From the Office of Acting President Elñora Tena Webb
This has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, semesters I have ever experienced as an educator.
Just this month, hundreds of Laney students and employees spoke out against education budget cuts at rallies held in Oakland, San Francisco and Sacramento. In addition to the Spring 2010 cutbacks, Laney is anticipating further reductions of between 3 – 10% next fiscal year. While the College continues to advocate for state/federal educational resources, Laney leaders are working diligently to optimize productivity, expand grant initiatives as well as explore contract education opportunities and fee-based offerings.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, Laney remains focused on student success and academic excellence. Our faculty, staff, and students are finalizing the 2010 Education Master Plan, a multi-year roadmap to guide the College’s growth and development. The Laney Team has begun implementing many of the prescribed objectives even before we officially launch the Plan. See examples below.
Green Careers
Laney students are participating in two innovative green career curricula – Oakland Green Jobs Corps and Building Performance and Energy Efficiency Program (BPEEP).
The Green Jobs Corps is funded by a $1 million grant from the California Clean Energy Workforce Training Program. Laney is one of 34 recipients in this $27 million statewide initiative. BPEEP is an interdisciplinary, accelerated, one-year curriculum, funded by the Bechtel Foundation.
Students are attending classes five days a week in a 31-unit-course of study including environmental control technology, carpentry, architecture, electrical technology, and engineering. Graduates will be qualified for immediate employment in weatherization, energy auditing, diagnostic assessments, and energy efficiency retrofitting as well as a wide range of career and continuing education options in the growing clean energy economy.
Winning Programs
For more than 20 years, the Laney Music Department has offered intensive summer courses in band, chorus, string orchestra, and jazz band. These affordable, two-week camps are designed for middle and high school students at $125 per person. See details at: http://laneysummermusic.com/
Laney Educational/After-School Pathways (LEAP) is a career pathway certificate program that prepares students for work in after-school or youth development programs. The 12-14 unit program consists of three unique courses (Intro to Youth Development, Intro to Tutor Training, Personal Wellness or Community Health) as well as foundation courses in Mathematics and English. Completion of the program sets the groundwork for students to continue their college education, work in teacher-training programs, in human services, or as instructional aides in local agencies. LEAP students have access to support services and local internships. LEAP is funded through the Peralta After-School Pathways Initiative. Since its inception in Fall 2009, LEAP has served more than 100 students.
On March 24, the new Laney Bistro opened its doors to students, employees and friends. In addition to a seasonal menu, students are preparing contemporary American dishes and international cuisines. Culinary students — in black slacks, shirt and apron – are serving customers from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays, during the Spring 2010 semester. No reservations are required.
The Laney College Student Employment Services Center will host its 33rd Annual Career Expo on Wednesday, April 14, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., on the Laney Quad. Event participants will be able to discuss career opportunities with representatives from Bay Area companies. They can also update their resumes and refine interview skills. The Career Expo is free and open to the public.
Class of 2010
The Laney College Class of 2010 will graduate on Thursday, May 27. About 500 graduates are expected to celebrate their academic accomplishments with families and friends at the historic Paramount Theatre in Oakland. Commencement ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is: Reaffirming Dreams.
A commencement rehearsal will be held on Tuesday, May 25, in the Laney Theatre.
Students who are planning to graduate are encouraged to attend the 2010 Graduation Fair, scheduled from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 21, in the Student Center Cafeteria. Students will receive discounts on class rings, personalized graduation announcements, and general information. The Laney College Bookstore will provide light refreshments. For more info, contact Bookstore Manager Anya at (510) 464-3514.
Honor students and scholarship recipients will be invited to an Honors and Awards Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Oakland Airport Hilton Hotel.
Awards & Recognitions
Kudos to photography student Anthony Elias, a finalist in the Nikon USA 30th Annual Student Photography Contest. Winning entries will be published in the Summer 2010 issue of the Photographers Forum magazine. All finalists will be featured in a hardcover book, entitled “Best of College Photography”.
Congratulations to Laney College Coach Ron Williams and the Laney Women Basketball Team for winning the Northern California Regional Tournament. The Lady Eagles attained a winning streak of 20 games in its regional victory.
Our Lady Eagles swimmers came in 2nd place at the Mariner’s Invite in March.
The Women’s Water Polo team tied for 3rd place at the Solano Invitational. Team members are training hard and looking strong for the upcoming Bay Valley Conference Championship, scheduled for April 22 – 24.
Laney Professor Earl Robinson was inducted into the Pac-10 Hall of Honor at a ceremony during the Pac-10 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Los Angeles earlier this month. Robinson was a two-sport star at U.C. Berkeley, playing both basketball and baseball for the Golden Bears in the 1950s. In 1966, he was named head coach at Merritt College, becoming the first African-American head basketball coach in the California community college system. He joined the Laney Team in 1968, coaching basketball and teaching public speaking courses. Professor Robinson was credited for helping Rickey Henderson craft his well-received speech for the baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies this past summer.
Did you know?
The average tuition cost of a Culinary Arts degree is $40,000 – $50,000 in the United States. At Laney College, it is approximately $2000 for a Culinary Arts degree. And, The Laney College Culinary Arts program is one of the oldest continually operated culinary schools in the country.
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Eliza Y Chan, Public Information Officer, elizachan@peralta.edu
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