Trustees in Action

The South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees joined faculty, staff, families, and community members in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies at Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. Trustees congratulated graduates as they marked this important milestone and recognized the dedication, perseverance, and support systems that helped students reach graduation.

SOCCCD Trustees Terri Rydell, Carolyn Inmon, Marcia Milchiker, and Lisa Bartlett recently visited the Laguna Woods Emeritus ceramics class to participate in a video commercial shoot for LWTV. During the visit, the trustees engaged with students, observed the creative work taking place in the studio, and learned more about the impact of lifelong learning opportunities within the community.

Trustee Marcia Milchiker celebrated Saddleback College transfer students during the college’s transfer ceremony, handing out transfer cords alongside Blaze, the Saddleback College mascot. The event recognized students for their hard work and achievement as they prepare to continue their educational journeys at four-year universities.

Trustees Lisa A. Bartlett, T.J. Prendergast III, Ryan Dack, Carolyn Inmon, and Marcia Milchiker joined Chancellor Julianna M. Asperin Barnes and Saddleback College President Elliot Stern in celebrating the dedicated employees honored at Saddleback College’s Retirement Ceremony. The ceremony recognized the lasting contributions of faculty, classified professionals, and administrators whose years of service have supported students, strengthened programs, and enriched the Saddleback College community. SOCCCD is grateful for their commitment and impact across generations of students and employees.

Congratulations Trustee Marcia Milchiker on winning a legacy of impact award at the annual CCLC conference hosted right here in Orange County. We are so proud of your 40 years served on the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees. View her acceptance video in the link above.

In recognition of Women's History Month, members of the Board of Trustees joined the District community at the InspiHER Women’s History Month Luncheon, a celebration of leadership and the impact of women across our colleges and communities. Trustees Lisa Bartlett and Marcia Milchiker attended the event, showing their support for the inspiring women who help shape the district.

USA Today highlighted how SOCCCD is expanding workforce development opportunities through its growth at the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP) in Tustin. Featuring the trustees, the piece outlines the district’s expansion plans, including new facilities, industry partnerships, and career-focused programs designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and strengthen Orange County’s workforce pipeline.

Trustees Marcia Milchiker, Lisa Bartlett, Terri Rydell, Ryan Dack, and Carolyn Inmon attended the Celebrating Excellence Gala hosted by the Irvine Valley College Foundation in support of Irvine Valley College. The annual event brings together community members to celebrate student success, recognize outstanding contributions, and raise vital funds that help students reach the finish line.

A full house, plus our trustees Carolyn Inmon, Ryan Dack, Marcia Milchiker, Lisa Bartlett, and Terri Rydell gathered for our annual State of the District at the Saddleback@ATEP Culinary Arts building. Chancellor Barnes shared how SOCCCD continues its winning streak, advancing excellence and building strong partnerships that strengthen pathways for students, plus, she sat down for an engaging conversation with regional leaders including Jeff Ball, CEO of the OCBC, Dr. Ronald Rochon, President of CSU, Fullerton, and Dr. Mark Johnson, Superintendent of the Tustin USD to highlight the importance of collaboration from K-12 through higher education and the workforce.

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.