West Valley College Student Awarded Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
West Valley College student Elizabeth Antoine-Hands has been named one of only two community college students in the country to be awarded a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, following a rigorous four-round selection process.
West Valley Student Pays It Forward to a New Generation of Students
When West Valley College student Malia Brito found out that MidPen Housing was unable to run their after-school program, she knew she wanted to step in. Brito lives in a property managed by MidPen and had, herself, grown up going to an after-school program.
Faces of West Valley | Green Guides Students to Meet Their Goals
New Dean of Academic Counseling and Student Success Murrell Green is elated to serve West Valley College students with the goal of ensuring they all receive a comprehensive, caring, and daring counseling experience as they matriculate toward their academic goals of obtaining certificates, degrees, and/or transfer at this illustrious institution.
West Valley College Implements Caring Campus Faculty Initiative
West Valley College has recently implemented the Caring Campus Initiative for faculty, which comes in addition to the staff initiative that has been active since 2020. The initiative builds on and enhances the already existing commitment to student success at the college through an ongoing, intentionally organized campus-wide effort where caring behavior is prioritized, and resources are available to assist faculty and staff.
West Valley College Receives National Association of Schools of Music Accreditation
West Valley College has received national accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This achievement places West Valley as one of only two California community colleges to have earned NASM accreditation.
West Valley College to Open New Community Food Pantry in 2022
West Valley College is opening Roots: Fuel Your Potential food market in the spring of 2022, the first community food pantry of its kind in Saratoga. The on-campus food market will provide groceries to students and the community free of charge.
Live Music Returns to West Valley College with The Disney Concert, Plus!
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2021, the College quickly pivoted to an online format in order to continue serving students and hosting live events for the campus community. The music department was no exception—having to adjust and learn to be agile in the new normal.
Viking women hold off SBCC 6-5 to win the CCCAA State Championship
The West Valley women's water polo team made history Saturday by winning its first-ever CCCAA water polo state championship with a thrilling 6-5 win over Santa Barbara City College at Las Positas College. The Viking win is the second-ever for a northern California team (Sierra 2018) and, with coach Erika Vargas at the helm, the first ever for a female coach.
Faces of West Valley | Price Designs New Bridges For Student Success
The Dean of the Bill and Leila Cilker School of Art and Design shares her story and vision for the college’s art and design program.
2021 American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges Student Research League Grand Prize Winners
West Valley College proudly brings home the win in this year’s national American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Student Research League competition.
From First-Generation Student to a World Tour, Dr. Dulce Gray Has Travelled an Amazing Path
Dr. Dulce Maria Gray has come a long way since immigrating to the U.S. as a child. She grew up in the Bronx with little money, but overcame all obstacles and today she has her Ph.D. She has traveled the world, and is an inspiration to many here at West Valley College.
Puente Helps Student Stay Motivated to Succeed
Gabe Abatecola, a current Anthropology and Geography student at West Valley College, walked onto campus for the first time not knowing if he would transfer out of West Valley or not. But he heard about Puente, a college program designed to support Latinx and other first-year students.
EOPS and TRiO Helps Students
Karin Shamardani, a West Valley College alumna, achieved her dream of transferring to UC Berkeley and in the fall she'll start her grad studies at the UCSF School of Dentistry.
West Valley College and World Innovations Network Partner
West Valley College and World Innovations Network (WIN) are partnering to launch the United Community Alliance, a collaboration of West Valley students and faculty, local government officials, accomplished entrepreneurs, high-tech leaders, and the venture capital community.
Randy Fujishin’s 38 Year Legacy Still Ripples Across West Valley
With his books in wide use, his former students appointed in high places across the Bay Area academic landscape and his son recently promoted to full-time faculty, the teachings of Randy Fujishin can still be found everywhere on campus.
After Years of Health Issues Rudy Flores Finishes Strong
Like his fellow students, Rudy Flores donned his cap and gown in late June to celebrate his graduation, held virtually in the wake of COVID-19.
West Valley Alum Wins Community Award
Advocacy and Policy Specialist at the Bill Wilson Center and West Valley Alum Amanda Clifford (2014) talks about her passion for helping at-risk youth and finding success after junior college.
Redwoods Research Helps Fight Climate Change
Plant Biologist and West Valley Instructor, Dr. Michelle Geary, is working with a team of West Valley students and alumni to model conditions that could help coast redwoods and other plant species survive environmental stress wrought by climate change.
Meet the New Dean of Student Equity & Success
Advocacy and Policy Specialist at the Bill Wilson Center and West Valley Alum Amanda Clifford (2014) talks about her passion for helping at-risk youth and finding success after junior college.
Student Named Top Scholar-Athlete
Angels in the Outfield? Valedictorian and former outfielder on the WVC softball team, Janelle McAfee, gives us another reason to believe in the athletic program at West Valley College.
WVC Sustainability Committee: Past, Present, and Future
From solar panels and refillable dry erase pens to a centralized trash system, Dr. Brad Chin and members of the WVC Sustainability Committee reflect on committee projects over the past ten years and share what’s on the horizon.
Student-led Trip to Cambodia Makes a Big Impact
After working on a cross-cultural educational curriculum for a semester, thirteen student from the Society of Global Citizens club put their plans to work during a two-week trip to Cambodia.
A Rockstar Is Born
15% Poise, 35% Guts, 50% Charm...100% Commitment. WVC Students in Acting Two showcase their creativity and leadership skills in a final project that rocks, literally.
The Power of Compounding
Did you know investing just $150 a month in a Roth IRA could give you a balance of over $1 million dollars at retirement? Dr. Sam Liu divulges the (not so secret) secret of financial success in a public talk, “Retire Rich,” on April 25th.
Big Ideas Come in Tiny Packages
The tiny house project—a collaboration between the Tiny House Design Build Group, Park Management and Interior Design program—tackles housing problems and teaches students valuable construction skills. It received a Strong Workforce Development Grant from the Center for Workforce Development at West Valley College.