5 Things to Know Weekly Update

November 10, 2025

damien jordan and meridith randall stand side by side while smiling at the camera. The background is softly lit with a patterned wall design.

Dear Colleagues:

Over the weekend, I was reflecting on what makes this college special, and the concept of diversity kept coming to mind. Not just diversity of students and employees, but diversity of areas in which GWC excels. Just in the last week, we had a successful Psych Day, which offered students the opportunity to learn more about psychology and mental health; our beautiful Veterans Day event, thanks to Logan Shreve and Benson Hawks, among others; the culmination of our perfect football season, led by quarterback Kauna’oa Kamakawiwo’ole, and continuation of a dominant men’s water polo season; celebration of Native American Heritage Month; meetings of our many student clubs; and demonstration of collegial decision-making as the Academic Senate held its session to consider new faculty appointments. And enjoy the photo of the dinner honoring our Faculty of the Year Damien Jordan, which took place last Friday! We speak often about welcoming and supporting everyone – the proof is in offering them many paths to show their skills and potential. Looking forward to a strong end of semester!

Meridith

On Wednesday, several Trustees and GWC folks will attend the Huntington Beach Mayor’s Breakfast and I will be given the usual opportunity to say a few words. This event is an opportunity to remind the city that while we may have differences, we are united in the effort to improve the lives of HB residents (and beyond) through workforce training and education. Our presentation is always well-received since we have many partnerships with HB agencies and businesses, and GWC has a great reputation in the community.

Quick reminder that Tuesday is Veterans Day and we will be closed – no classes, no offices open.

Also, in honor of Veterans Day, please take a moment to look at the District’s new Veterans & Active-Duty Student infographic below, highlighting who our military-affiliated students are and the incredible strengths they bring to our campuses.

Enjoy a rare midweek holiday. 😊

Infographic showing student data for Veterans and Active-Duty Military students in the Coast Community College District. It highlights that there are 926 veterans and 533 active-duty students enrolled. The most common programs of study include Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Engineering. The student population is majority male, with most students between ages 25–34. The racial and ethnic breakdown includes Hispanic, White, Asian and Filipino, Black, and smaller percentages of other groups. The infographic also notes that Veterans and Active-Duty students have slightly higher success and retention rates than non-military students.

Two uniformed officers stand at the base of a flagpole, saluting as a large American flag is raised outdoors. A group of people in the background stand with hands over their hearts during a ceremony on a sunny day, surrounded by green trees and lawn.

Later this week, we will be meeting about the 60th Anniversary of GWC next year and adding to the task force. We have chosen a slogan – “60 Years of Brilliance” – since it is a diamond anniversary, and Kristen Hill will be designing a logo that we can all use for email, etc. Exciting events to come!

Since I promised to keep mentioning RSI for online courses: work continues on showing our accreditation team evidence that our asynchronous courses include appropriate interaction between faculty and students. If you have been contacted and are supplying that evidence, many thanks. The team will visit campus in February for a final determination.

This week, registration continues for winter/spring, and we are currently up about 3% over last year at this time. I will be here all four working days this week, attending our Foundation Board meeting and Patrons’ Movie Night on November 15, among other things.

Event flyer for a “Drive-In Movie Night” at Golden West College on November 15, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The flyer has a blue night sky background with stars, palm trees, and a silhouette of Santa’s sleigh. It advertises a double feature showing the movies Elf and Frosty the Snowman. The flyer lists food, treat bags for each car, kid activities, and a silent auction. A QR code is included for donations. Text at the bottom notes that entrance is by donation and prior booking, with proceeds supporting scholarships for Golden West College students.

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.