Message: November 9, 2020
Last Friday, Fresno City College held a virtual event to pay homage to our veterans. A theme emerged from our time together. From Veteran’s Resource Center Director, Dr. Jaime Duran’s opening statements, to Sonia Santana’s beautiful rendition of our National Anthem, the theme was “united we stand.” This theme was echoed by our featured veteran student, LaRue Perkins, who provided a history of Veterans Day. Fresno City College Fire Academy Director and recipient of last year’s Citizen Soldier Award, Peter Cacossa, summed it up best when he shared a story of two students who are in the Fire Academy who hold different political views, yet work together. I urge you to watch this virtual event to be inspired and to start your week off with hope and faith in each other. Virtual Event on FaceBook for Veterans
As you know, last week, after months of fiercely contested debates, strong opinions and passion, we participated in an election that drew record participation. Given the level of political rhetoric, and in the midst of so much uncertainty and unrest, it was perhaps inevitable that emotions were high.
The need for civil discourse, no matter how emotional or controversial a topic may be, is needed now more than ever. Let’s have faith in the U.S. election process and faith in each other.
After the votes have been counted and recounted, the next few weeks are likely going to be an anxious, difficult time for all of us. The ongoing election legal process and the following outcome will affect everyone differently. We have resources if you should need to talk to someone about your feelings. The College’s Psychological Services have staff available for you to talk to. I encourage you to reach out to your fellow students if they are feeling stressed, anxious or worried and let them know that it is OK to not feel OK. Share with them what I am sharing with you—we are here for you.
In addition, if you would like to access psychological services in the greater Fresno community the Gary Cannon Psychological Services Center is offering free services to SCCCD students (559.253.2277).
Here at Fresno City College, we are a very diverse team of faculty, staff, and administrators who have worked together for your success. Our diversity has been our strength, and will continue to be. Our diversity also includes supporters of all candidates. No matter what party we supported or which candidate each of us supported as individuals, we are all here for your success. We know the best way for us to move forward for the betterment of our community, is to move forward together.
As we proclaimed in our Equity Plan, our college is open to all, and we acknowledge and affirm the value of our campus community's diversity in race, ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, language, national origin, sexual orientation and social class, religious and political belief.
While there may continue to be uncertainty, one thing is certain – regardless of your political leaning, you belong here at Fresno City College.
Although there will be uncertainties in the coming days, you can be assured that Fresno City College’s guiding principles have not changed, nor has our commitment to engage in a partnership to transform lives through education. We are here for you.
Let’s move forward together. Stay focused on your studies, your health, family and friends. Remember, you belong here at Fresno City College, and we are all better together.
Be well,
Dr. Carole Goldsmith
College President
