Dear SDCCE Community,
May invites us to pause and reflect, a time to honor Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and recognize Jewish American Heritage Month. Together, these observances remind us of the importance of care, community, and the rich diversity that strengthens us all.
Last month was filled with meaningful moments across our campuses from celebrating student achievement to coming together to uplift and prepare students for their future careers, and it reflects the strength and heart of our SDCCE community. I'm energized by all that lies ahead as we carry this momentum into the months ahead.
With summer enrollment now underway, we are excited to welcome both new and continuing students as they take the next step toward their academic and career goals. Our teams remain committed to providing the resources, support, and opportunities that empower every student to succeed, and we look forward to a summer of growth, connection, and continued achievement.
I also want to acknowledge and thank our IT team for their swift action in addressing the recent cyber situation. While we continue to monitor the situation, SDCCE is operating at limited capacity today, May 4, and tomorrow, May 5, due to website, internet, and phone disruptions. Campuses remain open and classes are continuing as scheduled. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to restore full services and will continue to share updates as they become available.
Enrollment Updates:
Spring Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for spring stands at 27,312 (10% less than this time last year, and a 1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 66%, which is less than last spring (73%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 14,447, a decrease of 8% compared to this time last spring (15,696) and a 0.4% increase from last week (14,389). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (196.16 to 214.07).
Summer Update
We will be providing an update on summer enrollment when available. The summer class schedule was set to go live beginning May 4.
PRIE Spotlight
Our PRIE Spotlight shines on Michael Gracia. A former high school educator and Research Assistant III with expertise in CTE research. Michael brings both academic insight and real-world experience to his work for the past 3.5 years, he currently works with PRIE, collaborating on projects and helping drive data-informed decision-making and program development.
Outside of his professional life, Michael enjoys the simple pleasures of a good cup of tea, getting lost in a great book, and unwinding with video games. His thoughtful approach and well-rounded interests make him a valued member of the CE community.
Connect with the President:
I'm excited to continue offering the opportunity to Walk with the President! If you'd rather take a stroll around the Educational Cultural Complex instead of a Zoom meeting, join me for a refreshing walk as we continue to prioritize wellness. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes!
Individual walks or zoom meetings will be 20 minutes and are available on a first come first-served basis. If you would like to schedule an appointment with me, please email [email protected] for detailed information.
Lastly, you can utilize the anonymous sharing box . Your voice matters, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Commencement 2026
As we look ahead to Commencement on June 2, 2026 at the Town and Country Resort, please remind students to connect with a counselor to develop their educational plan, request their diploma, and apply for graduation.
Key Commencement updates and information have been added on the Commencement Webpage , please encourage students to review it for items such as:
- Eligibility requirements
- Participation form details
- Cap and gown information
- Commencement speaker opportunities
- Accommodations
- Location information and more
Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected] for any additional questions
CE Student Media Fest
Please encourage students to attend the CE Student Media Fest: "Oh, the Places You'll Go," hosted by the Office of Communications and Creative Services—a one-stop event designed to support their academic and career goals.
Students can take advantage of free professional headshots, on-camera interview practice, resume support, guidance on transitioning to credit programs, career resources, and opportunity drawings.
This is a great chance for students to build confidence, strengthen their personal brand, and prepare for internships, job interviews, and future success.
See the remaining event dates and times below:
- North City - Wednesday May 6th - 10:00am to 12:00pm (Multipurpose Room)
- CE Miramar - Thursday May 7th - 11:30am to 1:30pm (Outside area)
- CE Mesa - Tuesday May 12th - 9:30am to 11:30am (Multipurpose - Room 118/120)
2026 Former Foster Youth Program Overview
Join SDCCD's 2026 Former Foster Youth Program Overview. A Districtwide virtual workshop for faculty, classified professionals, hourly workers, and administrators. Learn about the resources available for our former foster youth at each of our colleges. A student panel will be featured. (FLEX available: 31927 credit; 38855 noncredit.)
When:
Tuesday, May, 5, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where:
Zoom - the Zoom link and calendar invite will be sent shortly after receipt of your registration form.
Register:
Please register at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/BeC78C3Kax
SD FILAMEDA Filipino American Educators Appreciation
SDCCE employees showed their support at the 5th Annual SD FILAMEDA Filipino American Educators and Advocates Appreciation Gathering, joining in this year's theme, "Together We Lead: A Celebration of Education, Advocacy, and Leadership." Through this partnership, SDCCE proudly stood alongside educators and advocates dedicated to uplifting Filipino American voices, celebrating impactful leadership, and strengthening pathways for equity and opportunity through education.
AANHPI Heritage Month
Join us for a vibrant afternoon of culture, creativity, and community as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Educational Cultural Complex (4343 Ocean View Blvd). Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere filled with connection and celebration—lunch will be provided!
ECC Theatre Renovation
The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress!
The construction site is active Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm. Check out the demolition of the second level deck on the live stream link: ECC Theatre Renovation .
Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date with the progress via livestream.
Thank you to our Theatre Director, Silvia Nogales, for playing a pivotal role in the theatre renovation and for keeping us informed on its progress. You can now follow the theatre on Facebook and Instagram @Educational Cultural Complex Theatre & Community Room.
Bond Projects Update:
The current Measure HH Bond projects for our college continue to make progress. We have also developed a current projects page with updates on each project and the SDCCD Measure HH webpage has further updates.
Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates:
The Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force meets monthly to further our conversations on continuing to implement proactive strategies for immigration and safety challenges, as well as the importance of reporting any sightings of ICE on campus to the Chancellor or District General Counsel. Reports of ICE near campus (off campus) should first be directed to the COS, who, in collaboration with the Deans, will take appropriate and informed next steps to address the situation.
