Cover Story
KICKOFF LAUNCHES MONTH OF EVENTS
the
Union gives the land recognition at the Black History Month Kickoff in Atherton Auditorium on Feb. 6, 2025. Right: Dr. Malika Hollinside moderating a Kahoot with Ajanae Ferguson for the Black History Month Kickoff in Atherton Auditorium on Feb. 6, 2025. Right Bottom: Ahmyiah Bell celebrating getting a song correct during a guess the song challenge during the Black History Month Kickoff PHOTOS BY LEVI GOERZEN
Dr. Chike Akua headlines Black History Month
Scholar to present on ‘what it means to be Black’ at Atherton Auditorium on Feb. 25
BY ELIJAH PROSSER Staff Writer
February is Black History Month and Delta will host an event featuring Dr. Chike Akua on Feb. 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Atherton Auditorium.
Lead organizer of the event Ethnic Studies Professor, Dr. Malika Hollinside explained what the event is about and how the message of the event is going to be represented.
“The Delta College Ethnic Studies Department is proud to offer a powerful presentation by Dr. Chike Akua who is an educational leader, scholar, author, motivational speaker and an associate professor of Educational leadership from Clark Atlanta University. This event is offered to provide hope, inspiration, optimism, affirmation and empowerment to Delta students and all who attend,” said Hollinside.
Dr. Akua is featured in the event, with a presen -
tation titled “From History to Destiny: What Does it Mean to be Black?”
The presentation will consist of insight to experiences such as culture, challenges and triumphs that are shared by Black and African Americans, from the African Continent to the United States.
Professor and Track/Cross Country Coach Lauryn Seales noted a main objective of the event for those attending.
“Black history events help students connect with the true identity of Black culture by providing historical context, fostering community and reclaiming overlooked narratives. I recently had a conversation with my father and how he experienced school at a time when Black teachers played an active role in student's success and not just in the classroom but in the community that deep sense of cultural investment is something we should all strive for in every educational space today ensuring that Black students have role models and resources that reflect
their experiences and aspirations,” said Seales.
The focus of this event is for people to learn from Akua while he addresses important educational points to best help students learn more about Black history as a whole.
The event is free to attend.
Dance Professor/Department Chair Valerie Gnassounou noted insight on how important it is to represent Black history while living in America.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate our African American ancestors,” said Gnassounou through email. “And honor those who paved the way and recognize their achievements. We stand where we are today because of their struggles, dedication and commitment to social justice. Too often, history books fail to fully acknowledge if not at all the accomplishments of Black and African Americans, so it’s our responsibility as educators to teach our students those stories from our own lens.”
Left: Ajanae Ferguson, Vice President of
Black Student
February hits us harder than January
Ifyou thought January was bad, February is turning out to be much, much worse.
Sure, there’s good here — like campus celebrations of Black History Month and journalism — but the country continues to fall apart and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remains under attack.
Black History Month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. It’s a celebration and recognition of African American’s contributions to society and history.
It’s important to acknowledge the terrorism, oppression and social injustice that African Americans suffered before and since the birth of America in 1776.
While Trump acknowledges Black History Month, he still reversed DEI policies, this includes “reversing the
EDITORIAL
progress made in the decades of the Civil Rights of 1964 toward colorblind and competence-based workplace[s],” according to a fact sheet from the administration on Jan. 22.
It’s been 31 days since the inauguration and we’re already 65 executive orders in. We have 1,428 days left of Trump in office.
February also saw lots of employee moves.
We want to congratulate Tammie Murrell for being named the new acting district chief of police. Now, all we need is employees for the HR department. An Interim Vice President of Human Resources & Risk Management, Jennifer Burchett, was approved by the Delta College Board of Trustees on Feb. 4. Delta Connect Center
The Collegian
The Collegian is the student newspaper of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif. The paper is published six times a semester.
As a First Amendment newspaper we pride ourselves on a commitment to the students of Delta College while maintaining independence.
We reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech.
The Collegian is a member of the California
Manager Chris Frymire was also approved to become the Acting Director of Student Activities at the Feb. 18 meeting.
Fierce Mustang Media (FMM) and Stocktonia hosted the Pulitzer on the Road event at Delta. At it, award-winning journalists discussed the political climate, reporting on marginalized communities and corruption. FMM also showcased its media literacy awareness campaign — Media Decoded — to help stop the spread of misinformation.
Spring Break is coming up, so if you plan on taking an airplane maybe don’t. It may be in poor taste to joke about such a thing, but we’ve been watching the news.
With all the events happening on campus and Trump’s continuous executive orders, this paper turned into a 16-pager.
This issue’s super political, so we hope you enjoy the ignorance of America’s politics. We’re standin’ on business in the newsroom. Thanks to the library for providing our latest source of deflection: Old archives from “SJDC Library Videos” on YouTube. We’re going to put
on the Delta College “Idea Hat” from what appears to be the late 1990s (vintage at this point), and get cracking on the next issue.
If this editorial reads as slightly unhinged, we’re going through it. You likely are too, fair reader. We’ll get through together.
JELISSA
ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON
SENIOR STAFF
JOHN NGUYEN NADAR WILLIAMS JR.
A still from an archived Delta College employee orientation video uploaded to the SJDC Library Videos Youtube page. IMAGE FROM SJDC LIBRARY VIDEOS
DELTA TO ‘CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD’ WITH EQUITY WORK
‘Dear Colleagues Letter’ on Valentine’s Day looks to dismantle educational efforts related to DEI
BY KAITLYNN BRANDON Staff Writer
Amid anti-diversity initiative executive orders under Donald J. Trump’s administration Delta stays strong on equality and anti-racism promises.
On Feb 14. 2025, a memo from the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, now nicknamed “The Dear Colleagues Letter,” advised that all educational institutions end all diversity initiatives on campuses from preschools all the way to colleges and trade schools.
Diversity initiatives are programs that promote and maintain diverse workforces or student bodies that are inclusive of all lifestyles, ethnicities, sexual orientations and abilities. These are programs like Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS), the Veterans Resource Center and the Pride Center.
In response to this memo, Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson released a responding memo, as “reassur[ance to] our campus community that the Board of Trustees and the campus administration and staff will continue moving forward toward the achievement of our Strategic Goals in fulfillment of our college mission.”
Delta’s mission? To be a “student-centered, anti-racist, equity-focused college.”
Lawrenson’s letter also states that on Feb 18, 2025 California Community College (CCC) Chancellor Sonya
“I am DEI, just like the blood running through my veins.”
