Trustee Marcia Milchiker

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.