A monthly digest of SBCC faculty and staff news
A monthly digest of SBCC faculty and staff news

Cliff Notes: March 2020

Cliff Notes is a monthly digest of faculty and staff news compiled by the SBCC Office of Communications. Is there news about your department that you would like to share with the rest of the campus community? Awards, recognitions, longevity, new hires, special lectures, presentations or events? Let us know! You can send items of interest to marketing@sbcc.edu and include "Cliff Notes" in the subject line.
Campus Vigil

Remembering Adolfo and Mary Jane Corral

In the early evening of Feb. 9, 2020, our beloved co-worker Adolfo Corral and his wife, Mary Jane Becerra Corral, were struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking their dog along Cathedral Oaks Road in Goleta.

The sudden and devastating loss has had a profound effect on our campus community. On the afternoon of Feb. 12, hundreds of us gathered near the West Campus fountain to honor and remember them with a candlelight vigil.
During his more than 15 years with the college, Adolfo had been an integral part of departments across campus, including Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS); the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Transfer Program; the Center for Equity and Social Justice (CESJ); Umoja; and the Food Pantry. He was known for his dedication to students, tireless work ethic and sense of humor. Those of us with whom he worked grieve not only for ourselves, but also for the four Corral children and members of their extended family.

If you would like to help raise funds for the family, a GoFundMe site has been created at:
R.I.P. Mary Jane and Adolfo Corral
Awards

Virginia Estrella honored by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

From left: Enrique Guzman (SHPE President), Virginia Estrella, Jennifer Vasquez, Isabel Agundis and Nathalie Guebels. 
In February, the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) awarded Virginia Estrella “Engineer of the Year.” Director/Coordinator of the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement Program (MESA) and the STEM Transfer Program, Virginia has been a lifetime associate member of SHPE since 2001 and a regular member since the mid-1980s. The award acknowledged her for starting the student chapter of SHPE here at SBCC, and for the work she does with the students. Prior to joining SBCC, she was the SHPE Advisor at Ventura College (2001-2007) and San Jose State University (1985-2000). 

Associate Degree in Graphic Design and Photography ranked among the top 12

Great Value Colleges has named SBCC's Online Associate Degree in Graphic Design and Photography among the 12 Best Online Photography Degree Programs for 2020. Read more...
Faculty
Michelle Paddack
Marine Science professor Michelle Paddack does a lot of volunteer work as an educator and scientist working on biological and cultural conservation in coral reef environments.
Recently she was invited by the Oceanic Society to help with the making of a short film in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The film  examines the impacts of climate change on coral reefs through the eyes of artist Courtney Mattison.
Jenna Rolle
Jenna Rolle, in the Earth and Planetary Sciences department, was the subject of an article recently published in The Channels, “SBCC geology instructor follows her passion of science everyday.”
In addition to teaching the popular “Dinosaurs” class, Rolle works as the teen programs manager at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Her main duties involve leading “Quasars to Sea Stars,” a program focused on mentoring teens who have an interest in the world of science. 
Learn more about Jenna in The Channels...

Newly tenured faculty

The following faculty were recently approved for tenure by the Board of Trustees:
Jenny Erika Barco, Transfer Achievement Program
Justine Buller, History
Juan Carrera Espinosa, Chemistry
Tara Carter, Sociology-Anthropology
Andy Gil, Academic Counseling
Russell Granger, Automotive Tech
Ruth Morales, Economics
Chris Panza, Math
Lacey Peters, Health and Wellness
Armando Ramos III, Art
Patty Saito, Biology
Amy Thompson, Physics
Jeff Walker, Physical Education
Stephanie Washburn, Art
A reception will be held on April 13. Congratulations all!
Staff
Photo by Desiree Erdmann

Eiko Kitao: ‘mother of the department’

“I never have the same day twice. “This is where I am, and I’m happy.”
That is how Geology department lab technician Eiko Kitao described her life in a recent feature article in The Channels. This former competitive snowboarder, single mom and UCSB grad has immersed herself in the world of geology for many years. She also hosts regular community outreach programs and events on campus to help recruit prospective geology students. 

