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Mesa College Institutional Learning Outcomes

WELCOME TO MESA E-NEWS, the monthly e-zine of college-wide events, activities

and news. For daily news and events, follow us on facebook at facebook.com/sandiegomesacollege

More than 400 graduates participated in the Mesa’s commencement exercises on Sat., May 17, at the Jenny Craig Pavilion. Mesa College’s 50th graduating class is comprised of 1,384 students who will receive 1,085 academic degrees and 312 certificates. Joining student speaker Thomas Bloom onstage was ASG president Jay Walker, and 2014 Coca-Cola New Century Scholar for California, Sarah Farmer. Among the graduates is Mesa ’s own, Ana Fuentes, who by day helps to keep the grounds beautiful at Mesa College. Click here for photos.

50 Years, 50 Commencements, 50 Cheers for the Class of 2014

Carlos & Linda LeGerrette Honored as 2014 Distinguished Alumni

Mesa alumni Carlos and Linda LeGerrette (Class of ’69) were honored as the 2014 Distinguished Alumni. As students at Mesa in the mid-1960s, Carlos and Linda started a student club that would later become MEChA. As a young married couple, they joined Cesar Chavez in fighting for the rights of farmworkers. Inspired to engage the next generation in civic participation, in 2001, they founded the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs. The organization has grown from a single club at one school to 38 clubs in 17 schools in San Diego. In March, they returned to Mesa as featured speakers at the Gracia Molina de Pick Lecture Series. The LeGerrettes called for the students to take action and follow their dreams. In his closing remarks, Carlos LeGerrette asked a question of the graduates, “Se puede?” or, can you do it? The students answered with the familiar rallying cry, "¡Sí Se Puede!"… We can do it! The couple was nominated by Prof. Cesar Lopez.

Class of 2014 Tenured Professors: (l-r): Francisco Zabaleta, President Pam Luster, Saloua Saidane, Kimberley Perigo, Kristina Ortiz Carson, Edwin Fields, Tanya Kravatz, Robert Pickford, Kenneth Berger. Not pictured: Nathan Betschart, Jarred Collins, Barbara Sexton. Below with President Luster are retirees Kai Wong, Judith Ross, Lois Wittner, and Jim Wales.

Mfusion was the setting on Friday, May 2, for the 2014 Faculty Recognition event, honoring eleven faculty members who this year was promoted to the rank of Professor. Honorees, their colleagues, and their families enjoyed a lovely dinner, prepared by Mesa culinary students, followed by awards and comments from the school Deans. Also honored were this year’s faculty retirees. Congratulations to all! (Retirees not in attendance: Pam Chapman, Vilma Silverman, Jean Smith.)

San Diego Mesa College Institutional Learning Outcomes

Completion Ceremonies Honor Mesa College Program Graduates!

Physical Therapy Assistant Program – Program Director Tina L. Recalde, Dean Margie Fritch, clinical practitioners, family and friends honored more than hosted a completion ceremony for 11 graduates on Friday, May 9th. Students, family and friends were joined by instructors from 21 clinical affiliates. Following remarks, President Pam Luster and VP Tim McGrath presented certificates and pins. Students of the Class of 2014 – who advanced through the program together – were presented with individual awards. Class historian Jasce Boice also showed a video montage. The PTA Class of 2014 had a 61% graduation rate. The graduates are now eligible to take the Licensure Examination for approval as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Click here for more photos.

Honors Program -- On May 16, 240 Mesa Honors students celebrated completion of 15 units of Honors courses, 10 hours of community service, and participation in four hours of honors campus events. Students received a certificate of completion, an Honors cord to wear at graduation, and a personalized key chain to remember their experience . Students brought loved ones to celebrate and enjoyed pastries, fruit, coffee, and lemonade. This is the third year of offering the Honors Certificate of Completion, and the highest number of awards to date.

