Campus Report: November 2023
First Responders Campus Open
The ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new First Responders Campus on October 20. The new campus brings together all FCC first responder programs— Police Academy, Fire Academy, and the Emergency Medical Technician program (EMT)—into one 40-acre location. More than 200 guests attended. In addition to local elected officials, the ceremony included guest speakers Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderama and Fresno Fire Chief Billy Alcorn, both of whom commended Fresno City College for bringing to reality a state-of-the-art facility to train future first responders who will serve the community. Following the ribbon cutting, guests were given tours of the facility and were treated to a BBQ lunch.
The evening before, a special event was held for the Chancellor’s Circle Annual Celebration at the facility. Fire cadets and EMT students conducted live demonstrations, including extinguishing a car fire and showing the newest EMT technology for paramedic training.
Collaborations across the State of California system
In October, the FCC Math, Science & Engineering Division participated in an inaugural collaboration funded by the National Science Foundation’s Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) program called “Enhancing CCC-CSU-UC Collaboration.” The grant brought together California’s three higher education systems to create systemic pathways for exchanging knowledge, resources, and talent. This is the first time all three tiers have come together to find ways to collaborate. Shirley McManus, Dean of Instruction for Math, Science & Engineering, was the Principal Investigator for the grant.
Adult Education Event
The FCC Adult Education Program is hosting a Campus Tour and Information Session for Adult School students on Tuesday, November 7. It is targeted toward Adult School students who are in a High School Equivalency/Diploma program or ESL program. The event will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Old Administration Building, Room 251. It will include presentations on FCC programs, degrees, certificates, and financial aid, a tour of the campus, and time to meet with counselors.
Jessi Combs Scholarship
Welding and Fabrication student Paige Camacho, daughter of FCC instructors, Brett and Tammy Camacho, received a $3000 scholarship from the Jessi Combs Foundation on October 14 in Denver. Paige was one of 14 national recipients and is now expected to participate in events related to fabrication, welding and automotive along with speaking to young women interested in entering the trades.
Men of Color Career Exploration Day
On November 8, the Outreach, Onboarding, & Student Engagement Office is holding a career event at Fresno Chaffee Zoo to introduce young men, grades 10-12, to careers at the zoo. The department is using the pathway model to pair instructional faculty with zoo professionals to present their field of expertise. The keynote speaker is Chaffee Zoo’s Chief of Education and Engagement, Sean den Bok, who will share his journey and help encourage the young men to pursue education and hopefully, join the zoo professionals to help diversify this industry to include more people of color. There will be demonstrations as well as a lunch where students, zoo professionals, and instructional faculty can have further conversations about the pathway from high school, to college, to career.
#GivingTuesday
For the sixth year, FCC will participate in the global day of giving called #GivingTuesday on November 28. The fundraising goal is $40,000 and all proceeds will benefit the Ram Pantry. The pantry is a food assistance program open to all students currently enrolled at the college at no cost to the students. State Center Community College Foundation board member Gina Cuttone and her husband, Shawn Patty will provide a matching donation of $2500.
Hookman theatre production
The theatre production of Hookman is an existential slasher comedy about a freshman in college, who is just trying to navigate the pressures of being a young woman entering adulthood. Life is hard when your roommate is weird, you’re feeling homesick, and a hook-handed serial killer is slashing girls’ throats. Performances will be held in the theatre from November 10 – 18 and include evening and matinee times.
Feria De Educatión Event at Fresno State
On October 14, FCC President Robert Pimentel welcomed over 2,000 students and families who attended Univision’s Feria de Educación event at Fresno State. FCC had a significant presence by conducting workshops that included, Understanding California Systems of Higher Ed, Dreamers Resources and how Financial Aid can be accessed and utilized. President Pimentel also participated in a panel for parents on How to Advocate for your Child.
Comcast Scholarship Reception
On October 18, Comcast presented $100,000 in scholarship checks to FCC and four community colleges at a reception that was held at the West Fresno Center. Each college received $20,000 to support the next generation of students eager to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). The scholarship donation is part of Comcast’s Project UP initiative.
Nursing Scholarship
On October 11, FCC nursing student, Sabrina Serrano, received a $500 scholarship from the Fig Garden Woman’s Club at their monthly meeting. A total of $8,000 in scholarships was awarded to 16 nursing students.
Veterans Day Ceremony
The 2023 Veterans Day Ceremony is on Wednesday, November 8, at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Veterans Peace Memorial. This year’s ceremony commemorates the 30th anniversary of the memorial’s dedication and will also recognize the 75th Anniversary of Women’s Integration Into the Armed Forces. Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno, a veteran of the U.S. Army, is the keynote speaker. The Citizen Soldier Award will also be presented.
Enseñamos en el Valle Central
Fresno City College, in partnership with Fresno State and Enseñamos en el Valle Central, will present the inaugural City/State Future Maestrxs Institute. This day-long event is for prospective educators and their families and will take place at FCC on Saturday, November 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Renowned pianist to visit FCC
Renowned Mexican Pianist Argentina Dúran will be the guest artist at the November 17 Intermediate/ Advanced Piano Recital in the OAB Auditorium. Dúran will also present a master class for FCC students. Her appearance is in partnership with the Mexican Consulate of Fresno. Admission is free. The recital begins at 7:00 p.m.
Rams Jams
FCC student guitarists will be the featured performers on November 16 at 7:30 pm in the OAB Auditorium. The program will include solo and ensemble music culminating with an all-student guitar orchestra. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door.
New Wrinkles
Step into the holiday spirit and experience the New Wrinkles upcoming shows on November 18 and 19 in the OAB Auditorium. For this performance and others go the performing arts ticket page for prices and times.
City Dance
The theme of this year’s City Dance concert will highlight 50 years of dance at FCC, totaling over 90 performances. Pictured is retired dance instructor Janice Jansen in 1994 who taught dance for 29 years. A Sneak Peek fundraiser performance is slated for Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. Concert dates are November 10 – 12. Tickets are available at Eventbrite or at the door.
Sports Update
Fresno City College athletics continues to be a dominant force in CCCAA fall athletic competition.
The volleyball team is 19-4 and undefeated in the conference with an 11-0 record in the Central Valley Conference overall and is ranked 7th in the state.
The men’s soccer team continues to dominate the Central Valley Conference with an 12-4-1 overall record while leading the way in the CVC with a 5-1 record in conference play. They are ranked ninth in the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA) polls.
The women’s soccer team has a 11-2-4 record overall and 8-1-3 in the CVC. They hold the #2 position in the conference and are tied for 14th ranking in the CCCSIA polls.
The Rams football team is currently 5-3 overall and undefeated in the conference with a 3-0 record. FCC and Reedley are set to face off in the Battle for the Pump at Ratcliffe Stadium on November 4.
The men’s and women’s cross-country teams had a groundbreaking outing at the Central Valley Conference Champions qualifying both teams for the Northern California Championships. This is the first time in many years that both teams have placed as a whole team in the championships. Both teams placed 3rd in the Central Valley Conference. The teams are under new leadership with first-year head coach Jesse White.
Men’s wrestling is having another great year winning the 2023 NorCal Regional Team Championship and are set to host CCCAA State Dual Meet Championships at the college on November 19.
Check out all Ram Athletics on the website.
