News - Page 6 of 10 - Contra Costa College

How the CCC Foundation Cares: 120 Laptops Purchased for Students’ Remote Learning During Pandemic

On March 15, CCC’s campus was officially closed due to the rapid spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). All classes were converted into an online format so that students could continue their classes remotely. For many CCC students who rely on campus computer labs and library computers, access to computers is a huge issue. In a Zoom…
In a Donor’s Words: An Interview with Contra Costa College Retiree Susan Lee

By Sara Marellino, CCC Foundation Dr. Lee, tell us about your history with Contra Costa College. I am very connected to Contra Costa College (CCC). I have lived in this community for 39 years, with 27 years of my professional life at CCC as faculty and as a dean. I essentially raised my kids here:…
State Names CCC’s Gretchen Medel EMS Educator of the Year

The California Emergency Medical Services Authority has named CCC’s own Gretchen Muetterties-Medel the EMS Educator of the Year! The award was created to honor and recognize exceptional acts and service. The award will be presented at a December ceremony in San Francisco. According to the EMS Authority, Medel was chosen: For inspiring her students and…
Culinary Alum Wins Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship

Karl Fong is known as the baking ninja. That’s partly because of his speed and performance under pressure. And, it’s partly because he’s practiced martial arts for 25 years. “I try to bring high energy, hustle, and to move quickly and efficiently,” he recently told the San Jose Mercury-News. “I love working under the pressure.”…
Akim Henderson Is Here for His Fellow Students

This isn’t the first time Akim Henderson has pursued higher education. In fact, Akim’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance. “I grew up with an absent father,” he recalls. “My mom was killed when I was 10. And, I have lived through gun violence and substance abuse.” “I went to Cal…
Jeanelle Hope is a First-Generation Scholar

Even as a child, Jeanelle Hope loved history. “I enjoyed reading biographies, and learning about historical figures at an early age,” she remembers. “My aunt bought me this boxed set of biographies of African American figures. And, by the time I got to 9th or 10th grade, I realized that history was my favorite subject.”…
Video Game Marketing Pro Cristian Cardona Learned a Lot at CCC

Cristian Cardona didn’t know what he wanted to do when he graduated from Richmond High School in 1996. But, he knew he didn’t want to spend a ton of money at a university while he tried to figure it out. So, he came to CCC, and earned an associate degree in liberal arts. That gave…
CCC Taught Mauricio Flores the Value of an Education

Mauricio Flores is about to get his bachelor’s in cell, molecular and developmental biology at the University of California, Riverside. He’s currently fielding offers from employers and graduate schools. And, he says it’s his experience at Contra Costa College that makes him stand out among applicants. “It gave me a competitive edge to say I…
Elisha Patterson Says ‘You’re Not Alone’ at CCC

For Elisha Patterson, CCC was a second chance and a transformative experience. Like about 30% of current CCC students, Elisha enrolled as an older, returning student. After high school, she felt she needed to focus on work. “In Richmond, I think we’re raised to do K through 12,” she explains, “but, also asked, ‘How are…
Victor Bolan Jr. Came Back to Make a Difference

Victor Bolan Jr. was born and raised in Richmond. Like many of his peers, he came to Contra Costa College (CCC) after high school unsure of what path he wanted to take. “I was just doing small courses here and there,” Victor says. “Sometimes part-time, sometimes full-time. My courses were scattered. I had over 85…