Black Graduate & Transfer Students Rite of Passage Ceremony -- A rite of passage, which marks a time when a person reaches a new and significant change in his/her life, is something that nearly all societies recognize. Mesa College hosted the SDCCD’s second annual Rites of Passage ceremony which celebrated, honored, and recognized the achievements of African American students graduating from City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges. (Continued on next page…)

San Diego Mesa College Institutional Learning Outcomes

Completion Ceremonies, continued … This ceremony acknowledged those students who are transitioning between achieving their academic, career, and/or personal goals related to degree attainment and moving into the next phase of their lives. The evening began by honoring African and African American ancestors; followed with the beautiful voice of Wilnisha Almond Sutton by singing the Black National Anthem, and a welcome by President Pamela Luster. Prof. Thekima Mayasa delivered a riveting explanation of why we celebrate the Rites of Passage, which was followed by a showcase of poetry by spoken word artist, Inside Nianda Speaks, and touching testimonials from students. The event closed with a reading of each graduate and transfer student’s name and biography and the conferral of a kente cloth stole to be worn in times of extreme importance and for African Americans to show pride in their African heritage.

Students, Counselors and Profs Celebrate Transfer Success Of more than 800 Mesa grads who will move on to four-year institutions this year, 75 participated in the annual Transfer Recognition Luncheon on May 13. One of the highlights of the event was the speech given by Transfer Alumni Honoree, Sasha Davila (pictured at right; Sasha is the daughter of Patricia Davila, who works in the President’s Office). A former Mesa Student Ambassador, Sasha transferred to and graduated from UCLA with a BA in Art History and a minor in Chicana/o Studies. Sasha was an Astin Civic Engagement Scholar through the UCLA Center for Community Learning where she conducted research on the social impact of murals in relationship to community cultural development. In her remarks, Sasha encouraged students to immerse themselves in campus life by making full use of all available resources, networking and grabbing every opportunity possible. SDSU and UCSD were the top transfer of choice by attendees. Students were also recognized for acceptance to all other UCs, many CSUs and a myriad of impressive universities such as, Columbia University, University San Diego , Boston University, Ohio State University, and University Nevada Las Vegas. Click here for more shots.

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San Diego Mesa College Institutional Learning Outcomes

iMesa mobile app launches

Fair Play! Students, faculty, staff now on a light pole near you!

Hard to miss those banners around campus and in the Linda Vista neighborhood. The banners, which advertise the San Diego County Fair, will be up through the first week in July. Special thanks to the Linda Vista Town Council, who invited Mesa College to represent the neighborhood in this fair promotion. And, of course, thanks to all of our models – students, faculty, staff, administrators, and even Foundation board members, who turned out for the photo shoot in February. Models, take a selfie of yourself, (like Prof. Wendy Smith did) with your banner, and send to lheil@sdccd.edu. Inspired to go to the fair? STAR TRIO has unlimited use tickets. $15 for all 24 days of the Fair. Call x2706 or stop by I4-308.

Current and future San Diego Mesa College students, faculty and staff now have college information at their fingertips thanks to the college’s new iMesa mobile application. Students can use the app to, view the upcoming summer session schedule, and to register for classes. While still in a Beta stage, the free iMesa app is available now for Android devices through the Google Play Store, and iPhone through the Apple App Store (search for iMesa mobile). The iMesa mobile app's modules – based on survey results – currently include: • The 2014 summer schedule, links to reg-e • Interactive Google maps (Google Maps/Android platforms only) • Links to online services for students • Event information, announcements and news updates • Connections to the college's social media tools • Academic deadlines and announcements • Emergency information We encourage you to download the app. We will continue to add content, modules and features based on user feedback. Please send your comments to imesaapp@gmail.com. One student, Golda, posted, “I love this app an think this is an amazing improvement for Mesa College.”

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San Diego Mesa College Institutional Learning Outcomes

2013 Student Art Show & Sale: Festive, Fun and Fantastic! A festive reception, exhibit and art sale showcasing student art was held by the Mesa College Art Department and the Art Gallery. The exhibit showcased an exciting and masterful collection of class projects in various media. Selected artworks reflect the array of talent found in our college. Close to a hundred artworks in drawing, design, digital media, printmaking, photography, painting, ceramics, fashion and sculpture were featured, all produced by students enrolled in Studio Art classes and the Fashion Department. All aspects of the exhibition were designed and executed by the Museum Studies class under the direction of Professor Alessandra Moctezuma. Museum Studies student Sarah Mayworm designed the invitation. Art, jewelry, ceramics and fashion items were among the items for sale in the Gallery Courtyard during the reception.

