West Valley College News

steinway grand pianos

A Grand Upgrade | West Valley College Music Program Adds 12 New Steinway Pianos

September 15, 2025 Cilker School of Art and Design

With enrollment at an all-time high and a recent $1 million investment in instrument upgrades — including the addition of 12 new Steinway & Sons pianos — there’s never been a better time to study music at West Valley College. Read More

study abroad cohort - southeast asia and ireland

Universal Connections | Study Abroad Tours Deepen Student Insights

September 9, 2025 Study Abroad

West Valley College students on summer Study Abroad Tours in Ireland and Southeast Asia witnessed public protests, political art, architectural ruins, and the role of history in shaping contemporary life and literature. Read More

viet open q and a session talking to student body president miranda

All In, All Win | Building the Future Together

September 9, 2025 All College Day

All College Day 2025, held in West Valley College’s newly renovated Campus Center, brought together faculty, staff, and administrators to envision the future. Read More

west valley college staff

South Bay’s Leader in Economic Returns for Grads

September 9, 2025 WVC Ranking

West Valley College also ranked No. 11 statewide out of 327 two-year institutions evaluated in the study, “Golden Returns: A Regional Look at the Return on Investment of California’s Community and Career Colleges.” Read More

man looking at monitor with code

Accessible AI Education

September 9, 2025 School of Science and Math

New for fall 2025, West Valley College has launched its first introductory course in artificial intelligence, with a second course slated for spring 2026. A top goal: making AI education accessible to community college students. Read More

katie woods

Inspire and Inform | Applying a Purpose-Driven Approach to WVC Storytelling

August 19, 2025 Marketing and Communications

West Valley College welcomed Katie Woods as Director of Marketing and Communications on July 14. Woods brings over 15 years of dynamic experience in marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategy. Read More

tour de saratoga racers at the start line

Raising the Bar | Second Tour de Saratoga Adds Routes, Riders, and ‘Mini-Vikings’

August 19, 2025 Community Event

In its second year, community participation in West Valley College’s Annual Tour de Saratoga: Race to Raise attracted over 100 enthusiastic riders. Read More

andrea vizenor

Mission in Action | Advancing Equity Through Strategic Leadership

August 19, 2025 Strategy and Equity Division

West Valley College has launched its new Strategy and Equity Division, led by inaugural Vice President Andrea Vizenor. Introducing the division marks a crucial step in aligning college strategic priorities with WVC’s longstanding commitment to...Read More

jazz combo playing at mountain winery concert

On Stage | WVC Jazz Combo Opens Mountain Winery Summer Concert

July 14, 2025 Cilker School of Art and Design

When WVC community partner Mountain Winery extended an invitation, the student-led West Valley College Jazz Combo answered the call. The offer: perform at a July 10 pre-concert event. Read More

young student looking at computer monitor with code

Digital Defenders WVC Summer Camps Excite Teens About Cybersecurity Careers

July 14, 2025 School of Continuing Education

53 area high school students gained early, hands-on exposure to cybersecurity careers, among the fastest growing and in-demand fields nationwide. Read More

west valley college students with the gore family

Futures Funded Paid Internships Launch West Valley Careers

July 14, 2025 Donors Internships

Building professional networks in park resource management, working directly with nurse mentors, and learning career-critical design software on the job count among early wins scored by 12 West Valley College students benefiting from the Gore Family...Read More

west valley college community at summer leadership retreat

Telling Our Story | Leadership Retreat Strengthens Shared Vision

July 14, 2025

West Valley College hosted its second annual Summer Leadership Retreat June 11 and 12 at the History Club of Los Gatos, bringing together community partners and more than 60 campus leaders from across college constituencies. Read More

fashion show model walking runway

Soaring Higher | STEAM’D Fest 2025 Strikes High Note with Wildlife, Music, and More

June 17, 2025 Cilker School of Art and Design

West Valley College presented the second annual STEAM’D Fest May 15 through 17, a free, public celebration of graduating students’ work from across the Bill and Leila Cilker School of Art and Design and the School of Science and Math. Read More

student speaking at health care pinning ceremony

Professional Progress | Pinning Ceremony Affirms Students’ Health Care Commitment

