Campus News

77-year-old police cadet's advice: 'Go out and do it'

In most ways he is no different than his fellow police cadets, as they stand for inspection on this cool fall morning before graduating from Delta College’s POST Academy. The crisp duty uniforms. The white gloves. The marching, the commands, the precision. And invisible, but more important than any of those things, the keen desire to serve. But there is no denying that John Myers stands out from his peers in one clear way: his white hair, combed neatly above a face that crinkles when he smiles. Inspection of the graduating cadets At 77 years old, Myers is the oldest graduate in the history of Delta’s POST Academy, and likely one of the oldest ever in the state of California. He is three decades older than the very program from which he is graduating. And yes, before you ask, he fully intends to work as a sworn law enforcement officer, no different than any other cop (though for now he is seeking only a part-time position). “I’m elated, happy, relieved,” he says afterward. “It’s a childhood dream come true.” The questions come quickly: How did he endure the physical demands of training? Is he ready for the rigor of a...

Delta College announces passing of Trustee Valerie Stewart-Green

Delta College is deeply saddened to share that Trustee Valerie Stewart-Green, who served the College for nearly three decades first as an employee and then as a trustee, has passed away. A resident of Tracy for approximately 28 years, Stewart-Green worked at Delta College for 22 years until her retirement in 2022. In October of that same year, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees where for nearly two years she represented the communities of Tracy and Mountain House. Having worked closely with the community during her time as an executive assistant to the superintendent/president of Delta College, as a trustee Stewart-Green spoke often of her desire to ensure that all community members were aware of the College’s programs and services and how those programs and services might improve their lives. "I want to make sure that our students have the best opportunities for education and are successful, and that we do what is best for the community,” she said when first appointed to the Board. In addition to being a longtime resident of Tracy, Stewart-Green also held a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. “I had the pleasure of working with Valerie at...

Delta College to place bond measure on November ballot

San Joaquin Delta College trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to place a bond measure on the November ballot which, if approved by voters, would provide money to upgrade College facilities and ensure that students from all walks of life can raise their quality of living and achieve their dreams. The $598 million bond would 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. If approved, the measure would cost property owners approximately $16 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value, with the typical property owner paying about $49 per year. “Delta College trains community members for higher-paying careers in important local fields like agriculture, robotics, law enforcement, and healthcare,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “For the healthcare industry alone, Delta College prepares more than 400 workers each year to fill critical jobs such as registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, and more. “To continue providing these programs, we urgently need to upgrade and repair our facilities to meet today’s academic and safety standards. We encourage the public to learn more about our proposed bond measure in the months to come, and about...

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...

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...

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...

Smiles, hugs, and tears as Delta dedicates forums

The dedication of the newly renamed Campesino, Tony Fitch, and Dawn Mabalon forums at Delta College on Thursday was nothing short of historic. And it was quite the party, too. Relive the emotions of the day with this photo gallery, courtesy Delta College's Alejandra Sanchez, senior graphic design and marketing coordinator.

Celebrating 60 years of 'San Joaquin Delta College'

Saturday, July 1 marks the 60th anniversary of the San Joaquin Delta College name, when the institution separated from Stockton Unified School District and charted its own course as an independent community college. If the original SJDC logo (pictured above) is any indication, then we've come a long way since those days on the campus of College of the Pacific. Here's a look back at the Delta College of 1963.

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...

Delta Colleges announces death of hall-of-fame coach Ernie Marcopulos

STOCKTON – Delta College is saddened to announce the death of Ernie Marcopulos, former basketball coach and athletic director who helped build Delta’s athletics program into one of the most competitive in the state and was a strong advocate for the advancement of women’s sports. Born Oct. 19, 1926, Marcopulos was 96 years old when he passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 1. He was best known as Delta’s head basketball coach. His Mustangs dominated the Valley Conference from 1962-79 by winning or sharing 13 championships in 16 years, with a 71 percent winning record. Upon earning his master’s degree from College of the Pacific, Marcopulos began teaching at Franklin High School in 1951 and began coaching in 1954. He immediately displayed an aptitude for coaching. In 1957, the first year Marcopulos was the varsity basketball coach and Franklin was a true high school under current standards, he was selected Central California Conference “Coach of the Year.” In fact, Marcopulos was selected “Coach of the Year” four times from 1957-1962. In 1962, Stockton College (as Delta College was then known) hired Marcopulos to take over its basketball program. In his first year, Marcopulos led the Mustangs to a share of the...

Delta to return to north San Joaquin County with classes

LODI – In an effort to better serve northern San Joaquin County, Delta College will offer classes in the region this Fall Semester thanks to a new partnership with the World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi. These general education classes – including English, math, and psychology – will be offered mostly in the evening, making them convenient for working adults or for high school and college students looking to get ahead in their studies. Details of the new partnership are still being finalized. But the launch of classes starting Aug. 22 signals Delta’s long-term commitment to deliver high-quality educational services in the northern portion of its five-county district. “This is just the first phase of Delta’s return to the north county, and we are thrilled to be here,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “We are thankful for the chance to work with our partners at the WOW Museum to provide north county residents with higher education opportunities close to home.” "The staff and Board of Directors of the World of Wonders Science Museum are excited to partner with Delta College which will help fulfill our educational mission of stimulating discovery for all ages," said Sally Snyde, president of...