On Friday, May 27th at 6:00 p.m. we will be celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2022 as they walk across the stage in front of family and friends and accept their degrees and certificates. Many of our students in this graduating class spent their first year in a remote environment with Zoom sessions, online learning, and virtual support programs. They spent their second year back on our campus abiding by mask policies, health and safety protocols, and navigating the ever-changing societal rules. They have spent the past month finishing strong in the classroom, attending events, and finally getting to share their smiling faces!
The world as we know it changed in March 2020 when the storm cloud of Covid hit our world, our country, and our community. While the Covid storm was so damaging on so many levels at West Hills College Lemoore we remained laser-focused on our mission of “the relentless pursuit of student success” and we did so with Hope in mind and with Flexibility on display. During the past two years we have learned so many lessons and continue to recognize some that:
- We have world-class faculty who are here for our students, embrace innovation, and deliver high-quality classes.
- We have staff who are willing to do whatever it takes to provide support to our students in a variety of modalities.
- We have led the way in financial aid efforts and reducing/eliminating textbook costs and will continue to lean into efforts around food insecurity, access to technology, and access to mental health resources.
- We have amazing and resilient students and we need to continue to celebrate, support, and recognize their diversity and provide a safe and engaging space for them at our college.
The stories in this edition of our West Hills Magazine are great examples of what we have learned, what we have done, and how we worked together to navigate these Covid times. I am humbled and excited to serve as the college president at West Hills College Lemoore and grateful for our Golden Eagle employees, students, and community partners who have shown resilience, innovation, and compassion to get us through the storm.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay Golden!