Celebrating THE PEOPLE OF
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI
Mike McClelland
Class of1990 Currently teaching Science at Dinuba Unified School District
MY STORY AFTER LEAVING LMC
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I started at LMC with my mom, an honor student in her own right, and I had followed her footsteps as a student representative. After leaving LMC to Sac State, I returned Spring of ‘92 to take a couple of classes I wanted to take, and had the honor to have Mr. Bohackel for California History. I graduated with a BA in
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Biology. Going on to become a middle and high school science teacher, including math and geography along my current 22 year journey in education. Currently I teach high school science in Dinuba, Ca and love it.
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
for him while taking science classes. Then also tutored those. By the end of two years I changed majors to science, and remained a 3rd for science prerequisites. All along I was a student representative. At the end of year 3 I was recognized at a staff meeting with an Outstanding Student Representative award. As I’m being introduced, Dr. Case
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I started as a history major with Dr. Kaiper as my mentor. I tutored
asked Dr. Kaiper what happened? Why did he let me switch, and “get away” from being a future history teacher. Dr. Kaiper bowed his head, shaking and just said “I don’t know where I went wrong”, then we all laughed. ;)
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Brittney Bibbs
Business Administration and English - Monterey, CA
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
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I have a story that did not partake at Los Medanos College, but it involved the Umoja club that I am a part of at Los Medanos College. The club took us on several college tours, that were paid for, but the one that stood out the most for me was when we flew to San Diego to learn more about San Diego State University and to attend the Umoja conference. We stayed throughout the weekend where they made sure we had comfortable rooms and good food for us. We learned so much about Umoja by going to workshops and sitting through very informative seminars. As a student going on these college tours and realizing that the students there were just like me at some point, reluctant and afraid of something new, made the anxiety of going to a big University or State college less apprehensive. I LOVED it!
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WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC? What I like about LMC is that it is big, but at the same time it is small. I get a sense of community here. I feel as if the teachers care and just all the staff cares as well! There are many programs, organizations/clubs that you can get involved in that will help you along the way to give you the academic support as well as the financial resources you need as a college student. I will never regret my decision to come here. Los Medanos College has in many ways helped me realize where I want to be in life and that I can achieve any of my future goals if I just apply my-
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self. I love that they have a awesome Math Lab and an Academic Support Center where you can get free tutoring, which has helped me personally through some challenging classes. Overall I can say that LMC is a place of diversity, community, higher learning and helpfulness.
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about SDSU and their academics. We also learned a great deal of information
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Sonia Bustos Biology Major
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
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My most cherished memory at LMC was my fist semester of college. I
was really nervous, but thanks to all of the wonderful staff and outstanding professors, I managed to get straight A’s while being enrolled in 18
units. Students at LMC introduced me to the Honors Program and Mesa, and now I have created many friends and study buddies. I love LMC!!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC? I love Los Medanos College because it provides a great environment that allows motivated students to achieve their academic goals and become
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successful individuals. The staff are extremely caring, helpful and truly dedicated to help students move forward as scholars and as individuals. I love being at LMC, it is my second home and the people there are my second family.
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Jessica Walters
Nursing Student - Pittsburg
Do you have a favorite or interesting story about your time here at LMC? Mr. Clarke from Political Science helped me to push myself and not lack on doing my homework. I ended going from a D to getting a B at the end of the semester. He is very wise and wants the best for his students, even when I thought I would fail and couldn’t learn anything. He helped me get off the floor, dust myself off, and pushed me to try again and do my best.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?
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FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
I like how the teachers here help the students strive for success and to do their best in school. I appreciate the counselors I see and the great biology teachers because they give you their time for all and any questions and make sure and help you stay on top of your tasks.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR RETIREES
Jeannine Stein
DSPS, Math, Philosophy & Honors Program FAVORITE STORY ABOUT LMC
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Many years ago, LMC had a Students For Free Tibet Club on campus. I had the privilege of accompanying the student members of this club to a conference at Stanford where we were given a “special audience” with his Holiness The Dali Lama. There were only about 100 students and faculty in attendance. These “special audiences” are very rare, I later learned. I sat with the LMC students in the first row, and when the Dali Lama entered the room, he slowly walked past each one of us and shook hands. He was smiling and laughing as he walked barefoot across the rug. The motivational talk that he gave was very inspiring and uplifting. At the end of the conference, I stood by the door to wait for the students. Suddenly, the Dali Lama appeared before me and took my hand. He smiled and thanked me for attending. I had never before met a more spiritual being
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and was awestruck by his warmth and sincerity. I was so proud at how the LMC students conducted themselves that day and thanked them for letting me share this once in a lifetime experience.
