As we close out another remarkable year at Merced College, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all that we have accomplished together. This past year has been one of remarkable innovation, thoughtful community-building, and a deepened commitment to the well-being of our students and employees.
These themes have defined our journey over the past several years and will continue to guide our path forward.
Innovation: Dreaming Big, Achieving Bigger
Innovation has been at the heart of Merced College’s journey in recent years, and this year it took center stage with the launch of Dreamscape Learn, an initiative that has revolutionized how we approach education across multiple disciplines, starting with STEM.
Our students have been learning about biology by exploring a fictional alien zoo through cutting-edge virtual reality technology and cinematic storytelling, and future offerings are expected to include chemistry and art history.
Dreamscape Learn is not just a technological marvel; it represents our promise to equip students with cutting-edge tools and skills to thrive in an ever-evolving world, while also promoting equity by ensuring that all students, regardless of background or past experiences, have access to transformative learning opportunities that were once out of reach.
This commitment to excellence was echoed in our glowing accreditation review, which came with no recommendations for improvement—a testament to the high standards we uphold. Beyond Dreamscape, our commitment to innovation has driven advancements in areas like agricultural education, including the launch of a groundbreaking Ag Systems Certificate program and a new Ag Innovation Center set to break ground this spring.
This program utilizes a competency-based education model, allowing current agricultural workers to progress at their own pace, demonstrate mastery of concepts, and enhance their skills. By doing so, the program ensures them greater employability and upward mobility, creating new opportunities for students and strengthening our community’s workforce.
Community: Together, We Thrive
These innovative programs reflect our role as a hub of opportunity and ingenuity for the Central Valley. Merced College has always been more than a campus—we are a community.
This year, we deepened our community connections by deploying a new experiential vehicle that has enabled us to connect with prospective students across our region, attending community events and reaching areas that have historically been underserved. These efforts empower students to take their first steps toward brighter futures.
We also celebrated the continued success of our athletic teams, whose achievements inspire school spirit and community pride. Engaging performances and exhibitions from our theater, music, and art programs enriched our campus culture and connected us with the wider community. Additionally, our RSVP program for sexual violence prevention and bystander training reflects our dedication to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all students.
Alumni also played a vital role this year, not only as a source of inspiration but as active contributors to our mission. This included several alumni who won elections this year, including Adam Gray, who became our first graduate to serve in Congress. From funding new scholarships to mentoring students, the generosity and achievements of our alumni remind us of the lifelong connections forged at Merced College.
We also celebrated growth and opportunity at our Los Banos Campus, where the passage of Measure P, a bond measure, will enable the continued growth and evolution of the campus, including the development of a new Career Technical Education facility. Alongside the opening of a new child development center and expanded facilities, these advancements promise to serve generations to come and underscore our unwavering dedication to building a community where everyone can flourish.
Well-Being: Caring for Our Own
The well-being of our students and employees remains at the heart of everything we do. This year, we expanded resources like the TimelyCare app, enabling students to access medical and mental health support whenever they need it.
Our commitment to serving a diverse student body shone brightly with programs like Umoja and A2MEND, ensuring that Black students find the support they need to succeed. The Lavender Graduation ceremony celebrated our LGBTQ+ students, and events like Diversity Awareness Month showcased the rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives that make Merced College extraordinary. Our goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, find in Merced College a welcoming and supportive environment in which they can pursue their academic and professional goals.
Our emphasis on gratitude and our family-like ethos have created a culture in which all of our employees feel valued. Through continued development of programs for employee engagement, including the Well-Being Initiative, we have reaffirmed our commitment to the health and happiness of our faculty and staff.
As we reflect on the milestones of 2024, we are also looking toward a future filled with promise. Our commitment to putting students first will continue to drive everything we do.
In 2025, we aim to build on our successes, embracing new challenges and seizing opportunities to make a difference. This includes exploring and engaging in public-private partnerships to better meet the needs of our students, investing in the economic vitality of our region by embracing innovative new workforce partnerships, and breaking ground on the new Ag Innovation Center. This state-of-the-art facility will feature a public storefront where the community can purchase goods grown, processed, and packaged by our students, exemplifying hands-on learning and industry engagement.
To our students, employees, alumni, and community partners, thank you for making this year one to remember. Your support fuels our mission and inspires us to dream even bigger. Together, we will continue to transform lives and shape the future of our community.
Here’s to an even brighter 2025. Let’s keep moving forward, together.
Note: This column originally appeared in the Merced County Times on Jan. 2, 2025.