South Orange County Community College District

05/13/2026

SOCCCD Trustees Lisa Bartlett, Carolyn Inmon, Marcia Milchiker, and Terri Rydell recently visited the Laguna Woods Village Saddleback College Emeritus ceramics class to participate in a video commercial shoot for LWTV. During the visit, the trustees engaged with students, observed the creative work taking place in the studio, and learned more about the impact of lifelong learning opportunities within the community. The experience highlighted the value of community connections and the important role emeritus programs play in fostering creativity, engagement, and continued learning for older adults.

05/13/2026

Saddleback College Athletics got a new look thanks to the creative work of Elebrand LFG and a collaborative facilities planning effort focused on enhancing campus spaces for students, athletes, and the college community.

These new wall wraps bring energy and school pride into our athletics facilities while supporting a welcoming and engaging campus environment for current and future students. Thank you to Elebrand and our Facilities Planning dept for helping bring this vision to life!

05/04/2026

Congratulations Trustee Marcia Milchiker on winning a legacy of impact award at the annual Community College League of CA conference hosted right here in Orange County. We are so proud of your 40 years served on the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees.

04/28/2026

Yesterday we celebrated a meaningful step forward in expanding opportunity for our students.

The South Orange County Community College District, including Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College, officially signed a partnership with National University to create seamless transfer pathways and significantly reduce tuition costs.

This collaboration opens the door for our students, alumni, and employees to continue their educational journeys with greater access, affordability, and support.

Partnerships like this are how we turn possibility into progress—strengthening pathways from education to career and creating lasting impact in our community.

04/20/2026

Celebrations are happening in the SOCCCD Public Affairs office after their big win in the Special Video category at this year's Community College Public Relations Organization's CCPRO awards! Check out the GOLD-winning entry below - a fun example of creativity and heart:
https://youtu.be/Kan4WdMZ5QA

04/18/2026

SOCCCD was honored to be recognized by the City of Laguna Woods Mayor and City Council today in celebration of April as .

Board President Carolyn Inmon and Chancellor Julianna Asperin Barnes were proud to represent the District during this special presentation, which highlighted the vital role community colleges play in expanding access to education and offering opportunities for growth, development, and lifelong learning.

This recognition reflects the collective impact of our colleges, from the dual enrollment high school program to the Emeritus program--our faculty and staff at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College, are striving to leave a lasting legacy in the communities we serve.

We thank the City of Laguna Woods for its continued support of community colleges and for recognizing the power of to transform lives.

04/17/2026

SOCCCD is excited to see this important conversation, authored by Chancellor Julianna Asperin Barnes, highlighted in the Orange County Register on the need to expand bachelor’s degree programs across CA.

Read the article at https://www.ocregister.com/2026/04/12/commentary-why-california-must-expand-community-college-bachelors-degrees/

Here in SOCCCD, we see firsthand how these programs create accessible, affordable, and workforce-aligned for students—especially those who are place-bound or balancing work, family, and school.

CA has already taken meaningful steps to allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields. These programs are designed specifically to meet regional workforce needs without duplicating CSU or UC offerings. And the impact is clear: they help close equity gaps, expand opportunity, and strengthen local economies. But demand continues to outpace availability.

If we are serious about addressing workforce shortages—in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades—we must continue to expand these pathways and invest in the institutions that are already delivering results.

Community colleges are not just access points to higher education—they are engines of mobility, , and economic vitality.

This is a policy conversation worth leaning into.

Julianna M. Asperin Barnes is chancellor of the South Orange County Community College District. In South Orange County, we are proud to say something that speaks volumes, not just about our colleges, but about what is possible when…

04/17/2026

Amazing to see Trustee Lisa Bartlett on Laguna Woods Village Television talking about the excellent courses, resources, and facilities available at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College. Trustee Bartlett also highlighted the many Emeritus classes available for senior citizens in Laguna Woods and throughout Orange County. Many thanks to Village TV Host Bree and team for a great show.

03/31/2026

Today, the South Orange County Community College District recognizes California’s Farmworker Day of Recognition, honoring the essential contributions of farmworkers who sustain our communities and economy.

We also acknowledge the importance of safe working conditions, fair treatment, and the ongoing commitment to advancing labor rights across all industries.

At SOCCCD, we remain dedicated to expanding educational access and workforce pathways that support opportunity and upward mobility for all.

03/18/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Saddleback College’s Student Veterans of America chapter! 🏆

Saddleback College’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter has been named Chapter of the Year at the Student Veterans of America National Conference! Selected from more than 1,600 chapters nationwide, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding support of student veterans through innovative programming, strong partnerships, and meaningful service. Saddleback is also the first community college in SVA history to receive this national award!

In addition, Kolin Williams, VETS Program Coordinator, was named a finalist for the SVA Chapter Advisor of the Year Award, which honors a faculty or staff member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to supporting student veterans through mentorship, advocacy, and guidance.

While it is an honor for a college to be named a finalist in either category, it is extremely rare for a single institution to be selected as a finalist in both the chapter and advisor categories.

Congratulations to our deserving student veterans and to Kolin Williams for their dedication in creating an inclusive, supportive environment where student veterans can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

California community colleges offer programs, career education, financial aid, guaranteed transfer pathways, and more to help students of ALL AGES succeed.

📍 Start your journey today: https://buff.ly/aFZLxkJ


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