Trustee Marcia Milchiker

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, and Terri Rydell 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.

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.