South Orange County Community College District

08/02/2026

SOCCCD leaders were proud to join President Lonita Cordova and the team at Saddleback College to officially welcome the Netherlands Olympic track team to the Saddleback stadium and other world class facilities on campus. This event could not have been done without the leadership and stewardship of City of Mission Viejo, CA - Local Government.

More photos to come, but for now, here is a little glimpse of the amazing event today.

Cc: Carolyn Inmon Marcia Milchiker Lonita Cordova Wendy Bucknum - City Council - District 5

07/22/2026

An informative and engaging morning yesterday with the Orange County Business Council for their annual Legislative Day. We heard from local and state elected officials on the core priorities of OCBC -- Economic Development, Workforce, Housing, and Infrastructure. We are thankful for the partnership of the business community in Orange County.

07/08/2026

Unlock your potential at Irvine Valley College, where opportunities are within reach. ivc.edu/ignite

07/07/2026

This past board meeting, the SOCCCD Board of Trustees recognized an extraordinary leader, Dr. Elliot Stern, for his retirement and nearly a decade of dedicated service to students, employees, and the Saddleback College community.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Stern has left an immeasurable impact on Saddleback College—championing student success, fostering innovation, and leading with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, Saddleback continued to grow as one of California’s premier community colleges, consistently ranking in the top 10 on several lists, along with many other accolades and awards for creating opportunities that have transformed countless lives.

While buildings, programs, and achievements help tell the story of his presidency, Dr. Stern’s true legacy can be found in the students he inspired, the employees he empowered, and the culture of care and excellence he cultivated across the campus.

Thank you, Dr. Stern, for your remarkable leadership and lasting contributions to Saddleback College and the South Orange County Community College District. Your impact will be felt for generations to come.

07/07/2026

A great interview with Marcia Milchiker on Laguna Woods Village / PCM Television. Watch the live video below for an update on all things SOCCCD, Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College.

ADVERTISE HERE ►https://www.lagunawoodsvillage.com/amenities/media-...

06/19/2026

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

In observance of this historic day, Saddleback College will be closed. Classes will not meet, and services will not be offered.

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.