June 17, 2025 School of Health and Human Development

West Valley College medical assisting and allied health certificate recipients celebrated an institutional first May 9 when 14 students took part in the inaugural Health Care Technologies Programs Pinning Ceremony. Read More

west valley college student doing business pitch at competition

Pitch Perfect | Student Teams Earn $5K Each in Business Competition

May 22, 2025 Donors Entrepreneurship Center

Aspiring entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to earn $5,000 in start-up funding at the April 28 West Valley College Business Pitch Competition held in the WVC Entrepreneurship Center. Read More

boxes with fresh produce

Food, Community, and Kindness: Pantry Partnerships Nourish WVC Students

May 22, 2025 Office of Student Needs Pantry Student Services

Every Monday morning just before 10 a.m., students’ excited voices can be heard as they line up in front of West Valley College’s Cohn Family Food Pantry. Read More

west valley college student parent with their kid

Kids Carnival | "Bring Your Child to WVC Day" Builds Connection, Community

May 22, 2025 Office of Student Needs Student Parents

More than 50 West Valley College parenting students and 23 employees invited their kids and dependents to campus April 19 for “Bring Your Child to WVC Day.”Read More

three students at juventud event

Rising Together | Juventud Celebrates Latino Roots, Empowers College Dreams

May 20, 2025 Outreach

The Juventud Rising Student Summit — Raíces y Alas: Empowering Our Future — drew approximately 230 attendees for a day devoted to celebrating students’ heritage while empowering them to soar higher. Read More

dean shannon mirabelli-lopez speaking at a podium

WVC Dean Shares Firsthand Met Gala Fashion Insights

May 13, 2025 Cilker School of Art and Design NBC Bay Area

Ahead of one of the fashion industry’s biggest nights, The Met Gala, West Valley College Dean Shannon Mirabelli-Lopez sat down with NBC Bay Area for an insightful conversation about what it takes to present the event, a parade of dazzling celebrity...Read More

viet thanh nguyen

Pulitzer-Winning Author Viet Thanh Nguyen Named 2025 West Valley College Commencement Speaker

May 2, 2025 Commencement

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” Fellowship recipient Viet Thanh Nguyen will address graduates, transfer students, and their supporters during 60th Annual West Valley College Commencement rites May 21 at the...Read More

west valley college students enjoying a meal with mascot in background

West Valley-Mission District Launches First-in-Nation Universal Free Meals Program

March 19, 2025 Free Meal Plan WVMCCD

Saratoga, California, March 19, 2025 —West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) has approved the first universal free meal program at a U.S. community college—a historic initiative that will guarantee every in-person student at...Read More

hannah nakaishi reyes

Second Act Style: WVC Fashion Design Student Transfers to Paris College of Art

March 10, 2025 Cilker School of Art and Design Student Success

Hanna Nakaishi Reyes, a senior apparel design major, embodies the West Valley College promise: “Free College, Endless Possibilities!” Through connections made during her WVC journey, in fall 2025 Reyes will transfer to the Paris College of Art...Read More

learning resource commons building render

Gift from Arthur Wang and Christina Qu Fuels Transformational Learning Space at West Valley College

January 31, 2025 Donors Learning Resource Commons Press Release WVMCCD

Silicon Valley philanthropists Arthur Wang and Christina Qu expand upon their longtime support of West Valley College with a generous donation to support the College’s new Learning Resource Commons.Read More

sutter health map

West Valley-Mission Partners with Sutter Health to Advance Education and Healthcare in the Bay Area

December 25, 2024 Press Release WVMCCD Workforce Partnership

The West Valley-Mission Community College District has finalized a 75-year ground lease with Sutter Health to establish a flagship healthcare facility adjacent to Mission College. Read More

student performer for laramie project student production

Powerful Performance | West Valley Production Puts Individual Stamp on ‘Laramie Project’

December 9, 2024 Cilker School of Art and Design

Launching West Valley College’s fall production of The Laramie Project rates as the role of a lifetime for many involved, says the show’s director, WVC lecturer Teresa Veramendi. Read More

picture of west valley college grads

West Valley College Ranks #1 in Bay Area and Silicon Valley for Transfer Success, #3 Statewide in 3-Year Transfer Rate

November 25, 2024 Press Release Student Success Transfer WVC Ranking

Based on the 2018-19 cohort, the college ranks #1 in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley for transfer success and #3 statewide in three-year transfer rates. Read More

cilker students during global art and fashion tour

Fashion Forward | Cilker School of Art and Design Goes Global in 2024-2025

October 8, 2024 Cilker School of Art and Design

Each WVC Art and Fashion Study Tour—now in its second year following a 2023 tour to New York City—introduces participants to a world capital of art and fashion. Read More

joseph santiesteban

Making His Case | Alumnus Ascends from West Valley to Major Law Firm

October 8, 2024 Alumni Che School of Professional Studies Student Success

When clients of top global law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliff need a cybersecurity expert, they turn to partner Joseph “Joe” Santiesteban, a West Valley College alumnus. Read More

free tuition hero

Governor Signs Historic Free College Bill into Law

September 24, 2024 Free Tuition Press Release WVMCCD

This weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 3158 into law, marking a major victory for students in the West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD).Read More

black honors college sacremento state

West Valley College Partners with Sacramento State to Create Seamless Pathways into the Nation’s First Black Honors College