31 YEARS AT LMC
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On my 40th birthday, my office was “toilet papered” and a stall in the women’s bathroom on the second level was dedicated to me. No one else could use it all day! Also, there was a flashing light in the cafeteria letting everyone know that it was my 40th birthday!
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Tiffanie More
Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities Antioch
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
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Yes, I do! I am a 4 time nominee of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival that is held once a year. Two students out of each LMC Theater production is nominated to represent LMC at the convention. We compete, workshop, and audition for scholarships into four-year Universities. I am so
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honored to be Nominated and will be attending the
conference next week in Washington with the other
nominees. It is very exciting to be a part of the LMC nominees, it is a an honor to represent our school.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?
putting on the production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in March. The play will be
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I am active in the LMC Theater Department. We are
directed by Professor Barbara Norris. We will be in the Theater the day of the event on campus and will be preforming scenes from our exciting production! Thank you!
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES
Joanna Perry-Folino Professor of Theatre
I drove up to the campus for the first time 25 years ago. I had never seen a campus like it before. I later found out its main structure was an architecturally desirable style for the era in which it was built in 1975. Philosophically the big gray concrete building was all about student engagement on an equal level with faculty: no offices without large windows, no separate bathrooms for faculty and staff. All one. I liked this concept but the building itself did not feel warm and inviting. About three weeks ago I stepped into the new Student Center, redesigned, transformed actually from the bones of the old building, and it felt
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FAVORITE STORY ABOUT LMC
like the promise of the original architects and creators of the college had at long last been realized. Open, bright, inviting and most importantly expansive, Los Medanos College now truly reflects physically what it has long been any way: a place where students and faculty connect. Long may she live.
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC
CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI AND THEIR FAMILIES
Amber Nikole Rodriguez Class of 2014, Liberal Arts Major
I like the faculty and the determination that the ones I have interacted with seem to have with helping you succeed. I was a young teen mom and drop out that never finished high school so college wasn’t something I ever thought I would be capable of doing! Watching my daughter get to college
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Amber’s mom, Lateca Ojeda shares her inspiration
and her courage in going for it inspired me. I really am proud to say my daughter is LMC alumni and will be my inspiration in everything I do because it was because of her that I even seen the light! I am now a computer science major at DVC!
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Gary Walker
Graduated in 2013 Behavioral & Social Sciences & back at LMC for Spanish Certificate FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
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My favorite story about my time at LMC was when President Bob decided to change the Science Building bathrooms into gender neutral bathroom after our Elevating Diversity Conference in 2013. This was so touching to me because President Bob was moved by the event and stories from our students whom depend on gender neutral bathrooms in order to be successful at our college! It was the first time I really realized that students voices can make successful changes on campus and realized that our student
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voices are being heard. This is the best story for me because LMC is a place that truly believes in equality and equity for all underrepresented student populations!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?
that assisted me along the way. Everyone is so willing to assist with a smile all of the time! Starting with Admissions and counseling to the classroom and beyond. I am proud of my quality education that I have returned to earn my Spanish Certificate. I also love the Student Government where I am currently the Student Body President. The students are such an important reason of what I love about LMC! I love that the campus is full of diversity and has a multi-cultural atmosphere. We are all learning from one another the importance of diversity and equity not only on campus but in
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I love the fact that LMC is where I received my AA Degree because there were so many high quality faculty and staff
our communities and in the work force. It is so awesome to solicit students needs from students and then give them “voice” in the shared governance process. It is often that I hear faculty and staff (especially President Bob) say: “Students first- we do what we do for our students.” I can say with confidence LMC faculty and staff prove this sentiment with action. It makes me proud to be a student at LMC when I see their saying turn into action!
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Alexander Ayers
Computer Science Networking and Security Antioch, CA
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
Scholarship. Reluctant at first, I doubted my ability to write an essay compelling enough to qualify as a recipient, though with Professor Saito’s guidance my story seamlessly transformed into a 1,500 word essay. With only a few hours left before the deadline, I submitted my STEM Scholarship application and crossed my fingers. In April, I
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During the Spring 2014 semester, my Calculus professor, Jennifer Saito, encouraged me to apply for the STEM
received an email containing an invitation to the Student Success Ceremony to celebrate as a STEM Scholarship recipient. With encouragement from Professor Saito, and additional assistance provided by Professor Jones for a Letter of Recommendation, I became one of nineteen STEM Scholars. As a STEM Scholar, I gained plenty valuable relationships, irreplaceable opportunities, and most importantly, a boost of confidence.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?
