Campus News

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...

Home at last: Delta College athletes return to revitalized fields

With fist pumps, cheers, and applause, Delta College athletes and the Delta community celebrated a homecoming of a different sort on Saturday as Delta's athletics fields officially reopened following two years of extensive upgrades. The projects, funded by voter-approved Measure L tax dollars, include state-of-the-art football, softball, and baseball fields, as well as a new track, all comprising the Chase Chevrolet Athletic Complex. "Today we celebrate more than new turf, track, and fields," said Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. "We celebrate an investment in student success, safety, and Mustang pride. Most of all, we celebrate our athletes returning home after two years of construction. "These facilities are a testament to our belief that athletics are not just about competition, but about teamwork, resilience, and excellence on and off the field." On the field, Delta athletics routinely finishes among the top California community colleges for overall athletic success, with both teams and individuals competing for state championships. "Now our exceptional athletes will have the facilities they deserve," Dr. Aguilera Lawrenson said. But Delta's student athletes also thrive off the field, with roughly half earning a 3.0 GPA or higher, roughly one-quarter earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher, abnd...

Better bee-lieve it! Delta College wins Trivia Bee

After decades participating in the the Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County's annual Trivia Bee, the Delta College team stung the competition and brought home first place at the Oct. 13 event. It's the first time in the 29-year history of the event that Delta College scored the top prize. Congratulations to thje winning team: Prof. Harry Mersmann; Prof. Chloe Brotherton; Prof. Becky Plaza; and Trustee Dan Wright "It was tight, we had some competition... but in the end, we pulled ahead, and we won," said Plaza, a Delta College counselor. "So we were very, very excited to represent San Joaquin Delta College and win." Will next year be the repeat performance? Bee there or bee square.

'Every individual has the fundamental right to their identity,' trustees resolve

Delta College trustees on April 15, 2025 approved the following resolution "reaffirming (Delta's) support of undocumented and LGBTQIA+ students, and continuing to welcome, support and celebrate all as equal members of the college community and our broader society." Read the full resolution below: WHEREAS, shifts in national leadership and legislative priorities may lead to policy changes impacting the rights, protections, and well-being of undocumented and LGBTQIA+ individuals; and WHEREAS, the changing landscape of policies under the current administration of the U.S. federal government has created significant uncertainty, raising fears about the potential impact on students and their families; and WHEREAS, no human being is illegal and rhetoric suggesting otherwise serves to marginalize, stigmatize, and instill fear and anxiety in undocumented individuals; and WHEREAS, every individual has the fundamental right to their identity, including gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation as these are essential aspects of a person’s being; and WHEREAS, through the Dreamers Success Center and the Delta Pride Center at San Joaquin Delta Community College District, students have access to resources and support services that create an encouraging network and college community to ensure their success and wellbeing; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution 21-21 in...

Delta College trustees sworn in following election

STOCKTON – Four Delta College trustees were sworn in this week, officially launching or continuing their service on the College’s governing body. Three of the trustees – Dan Wright, Dr. Catalina Piña, and Shelly Swanson – are new to the Board, while the fourth, Dr. Armando Valerio, was provisionally appointed to the Board in May 2024. The three new trustees prevailed in the November election. Trustee Valerio ran unopposed for his seat. "I'd like to congratulate trustees Wright, Swanson, Piña, and Valerio, and to sincerely thank them for their willingness to serve Delta College and our students," said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. "The Board of Trustees plays a critical oversight role at Delta, and I look forward to working with all of our trustees as we tackle many important issues in the coming year." The Board also selected longtime trustee Janet Rivera to serve as Board president for the coming year. “I’m excited to welcome our new Board members and am honored to take on the role of Board president in 2025,” Trustee Rivera said. “We have much work to do for our students and for the community, and I can’t wait to get started.” About the new trustees...

Trustees resolve to protect rights, dignity of all students

Delta College trustees on Dec. 17, 2024 approved the following resolution reaffirming Delta's designation as a sanctuary college, "committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of all students." Read the full resolution here or below. Resolution of the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin Delta Community College Reaffirming Sanctuary College Status and Commitment to Immigrant Students and Community WHEREAS, San Joaquin Delta Community College (SJDC) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to inclusion, safety, and support for immigrant students through Board-adopted policies and resolutions, including Resolution No. 16-54 (2016), which affirmed the college’s role in providing educational opportunities for all; Resolution No. 16-77 (2017), which committed to maintaining a climate of inclusion and called for the preservation of DACA; and subsequent resolutions, such as Resolution Nos. 18-30, 19-08, 18-59, and 20-14, which reinforced SJDC’s dedication to supporting undocumented students through resources like the Dreamers Success Center; WHEREAS, immigrant individuals and families have made and continue to make invaluable contributions to the economic, social, and cultural growth of San Joaquin County and the broader region, enriching the community through resilience, perseverance, and hard work, and SJDC recognizes their critical role in strengthening and diversifying the fabric of society; WHEREAS, the current...

