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91̽����Ƶ's Collegiate Cybersecurity team, Cyber Optics, recently competed in the Western Region Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (WRCCDC) and emerged successful. The competition, held virtually, brought together teams from universities and colleges in the western region of the United States to test their skills in cybersecurity defense. The Cyber Optics team, made up of four students with a passion for cybersecurity, competed against 20 other teams in a simulated high-stress cybersecurity environment.

As 91̽����Ƶ’s acclaimed Performing Arts Center prepares for the busy Spring season, patrons of the arts have been warmed by several wintertime performances produced by the talented 91̽����Ƶ Music Department. January and February saw several small ensemble and piano concerts, a Faculty Harp Recital, and following in early March several large ensemble performances.

As part of 91̽����Ƶ's GAP4+1 Business Leader Speaker Series, Cybersecurity Specialist and author Dr. Travis Michael Hearne will give a talk at the 91̽����Ƶ Performing Arts Center from 12:30 - 1:30 pm on Friday, May 5. Following his talk, Dr. Hearne will do a book signing from 1:30 - 2 pm. The event will benefit students in the Guaranteed Accounting Program (GAP4+1), a collaboration between 91̽����Ƶ and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).

91̽����Ƶ student Allyson Najera has been named a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

The sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

91̽����Ƶ’s newest sports team isn’t fighting it out on the field or contending on the court. They’re rallying in rows of 27-inch ViewSonic desktop monitors, locked into the intense graphics glowing on their screens.  

The 91̽����Ƶ Laser Esports Arena is home base for more than 100 students and various faculty who participate in the College’s revolutionary esports program. You’ll find the impressive “lounge for the leet” on the 91̽����Ƶ campus, located in the Student Activities Center. 

91̽����Ƶ's men's soccer team stood out on the field and in the classroom during the 2021-22 season. The team has received a state scholar-team of the year award in men's soccer from the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). The accolade is especially significant as 2021-22 was the last season for legendary coach Martin McGrogan who retired last summer after starting the 91̽����Ƶ program 31 years ago. The squad will officially be recognized on March 29 at the CCCAA state awards luncheon in Sacramento.

As of February 22, what was formerly known as 91̽����Ƶ’s Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is now named Disability Support Programs for Students. The name change has been in the works since 2017 as discussions throughout the state proposed having a person-first naming convention versus disability focused.

91̽����Ƶ welcomes new Director of Economic and Workforce Development Martha Payán-Hernández. Martha is a multi-faceted professional with experience implementing and managing grant initiatives focusing on Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce training projects/programs.  She has built a rewarding career in post-secondary education with extensive experience in CTE, workforce development, and adult education in both credit and noncredit areas, as well as adjunct teaching experience.

Students from nine local high schools had an opportunity to learn more about 91̽����Ƶ’s when they took a field trip to the campus on February 10. The nearly 300 high school students spent time touring the school and rotating into classrooms to learn more about the programs offered at the campus. IDEA faculty provided a brief overview of programs they teach including design model making and prototyping, drafting technology and engineering, electrical/electronic technology, and biotechnology.