- Janet Rivera, President of the Delta College Board of Trustees
Christian states that while the CCC plans to comply with federal and state law, the “The Dear Colleagues Letter” does not change the law or the effect of law, and the situation will continue to be monitored.
If the law does change, what could students expect from Delta college?
The Board of Trustees commented on the developing situation.
“Losing that financial aid is practically a death sentence to an institution like this,” said Dylan Myers, Student Representative on the Board of Trustees.
If program funding is affected, already struggling students could face even more challenges, such as hunger and homelessness.
“I am disabled, I have autism myself, and I rely on the disability programs that are generally associated with DEI, [Diversity, Equality, Inclusion,” said Myers.
Myers estimated that around 85 percent of Delta students rely on diversity initiative programs just to attend school.
If program funding is affected, already struggling students could face even more challenges, such as hunger and homelessness.
Myers is hopeful for the future of equity work at Delta.
“The institution [Delta] is going to do everything in its power to defend these policies,” said Myers.
President of the Delta College Board of Trustees Janet Rivera echoed the affirmation to continue the path.
“I think Delta is going to stay strong,” said Rivera. “It’s woven in our society. “I will continue to respect DEI policies and advocate as I’ve done my entire life! I am DEI, just like the blood running through my veins.”
‘Considerable potential’ in little-used Maker Space
BY ELLIS GRIFFIN-JEWETT Staff Writer
More than two years ago, Delta College hosted a grand-opening event for the campus Maker Space.
The December 2022 event included tours of Holt 126. Not much making is going on these days however, as the center now sits closed.
“There is considerable potential to unlock here,” said Associate Vice President of Career Technical Education & Workforce Development Pedro Mendez.
The inactivity of the space jeopardizes the alignment to Delta College’s Strategic Plan, which includes an action to “establish the Makers Space on campus as a small business incubator to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship in partnership with high schools and community organizations,”. The Maker Space has not been used in accordance with this objective.
“The project had significant momentum until March 2020. However, it faced numerous challenges during the implementation and opening phases, including the negative impact of COVID-19-related closures, leadership transitions and supply chain delays. These factors made it difficult to launch the space and prepare it for community engagement,” said Sokun Somsack, Director of Delta’s Strong Workforce Program (SWP) when asked through
years. The majority of the expenditure was dedicated to purchasing equipment and supplies to furnish the Maker Space,” said Somsack.
Sarah Maimone is a former business and entrepreneurship intern who was part of the grand opening team for the Maker Space. Maimone is now an intern for Fierce Mustang Media, a student-run media production and content creation firm based out of the Multimedia department.
Maimone said she worries there are resources and machinery that are subject to decay and require consistent maintenance, such as 3-D printer filament and the laser-engraver, but are not receiving adequate attention.
and third party printing sites.”
At a time where President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs are endangering the longevity of independent businesses that source imported blanks for their products, reopening the Maker Space could put the means of merchandise manufacture into the hands of Delta students and faculty while also imparting valuable work experience through a dedicated internship program, for example.
By making use of student talent and abilities, Delta has the opportunity to cut out third-party production as a middle-man and potentially cut down on merch expenditures.
email correspondence to expand on the disparity between the school’s strategic plan and Maker Space’s inactivity.
The Space was funded by the SWP over the course of four years and cost $91,518 to open.
“SWP funds were allocated to support this project across four SWP funding cycles from 2017-18 to 2020-21, with each cycle covering two academic
Maimone was instrumental in the launch of the Maker Space, contributing student guidance, design and production of merchandise for the space, operating the laser-engraver, sticker printer and heat press to manufacture Maker Space branded dog tags, stickers, and tote bags respectively. Her involvement in the grand-opening reflects the potential for student growth and participation in a reopened maker space.
“It’s really disappointing, especially after the turnout for the grand-opening,” said Maimone, when speaking on the inactivity of the space.
She noted excitement for the potential of reviving the space as a means of localizing the production of school “swag,” “instead of relying on imports
Mechanical engineering student, Adrian Recaniya said “it could benefit the mechanics,” by seeing “if a design works before the large scale.”
As of now, the space remains closed.
“...it may be the right time to reevaluate how the space fits into the curriculum, work more closely with the student clubs and intentionally partner with similar makerspaces or incubator efforts in Stockton and San Joaquin,” said Perez in an email. Interest in the revival of the campus Maker Space is strong among faculty and students alike.
A reopened Maker Space could present valuable growth opportunities for aspiring students on campus and the cultivation of a unified student-culture through expanded collaboration between interrelated programs.
African American philosophy takes center stage
BY NADAR WILLIAMS Senior Staff Writer
This Black History Month the Philosophy Club will mainly be focused on African American Philosophy. On Feb. 4, the Philosophy Club hosted a dynamic meeting in Budd 407, offering a space for thoughtful discussion about the intersectionality of race, class and gender. A diverse group of students joined the club and its inclusive approach to philosophical discussion.
The meeting centered around the work of Angela Y. Davis, a prominent scholar and activist, who contributed philosophical ideas to the Black Panther Party and the Civil Rights Movement. Davis’ work has had a lasting impact on American society to this day.
Club President Layla Alaswad who kicked off the meeting with an introduction.
Alaswad said the club’s goal is to provide a space for deep meaningful discussions about African American philosophy, activism, feminism and how these ideas intersect with other social identities.
One of the most important topics of the meeting was
the election of new officers. Since the club needs a minimum of four officers to keep things running smoothly everyone was asked to vote for new leadership.
Alina Zia, Merceli Rios, and Daniella Romo were all chosen unanimously to take on the role of co-officers ensuring the club will continue its work in promoting thought challenging philosophical conversations and organizing events.
The discussion then turned to the philosophical concepts of intersectionality, a term created by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw which means the interconnectedness of social identities such as race, gender, and class.
Professor Michael Starling, a faculty advisor for the club, guided the group through the principles of intersectionality, prompting attendees to reflect on how their own experiences shaped their understanding of societal structures.
In a creative team-building exercise we all took part in filling out a intersectionality chart, allowing club members to learn a little bit about each other.
Discussion continued on Davis, the legendary activist and scholar who played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Panther Party. In the
1970s, Davis was a professor at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) when she was wrongfully accused of being involved in a botched kidnapping attempt. She was arrested, tried, and eventually released after a highly publicized trial, with the charges against her being dropped. In the meeting, Romo and Rios shared thoughts on how intersectionality continues to affect African Americans, especially in terms of voting rights and political power.
They then talked about the complexities of white privilege and how voting for political leaders who do not address the needs of marginalized groups can hurt society in the long run.
