Trustee Ryan Dack

Board President Carolyn Inmon, Board Vice President Ryan Dack, Trustee Marcia Milchiker, and Student Trustee Eric Shin represented SOCCCD at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 State of the County Address. The annual event brought together elected officials, business leaders, educators, and community partners to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Orange County and its future.

An informative and engaging morning with the Orange County Business Council for their annual Legislative Day. Trustee Dack, Trustee Bartlett, and Student Trustee Shin were joined by Chancellor Barnes and Saddleback President Cordova in hearing from local and state elected officials on the core priorities of OCBC -- Economic Development, Workforce, Housing, and Infrastructure. We are thankful for the partnership of the business community in Orange County.

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.

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.

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 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.