Trustee Ryan Dack

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.