Starling also took a moment to share how anyone regardless of background can join the African American Philosophy Club.
“We want to create an environment where philosophy and personal growth can be discussed in a safe and open space,” Starling said.
The African American Philosophy Club provides a space for anyone looking to engage in thoughtful conversation about important social issues.
The door to the seldom-used maker space in the Holt building. PHOTO BY ELLIS GRIFFIN-JEWETT
AGENCIES GO SILENT AS TRUMP TERM BEGINS
BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON Managing Editor
The last month has seen a lot of shake ups in the federal government.
Following the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
In recent weeks, the country has seen attempts made to downsize the federal government.
The shuttering of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in early February and continued federal worker buyouts being two such examples.
The new administration has seen its fair share of shrinking pains.
However, where the U.S. government has likely taken its biggest hit has been in terms of communication and information.
Immediately following his inauguration on Jan. 22, the Trump administration directed federal health agencies to halt all external communications until Feb.1.
“As the new Administration considers its plan for managing the federal policy and public communications processes, it is important that the President’s appointees and designees have
the opportunity to review and approve any regulations, guidance documents, and other public documents and communications (including social media),” said former Acting Health Secretary Dr. Dorothy Fink in a memo at the time.
During this 10-day pe riod, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , which posts about recalls using its U.S. FDA Recalls (@ FDArecalls) accounts on X, made zero posts despite there being 13 recalls, one of which included a potentially hazardous product for children.
The ac
count has continued posting as usual as of Feb.10.
The FDA also has an email notification service so that you can remain up to date with recalls and safety alerts available at bit.ly/4hLpRYm.
Complying with several Trump executive orders targeting issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and gender expression, several government agencies were forced to make changes or outright take down parts of their websites.
This includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, which
took down several pages relating to Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) prevention and treatment due to references to gender.
Another page taken down the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a nationwide survey given to high school students.
The 2013-2023 survey had demonstrated a decline in mental well being among trans and non-binary students.
“As seen with other health behaviors, students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or another non-heterosexual identity (LGBTQ+) experienced disparities in healthy dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers” reads the report that as of Feb. 11 has been restored to comply with a court order
In addition to the more current info, the archives were cleared of many ads and awareness campaigns pertaining to HIV and AIDS.
An archive of all of the content available on the CDC website prior to Jan. 28 can be found on the Internet Archive at archive.org.
Health vending machines, lactation pods new to campus
BY NADAR WILLIAMS Senior Staff Writer
As the world continues adjusting to post-pandemic life the accessibility to healthcare resources is more important than ever before.
On Feb. 3, 2025, Delta College ceased tracking positive Covid-19 cases for students and staff, transitioning instead to a more individualized approach.
Delta College is stepping up to the challenge by providing its community with easy access to vital health supplies by introducing health-focused vending machines. Also an addition to campus, but not directly Covid-related, are Mamava lactation pods.
These additions are the first steps to improving campus life by offering practical solutions for students and employees ensuring health and convenience are never far away. they play a role in supporting the well-being of our student body and staff by promoting a healthy envi -
ronment in the campus community.
Supporting public health efforts
San Joaquin County Public Health has placed specialized vending machines filled with health products at multiple locations in the county’s Human Services Agency, The Montezuma Fire District Station, and at Delta College here in Stockton, to name a few places.
These machines provide free Covid-19 rapid test kits, masks and other sanitizing supplies. The Danner Hall vending machine also includes Narcan.
The installation of Mamava pods also provides secure private spaces for breastfeeding and lactating students and employees.
With five of these pods now available on campus, the college is taking a step towards better fitting the needs of nursing mothers.
These pods, which are equipped with comfortable chairs and power outlets for breast pumps, offer an essential space for individuals to
manage their needs without feeling rushed or exposed to the rest of the student body.
These pods are not just about the requirements of education code and labor laws; they show Delta College’s larger mission to create a supportive and inclusive environment for parents balancing both their academic and professional lives with the demands of raising children.
“As cold and flu season kicks in, we’re prioritizing the health of our campus community. Our new public health vending machine ... in Danner Hall is stocked with COVID test kits, hand santizer, face masks and disinfectant wipesso you can stay prepared and protected,” Delta Instagram page said in a post on Jan. 22.
“The Covid vending machines are a partnership with San Joaquin County Public Health,” said Alex Breitler, Delta College Director of Marketing and Communications.
PHOTOILLUSTRATION BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON
PHOTO BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON
PULITZER ON THE ROAD COMES TO DELTA
Day of events featured student lunch discussion, evening panel for the public
BY LEVI GOERZEN Feature Editor
Pulitzer on the Road, Fierce Mustang Media, Delta College and Stocktonia hosted “Stories That Matter: Award-winning Journalists on Reporting in a New Era,” on Thursday, Feb. 13 in the Tillie Lewis Theatre.
There were two events during the day: a forum session in the Dreamers Success Center during the afternoon open to Multimedia students and a public reception and discussion in the evening.
On the panel was Caitlin Dickerson a staff writer at The Atlantic who won the Pulitzer in 2023 for Explanatory Reporting, Anna Wolfe an Investigative Reporter at Mississippi Today who won a Pulitzer in 2023 for Local Reporting and Nicole Carroll the Executive Director at Newswell, who won a Pulitzer in 2018 for Explanatory Reporting.
The event was moderated by Marjorie Miller, an administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes.
The panel covered topics such as sourcing, how to obtain information and what to do when facing adversity in obtaining information.
“I started my process with literally a huge stack of paper that I had printed out
View photo galleries from the student day event and the evening panel discussion at deltacollegian.net/photos.
and just laid out covering the floor of my apartment in Brooklyn, laying them out in chronological order,” said Dickerson.
Dickerson proceeded to talk about how once you can start your interviews for your story you then have to check everything from your interviews with your source material. Once you complete that you finally have your story, she said.
“I think that we have to really pay attention about looking at every level,” said Wolfe.
Journalism isn’t an activity that happens at one level, it’s a nationwide exercise that all people should know about and be able to engage in even if they aren’t journalists themselves.
“Public records requests can take years to do,” said Carroll, “That is a really common tactic for public officials who don’t want the public to know its plans, to immediately deny public records requests to kind of wait journalists out.”
While public records requests are of-
ten used by journalists, anyone can file them.
“Social media is actively working to spread disinformation,” said Carroll, “There is a solution, it’s trust and transparency. Research shows that media literacy campaigns work.”
