Campus News

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...

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.

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...

Delta group earns prestigious 'Freedom Fighter' award from NAACP branch

STOCKTON - In a powerful recognition of its work to support underrepresented students, Delta College’s Black Alliance for Student Empowerment (BASE) was presented with the 2025 Freedom Fighter award on Saturday by the Stockton branch of the NAACP. BASE, formerly known as the Black Faculty Task Force, received the award for its work bringing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan to Delta. That event in early November connected hundreds of local students with institutions long celebrated for supporting and graduating Black scholars. Delta College Professor Raichelle Strickland, who served as one of the co-leads for the initiative, accepted the award on behalf of the group. “It truly means a lot to represent the work we’ve accomplished together,” Strickland said. “I also want to thank the NAACP for recognizing the importance of creating access and opportunity for our students and community.” Since 2020, BASE has focused on advocating for academic success, social justice, and equity at Delta College. The HBCU Caravan has become one of its most impactful efforts, offering students — many of whom cannot afford to travel across the country — the opportunity to meet directly with HBCU representatives, explore transfer pathways, and envision themselves thriving in a...

A simpler way to transfer: Meet the new Cal-GETC pathway

Good news for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) institution: The state has simplified general education requirements so that they are the same for both CSU and UC. Students now have one pathway that works for both university systems. This is a change from the past, when the requirements for a CSU were slightly different than the requirements for a UC. According to Delta’s 2025-26 course catalog, “the goal is to improve transfer efficiency and shorten time-to-degree completion.” "Cal-GETC is more equitable because it creates a single general education pathway for California Community College students transferring to either the CSU or UC system," said Raichelle Strickland, transfer and articulation officer at Delta College. "In the past, students had to choose between two different general education patterns, which often caused confusion or required extra classes if transfer plans changed. With Cal-GETC, there’s now one unified pattern that works for both systems, making it easier to plan your education and stay on track toward graduation and transfer." The details The new pathway is known as “Cal-GETC” and it replaces a pathway known as “IGETC.” You can find information about the Cal-GETC pathway, including...

Delta College announces 89th annual Commencement

STOCKTON - San Joaquin Delta College will celebrate its 89th annual Commencement ceremony this Thursday, May 16, with close to 900 students expected to attend and be celebrated for their hard work and perseverance. A total of 2,696 Delta College students have applied for graduation in 2023-24, seeking a total of 2,930 degrees and 808 certificates. “Our graduates have encountered many challenges during their academic journey, but they stayed the course,” said Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “They may have been the caregiver for children or family members, or worked several jobs. They may have experienced challenges putting food on the table or finding secure housing. They may have faced health problems. “Even with these responsibilities and challenges, our graduates pressed on and their achievement shows tremendous resilience, commitment, focus, and courage.” Thursday’s ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at the Adventist Health Arena. For more details, visit deltacollege.edu/commencement. Read on for the stories of two special speakers who will be featured during this year’s Commencement. Student Speaker Cheyanne Gaines Cheyanne Gaines isn’t a mom, exactly, but as the oldest daughter in a family raised mostly by her father, the 22-year-old Delta student has been a motherly figure for...

Professor Cirian Villavicencio appointed to state Board of Governors

STOCKTON -- Delta College Political Science Professor Cirian Villavicencio has been appointed to the California Community College Board of Governors, a significant opportunity to advocate for nearly 2 million students at 116 colleges across the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Dr. Villavicencio’s appointment late Wednesday, along with that of Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, a trustee serving the Kern Community College District in Bakersfield. "I am deeply humbled to be appointed by Governor Newsom to this important governing board,” Dr. Villavicencio said. “I will assume one of two faculty seats on the board and will help represent and elevate the voices of 1.9 million California community college students, as well as 56,000 of my fellow faculty colleagues. While our system faces many challenges from artificial intelligence to closing equity gaps among our underserved and disproportionately impacted students, I know there are many opportunities to improve our system and the lives of our students.” Dr. Villavicencio has over 18 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...

From student to professor: She's showing them the way

Not long ago, Lulu Sanchez was an anxious teenager wandering the halls of Franklin High School, an undocumented immigrant living in a tough neighborhood in a tough town, wondering if her past might derail her future. It was only 12 years ago, to be exact. Now she’s back. She’s back, this time as a college professor. With a master’s degree. With a house, and a family of her own. And a story that reminds Franklin students every day of their limitless potential. “I was once in your seat,” she tells them, again and again. And it’s quite literally true. Delta College Professor Lourdes “Lulu” Sanchez now teaches a business class at Franklin, her alma mater. It’s what’s known as a dual enrollment class, an opportunity for high school students to earn college credits, on their own campus, for free. This is her first semester as a college professor. Sometimes it seems little has changed since she graduated from Franklin. Mrs. James, her old English teacher, still teaches a few doors down the hall. Her track coach is still here, too. Little has changed. But everything has changed. *** It’s 8:30 a.m., and Lulu’s classroom slowly fills with students still rubbing...

Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson chosen as Delta College’s 12th superintendent/ president

STOCKTON -- The San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees has entered into contract discussions with Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson to become Delta’s 12th superintendent/president. She will be the first Latina and the first woman of color to serve in that role. A former English professor with nearly three decades of community college experience, Dr. Aguilera Lawrenson has been serving as Delta’s acting superintendent/president since September 2021.Lisa Lawrenson "I am truly honored to have been selected to serve Delta College and the community as its next superintendent/president," said Dr. Aguilera Lawrenson. "I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, as well as community and campus leaders to provide excellence in education and workforce training in support of economic development in our region." “After a comprehensive search, Dr. Aguilera Lawrenson rose to the top,” said Board of Trustees President Dr. Charles Jennings. “Her background and experience have prepared her for the tremendous responsibility that lies ahead. She has proven her commitment to student learning and success. We really feel she’s the right person at the right time to move the college forward as we grow and serve our community." Dr. Aguilera Lawrenson has served in a variety of roles...

Commission reaffirms Delta College's accreditation

STOCKTON — The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges has voted to reaffirm Delta College's accreditation, underscoring the value of Delta and its commitment to continually improve and better serve thousands of students each year across the region. The June vote came after a team of experts from colleges across California reviewed Delta’s self-evaluation report, visited the College for three days in March, and recommended the reaffirmation of Delta’s accreditation. Peer-review accreditation is critical to the success of any college and its students. Accreditation assures the public that a college meets certain standards, that the education earned is of value to a student, and that employers and other colleges and universities can accept a student’s credentials as legitimate. "We are pleased and grateful that the Commission voted to reaffirm Delta's accreditation," said Superintendent/President Dr. Omid Pourzanjani. "The peer-review team of experts reviewed hundreds of pages of documents and spent many hours on Delta's campus meeting with College representatives. We are thankful for their diligence and for their findings, which confirm that while there is still work to be done, Delta is on the right track." The Commission found that Delta exceeds standards when it comes to creating and encouraging...