Trustees in Action

Trustees Carolyn Inmon and Lisa Bartlett recently engaged with this year’s Excel cohort, sharing insights on leadership and the intersection of policy and politics. Drawing on their extensive public service experience, they discussed effective decision-making, collaboration, and the importance of civic engagement. Their session provided participants with practical perspectives on leading with integrity while navigating today’s complex political landscape.

Trustees joined in to celebrate this proud moment for SOCCCD as Dr. Cindy Vyskocil and our district were recognized with the 2026 ACCCA Award for Equity, Diversity and Social Justice. This honor represents a sustained commitment to building systems that foster belonging, expand opportunity, and create lasting structural change for students and employees. Through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and courage, our Chancellor Julianna Asperin Barnes, Dr. Vyskocil and our college teams continue to advance practices that move equity from aspiration to action.

SOCCCD was proud to be in Washington, D.C. alongside key district leaders for the ACCT National Legislative Summit, advocating for the students and communities we serve. During the visit, trustees met with Representatives Mike Levin, Dave Min, and Young Kim, as well as officials from the U.S. Department of Ed., to discuss critical priorities impacting IVC and Saddleback College. Conversations focused on expanding workforce pathways, protecting and strengthening federal student aid, Veterans Resource Centers, supporting facilities and basic needs resources, and ensuring community colleges remain central to economic mobility and innovation.

SOCCCD had a strong presence in Sacramento at the Community College League of California Legislative Conference and during visits to the State Capitol. The trustees and Chancellor met with legislators to advocate for key priorities including workforce opportunities, facility improvements, student housing, basic needs, and critical funding support. These productive conversations reinforced strong legislative support for community college students in South Orange County and helped keep our students and campuses front and center at the state level.

District Trustees joined employees for the Spring Flex Opener, an energizing and reflective celebration marking the start of the spring semester and centered on the theme, “The Future.” Trustee Inmon delivered remarks, with Trustees Milchiker and Dack also in attendance.

Trustee Milchiker attended the Irvine Valley College Idea Pitch Competition where students presented innovative ideas, and the winner received a $1,000 check. Trustee Milchiker is pictured with the IVC student winner along with supportive IVC faculty.

Trustee Rydell joined Lizett Bobadilla and others at IVC's Guardiansgiving celebration, coming together with students and staff in a spirit of community and gratitude for this annual tradition.

Trustees Bartlett, Milchiker, Rydell, and Dack joined the Chancellor and campus community members at the Table of Thanks Luncheon held at the Summit Restaurant at SC@ATEP. The event highlighted student talent in the culinary program and celebrated the spirit of gratitude across the district.

Our Trustees Lisa Bartlett, Marcia Milchiker, and Carolyn Inmon joined Student Trustee and veteran Blake Leonard, other students, staff, and community members in a heartfelt Veterans Day celebration, paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans.

Trustees Marcia Milchiker and Ryan Dack joined Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris at Irvine Valley College for the seventh annual Veterans of the Year Ceremony, honoring three distinguished veterans and presenting certificates of recognition to IVC Veterans Service Center staff for their dedication to supporting the campus veteran community.

The SOCCCD Board of Trustees continued its annual listening sessions, offering employees another opportunity to engage in open and friendly conversation at IVC. The second session featured Trustees Ryan Dack, Marcia Milchiker, and TJ Prendergast III. The event was once again a great success, fostering meaningful dialogue and connection.

Trustee Terri Rydell joined students and community members in celebrating Día de los Muertos, honoring loved ones through music, art, and beautifully crafted altars at the vibrant event hosted by the Monarchs and Puente Clubs.

The SOCCCD Board of Trustees holds annual listening sessions for the employees of the district to engage in light and casual conversation. The first of two sessions was held with President Carolyn Inmon and Trustees Tim Jemal, Lisa Bartlett, and Terri Whitt. It was very successful with great dialogue.

The SOCCCD Board of Trustees proudly presented a resolution honoring Irvine Valley College for its 40th anniversary! Since its founding in 1985, Irvine Valley College has been a beacon of innovation, academic excellence, and student success — empowering generations of learners and strengthening our community. Congratulations to all for four decades of dedication, achievement, and impact. Here’s to the next 40 years of inspiring success!

Carolyn Inmon appeared on the Laguna Woods TV show This Day, where she discussed a range of educational and community topics — including the strengths of the Emeritus program and her views on advancing local college initiatives.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Trustee Marcia Milchiker joined the Guided Pathways Committee and its completion teams as they hosted the Pathways to Success Fair at the SSC Quad. Many students were able to participate, explore the booths, learn more about their majors and career paths, and discover various resources available at IVC.

Trustees Marcia Milchiker and Terri Rydell joined Saddleback College as it hosted its inaugural Multicultural Festival in conjunction with the grand opening of The Den, the college’s new Multicultural and LGBTQIA+ Center. The event transformed the Quad into a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and inclusion.

Trustees Ryan Dack and TJ Prendergast were honored to join IVC who sponsored the Tustin Unified School District and Tustin Public Schools Foundation Celebration of Schools – an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing excellence in education and the incredible work happening across our local schools. This event highlighted the power of collaboration between K-12 and higher education to create seamless pathways for student success.

Trustee Inmon and the IVC community came together for the Walk of Hope—a one-mile loop around campus to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, connection, and showing up for one another.

Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) celebrated the grand opening of the Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Lab in the Gateway building. Trustee Marcia Milchiker attended and viewed live demonstrations of the lab’s tools. The lab supports students with assistive technology and AI-driven strategies, including text-to-speech, dictation, and Kurzweil 3000, a software that supports reading, comprehension, writing, and test-taking for students with disabilities. Workshops, trainings, and supervised open labs will help students discover new ways to study, connect, and thrive.

Board President Carolyn Inmon and Trustees Marcia Milchiker and TJ Prendergast recently joined this special event to honor the dedication and service of our local first responders who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. This was an opportunity to express our gratitude on behalf of SOCCCD and to strengthen our connections with the public safety agencies that partner with our colleges. We are proud of the programs at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College that train future first responders and support the vital work these heroes perform every day.

Irvine Valley College, along with Trustee Inmon, hosted Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai and Chief of Staff Steven Alves for a campus tour of IVC.

Trustee Milchiker attended the South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC) Orange County Board of Supervisors Luncheon featuring Supervisor Don Wagner. The event provided an opportunity to engage with regional leaders, discuss shared priorities, and highlight SOCCCD’s role in workforce development and economic growth. This collaborative dialogue strengthens partnerships that support students, local businesses, and the broader Orange County community.

Admin from IVC, along with Trustee Inmon met with Rep. Dave Min at Irvine Valley College during a visit in his home district. With his help, we can truly address housing and food insecurity for our students. We are so thankful to partner with him in this important work.