Fierce Mustang Media has its own
media literacy campaign called Media Decoded, which launched last fall. The project asks the community to examine, question, interpret and explain with intent to sharpen information processing skills. More information can be found about Media Decoded at bit.ly/fmmdecoded
Stocktonia Accountability Reporter Aaron Leathley, front left, and Stocktonia Assistant Editor Cassie Dickman speak to Pulitzer Prize winners Caitlin Dickerson, back left, and Anna Wolfe, center, at the reception for Pulitzer on the Road in Locke Lounge on Feb. 13. PHOTOS BY LEVI GOERZEN
Journalists to table for Student Press Freedom Day
BY JILLIAN ROHRBACH Staff Writer
On Thursday, Feb. 27, “Student Press Freedom Day,” will be celebrated by Delta College’s Digital Media and Journalism department in the Quad from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A variety of promotional swag will be handed out by those representing the Collegian and KWDC Radio to support and encourage conversation around the rights of student press freedom and the need to protect the rights of those in High School and Collegiate level Journalism.
“This is the first time we’ve ever tabled in the Quad for Student Press Freedom Day, but we feel like this is a really critical time to remind our campus community about the value of a free press,” said Tara Cuslidge-Staiano, adviser to The Collegian, “Collegian is produced by the students, for the students. Sometimes that means we’re covering things that the institution might deem unflattering and that’s OK.”
It is considered a National Day of Action, originally organized by the Student Press Law Center to bring more public awareness towards the impor-
tance and value that student journalists bring to the profession and its need to be shown continual outward support.
Additionally, it is a day meant to encourage those in student journalism to get well versed on their legal rights and to call upon their communities to engage with their elected officials and demand better protection and restoration of student press freedom.
“During this Trump era, I think it’s important for students to call for action, especially, when it comes to reporting on what’s going on,” said Collegian coEditor-in-Chief Jelissa King. “With DEI removals, department of education being under attack and anti-immigration; it’s important to inform the public during an unprecedented time.”
The theme for this year’s celebration is “At the Forefront,” following the previous year’s theme of “Powerfully Persistent.”
Each theme is meant to represent the value of the work that student journalists contribute and their efforts to bring attention to important issues.
These yearly calls to action were created in direct response to the Supreme court ruling of Hazelwood School District
v. Kuhlmeier (1988), that left student journalists with less First Amendment protections than those writing for professional independent publications.
It was a controversial case that began when a former principal of Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis, Missouri, took issue with a special teen section in the student newspaper that covered the impact of divorce on teen’s along with the controversial issue of teen pregnancy. The principal censored the issue ultimately leading to the student staff suing.
Today, only 16 states, including California, have enacted policies that counter Hazelwood, since its ruling leaving countless student journalists at high school and collegiate levels with an excess of overreach in control of their rights to free speech.
The push to fight for all student press and their advisors’ rights to free speech and free-
dom of the press continue to be supported through promotional events and providing resources through the Student Press Law Center’s website, SPLC.org.
“We will be tabling from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Quad for this event. Collegian and KWDC will be handing out swag, including the recent edition of the newspaper, and talking to
students about why they should be reading our products. We hope to get Collegian in the hands of students who may never have read it before. We also hope to affirm our value to students who have read it. We hope students will come pick up a pin or sticker that say, ‘Support Student Journalism’ and they will do just that,” said Cuslidge-Staiano.
Support available on campus for undocumented population
BY LEVI GOERZEN Feature Editor
On Jan. 22, a Department of Justice memo went out stating state and local officials who attempted to resist immigration enforcement would be prosecuted. Since then there have been threats of mass deportation.
These threats have caused concern among undocumented students and documented students alike.
Delta College declared itself a sanctuary campus and thus will not aid any federal immigration officers in apprehending undocumented students, according to board resolution #23-030 passed at the Dec. 17, board meeting.
“We have very strict policies and I can ensure you as chief we won’t help them,” said then-acting Delta College police chief Jim Bock. “We aren’t in the business of enforcing federal immigration laws.”
If you are a documented student you may be thinking that there isn’t anything you can do to aid fellow students who may be undocumented. That would be incorrect.
The Dreamer’s Success Center is Delta College’s on-campus resource for undocumented students. They provide legal and counseling services for undocumented students.
One way you can help your fellow students is to make sure you know your rights as a resident of the United States. The Dreamer’s Center hosts “Know Your Rights Workshops” to teach students their rights.
Going to these events and workshops and using the information you learn to teach your fellow stu dents what their rights are is one way to help.
You can also pick up a Red Card in the Dreamer’s Center which provides you with information about your rights under the United States Constitution, whether or not you are a citizen.
Recently another resource Delta has made available to the public is the Mustang Alert! app.
“The Mustang Alert! app is designed as an all-in-one safety app that incorporates re sources, communication, and emergency messaging,” said Delta College Public Information Officer Alex Breitler.
Police department. The app provides emergency contacts and the ability for Delta Police to alert all users of the app if something is happening on campus.
“During any situation on campus where we believe students, staff, and/or faculty might be at risk, we have the ability to send a message out through the Mustang Alert! System,” said Breitler.
The app is free and currently has 182 subscribers.
Mustang Alert! will allow students to inform the police department of the presence of immigration officers and then let them alert more students on campus.
Another form of aiding undocumented students is volunteering whether that is in the Dreamers Center or participating in protests such as the ones at Stockton City Hall on Feb. 15.
“If you stay silent you are part of the problem. If you see something say something,” said Janet Rivera, President of the Board of Trustees at Delta College.
Mustang Alert! is an app made by Delta and Delta’s
JoAnn Kirby of SASS! PR, Left, speaks with Collegian Andrea Rivera co-Editorin-Chief, Right, at the Media Decoded booth during Pulitzer on the Road reception in the Locke Lounge on Feb. 13. PHOTO BY LEVI GOERZEN
EXPLORE RELICS OF DELTA’S PAST
‘RESILIENCE’
BY JOHN NGUYEN Senior Staff Writer
2025 is another year for the Delta campus’s more than 50 years of history. While it is a new year for Delta, several landmarks and displays at Delta remain on campus despite being outdated by
decades. Though Delta seeks to modernize its campus, their Facilities team prioritizes projects of greater student benefit, delaying the removal of these posts.
Be sure to check out these “Relics of Delta” while they’re still here.
The pedestal for the now destroyed “Resilience” sculpture can be found outside the L.H. Horton Jr. Art Gallery. “Resilience” was a large, four-piece clay sculpture that was mounted on campus around February 1983.
Designed by Ed Freedman, it was the class project of advanced ceramics students. The sculpture eventually broke down irreversibly before the 2000s according to Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler, with the Horton Gallery developing a new cataloging system for Delta artwork sometime later.