June 13, 2024 Press Release Transfer Partnership

West Valley College was among 25 community colleges represented in a historic signing event today honoring the creation of seamless pathways for transfer students into the nation’s first Black Honors College at Sacramento State. Read More

irene frazier presenting

2024 Honors Research Symposium

May 15, 2024 Honors Program Student Research Student Success

Psychology student Irene Frazier didn’t set out to make a new discovery in the addiction field. But a chance observation while working on an unrelated West Valley College class assignment presented her with an ah-ha moment. Read More

coach danny cutting rope of basketball hoop

Home Court Advantages

May 13, 2024 Alumni Athletics Student Success

Alumnus and basketball coach Danny Yoshikawa’s leadership journey has rarely conformed to expectations. As he puts it: “I’ve always kind of gone against the grain.” Read More

west valley college logo

Open House 2024

May 13, 2024 Community Event

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.Read More

state champions - west valley vikings 2024 3C2A

Undefeated West Valley Men’s Basketball Wins State Championship

March 18, 2024 Athletics State Championship Student Success

In a tense back and forth game, the men’s basketball team defeated College of the Sequoias 59-51 to claim the 2024 3C2A state championship held at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, CA. Read More

west valley mission community college district logo

West Valley-Mission Community College District Accepting Applications for Board Vacancy in Trustee Area 5

February 15, 2024 WVMCCD

The West Valley-Mission Community College District announces a vacancy for Trustee Area 5 on its Board of Trustees following the passing of Trustee Jack Lucas on January 24, 2024. Read More

west valley college logo

West Valley College Announces Grand Opening of Valhalla Park

January 24, 2024 Athletics Grand Opening Press Release

This modern facility boasts a world-class playing field, training spaces, and spectator amenities, providing a premier environment for athletic competition and community engagement. Read More

latinx grads pictured at commencement

West Valley College Named Equity Champion of Higher Education for Latinx Students

November 15, 2023 Press Release

West Valley College has been named a 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education for Latinx Students for exemplary work in implementing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and was honored yesterday at the annual Equity Champions of Higher Education...Read More

concept art of new visual arts building

West Valley College Celebrates the Grand Opening of New Visual Arts Building

October 3, 2023 Cilker School of Art and Design Grand Opening

West Valley College will be celebrating the opening of the new Visual Arts Building with a grand opening celebration on Friday, October 27, 2023. Read More

dr. jennifer taylor mendoza

West Valley College Names Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza 13th President

July 25, 2023 Office of the President

The West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D. as the next West Valley College President.Read More

chris cruz

Faces of West Valley | Cruz Turns Field of Dreams into Reality for Park Management Students

April 14, 2022 Che School of Professional Studies Faculty

As the faculty lead for West Valley College’s Park Management program, Chris Cruz brings with him over 40 years of lived experience, hands-on knowledge, grassroots guidance, and a vast network people in the field to connect students to as they...Read More

Caring Campus

West Valley College Implements Caring Campus Faculty Initiative

January 27, 2022 Caring Campus

West Valley College has recently implemented the Caring Campus Initiative for faculty, which comes in addition to the staff initiative that has been active since 2020. The initiative builds on and enhances the already existing commitment to student...Read More

NASM Accreditation

West Valley College Receives National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) Accreditation

January 11, 2022 Accreditation Cilker School of Art and Design

West Valley College has received national accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This achievement places West Valley as one of only two California community colleges to have earned NASM accreditation. Read More

west valley college article image

Faces of West Valley | Green Guides Students to Meet Their Goals

January 1, 2022

Green isn’t green to higher education and brings to West Valley a plethora of knowledge, experience, and know how. We’re grateful that his path led him to West Valley. Read More

west valley college pantry logo

West Valley College to Open New Community Food Pantry in 2022

January 1, 2022 Office of Student Needs Pantry Student Services

West Valley College is opening Roots: Fuel Your Potential food market in the spring of 2022, the first community food pantry of its kind in Saratoga. The on-campus food market will provide groceries to students and the community free of charge. Read More

Shannon Price and Cilker School of Art & Des

Faces of West Valley | Price Designs New Bridges For Student Success

December 8, 2021 Cilker School of Art and Design

The Dean of the Bill and Leila Cilker School of Art and Design shares her story and vision for the college's art and design program.Read More

concert choir practicing

Live Music Returns to West Valley College with The Disney Concert, Plus!