We have a dedicated webpage with Know Your Rights Information , District protocols, resources, and more curated by our Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force.
Please take a moment to review the safety cards for navigating ICE incidents on campus. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting.
Student Achievement Award
SDCCE employees proudly represented our college at the California Council for Adult Education, coming together to support and celebrate SDCCE student Marisol Sosa as she was honored with a Student Achievement Award. This recognition reflects her dedication and perseverance, as well as the collective commitment of our community to uplifting and championing student success.
Annual Lavender Celebration
Join us for the Annual Lavender Celebration as we honor the accomplishments and contributions of our LGBTQIA+ students. From academic milestones to scholarship and grant recognitions, this special evening is all about uplifting student success. Register for the event which will be held:
Tuesday, May 12
5:30–7:00 PM
Harbor View Campus, Room 103
Dinner will be provided for registered attendees and their guests. Come celebrate, connect, and be inspired—we can't wait to see you there! For additional questions and accommodations please contact Dr. Lisa Carulli at [email protected] .
Congratulations Dr. Janay Patton
Congratulations to Dr. Janay Patton on successfully defending her dissertation! Her journey reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned achievement and all the hard work that led to this moment.
2026 Pre-Pride Month of Events
As we celebrate diversity and inclusion, I invite you to join us for the 2026 Pre-Pride Month of Events happening across all four San Diego Community College District colleges.
For a full list of Districtwide events, visit https://bit.ly/4sj0jq0 .
AAPI Career Professionals Night
VP Omae served as a panelist at the AAPI Career Professionals Night at City College, joining District leaders to share career journeys, insights, and perspectives on navigating professional pathways through AAPI experiences. The event fostered meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, creating space to uplift, connect, and support one another's journeys in higher education and beyond.
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week's Classified Professional Spotlight shines on our Instructional Aid, Ha Thi Thu Huynh. Ha's journey with the college began as a student at Mesa College while working in the Mid-City ESL Office as an hourly team member—an experience that helped shape her path into the role she holds today. For Ha, the work is deeply personal; as an immigrant herself, she's driven by a genuine passion for supporting and uplifting others navigating similar journeys.
Over the past 10 years, Ha has been a dedicated part of the college community, officially stepping into her part-time contract role in 2023. Her commitment to service, paired with her lived experience, makes her an invaluable resource and a compassionate presence for students.
Outside of work, Ha finds joy in caring for her plants and flowers, expressing creativity through embroidery, cooking, and spending time in the water swimming. And when it's time to unwind, she's always up for a good action movie.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on our Adjunct Parenting Education Instructor Terry Washington, who will be retiring this month after 25 years of dedicated service to SDCCE. Since 2001, Terry has taught a wide range of courses including Effective Parenting, Family Relations, Infant Development, and Childcare Foundations—always centering her work on supporting and empowering families.
Terry is passionate about helping each family reach their highest potential, believing strongly that every family can soar. She describes her time at SDCCE as deeply meaningful, shaped by both teaching and learning from her students along the way. She is also a published author of three books focused on family and personal growth.
Outside the classroom, Terry enjoys walking, yoga, Zumba, reading, and spending time with her miniature poodle, Bella, along with family and friends. After 25 years, she reflects on her journey with gratitude, saying she has "loved every moment of teaching" and feels blessed to be part of the SDCCE community.
SPAA Spotlight
This month's SPAA Spotlight shines on Executive Assistant to the President, Desiree (DeeDee) Redulla. DeeDee began her journey with the district right out of high school at City College and, after 23 years serving in administrative roles while living across the world as part of a military family, returned to California to continue her work in education. She has held several roles at Mesa College, including Senior Tutor, Test Proctor, and Senior Clerical Assistant in DSPS, before joining Continuing Education in 2017 as Administrative Technician to the Vice President of Student Services. Since 2022, she has proudly served as Executive Assistant to the President.
Driven by a genuine passion for helping others, DeeDee finds purpose in making a positive difference—no matter how big or small—in the lives of those around her. With 9 years at the college and 12 years across the district, her dedication, warmth, and leadership continue to leave a lasting impact on the campus community.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, shopping, cooking Sunday meals, and spending time with her family—cheering on the Padres and cherishing her role as a wife, mom, and grandma.
Announcements and Reminders
Visit the Administrative Services Intranet to access campus safety resources and stay informed with the latest updates.
We will be participating in a 4 x10 schedule this summer 2026. Please refer to the memo that was sent out via email of view it on the Intranet .
A reminder that all requests of the Communications Department must be approved by a dean or vice president and requires submission of a request form. You can find the Project Request Form link on the Faculty and Staff Resources Page of our website. Allow ten working days for a request to be completed. If a request needs immediate attention, please complete the form and contact the Public Information Officer.
For SDCCE professional development opportunities, visit the professional development web page for upcoming workshops.
President's Updates:
I stood in solidarity with our SDCCE community for Denim Day, taking a stand against sexual violence and victim blaming. Students and employees also gathered at ECC for a powerful hour of art therapy and art protest, led by Instructor Gina Grossini-Concha using creativity and reflection to honor survivors, raise awareness, and reaffirm that support and solidarity matter.
I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with the UMGC/COLEGAS community in San Diego, where I shared my leadership journey in K–12 and the California Community College system and engaged in a meaningful, energizing conversation grounded in student success, access, and continued partnership.
The Research Corner:
This week, we invite you to check out a table of 30 fastest growing occupations in the US, 2024 and projected 2034 (Employment in thousands) published on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The table shows the fastest-growing occupations by percentage increase in employment. Unlike numeric job growth, which counts the number of jobs added, percentage growth measures how rapidly an occupation is expanding relative to its current workforce. The table may be found on the following link: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/fastest-growing-occupations.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