PRESCHOOL PLAQUE
At the north side of the Shima building, a plaque for the former Delta Preschool can be found on a brick wall. The Delta Preschool used to service children at Shima 133 where the Puente Center is located — which also housed infant-sized toilets during the Delta Preschool’s time. After 1975, Delta temporarily offered daycare to children in the half-day Preschool and Toddler Program while the late Dean of CTE and Workforce Development, Dr. Hazel Hill, campaigned for a proper child development facility. The Delta Preschool was eventually replaced on Jan. 12, 1994, when the Child Development Center was opened, which was later renamed the Campus Hazel Hill Child Development Center Building after Hill’s death in 2015.
OLDSMOBILE CAR SHOW FLYER
Displayed on a wall in the Holt Building is a flyer for “Delta College and Oldsmobile’s Car Show.” The flyer has remained on campus since the 1970s as an advertisement for one of the honors mechanics classes’ annual car shows, according to retired Delta instructor Chuck Bloch. The flyer reads that the show was set to take place in the Quad; however, the concrete that the Quad was built on was not designed for vehicular traffic and would have its sidewalks, landscaping and irrigation systems damaged by cars driving over it.
CUNNINGHAM PLAQUE
Located between Shima and the SCMA building, the Cunningham plaque can be found on a brick column. It was taken off campus when the 41-year old Cunningham Building, which previously stood in the Dolores Huerta Plaza’s location, was demolished in 2014. However, the Cunningham plaque would later be reinstalled on campus around 2020, six years after the construction of the replacement SCMA building.
PHOTOS BY JOHN NGUYEN
Take on tariffs with these terrific cocktails
Imagine a Margarita mixed with Durango Tequila, or an expensive Espresso Martini poured over Potter’s Vodka. That’s the U.S.A. of
Espresso Martini, $$$$
Simple Margarita, $$$
BY KAITLYNN BRANDON Entertainment Editor
Tariff compliance. Cheap alcohol and burned nose hairs.
Spring Break just isn’t the same without consumable imports. Not
to worry, The Collegian presents a list of popular cocktails, with budget price tags and the best tasting, exclusively tariff defiant brands.
• 1 Oz Coffee Liquor (1oz)
Recommended Kahlua
• 1 Oz Italian Espresso
Alternatively Bailey’s Irish Cream brewed in Dublin Ireland
• 2 Oz Vodka
Recommended Grey Goose from France
• 1/2 Oz Simple Syrup
•Garnish with Chocolate Espresso Bean
• 2 Parts Tequila
Recommended Patrón Roca Silvera
•1 Part triple sec
•1 Part Lime Juice
•1 Part Mexican Agave Nectar
•Kosher Salt (Rim)
**Cost of cups & mixers not included
Legend has it that London Cocktail Guru, Dick Bradsell created the Chocolate Martini in the 1980s after a patron of his bar requested something that would wake them up and get them drunk. Whether the patron existed or not, this cock tail is sure to fulfill that request.
It’s got a rich budget, and a rich flavor and with products from all over Europe this could be the ultimate "Tariffic" drink
O.J. Mimosa, $$
Margarita recipes are given in parts for easy customization: it can be scaled down for a small cocktail, or scaled up for a keg Ice Soup, $0
• 1 Oz Orange Juice
•3 Oz Sparkling Wine
Recommended brewed from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in northeast Italy
•1/4 Oz Cointreau (optional) recommended Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou France
Pregame that big party over waffles with this Hollywood classic
• 3 Oz TequilaPatrón Roca Silver
•1 1/2 Oz Lime Juice
• 4-6 Oz Sparkling Mineral Water
• A pinch of salt
Always the last to be invited to the party, Ranch water is plain but stout. Think of it as the Margarita’s kid sibling.
**Ranch Packet optional
• 8 Oz Water
•Ice Cubes to taste
**Price Depends on your proximity to a bottling plant Ranch Water, $
The ultimate budget drink. Hydrate 'til all the giant faucets are turned on.
BRADBURY CLASSIC STILL RELEVANT
BY JELISSA KING Editor-in-Chief
Delta Drama presents Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” for this Spring semester at the Al Muller Theatre. The weekend opening for the first showing will be Feb. 28 and March 1 at 7 p.m.
The play is based on the science-fiction novel written by Ray Bradbury in 1953.
The story takes place in a dystopian world where books are illegal and TV screens are praised. Firemen are in charge of burning the books.
The main character, Guy Montag, is a firefighter who’s curious about books and their content.
Where he’s bored of TV consumption. His wife, Mildred, is used to the media lifestyle and struggles with Montag’s curiosity of books and bringing them home.
Camille Priscilla plays Mildred. They have been part of seven productions for Delta Drama. Priscilla looks forward to the play and explains its importance.
“This play is interesting," said Priscilla.
“Because in a time where everybody is very invested in social media and continuous scrolling, it’s important to be reminded that books are incredibly important.”
Second-semester Drama Delta student, Joseph Tran plays the protagonist, Guy.
“Fahrenheit 451 is extremely relevant to today’s world,” said Tran. “Because of its many parallels between the story and our society – The U.S. already has a history of book banning and eventually can cause severe consequences. Killing curiosity and not being able to think critically, building a new world of people who are ignorant to what’s going on around them.”
With extensive rehearsing and dedication, leading antagonist Michael Hamilton III will play as Captain Beatty.
“Our director, Greg Foro, and our assistant director, Ella Bryant-Frey, really push us in these roles and the work speaks for itself,” said Hamilton.
On March 7 and 8 the play starts at 7 p.m. The Sundays on March 2 and 9 will start at 2 p.m.
SUPPORT STUDENT JOURNALISM
WHITE HOUSE INSTAGRAM POST CROSSES LINE
Valentine’s Day image on social media pokes fun at immigrants by threatening deportation
At a time when new immigration policies impact millions of lives, The White House chose to reduce the issue to a meme.
A recent White House post features a Valentine’s Day-style card with the message: “Roses are red, violets are blue, come here illegally, and we’ll deport you” alongside images of President Donald Trump and Tom Homan, his so-called “border czar.”
BORDERLINES with ANDREA BALTODANO
in a thinly-veiled reference to his opinion that Canada should somehow be made the 51st state earlier this year and back in 2016 fought with his now Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the size of his private parts. Beyond the childish insults is real harm, such as when he claimed America was “anti-white” during his 2024 campaign.
House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a video showing the moms of two women and a 12-yearold girl who were allegedly murdered by unauthorized migrants. A suspect was convicted in only one of the cases.
“The video is a ruse to deceive people and garner sympathy for lawlessness” said Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin who was tragically murdered in 2024.
