51ÂÜÀò

President's Update

COVERING AUGUST 2025

A Message from Superintendent/
President Shannon

Dear 51ÂÜÀò and Community Members,

Back to school season is here! All around us, families are getting back into their daily routines, adapting to new schedules, and following up on goals set earlier in the year. This is one of my most favorite times of the year as it symbolizes a clean slate and an opportunity to turn goals into accomplishments.

We are off to a strong start of the academic year at 51ÂÜÀò with our largest student headcount in recorded history! Our dedicated faculty and staff are the reason our students choose 51ÂÜÀò, and I look forward to all the energy and excitement this semester will bring.

The core of our mission at 51ÂÜÀò is centered on empowering our diverse students and we have never been better positioned to do so like the present. At the current time, our 51ÂÜÀò Student Government is the largest student government body in the California Community College system with 42 elected officers for the 2025-2026 year. Our student leaders are advocates for student success and are focused on working alongside administrators, faculty and staff to advance opportunities for all students.

A core of example of student leadership on display was during our Convocation event on August 6th. I had the privilege of being joined on stage by our student government officers for a panel discussion on how 51ÂÜÀò is meeting the needs and expectations of students today, and what we can do to improve their experience tomorrow. As our campus grows, are sights are set on listening to our students and building a campus environment that is both welcoming and supportive.

On the horizon are many exciting occasions, including our 34th annual , the , and our Black and Brown Minds & Mattering Conference on October 24.

Have a great fall semester.

Sincerely,

Henry D. Shannon, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President