diana Rochat, we are working on several initiatives designed to create more internship/work-based learning opportunities for students. Last week, we hosted both a Career Pathways and Apprenticeship Fair, and the annual Orange County Auto Dealers Association event for more than 100 students. We also had a visit from the HB Mayor to work on creating internships with city departments. Looking forward to a day when we can offer work opportunities to every student who would like them.

Photobooth-style collage from a Career Pathways & Apprenticeship Fair featuring groups of students in green scrubs posing with props like novelty glasses and holding fake money, with event branding and partner logos displayed above and below.

And this past weekend was busy, too. The indefatigable Diana Rochat, Jacob Hamrick, and Cory Bird had an outreach booth at the massive Seal Beach Car Show, and Mike Russell showed off his 1953 model with his family. Plus GWC was the main sponsor for the Taste of HB event on Sunday and 20 staff (and some offspring) attended.

Diana Rochat, Jacob Hamrich, and Cory Bird stand behind a Golden West College Automotive Technology table at the Seal Beach Car Show, displaying program materials and automotive parts under a canopy.

Golden West College Auto Tech faculty member Mike Russell stands with his family—two women and a young child—smiling in front of a vintage turquoise car at the Seal Beach Car Show with shops and trees in the background.

Golden West College faculty member Theresa Nguyen dances with a young child on a grassy field during an outdoor campus event, with a live band performing under a canopy and attendees dancing in the background.

This week, we have some surprises for folks that will be revealed as the week goes on, along with the visit from the Chancellor and Trustees on Thursday, April 30 from 2-3 p.m. at the Student Union to show appreciation for a successful accreditation visit. You all contributed to that, so please all come!

Managers will be working on finalizing budgets for next year and the student graduation speaker(s) will be chosen as we nail down all the Commencement details.

I will be here all week, but out next week from May 4-7.

Flyer with the headline “Take a Break” in bold black and red text on a lined paper background, promoting an event hosted by the Board of Trustees and Chancellor on April 30 from 2–3 p.m. at the GWC Student Union.

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.