What could be dismissed as an internet joke reveals a deeper truth: politics have devolved into digital shenanigans, where governance is secondary to mockery.
The post’s pastel pink background and playful rhyme might suggest humor, but its message is anything but funny. It turns deportation — a life-altering event for families — into a punchline and further weaponizes the immigration debate.
More than that, it reflects a shift from serious national discussions to memes and trolling.
But this isn’t new for Trump.
His entire political brand had been built on dominance through ridicule. He called Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “Governor”
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” said Trump during the 2024 Presidential debate, attacking Haitian migrants without evidence and amplifying baseless internet fear mongering. “They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”
Those strategies have now made it to the White House, with official government channels leaving behind conventional messaging in favor of viral internet moments.
A few weeks ago, the official White House account took a jab at Selena Gomez, the actress/singer and most-followed woman on Instagram for uploading a story where she was emotionally concerned about mass deportations.
As a response, White
While a Salvadoran national residing in the U.S. without legal status was arrested as a suspect, he has not been convicted and the trial is ongoing.
And after pop star Taylor Swift was booed at the Super Bowl, the sitting President of the United States of America took to the social media platform he owned to mock her, saying his “MAGA” community was very unforgiving.
While one could argue that Trump has always relied on social media theater, it’s alarming to see the highest office in the country devolve into a digital troll account, picking fights with celebrities instead of addressing pressing national concerns.
It just proves that under this administration, immigration was never just a policy issue; it was a spectacle.
What happens when the highest office in the country cares more about clout than leadership?
ingly for engagement and sparking discussion, but not for governance. A White House engaged in online trolling is not one that is concerned with foreign policy, inflation or border reform. Instead, it is one that promotes division, shifting the attention from its own failures with jokes and internet feuds. Like the jab at Selena Gomez, this most recent immigration meme is not merely bad taste; it’s a decision to move political participation into the land of trolling and entertainment. Immigration isn’t a punchline. Deportation isn’t a joke. And the White House shouldn’t be an entertainment account, it should be a place where professionalism and politics prevail. Because when our leaders choose memes over meaningful action, the joke isn’t just on immigrants or Selena Gomez, it’s on all of us.
A Valentine’s Day post on Instagram featured President Donald J. Trump and Border Czar Tom Homan’ heads on a pink background with hearts. The image also include a variation on a poem that threatened to deport immigrants.
IMAGE ADAPTED FROM THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
Access to food should be a human right for all
BY AMAL KHANSHALI Staff Writer
EveryTuesday, a long line of Delta College students forms in front of the Student Food Pantry to collect groceries.
This isn’t surprising, considering more than half of California community college students have stated they experience food insecurity in some way, according to the #RealCollege survey.
According to the survey from 2019, the first one of its kind, 41 percent of students say they are forced to skip or cut down their food intake to make ends meet. This could potentially have an impact on the academic success of a student, as the lack of proper nutrition could lead to difficulty performing at their best.
Growing up in a Middle
Eastern household, I grew up in a culture of large meals surrounded by our family members. Being originally from Yemen, which is known as the poorest country in the Middle East, I always thought the United States was above that level of food insecurity.
It never occurred to me that people went to sleep hungry because they didn’t have food in the United States.
I was further shocked to find out that the U.S. has vetoed United Nations resolutions calling food a “human right.”
Notably, the vote was held as a reaction to famine in multiple countries, including Yemen.
“This resolution distracts attention from important and relevant challenges that contribute significantly to the recurring state of regional food insecurity, including endemic conflict, and
the lack of strong governing institutions.” The U.S.A said to justify its vote in its mission to International Organizations in Geneva.
As the U.N. Human Rights Office of High Commissioner noted, it is ultimately the responsibility of the states to comply.
It wasn’t until I became friends with a fellow middle school student, who told me she wasn’t looking forward to the break because she wouldn’t have anything to eat, that I realized how bad the situation was.
On campus, there are students who depend on the student food pantry for their food sustenance. Since the Delta food pantry opened in 2019, many students have taken advantage of the service.
Ruan Passos, an international student from Brazil, says that
it’s an amazing resource that isn’t afforded to college students in his home country.
Alyssa Saurez, who works at the pantry, said that she has been accessing the pantry since 2020 as a full-time student and single mom of four.
“It’s vital, it’s absolutely vital,” she said. “We have a huge homeless population. We have undocumented students, homeless students, international students and single parents like me.”
She also stated that 30 percent of the food that comes in comes damaged. This forces them to buy from the Second Harvest, which is scarcer since the food is closer to the expiration dates.
Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications at Delta, said last fall semester the pantry served about
1,600 students, 900 of which were first-timers.
In total, there were approximately 8,000 students who accessed the food pantry during the fall semester, which resulted in about 38,000 pounds of food being distributed.
The food pantry on campus operates as a 501c(3) under the Delta College Foundation, meaning all donations to the program are tax deductible. A fundraising effort last fall led to approximately $6,600 and 600 canned goods being directed for the food pantry.
Ultimately, food is a necessary component to sustain life and therefore should be a right that is afforded to every human being. After all, how would other human rights, like education and health, be met if someone does not have adequate access to food?
Long presidential weekend falls on Valentine’s
Day-of or date-of in opposition as Delta decides weekends
BY JOHN NGUYEN Senior Staff Writer
Lovers at Delta were at least a little bit luckier for Valentine’s Day, as Delta was closed for Feb. 14. The holiday celebrated that Friday though, was for Delta’s Lincoln Day Observance.
There’s only one February holiday recognized by both the state of California and the federal government however, President’s Day which occurs on the third Monday of every February. This holiday was also celebrated by Delta on Feb. 17 for its Washington Day Observance.
So what gives that Delta observes two for February? Furthermore, why did Delta celebrate Lincoln
Day on Feb. 14 this year, when states like New York or Illinois celebrate their holiday on the exact date of Lincoln’s birth on Feb. 12?
According to Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler, Delta observes Washington Day every third Monday of February, and Lincoln Day the preceding Friday to every Washington Day Observance.
The intent is to create an extended weekend for Delta students and employees, which would be why Delta observed Lincoln Day on Feb. 14 rather than its traditional date on the Feb. 12.
This unique schedule benefits the employees more than it does the students. Most Delta students
don’t have many classes on Fridays, if at all. The Lincoln Day Observance for Fridays might not even be felt by a majority of students, apart from perhaps those taking eight-week classes on Fridays.
