Dear SDCCE Community,

Thank you for your overwhelming attendance and participation in our Fall 2025 Convocation! Your presence helped us launch the new academic year with energy, purpose, and collective commitment to our theme: Sustained in Unity—a celebration of both sustainability and unity in all that we do.

If you missed the live event or would like to revisit any part of the program, you can view the livestream recording.

We were honored to welcome several distinguished guests to Fall Convocation, including Board of Trustees President Geysil Arroyo, Chancellor Gregory Smith, and Jim Mahler, President of AFT Guild, Local 1931. We also extend our deepest appreciation to our keynote speaker, Tim Wise, whose powerful and thought-provoking address challenged us to reflect on our work within today’s broader social and political landscape. A special thank you to Carla Grossini-Concha, FLEX & Professional Development Coordinator, for her instrumental role in bringing Tim Wise to this year’s Convocation.

Congratulations to Dr. Yahir Melendez, our SDCCE Student Trustee, for his outstanding public speaking debut. Your voice and leadership continue to inspire and represent our student community with strength and grace.

Please take a moment to relive the event by browsing the photo gallery and photobooth pictures. Feel free to share your photos and tag SDCCE on your social media platforms—we love seeing the celebration through your lens!

I hope you’re enjoying your reusable mini canvas tote, eco-friendly cutlery set, portable fan, SDCCD umbrella, and Fall Convocation t-shirt! Don’t forget to wear your t-shirt with pride on the first day of classes—Thursday, August 28!

Convocation is a true all-hands-on-deck endeavor. My heartfelt thanks to the teams and individuals who made this day possible:

• Co-chairs: DeeDee Redulla and Brenna Leon Sandeford
• President’s Office Team: Catherine Napoleon, La Toiya Noles. Ksenia Cavo
• Communications and Creative Services Team: Michael Escalona, Dustin De Los Santos, Chris Radomski, Tiara Sanders, Richie McGirr, RJ Hullum, Debbie Burmeister
• Admin Services (IT, Facilities, Theatre): Alonzo Pishyar, Nathaniel Pitcher, LeTrent Catchings, Brandon Volage, Bryan Mobley, Karmo Kosso, Anthony Vargas, Sal Mendez, Jasmine Duran, Silvia Nogales, Aaron Trapp, Carmen Martinez, Todd Franklin, Alfredo Gazca, Patty Lopez
• Outreach Team: Andrea Gastelum, Andres Marquez Alvarez, Laura Martinez, Carlos Recinos, Carolina Galindo, Emmanuel Duron Escalera, Khalid Elfaki
• Flex & Professional Development Team: Carla Grossini-Concha, Janielle Bilello, Jessica Luedtke
• Be Well CCE: Janisha Street, Jeremy Garcia, Liz Barajas
• Go Green Team Chair: Diana Larsen
• Instructional Services: Maureen Gallegos, Stephanie McCrea, Crystal Quezada, Trila Gil, Janay Patton
• Student Services: Anthony Ganio
• Classified and Academic Senates: Dr. Esther Anthony-Thomas and Dr. Richard Weinroth
• Executive President's Cabinet: VPSS Shakerra Carter, VPI Masa Omae, VPAS Jacqueline Sabanos, CEO/Executive Director of the Foundation Dr. Tami Foy

Each of these areas and individuals played an essential role in making this year’s Convocation one of our most memorable yet. Your dedication is a testament to our shared values and a reminder of the power we have when we act in unity, with sustainability at the core of our mission.

As we begin this new academic year, we remain deeply committed to transforming lives, advancing equity, and creating belonging for every adult learner in San Diego. Sustained in Unity, we move Forward Together.

I look forward to an exciting year ahead!