5 Things to Know Weekly Update

December 8, 2025

photograph of gwc president meridith randall. Meridith is leaning against a railing with her hands crossed in front of her. She's wearing a dark sweater and top and glasses, and is standing in front of large windows.

Dear Colleagues:

Here we are suddenly, at the end of the semester. I hope it has been an enjoyable and productive one for all of you and our students, and we are all looking forward to a break before jumping into Winter and Spring. Thanks to everyone who made Fall 2025 so memorable, from the Multicultural Center being finalized, athletics outperforming the rest of the state, performing arts putting on dazzling shows, faculty in all areas preparing students for transfer and careers, and Student Services doing everything possible to help students succeed. For next semester, we are looking forward to: a new food service provider for the cafeteria, a new logo for GWC, and continued student success!

Meridith

This is a week of wrapping things up, but also celebration, culminating with our Holiday Party on Thursday, December 11, at 2 pm in MPR – preceded by a cart parade! And try to come to the Munchies events starting today as well.

Dark green holiday-themed flyer decorated with gold snowflakes, menorah icons, and festive illustrations. Center text reads: “Please join us for the Annual Winter Holidays & End of Semester Celebration.” Event details state: “Thu, Dec 11th, 2–4 PM, Multipurpose Room 100.” RSVP link and deadline included at the bottom.

Holiday-themed flyer with colorful string lights and an illustration of a golf cart decorated with Christmas lights and a big red bow. A small elf sits in the cart. Text reads: “GWC Classified Senate Presents: Holiday Cart Parade. You’re invited! Join us on December 11 for a festive cart parade and contest. Limited number of carts available to borrow.” Event times listed as Cart Parade & Contest from 1–2 p.m. and Celebration & Awards from 2–4 p.m. in MPR 100. Contact email for questions included at the bottom.

Green holiday-themed flyer titled “Golden West College 44th Annual Munchies Week,” with festive decorations in the background. The graphic shows a five-day schedule of events from Monday, Dec. 8 to Friday, Dec. 12. Each day lists a themed event, time, location, participating departments, and a contact person. Events include: “Merry & Bright,” “Zack Snack Hour,” “Joy to the Munchies,” “All College Holiday Party,” and “Cozy Christmas.” The Thursday event is open to all; the others note “Munchie participation required.”

Many groups to congratulate, starting with our wonderful performing arts faculty and staff in theater, music (voice and instrumental), and dance for their end-of-semester shows. In athletics, the women’s soccer team took home second place in the state under Coach Barone – the best finish ever for the program – and football continues its quest for a state championship on Saturday (details to follow). Yes, we did not become a northern team – they sent the wrong trophy, believe it or not. 😕

A large group photo of a women’s soccer team standing in a line on a football field. The players wear white uniforms with medals around their necks, and coaches in black GWC gear stand on both ends. A trophy sits on the ground at the center of the group. The background shows a clear blue sky, trees, and campus buildings.

Coming up this week are graduations for both the police academy (class 175) and nursing. Chris Cano, Associate Dean of CJ, and Carol Ann Friedman, Temporary Interim Associate Dean of Nursing, have done excellent work this semester along with their faculty and staff – looking forward to seeing the students complete!

Group photo of the Golden West College School of Nursing Class of 2025. Dozens of nursing students wearing teal scrubs pose in several rows outside a campus building, smiling toward the camera. A banner at the bottom reads “Golden West College School of Nursing – Pinning Ceremony | December 12, 2025,” alongside the GWC Nursing program seal.

In the instructional world, we are moving ahead with hiring four new full-time faculty to start in Fall 2026, thanks to the Chancellor’s approval. They will be in Ethnic Studies (Latinx concentration), Political Science, Communications and Engineering (with ability to teach Physics and/or Math as well). Very excited to add to our faculty ranks!

In addition to non-stop (?) celebrating, my week includes spring summit planning (thank you, Erin Craig and Flex Committee for staying on top of this), a joint President’s Cabinet/Planning Council/Budget Council meeting to look at resource requests, and a Board meeting on Friday. I’ll be here all week in case of need. 😊

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.