President’s Board Report Update 7.22.25
Check out President Olivo’s most recent Board Report shared at the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Board of Trustees meeting on July 22, 2025. The Board of Trustees meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
Summer Updates from President Cynthia Olivo
Leading with Love and Compassion
As a part of the Wheelhouse CEO Institute Dr. Cynthia Olivo participated in during the 2024-2025 academic year, she was eligible to obtain coaching and participated in the Women in CEO Role Support Meeting with Elaine Lin Hering, a national consultant on communication, collaboration and leadership.
Through the Wheelhouse CEO Institute, Dr. Olivo has also been able to secure Foundation support from Hartnell College to learn more about how their non-profit has grown from small-size assets and endowment to now over a $65 million enterprise.
Dr. Olivo has also leveraged the relationships she created through being the Founder of COLEGAS and the first President of the statewide organization and recently conducted a site visit to Santa Rosa Junior College, which has one of the largest endowments in the state with over $75 million dollars. A college over 100 years old, Santa Rosa shared incredible best practices, aiming to inform our college’s strategic approach as we continue moving forward with our Friends of Fullerton College Foundation.
Fullerton College Leaders Make an Impact at State of the City Event
The State of the City brought together members of the Fullerton Community from the education, business and civic sectors, community members, local organizations and business owners. The event highlighted achievements from the past year and shared upcoming plans to promote economic growth throughout the City. Hosted at the Summit House, the event shared a glimpse of where we are at and where Fullerton is going.
Fullerton College also had the opportunity to serve as a Gold Sponsor for the event.
Fullerton College Art Department and Gallery Present: Parking Lot Prints
The Fullerton College Art Department and Art Gallery recently transformed Parking lots A and 8 into a vibrant celebration of zines, book arts and printmaking. Community members were invited to celebrate with over 50 zine artists and printmakers. The event featured music and food, interactive “print maker” tables, the opportunity to print your own t-shirt and more.
Fullerton College appreciates the art department’s commitment to creativity, community and the power of print.
Inside Fullerton’s 2023 Edition Earns Best of the Best Award
Fullerton College recently earned the Best of the Best award for sheet fed magazines at the Printing Industries Association awards, recognizing its outstanding 2023–2024 edition of “Inside Fullerton.”
Produced entirely by Fullerton College students, from concept to writing, design and final printing, the magazine stood out among professional industry submissions. A project led by faculty members Jessica Langlois (Journalism), Steven Klippenstein (Art) and Benjamin Cuatt (Digital Arts), Fullerton College was also the only college recognized in the field of industry peers.
Fullerton College Drone Program Launches Partnership with Brea Olinda Unified School District
The Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD) recently launched a dual enrollment partnership with the drone program at Fullerton College. Beginning the 2025-26 academic year, Brea Olinda High School students will have the opportunity to enroll in a cutting-edge Uncrewed Aerial Systems Piloting Certificate Program, preparing them with essential skills and credentials for careers in the rapidly growing drone technology industry.
Fullerton College congratulates Professor Jay Seidel for his hard work to shape the future of our workforce.
Friends of Fullerton College Foundation Shares Hope with Community
For the past few weeks, Board Officers from the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation have delivered food to community members and families impacted by recent ICE raids and activity. These current events have not only disrupted the lives of individuals, but entire families—causing fear, instability and hardship across our communities.
Providing emergency boxes of food is just one of the ways that our Fullerton College family demonstrates care and concern for our students, employees and community members. We’d like to thank Foundation President and District Trustee Evangelina Rosales, Vice President Dr. Anna Corral and Treasurer Dr. Vicki Calhoun for their compassionate efforts.
Cadena Cultural Center Duo Empowers UndocuScholars Beyond the Classroom
Julio Reyes Cabezas and Dr. Connie Moreno Yamashiro recently presented at the California Council of Cultural Centers in Higher Education (CaCCCHE) at University of California, Riverside. Their presentation was titled “Empowering UndocuScholars Beyond Status: Creating a Sense of Belonging and Transforming Campus Climate Through Inclusive Practices.”
Fullerton College was one of the few community colleges in attendance, out of many four-year universities, and was praised for its inclusive practices to support the immigration-impacted community. Congratulations to Julio and Connie!
Chancellor’s Office Coalition Team Participates in Impactful Juneteenth Experience
Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo, Faculty Senate President Bridget Kominek and Classified Staff Victor Meza were members of the statewide Chancellor’s Office Coalition who recently participated in the Cultural Immersion Historically Black College (HBCU) and Civil Rights Experience from Atlanta to Selma, Montgomery and back during the week of Juneteenth.
Congratulations to Dr. Olivo, Kominek and Meza for representing the spirit of our college’s dedication to social justice.
Fullerton College Celebrates AI Leadership in the Making
Business and Computer Information Systems (CIS) faculty member Gary Graves was recently selected as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fellow for the State Chancellor’s Office. Fullerton College is fortunate to have him represent us at the state level, gaining more exposure for our campus community to take a lead in AI. Excellent job, Professor Graves!
Earth Sciences Faculty Named State Chancellor’s Climate Fellow
Earth Sciences Professor Dr. Roman de Jesus was recently appointed to serve as a State Chancellor’s Climate Fellow. Fullerton College couldn’t be prouder to be represented by Roman and his commitment to our faculty, college and social justice. Congratulations, Dr. De Jesus!
