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Congratulations to Senior Administrative Assistant Desiree Ortiz for being named this year’s Caring Campus Ambassador at the Employee Recognition Ceremony on May 6. 

Desiree has played a pivotal role in advancing the Caring Campus initiative both locally  and statewide. Starting with initiatives like "warm handoffs," Desiree was seamlessly involved in integrating Caring Campus principles into various college functions, from  hiring to classroom interactions. Her steadfast commitment led to the successful adoption of these principles throughout �鶹��ý and beyond.  

Congratulations to Dean Traci Fahimi, Ed.D. for being named �鶹��ý's 2024 Manager of the Year at the Employee Recognition Ceremony on May 6. 

Dr. Fahimi first came to �鶹��ý as a faculty member nearly 30 years ago teaching political science. She then rose to the position of Dean in 2016, and currently serves as Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Business Sciences. 

�鶹��ý has received a $25,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation in collaboration with the Center for Expanding Leadership & Opportunity (CELO) to  support youth-led, youth-driven community service among students. This grant is part of The Allstate Foundation’s national efforts to transform how we engage, equip, and  prepare youth to participate in community service.   

After returning from Dublin, Ireland �鶹��ý Speech and Debate had the honor of ending their season competing at not one, but two national championship tournaments.   

It's said that the best teachers are lifelong learners, and �鶹��ý alumna Julie Salerno is one learner-teacher who takes that ideal to heart.   

With more than 20 years of experience as an instructional aide at Irvine’s Woodbury Elementary, Salerno found herself at a crossroads when she noticed the changing landscape of math education. Feeling a bit outpaced and eager to better support the elementary students she worked with, she took a courageous step — she went back to school, enrolling at �鶹��ý.  

On April 20, sixty-seven �鶹��ý students, supported by the �鶹��ý Honors Program, participated in the 24th Annual  at the University of California, Riverside. �鶹��ý students delivered 27 oral and nine poster presentations, comprising 36 of the 218 research projects.

In the realm of higher education – where lectures and textbooks often dominate – �鶹��ý Business Sciences Professor John Russo is on a mission to break the mold. His manifesto? To propel students out of the confines of traditional learning and into a realm of hands-on experience, networking, and industry immersion.  

Sometimes “success stories” make winning look too easy. In truth, success often stems from grit – the ability to overcome obstacles, pursue passions, and translate persistence into measurable growth, thereby opening doors to new opportunities. Carrie Arrieta, currently a Managing Consultant with United Health Group's Optum sector, exemplifies the transformative power of higher education, which she credits in part to her experience at �鶹��ý (�鶹��ý).

The �鶹��ý Circle K International Club attended the annual California-Nevada-Hawaii Circle K International District Convention in Riverside on March 22 – 24.  Circle K members from colleges across the district gathered for educational workshops, leadership training, service projects, networking, elections, and to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments. �鶹��ý Circle K International is proud and honored to be the home club of the newly elected governor for the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of Circle K International, Dylan Nelson.