Campus News

'Beyond excited': Delta grad earns statewide appointment

Just a few short years ago, Fabian Molina was a first-generation Delta College student, navigating his way through higher education's many twists and turns. This week, Molina was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Youth Empowerment Commission, where he'll have an opportunity to help the disadvantaged youth of California make their voices heard. In an Instagram post, Molina said he was "beyond excited" about the appointment, and said his experience at Delta helped him get to this point. "6 years ago today, I was lost, I didn't know what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be," he said. "I truly lost hope in myself... I was rejected to nearly all schools I applied to. "I decided to go to community college and that truly changed my life. It showed me that every young person deserves to have someone that believes in them and to be reminded of the immense potential they hold." At Delta, Molina connected with faculty and services that helped him find direction as the first member of his family to attend college. He became high-profile on campus, serving as a student trustee on the Board of Trustees, and graduating with honors in 2023...

Another strong financial rating for Delta College

STOCKTON — Delta College has earned another strong vote of confidence from the financial community, positioning the College to make the most of taxpayer dollars as the voter-approved Measure K bond program moves into the construction phase. Moody's Ratings recently assigned Delta College an Aa2 credit rating with a “Positive” outlook, a designation that can help the College borrow at lower interest rates and stretch Measure K bond dollars further. The rating comes just months after Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Delta College's AA- credit rating with that agency, providing additional independent validation of Delta’s fiscal strength. The most recent Moody's Aa2 rating is among the highest ratings awarded to public institutions and reflects the agency's assessment of Delta's strong financial position, healthy reserves, growing enrollment, and sound management practices. The new rating applies to approximately $130 million in upcoming Measure K bond issuances, as well as the refinancing of $38 million in existing debt from the previous Measure L bond. The refinancing alone is expected to save taxpayers approximately $3.6 million. "This rating once again affirms the strong financial foundation of Delta College and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources," said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. "Receiving recognition from two independent...

Rep. Harder delivers $850,000 for Delta cybersecurity hub

MOUNTAIN HOUSE — Calling community colleges "the ladder to the middle class," U.S. Rep. Josh Harder this week formally presented Delta College with $850,000 in federal funding to support the creation of a new cybersecurity hub at the College's South Campus at Mountain House. The investment will build upon Delta's existing Cisco networking program and help expand training opportunities in one of the nation's fastest-growing and most in-demand fields. The College aims to position itself as the Central Valley's leader in cybersecurity education and workforce development, creating new pathways into high-paying careers for students and working adults. The cybersecurity hub is expected to feature simulation technology, cloud security environments, digital forensics tools, and other advanced training infrastructure designed to prepare students for real-world cybersecurity challenges. "As soon as I heard about Delta’s plans to expand cybersecurity, I thought, 'Oh my gosh, that is just going to be a perfect fit for Mountain House,'" said Rep. Harder. "There is so much good that is going to happen at Delta, especially at this Mountain House campus. I cannot be more excited to see how quickly this program is going to move forward." The funding arrives as Delta continues planning for a permanent...

Making history: Delta's largest-ever graduating class

Even with roots stretching back more than nine decades, Delta College had never hosted a celebration quite this large. An estimated 1,300 graduates participated in Delta College’s 91st annual Commencement ceremony at Adventist Health Arena on May 14. It was the largest Commencement ceremony in the College’s history, honoring Delta's largest-ever graduating class. More than 3,500 Delta College students applied for graduation during the 2025–26 academic year, up from more than 2,700 the year before. The class of 2026 applied for 4,409 degrees and 1,083 certificates. The historic turnout comes as Delta continues to see strong post-pandemic enrollment growth while expanding its reach across the community. The College has increased efforts to connect with adult learners and others looking to gain new skills, change careers, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. More Photos Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson praised graduates for their resilience and determination throughout their educational journeys. “Our graduates have overcome a great deal to reach this milestone,” Dr. Lawrenson said. “Many balanced their studies while caring for children or loved ones, working multiple jobs, or navigating challenges related to housing, food security, or health. “Through it all, they continued moving forward. Their presence at...

Grad, 80, proves 'education has no expiration'

80-year-old Veronica Smith was rummaging around the house looking for something not long ago when she stumbled on her old Delta College transcripts. Curious, she thumbed through them. It had been more than 40 years since she'd been in college; she had accumulated 67 units but never quite earned a degree. With three kids and a career, life had gotten in the way. But she'd always thought: "Someday I'll go back." This week, Veronica will finally cross the stage at Delta College's 91st annual Commencement ceremony. She is the oldest member of the Class of 2026. And the best part: Her daughter, Virginia Ordaz, will graduate alongside her. "I want to motivate my grandkids," Veronica told KCRA. "All I want to do is encourage my family to get a college degree." After Veronica found her transcripts, she visited with a counselor who researched her case and realized she only needed three more classes to earn an associate degree. So she enrolled in Fall 2025. What she didn't know is that her daughter, who retired after a 25-year career in public safety, was also planning to enroll. They didn't find out they were both at Delta until the semester had already...