Longevity Recognitions

Each month the college recognizes the longevity and dedication of our employees and the impact that those employees have on students, the institution and the culture of excellence at Santa Barbara City College. At the Feb. 13 Board meeting, the following employees were recognized:

Erika Blos, Allied Health/Nursing Lab Coordinator, 15 years
Vege Clerisse, Administrative Assistant II, 10 years
Angie Esqueda, Executive Assistant - President/Board, 20 years
Israel Nava, Facilities Assistant, 10 years
Richard Schultz, Technology Services Specialist, 15 years
Updates

New Mission Statement

The Board of Trustees approved our new mission statement at their Jan. 23 board meeting. The new mission statement reads:

Santa Barbara City College welcomes all students. The College provides a diverse learning environment and opportunities for students to enrich their lives, advance their careers, complete certificates, earn associate degrees, and transfer to four-year institutions. 

The College is committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive, respectful, participatory, and supportive community dedicated to the success of every student.
Framed posters of the new mission statement (above left) have been placed at key locations throughout main campus. It also appears on a bright red banner (above right) near the main entrance of the Administration Building.

Coronavirus: how SBCC is responding

Santa Barbara City College is coordinating with our County Department of Public Health to provide ongoing information and guidance. A team at the College meets regularly to review, update and implement protocols to respond to any impacts relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We have created webpages on our college website with general information about the Coronavirus (including links to information from the county, the state and the Center for Disease Control), and with campus updates specific to SBCC. 
Posters urging people to “Keep Calm and Wash Your Hands” in both English and Spanish (pictured above) have been installed in all classrooms and restrooms at all three SBCC campuses (Cliff Drive, Schott and Wake). If you would like a poster for your office, extras are available at the Information Desk in the Administration Building on Main Campus.
Sustainability

Transportation Task Force explores local community during ‘walking and skating month’ 

Lunchtime walkers on their way to Lazy Acres, an easy 1.6 mile walk from campus along Cliff Drive.
The Sustainability Workgroup’s Transportation Task Force doesn't just talk the talk, they walk the walk ... literally! Designating February as ‘walking and skating’ month, they organized weekly walks from campus to show SBCC’s proximity to local eateries. Lunchtime destinations included restaurants downtown and Lazy Acres on the Mesa. Task force leader Raeanne Napoleon also sent all-campus emails describing the many benefits of walking (including mental and physical benefits) and safe routes to campus.
Each month during the spring semester, the task force will be showcasing a sustainable transportation method, sharing resources from campus and from around our local community, and demonstrating how rich the sustainable transportation network is. The focus in upcoming months will be as follows:
  • March - Public Transit (with a focus on MTD resources and Amtrak)
  • April - Rideshare/Carpooling
  • May - Cycling, as May is already CycleMAYnia month
Upcoming Events

SBCC Theatre Group presents ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

There's still time to catch this award-winning play directed by Katie Laris at the Garvin Theatre until March 14. Don’t miss it!
The Frog Prince - Winner of Most Beautiful, 2012

SBCC 2020 Edible Book Festival Apr. 1, 1-3 p.m., Luria Library 

What is the Edible Book Festival? It’s a treat...literally! Anyone affiliated with SBCC can create something entirely edible that is inspired by a book. There are prizes in eight categories. Register by Mar. 15: http://tiny.cc/edible
Don’t want to create? Just come and eat the entries and have a delightful, book-full, delicious afternoon with others. Get all the info here...

EOPS @ 50! Save the date: Apr. 8

Fifty years ago, Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) came to SBCC. Born out of the Civil Rights Movement, EOPS is considered by many to be the original equity program in California community colleges. With equity as the cornerstone, EOPS’ origins focused on providing academic, financial and personal support for low-income students whose educational and socio-economic backgrounds might otherwise have prevented them from successfully attaining their educational goals.
Join the celebration on Apr. 8, 1-3 p.m., in the EOPS office (SS-240) and Memorial Plaza.
Recent Press Releases
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