'Historic': Voters approve Delta College bond measure

STOCKTON – In a decision that will benefit local students for generations to come, voters have approved a bond measure to upgrade Delta College classrooms and facilities. Measure K has earned 58.5 percent of the vote, above the 55 percent threshold required for passage, according to semifinal election results released this week. “We’re extremely grateful that voters recognized the importance of Delta College for creating local opportunities, supporting our local economy, training nurses and other skilled professionals who serve our community, and opening doors of opportunity in an affordable way,” said Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, superintendent/president of Delta College. “Passage of Measure K will make a massive impact on the lives of thousands of families for decades into the future.” The $598 million bond will help address the most urgent improvements needed across all Delta College campuses, such as fixing old plumbing, repairing leaky roofs, upgrading classrooms and labs, and improving student safety. “This is a historic moment for Delta College and we cannot express strongly enough our thanks to community members for their support,” said Dr. Charles Jennings, president of the Delta College Board of Trustees. “We understand the trust you have placed in us, and we’re determined to...

Dr. Armando Valerio appointed to Delta College Board of Trustees

STOCKTON - San Joaquin Delta College trustees have chosen Dr. Armando Valerio, a physical therapist who is active in many community organizations and causes, to serve on Delta’s governing board. Trustees by a 6-0 vote selected Trustee Valerio to fill a seat vacated by Kathy Garcia, who stepped down in March. The provisional appointment will last until the November 2024 election, when Garcia’s term was set to expire. Trustee Valerio will represent Area 5 (east San Joaquin County and portions of Calaveras County). A Stockton native, Trustee Valerio attended Delta College after high school and said the experience helped him find his way. He went on to major in physical education at Sacramento State and ultimately received his doctorate at the University of the Pacific. “Delta College is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “I firmly believe in the mission of the College. As a trustee, I’m excited to work with my colleagues to provide students with a pathway to success, whether they are pursuing a certificate that leads directly to a job, seeking transfer to a four-year university, or simply looking to learn new skills.” Trustee Valerio has served on the Citizens’ Oversight Committee for Delta’s Measure...

Delta College trustees sworn in after re-election

STOCKTON – Three returning Delta College trustees were sworn in this week, officially launching their next term of service on the College’s governing body. Trustee Janet Rivera, the longest-tenured Board member, was sworn in for her eighth term after winning re-election in November. She was first elected in 1994 and represents Area 3 (north Stockton). Trustees Charles Jennings and Catherine Mathis, who were unopposed in the election, also took the oath. Dr. Jennings serves Area 4 (Lodi, Galt, and the Delta) and was first elected in 2018; Dr. Mathis serves Area 7 (Lathrop, Manteca, and south San Joaquin County) and was first elected in 2014. "I'd like to congratulate trustees Rivera, Jennings, and Mathis for their re-election, and to sincerely thank them for their willingness to continue to serve Delta College and our students," said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. "The Board of Trustees plays a critical oversight role at Delta, and I look forward to working with all of our trustees as we tackle many important issues in the coming year." Delta also welcomed new student Trustee Fabian Molina on Tuesday night. "I want to thank and commend Trustee Molina for taking on this role," Dr. Aguilera Lawrenson said...

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...

'We stand with you': Words of support from the Delta College Board of Trustees

On Monday, June 8, the San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees released the following message : Dear Delta College Community, As one body with one voice, we the members of the San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees declare our anger and frustration over the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, the latest in a series of senseless killings of African-American men, women and children that enflames our deep concern over the systemic racism that has permeated this country for centuries. This has to stop. The events of recent weeks are especially painful because we take such pride in the diversity of our College district, including our African-American friends and neighbors, community partners, employees and especially our students. We feel their anguish. It is heartbreaking. We call upon leaders at all levels of our society to step up and begin a dialogue that can lead to real, meaningful answers. As an educational institution, Delta College recognizes and accepts its leadership role in providing classes, resources, opportunities for discussion, and support for nurturing intellectual growth and understanding that leads to recognizing the beauty, diversity and contribution of all ethnic groups in the Central Valley of California...