Open House ‘24 connects prospective students to WVC campus, people and possibilities
As nearly 450 attendees learned firsthand Saturday (April 20), Open House is not only an opportunity for welcoming prospective students and families to the West Valley College campus. It’s also a showcase for myriad opportunities, resources and contagious blue-and-orange enthusiasm awaiting those who join the WVC community.
“It’s a very nice, welcoming vibe,” said Caden Vollmer, 17, a senior at Branham High School. He plans on enrolling at WVC for its proximity to home and course offerings that interest him, particularly in the biological sciences.
As he browsed the anthropology table near the entrance to the Academic Fair held in the Campus Center, the Honors Jazz Band played an upbeat set in the adjoining courtyard and trios of blue, orange and white balloons bobbed above displays throughout the venue.
An orange Vikings giveaway bag draped over her arm, his mother, Dawn de la Rosa expressed support for Caden’s choice. “We’re easing into college,” she said. “It’s a better transition from high school.”
Pals Stephanie Goricanec, 17, and Cailyn Randoll-Zatske, 18, both seniors at Leigh High School, also plan on attending WVC in the fall while they home in on their academic and professional interests.
Between nibbles on a complimentary donut, Stephanie said her career goals center around “anything to do with film — directing, acting, technician.”
“I wanted to stay close to home while I learned what I want to do,” she said. Through the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment programs, she has already taken Digital Video Editing and Introduction to Film Studies, experiences that confirmed her interest in the field.
Cailyn’s got her sights set on the sciences.
“Getting to see the bio and chemistry tables was helpful for me,” she said, drawing a pair of info sheets from her Vikings tote bag. “Both gave me information on classes and different pathways.”
Across the patio in Fox Center, attendees took advantage of workshops on topics including “Early College Credit: Concurrent and Dual Enrollment,” “Financial Aid” and “Next Steps for Seniors.”
Interim Director of Outreach Jennifer Ramirez talked to one full house of prospective and incoming students about what distinguishes the WVC experience.
“We have around 21 students per teacher; so, here, you get more access to your faculty,” she explained, pausing to welcome a dozen student-athletes filing into the lecture hall. “Hi, everybody. Welcome! We’re just going over ‘Why Community College?’ Career experience! But not only that, we have a Transfer Center. Know that we can help you get into a UC and other four-year colleges.”
In her inaugural Open House, President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza also addressed the group, sharing a personal account of her unpredictable academic pathway. In fact, she said, she was once asked to leave her community college after a bumpy spell in her young life. Intervention from a caring academic counselor got her back on track, including eventually becoming the youngest student in her doctoral program. “I don’t know what your journey looks like; it will be what it needs to be,” she assured her audience. She added that she’s proud of her story and journey and similarly encouraged incoming students to embrace their personal paths.
“This is the place to be,” she concluded her presentation. “Parents: Your sons, daughters, nephews will be welcome and taken care of here.”
As the Open House wrapped up, parent Emily Zhang and daughter, Isabella Wang, 18, grabbed a Sunrise ai smoothie from the robotic kiosk in Campus Center.
Wang, a senior at Saratoga High School, is considering studying an applied arts subject, such as graphic design for gaming. Her mom said every visit to the WVC campus leaves her impressed.
“The staff are very good,” she said. “They always ask us: What do you need? Every time I come here, I learn something new.”
WVC neighbor Annie Ying also welcomed new insights she picked up at Open House. Retired from the computer chip industry, Ying dropped by to learn what continuing education courses are available to her and the friends she walks with around campus each week.
“There are so many art classes at the (Cilker Center of Art and Design),” she enthused. “There’s interior design, fashion design, digital design, graphic design. There’s so much to explore. Why not?”
President Taylor-Mendoza expressed pleasure at the range of community members and their needs touched by Open House 2024.
“An event like this articulates our values,” she said.
Not only does it make clear the academic excellence and holistic support available, it also acts as a reminder of the college’s reason for existence as a community partner. Education, she added, is a vehicle for addressing the community's needs and for being part of the solution.
“This shows our partnership and our role,” President Taylor-Mendoza said. “We are partners in creating a better tomorrow.”