Classified Appreciation Week, held in May, was once again full of trivia, ice cream socials, and tons of fun. It culminated in the annual service awards presentation, which featured Mesa’s the hilarious Chris Renda as emcee, and remarks by SDCCD Trustee Rich Grosh, Chancellor Constance Carroll, Prez Pam Luster, and classified academic senate president, Angela Liewen. Congratulations to all 29 service award recipients, including long-timers Barbara Phipps (30 years), Barbara Plandor and Sharon Nikki Smith (35 years) and Gwendolyn Mitchell and Melissa Copeland, who were recognized for 40 years of service. Here’s a big shout-out to the Classified Staff Awards Committee for another a job well done!

It’s another Classified Success… and a Tie for Employee of the Year

It’s a tie! Employees of the year of the year, Tino Alvarez and Irma Buchin ,with President Pam Luster. For more photos, click here.

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Promotions, Comings and Goings

Mesa College also said farewell to Diane Malone, Propositions S and N Construction Manager, who departs for SDUSD. Diane has seen us through the planning and construction of the following major projects:

Name Title Department Comments

Matthew Bucher Athletic Groundskeeper Exercise Science New Hire

Lynn Lasko Sr. Office Manager Employment/Payroll New Hire

Damien Rosales Sr. Clerical Assistant Counseling New Hire

Jean Smith Professor Library Retired

Ida Stark Sr. Clerical Assistant School of PE Retired

Lois Wittner Professor Communications Retired

Kathy Wells Sr Office Manager Employment/Payroll Retired

Kudos and thanks to everyone who organized, donated, and attended several gatherings to say farewell to long-time and much-loved fellow employ. Shown here are photos from farewell parties for (from upper left), Dean Jill Baker, Communications Prof. Lois Wittner, Senior Office Manager Kathy Wells, Librarian Jean Smith, and stockroom clerk Irma Buchin. All of our retirees take a little bit of Mesa with you, and leave so much behind. (Photo unavailable for Hank Beaver.)

Mesa says goodbye to retirees with roasts, toasts and farewell wishes

Gafcon’s Diane Malone Leaves Her Mark on Mesa

Math+Science Complex (completed August 2013) Student Services Center (completed October 2012) LRC Language Labs (Completed August 2013) Mesa College Design Center (Completed October 2010) Social Behavioral Science (Photo at left and scheduled for completion 2014)

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Track and Field Results from the State Finals

Coach Renee Ross reports that the Track and Field Team had an incredible season: Men's Team: 2014 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS - 4 PEAT Women's Team: 2014 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS - 3 PEAT 1. 6th place finish at Southern California Regionals. Grace Hanshaw 2nd place out of 201

ladies. 2. 9th place overall at the STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS and Grace Hanshaw placed 5th

and became an ALL AMERICAN!! Qualified 50 athletes to the So Cal Regional Prelims held at RCC on May 2-3. SO CAL Regional Finals: May 9-10: Currently Ndoto Bondurant Strong took 4th place in shot put and qualified for the STATE MEET. Chad Williams took 6th and qualified for the STATE MEET in Javelin. Day 2 of competition is on Saturday May 10.

She proudly shared the Track and Field State Championship Meet held at Mt. Sac. on May 16-17. The Men's team took 10th place at the State Championships!

1. Sal Nasser (Freshman): STATE CHAMPION - LONG JUMP - 25'4.5": 3rd on the ALL TIME MESA Track Long Jump List, just behind Arnie Robinson (25'6"). 2. Steven Martinez (Sophomore): STATE CHAMPION - 10K - 32:00; 5000 meters - 7th place more ….