my families life. After enrolling, it became apparent that many of the faculty members held genuine interest in the success of all LMC students. I’ve been provided many resources that have allowed me to worry less about my finances, and focus more on learning. As a father with financial needs, returning to college can quickly become overwhelming. My family was able to benefit from many of the resources available such as Financial Aid, EOPS, CalWORKS and CARE. In addition, there are plenty of employment opportunities for students at LMC. I was fortunate enough to
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LMC has presented countless opportunities to me as a return student, and has allowed me to redirect the course of
experience working as a student worker in the EOPS department, where I also serve as a Peer Mentor and Student Advocate. At LMC, returning students are provided a smooth transition into college by its caring faculty members and countless resources. Returning students, especially those in low-income families, can pursue a degree and dedicate 100% of their focus in their studies because LMC is overflowing with supportive staff and resources.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Raquel Condon Communications Brentwood, CA
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
transfer to a university in two years, especially not to the #1 school of my choice. I’ve been told that most people just drop out of community college. People always gave me The impression that going to a JC, especially somewhere so close to home like LMC, was something to ashamed of. I felt as if people who went straight to work were more respected than someone trying to further their education by going to LMC. I even heard someone tell me, “At least you’re doing something.” But I wasn’t just doing “something,” I was working hard. I was taking up to six classes at a time while working a part time job. I took summer classes and ignored the negative comments. I always had average grades in high school. I chose LMC because I wanted to figure out what I wanted to do and I wanted to save money. I’m very happy to say that this is my last semester here and in the fall I will be transferring to Cal Poly SLO with a 3.8 GPA. I just wanted to let everyone know that it CAN be done. You can go to whatever school you want to if
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I was always warned that I wouldn’t be able to
you put your mind to it. The major thing that helped me achieve my goal was my new sense of confidence that I never had before. Have confidence, strive for the best, and achieve your goals!
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS
Frank Ladra Nursing Walnut Creek, CA
I love the faculty, everyone I have met and interacted with has always seen to my needs and have helped me accomplish my goals. It always seems as though the faculty go above and beyond what’s required of them, to ensure the students success.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?
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FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
I love the library and counseling staff especially. The library staff ensures I always have the tools I need to do great in class. They are always available and wanting to help me. On top of this they always greet me with a smile.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES
Leticia Gomez
Classified Staff as a Instructional Assistant
FAVORITE STORY ABOUT LMC
been in the workforce for some time. At first, it was a bit terrifying going back to school after so long. Our child development department, however, made the experience a terrific one. Having an education counselor within the Child Development department really made the process go smoothly. Melissa Jackson laid out a very specific education plan for me which made it easy to know what class to take next.
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I returned to college when my youngest son was two years of age after having
Not only did I graduate from LMC with my AA Degree, but I graduated with Honors! I then went on to transfer and complete my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brandman University while working full time as a preschool teacher at the LMC Child Study Center.
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI
Anthony Blackman Class of1977 Self Employed
MY STORY AFTER LEAVING LMC
40’s in my classes, I realized it was every man for himself now. After attending San Jose State University, and 11 years in Silicon Valley, I now have been pastoring thriving church in Pittsburg for 26 years. I am the first African American Pastor to buy property and build his own facility from the ground up in the last 45 years in Contra Costa County. Miracles, signs and wonders are taking place
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regularly in my ministry. I’ve been through three recessions yet 95 percent of my congregation remained employed or their businesses are not affected. My social science instructor told me that we love in a market society and showed a documentary titled, “The Blue Collar Trap”. That is what stuck with me until this day.
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
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My favorite and biggest memory was the fact that I was in the first class that opened the college, September 1974. I played football and we didn’t have our own stadium, so we used Antioch High School. It was a new day for my generation. We were proud and wanted to win and we did. We met other students
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LMC prepared me for Real Adult Living. When I saw grown ups who were in their
from Liberty High, Antioch High and a few other schools in Contra Costa County. One day it snowed and I slid my ‘69 Firebird into one of the concrete borders in the back parking lot.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES
Iris Archuleta
Faculty (part time), PT Professor - Poli Sci FAVORITE STORY ABOUT LMC
affiliated with. As a new part-time professor, I am treated like a family member by faculty, staff, and administration. The students are some of the brightest and
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LMC is probably the single most warm and inviting institution I have ever been
most academically curious I have ever met. They make it an honor and pleasure to teach and engage them. My faculty mentors David Zimny and Milton Clarke are supportive, encouraging and have helped me tremendously. LMC is a gem, and I love it here!
CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI
Cynthia Chavez
Class of 2014 Anthropology and Liberal Arts MY STORY AFTER LEAVING LMC
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I actually transferred to Sac state right after. I am thankful for the faculty and students I met at LMC, not only did they help me grow as a person/ student but they helped me create wonderful college memories that I will always remember and cherish.
FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC
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It would definitely be when I got lost my first day of school. I had no
idea where my classes were and had to ask random students where my
classrooms were and that’s how I met my now best friend. The students at LMC were helpful and nice for helping me out on such a hectic day.
What’s Your Story?
Let us know at www.losmedanos.edu/yourstory