If the Lincoln Day Observance was going to be slotted on the calendar to alleviate both student and employee schedules, Thursday would be the more impactful day of the week for the holiday when many students and instructors have classes. If a date-based approach was favored over a day-based approach, setting the holiday on every Feb. 14 would make a greater difference to those who celebrate Valentine’s Day as well.
On the subject of an official holiday on Feb. 14 though, Delta freshman and biology major Danny Bravo failed to see the point in one. A worker for his father’s repair shop and a boyfriend himself, Bravo had the following to say about Valentine’s Day.
“I don’t think it’s too much of an important holiday to give people a break on. I think it’s more of a ‘you celebrate it if you want to’ and it’s there, but it’s not enough significance to give work and schools a day off for,” he said.
Emma-Jane Mattson, a clerical aid for the Student Services division and parttime worker at Empresso Coffeehouse, offered a differing opinion.
Mattson, who planned to go to Santa Cruz with her fiancé, said the following.
“I think kids get a lot of holidays and maybe adults don’t get so many holidays to spend with each other, so yeah, I would say Valentine’s Day should be a national holiday,” she said.
While Delta’s calendar for 2026 is already set, students and employees can take comfort knowing that Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday next year.
The holiday also coincides with a five-day weekend for Delta’s Spring 2026 semester, beginning Feb. 13 for Delta’s Lincoln Day Observance and going on to Feb. 17 for the Lunar New Year.
What Trump doesn’t know will hurt him
BY JARRED WRIGHT Staff Writer
Governingin a bubble where loyalty is required and disagreement is punished eventually pops under the reality of crises that cannot fit ideologically-curated facts or be managed by a weakened administrative state.
Trump administration has recently fired prosecutors involved in Jan. 6 cases against the President in an effort to “purge agencies of career employees seen as insufficiently loyal” as reported by the Associated Press. This demand for allegiance over truth or justice bakes a proneness to contradiction directly into the Trump agenda, wedging open gaps where the administration becomes vulnerable.
By refusing to adhere to facts, the administration undermines its ability to effectively govern. It’s a worldview that disregards expert consensus – whether that be scientific, legal or otherwise –and collapses in confrontation with reality when it comes home to roost.
On the other hand, failing to acknowledge the existing competence of the new regime risks underestimating it.
Trump isn’t merely blustering through governance non-strategically.
The new administration has evidently drawn heavily from “Project 2025,” a right-wing Heritage Foundation presidential transition plan. Several strategic actions by Trump have aligned with the policy plan, which boasts the goal of “closing wasteful and corrupt bureaus and offices” on its official website. Trump has, for instance, established the Department of Government Efficiency to “shrink the administrative state” according to a White House fact sheet.
But rather than appoint qualified officials to the various institutions that comprise the federal government, Trump has prioritized subservience over experience.
Among his picks are names like Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Neither of these picks have prior experience in their respective departments. Yet both, like several others, have been confirmed by the Republican-led Senate.
One thing these picks have in common? Both were handpicked by the Trump administration.
“The nation should not have to worry that the intelligence assessments the President receives are tainted by a Director of National Intelligence with a history of alarming lapses in judgment,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell, the only Senate Republican to vote out of party line for Gabbard’s confirmation.
Regarding Hegseth, McConnell said that the former Fox news host had “failed to demonstrate
he will pass the test” of “effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world … with staggering consequences for the security of the American people and our global interests.” McConnell voted to confirm Hegseth despite this assessment.
With few exceptions, Congressional Republicans have failed to challenge the legion of questionable nominations and executive actions that have flowed from the White House since the start of Trump’s second term.
With the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) broad-scoped funding freeze, which halts funds appropriated by Congress and directly challenges the body’s constitutional-sanctioned power of the purse, few Republicans have pushed back substantively.
Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, for example, states: “All agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.”
When pressed at his confirmation hearing on whether the Impoundment Control Act, a law which has been upheld by the courts that requires the executive branch to request permission and negotiate with Congress to pause Congressionally-approved funds, “Project 2025” co-author and Trump appointee Russell Vought stated: “The President ran on the notion that the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional. I agree with that.”
Vought was then confirmed by Senate Republicans as the head of Trump’s OMB.
In conditions such as these, when even allies of the president whose power is threatened by his demands don’t use their lawful power to challenge him, Trump becomes vulnerable to acting on select information that is not necessarily complete or correct.
One inexperienced Director of National Intelligence is emblematic of the administration’s larger predicament, but not the end of the story. With the choking of funds and the dismantling of agencies that help the Federal Government make informed decisions, it is dissolving its own capacity to respond to forthcoming crises.
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Do you speak my love language?
BY ZACKARY KIRK-NEWTON Managing Editor
Howdo you say “I love you?”
For some, it’s hours in the kitchen. It billows like steam from the oven as a treat made from scratch bakes. Hours of laminating dough and tempering chocolate for a tart that your partner had mentioned off hand.
For others, it’s quiet moments shared in solitude. Just the simple act of spending time together is enough to convey their love.
Perhaps just saying the words is enough.
While it seems fairly intuitive, this specific framework of romantic expression is a more recent development. The five love languages, developed by pastor Gary Chapman and outlined in his 1992 book, “The Five Love Languages,” proposes that each person has a preferred method of conveying and receiving adoration.
The five languages outlined
by Chapman are acts of service, quality time, receiving gifts, physical touch and words of affirmation. They are not mutually exclusive, you can like all of them or even not have a preference — but knowing whether your partner does can be important.
“It’s really about opening a line of communication, so that you’re speaking the ‘language’ for your partner, for them to feel loved,” said Melissa Neal who is a professor of psychology at Delta College.
Neal often uses the framework in her classes, having students take online quizzes to determine which love language best suits them.
Read more stories, including the continuation of “Do you speak my love language” at deltacollegian.net/ opinion
President Donald J. Trump. OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PORTRAIT.
Golf finishes third in conference play at Woodbridge
BY JOHN NGUYEN
BY JOHN NGUYEN Senior Staff Writer
On Feb. 11, Delta’s men’s golf team competed in the Big 8 Conference match at Woodbridge Golf and Country Club. The round was the first Big 8 Conference play for the men’s golf team this season.
Of the Delta men’s golf team’s 10-man roster, six players made it onto the competing team.
Two other players were signed up as individual players, due to not placing in the top six during practice rounds prior to the official conference matches. The remaining two that didn’t compete at the Big 8 conference weren’t qualified to enter.
By the end of the round, Delta had scored third with a team total of 386. The two Delta players competing as individuals scored 77 and 78, the top two of individual competitors.
During the round, men’s golf may have encountered some difficulties with the terrain.