Held each May, the annual Mesa College STAR Awards recognizes the academic achievements, community spirit, and athletic excellence of Mesa College student athletes. This year, students were treated to a talk from keynote speaker, Mesa counselor Irma Dagnino. With two masters degrees, the former Mesa College grad and basketball player attributes her academic success to the drive and motivation she learned from athletics. This year’s honoree was retiree and former athletic trainer Laurie Black.

2014 STAR AWARD RECIPIENTS (Click here for more photos) • Elisa Brooks, Women’s Soccer was named Super Star Award Recipient • Men’s Baseball took the highest GPA/Men’s at 3.18 • Women’s Soccer Top GPA Fall 2013: 3.30 • Women’s Badminton too k the took the highest GPA/Spring and GPA/Women’s at 3.33 • Women’s Basketball took the Team Community Spirit Award for the 2nd year in a row. • Taylor Moran, Women’s Volleyball, took the Individual Community Spirit Award • Highest Individual GPA (all 4.0!) went to Emily Bartholomew, Andrew Beckner, Holly Bergen,

Michael Cahill, Albert Gamez, and Jacqueline Howe.

STAR Awards recognize academic achievement of student athletes

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1964 Olympic Teams Honored: Ann Heck among VB players in ‘64 Olympics

teammates. The 1964 Tokyo games were not only the first time Women's Volleyball was allowed into the Olympics, but it was the first time any women's team was allowed to compete in the Olympic arena. Congratulations Ann, you and your teammates deserve the recognition!

The 1964 Olympic Teams were honored by at a banquet on May 21, in Phoenix. USA Volleyball recognized the 1964 U.S. Women’s and Men’s Olympic Teams as part of the 50th anniversary of volleyball’s introduction into the Olympic Games. Among the team members was none other than Mesa’s own Ann Heck. Heck, former Assistant Athletic Director and Women's Volleyball coach, paved the way for women's athletics here at Mesa and in the sport of women's volleyball is being honored by USA Volleyball with her 1964 Olympic

PCAC All-Conference Champions: • Women's 4 x 100 Relay • Men's 4 x 100 Relay • Men's 1500: Al Gamez • Women's 4 x 400 Relay • Men's 10K : Steven Martinez • Women's 3000 steeple chase: Kim

Melechinsky • Men's Long Jump: Sal Nasser • Women's Triple Jump: Kira Perkins

• Men's 800: Al Gamez • Women's 200 meters: Kiera Williams • Women's 10K : Kenia Rendon • Men's 5K : Steven Martinez • Women's 5K: Kenia Rendon • Women's Long Jump: Kira Perkins • Men's Shot Put: Ndoto Strong • Men's Javelin: Chad Williams • Men's 4 x 400 Relay

3. Ndoto Strong (Sophomore): Shot Put - 7th place - PR 50' 10" 4. Al Gamez (Sophomore): 1500 meters - 4th place - 3:58.16 5. Havel Respes (Sophomore): 1500 meters - 11th place 6. Chad Williams (Freshman): Javelin - 12th place 7. Kenia Rendon (Freshman): 10K - 8th place - 40:33.24 8. Kim Melechinsky ( Sophomore): 3000 steeplechase - 10th place

Track & Field, cont.

Un-blue-vable! Not only do we have spectacular BLUE new tennis courts, but Coach Michael Hootner reports that next year we could possibly have out best team ever -- better than even last year's team that finished #4 in the state. So far, in addition to two returning Olympians, we have players coming from Bosnia, Australia,

Italy, possibly Ireland, possibly Mexico and more. And, on the basketball court, Coach Hootner is excited about the kids coming in for basketball, reporting that at the close of 2014, we will have sent 25 players to the next level in his seven years at Mesa. Go Blue!

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• Shared governance committee agendas, minutes and reports can be found at http://www.sdmesa.edu/governance/committees. • Meeting notes for the final President’s Cabinet for this semester are available at the following

location on the SD Mesa College website: http://www.sdmesa.edu/about-mesa/presidents-page/ Mesa eNews is published by Mesa Communications Services. To add information items, e-mail

lheil@sdccd.edu. Be sure to provide all specifics, and please limit your copy to 75 words or less.

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