Adding up to a brighter future: Math Bridge

Nearly 50 math teachers and educators from across the region came together at Delta College this week with an ambitious goal: strengthening math success to open more doors for students. The event marked just the beginning of a complex conversation involving Delta College, high schools, and other partners. “It’s very important looking ahead at STEM careers to make sure that we are preparing students in mathematics,” said Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “We had a very in-depth discussion over math education, policy and pathways, and it was a really important conversation that we are going to continue in the fall.” Participants at “Bridges Over the Valley: Strengthening the K-20 Math Pipeline” discussed regional data on math outcomes, worked on plans to align math studies, and heard directly from students. The event was facilitated by College Bridge, an organization aiming to transform the K–16 educational system by identifying and eliminating barriers that prevent students from progressing to and through college. College Bridge has partnered with the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) to develop a Math Bridge model with up to seven colleges and their respective high schools in the Central Valley.

Cherry good news at the Manteca Farm

A new crop is taking root at the Manteca Farm, thanks to a partnership with the California Cherry Board. Approximately 1,400 cherry trees are being planted on a former alfalfa field. While it will take a few years for the trees to mature, they will ultimately give Delta College agriculture students hands-on experience with one of San Joaquin County’s top commodities. The Cherry Board helped fund the project, further diversifying the farm’s portfolio which already includes wine grapes, almonds, and hay. A ribbon cutting on Friday drew not only Delta employees but also members of the farming community, including the Cherry Board and the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation. "This is truly a milestone event for the college, for our students, and the cherry industry, not only in San Joaquin County but the state," said Donald Drake, manager of Delta's farm and longtime member of the California Cherry Board Research Committee. The addition of cherries will allow students to conduct applied research on commercial varieties while building real-world skills in irrigation management, pruning, and crop production. The goal is to further diversify the farm to reflect the region's agricultural diversity and give students the skills they'll need for local jobs...

Professor Cirian Villavicencio reappointed to state Board of Governors

STOCKTON -- Delta College Political Science Professor Cirian Villavicencio has been reappointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, continuing his advocacy for 2.2 million students at 116 colleges across the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Dr. Villavicencio’s reappointment on Monday. "I am honored to be reappointed by Governor Newsom to a second term as a faculty representative on the Board of Governors for the California Community Colleges,” said Dr. Villavicencio, who was first appointed in 2024. “As I continue this important work, I remain deeply committed to advancing student success while navigating emerging challenges, including the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education. I will also continue to support efforts to address global climate change, strengthen economic and workforce development initiatives, expand global and international education, and ensure that our most marginalized and vulnerable students have every opportunity to thrive.” Dr. Villavicencio has over 20 years of experience in higher education, and currently serves as professor and co-chair of the Department of Political Science. He has been active in local, state, and national politics, including serving as a staffer for the California Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus in the state Capital. He was elected twice as...

Champs! Delta captures first women's basketball state title

After three decades knocking on the door, the Delta College women's basketball program broke through in a big way on Sunday as the team earned its first-ever state championship. Delta has long been a juggernaut in the sport, with more than 800 wins under longtime Coach Gina Johnson, more than a dozen conference championships, and multiple final four and championship game appearances. And they've come oh-so-close to a state championship in the past, including the heartbreak of 2020 when COVID abruptly slammed the door on an elite Delta team. This time, though, nothing would get in the way. The win marks the first Delta College statewide team championship since baseball took the crown in 2018. "Words can't express how proud I am," Coach Johnson posted on Instagram following the comeback victory over MiraCosta College. "We were down by 24 points and came back like warriors... I'm the lucky one getting to coach these amazing women and watching them fulfill their dreams." Johnson was inducted into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame a little over a year ago, and has often been recognized for what ABC10 called "three decades of dominance." Now, she and her players can add a championship to...

Fitch affirms Delta College’s financial strength

STOCKTON — In good news for local taxpayers, Fitch Ratings recently reaffirmed Delta College’s strong AA- credit rating and improved its overall outlook to “stable.” The announcement means Delta can sell its voter-approved Measure K bonds at lower interest rates, helping maximize taxpayer dollars. An AA- rating is Fitch’s second-highest category and signals “very high credit quality.” The improved outlook reflects Delta’s continued fiscal strength, including healthy reserves, stable-to-growing enrollment, and overall financial stability. The news comes as Delta College presses forward with the implementation of Measure K, a $598 million bond approved by voters in November 2024. The Board of Trustees has identified priority projects, and planning is well underway, with a parking lot repair project anticipated to break ground this summer. “This independent review highlights the careful financial stewardship of Delta College and the strong leadership of our Board of Trustees,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “It shows the College is on solid footing as we move forward with improving our facilities and supporting students. We’re grateful to local taxpayers for their continued support.” “We take seriously the trust our community has placed in us,” said Board of Trustees President Dr. Charles Jennings. “This rating reflects careful...

A Real-Life Mr. Holland Moment

It's nearly impossible to say how many students Delta College Director of Bands M.J. Wamhoff has educated in his career of more than four decades, both at Delta College and at his previous institution, Santa Rosa Junior College. Suffice it to say, some of them have become band directors themselves, and they're still in touch after all these years. The California Band Directors Association recently honored Prof. Wamhoff with the David Goedecke Lifetime Achievement Award, with former students from as far away as Texas attending the ceremony. The best part: Friends and former students from across the state have commissioned a piece in Prof. Wamhoff's honor, which will be performed for the first time at the Delta College symphonic band concert on March 4 at 7 p.m. in Atherton Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend. And yes, he'll be conducting, in a scene right out of the Hollywood hit "Mr. Holland's Opus." "I was surprised and it's very touching," he said. "I never expected anything of the sort." The new piece, "The Hour of Pearl" by James David, is a musical representation of the hour between dawn and full daylight. The composer wrote it specifically for Prof. Wamhoff. He...