Delta typically practices at The Reserve at Spanos Park for golf, while Woodbridge is located outside of Stockton.
Delta player and freshman Jakob Green, who earned the top score at 73, noted difficulties adjusting to the new golf course.
“I’ve never seen the course before, so it was one where you’re figuring things out as you go and adapting, playing as best as you can from there ...” Green said. “It’s tough to commit to
certain shots you’re not familiar with.”
Woodbridge also dealt with frequent rain in the week prior to the round. On the day of the round, the ground was still wet in some areas and the players on the fairway had to use winter rules.
Morale may have been another issue for Delta’s men’s golf team. Green admitted to not being fully committed to making his shots for the first few holes. Many Delta players also expressed disappointment seeing the results while scores were being gathered and counted by the end of the conference.
“We need to be stronger. We need to be more competitive. We need to have a desire to win,” said Tony Troncale, a PGA Golf Professional and head coach for men and women’s golf teams at Delta.
Women’s basketball wins in fundraiser game
BY BELINDA SEIBEL Staff Writer
On Feb. 7, the Delta College women’s basketball team won its home game against Modesto Junior College with a final score of 56-37.
The game was a fundraiser for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund called Play4Kay.
This is the Mustang’s 8th win in a row in the California Community College Athlete Association’s Big 8 Conference. The team’s total conference tally is at 11-1.
Delta lost its last game against the Modesto Pirates on Jan. 9.
“Our only loss in Conference was against them, so I think our girls, not only did we learn a lesson from that loss, but we’ve improved and the girls were pretty fired up to come out and prove that they felt like they are the better team,” said Head Coach Gina Johnson. “And the other team, you know, they definitely are a hard working team.”
For the first half of the game the Modesto Pirates kept the score close, with Delta at a five point lead in the first quarter, and entering halftime with only a narrow three point difference at 30-27, with Delta still in the lead.
The Mustang’s preparation and determina-
tion showed during the second half, where the team widened the gap and won with a 19 point lead.
“I’m most proud of our high-low, because we have been working on our high-low,” said No. 10 Fajr Cuthbertson, sophomore starting guard, describing an offensive play. “When we first played them [Modesto], our high-low was not good, but we’ve been getting better, looking for the middle person, cut in and just making better passes, and making better shots.”
Cuthbertson was the Mustangs leading scorer, she had 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Delta is tied for first place in the Big 8 Conference with Folsom Lake College.“I think we still have a lot of work to do, but I feel confident in us, I feel really confident,” said No. 1 Kiara Council, sophomore starting point guard, about Delta’s chances overall in the conference.
Council had 8 points playing good defense as well having 2 steals.
The Mustangs are currently at 13-2 and still tied for first with Folsom Lake in the Big 8 Conference.
In their latest game on Feb. 18 they beat Diablo Valley with a final score of 108-33.
Six different Mustangs scored over 10 points, The playoffs begin Feb. 26.
Above: A player hits a putt on the green ending the hole with a successful shot. Right: A Mustang’s golfer shoots a putt towards the flag.
PHOTOS
No. 10 Fajr Cuthbertson, Sophomore guard, makes a free throw attempt at the Blanchard Gym on Feb. 7. PHOTO BY BELINDA SEIBEL
WIDE RECEIVER RHODES SIGNS WITH SMU
BY JOE DEMASI Sports Editor
Standout Mustangs wide receiver Link Rhodes signed with Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas on Feb. 5.
He had seven other Division 1 offers from Louisiana Tech, Wyoming University, Sacramento State, San Diego State, New Mexico State, U.C. Davis and Arizona State.
He first verbally committed to Arizona State but changed his mind after talking to the Head Coach at SMU.
Rhodes caught the ball 46 times for 607 receiving yards with 5 touchdowns. He also had 271 return yards for a total of 894 all-purpose yards. After the season, he earned first-team all-state from the California Community College Association.
Link praised Delta’s workout program and said the coaches helped him tremendously.
“They helped me by putting me through workouts and situations that I’ll eventually be doing once I transfer to SMU,” he said. “Coach Hyman, Barlow, Orth, Tmac and Nique helped me day in and day out to develop as a better Leader, Athlete and better man off the field. They would reach out to Division 1 schools to tell them how good of an athlete I am and how I trust my teammates and coaches.”
Gary Barlow is the head coach, Gary Hyman is the assistant head coach, Eric Orth is an assistant coach,Terrance McGill is an assistant coach, and Dominique Harrison, assistant coach, helped Rhodes with film.
Rhodes is known for his speed and it stood out to schools because he is 6’2.”
In the spring, Rhodes did track and placed in state having a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and also placed in the 100 meters finishing 7th in state overall and 1st among Junior College’s (JUCO) with a 10.59 second time.
He also finished 7th in the 200 meters at 21.71 seconds.
He spoke on why he switched his commitment from Arizona State to SMU and explained the meeting with SMU.
“ASU had everything I was looking for and the culture there was nice so that’s why I verbally committed there but I never gave SMU a chance. So when I went on a visit to SMU they
really made me feel welcomed. I sat down with the offensive coordinator and head coach to watch film and thats when I noticed I had a better opportunity to showcase my talent at SMU,” said Rhodes.
Rhodes’ teammates have high praise for him and his presence was important to the team.
In the game against Laney on Nov. 2 Rhodes was injured. It was a close game until the second half he could have helped them.
He returned a kick for a touchdown in the close loss to Sacramento City College on Sept. 14. He also had 5 catches for 101 yards that game.
Rhodes said he is excited to start at SMU and reassures his goals there.
“It feels great to be part of the family at SMU and I expect to get my degree and get developed into a better athlete so I can go play in the NFL.”
Since football has been played there SMU has had 174 players drafted to the NFL across various positions.
The university has a good history of producing talent in the receiver position.
Currently, there are three active SMU receivers in the NFL, and other prospects are gaining interest.
LINK RHODES’ STATISTICS
TRACK
• Ranked No. 1 for California JUCO’s in 100 Meter with a time of 10.75 seconds
• Ranked No. 7 in 200 meter at 21.72 seconds
• 40-yard dash time 4.38 which is exceptional for someone who is 6’2”
FOOTBALL
• Made All Bay 6 Conference and All State First Team
• Had 46 receptions for a total of 607 receiving yards with 271 return yards with a total of 5 touchdowns
• Was a standout player on Special Teams having six tackles.
Above: No. 1 Link Rhodes fighting over a defender for his second touchdown at McNair High School.
Below: Link Rhodes Wide Receiver celebrating a touchdown on Sophomore day on Nov. 16. PHOTOS BY LEVI