November 29, 2021 Cilker School of Art and Design

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, live music returns to West Valley College with The Disney Concert, Plus! Read More

2021 AMATYC Winners

West Valley College Wins 2021 American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges Student Research League Grand Prize

November 11, 2021 School of Science and Math Student Success

West Valley College proudly brings home the win in this year's national American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Student Research League competition. Read More

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West Valley Presents at NCORE National Conference, Takes the Lead in Standing Up Against Racism

July 28, 2021 Equity

West Valley College had the opportunity to present at the 2021 NCORE National Conference. West Valley's presentation, titled "From Rhetoric to Action: West Valley College Cultivates Anti-Racism Guiding Principles Founded in Self Reflection", was...Read More

Michelle Geary

West Valley College Student Tomas Velazco and Instructor Michelle Geary Awarded a Save the Redwoods Starter Grant

July 12, 2021 Faculty Grant School of Science and Math

Valley College student, Tomas Velazco, and biology instructor, Michelle Geary, have been awarded a $2,000 Save the Redwoods Starter Grant to assess re-sprouting of coast redwoods damaged by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Read More

shannon dean of cilker

West Valley College Names Shannon Bell Price as New Dean of the Cilker School of Art and Design

June 1, 2021 Cilker School of Art and Design

Price is an art, design, and fashion curator, historian and educator with extensive leadership experience at New York City cultural and academic institutions, including Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Read More

Rudy Flores

After Years of Health Issues, Rudy Flores Finishes Strong at West Valley College

April 21, 2021 Alumni Student Success

Like his fellow students, Rudy Flores donned his cap and gown in late June to celebrate his graduation, held virtually in the wake of COVID-19. His wife and friends watched along as he was honored among grads completing their degrees or transferring...Read More

Randy and Jared Fujishin

Randy Fujishin’s 38 Year Legacy Still Ripples Across West Valley

April 21, 2021 Faculty

With his books in wide use, his former students appointed in high places across the Bay Area academic landscape and his son recently promoted to full-time faculty, the teachings of Randy Fujishin can still be found everywhere on campus.Read More

Gabe Abatecola

Motivated by the Puente Program, West Valley College Student Gabe Abatecola is Achieving his Goals

April 20, 2021 Learning Community Puente

Gabe Abatecola, a current Anthropology and Geography student at West Valley College, walked onto campus for the first time not knowing if he would transfer out of West Valley or not. But then he heard about Puente, a college program designed to...Read More

wvc caring campus

West Valley College Selected for Caring Campus Initiative

April 9, 2021 Caring Campus

West Valley College has been selected to participate in the Institute for Evidence-Based Change 2021 Caring Campus initiative for faculty. Last year, West Valley completed and implemented the staff Caring Campus initiative and are now adding the...Read More

Dulce Gray

From First-Generation Student to a World Tour, Dulce Gray Has Travelled an Amazing Path

March 30, 2021 Faculty

Dulce Maria Gray has come a long way since immigrating to the U.S. as a child. She grew up in the Bronx with little money,  but overcame all obstacles and today she has her Ph.D. She has traveled the world, and is an inspiration to...Read More

Karin Shamardani receiving degree

EOPS and TriO Programs Help First-Generation College Student Karin Shamardani Achieve Her Goals

January 8, 2021 Alumni EOPS Student Success TRIO

After graduating from West Valley College, alumna Karin Shamardani achieved her dream of transferring to UC Berkeley where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Development Biology in 2019. Read More

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Puente Helps Biology Student Ty Bonde Achieve His Goals at West Valley College

January 1, 2021 Learning Community Puente Student Success

Meet Ty Bonde, a current Biology student at West Valley College and future marine biologist. Ty is a member of Puente, a program here at West Valley that helps students build bridges to higher education. Read More

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Stephanie Kashima of West Valley College Chosen for Aspen Institute’s New Presidents Fellowship to Advance Student Success

January 1, 2021

Saratoga, CA – The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today announced that Stephanie Kashima, President at West Valley College, is one of 25 leaders selected for the 2021-22 class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship. Read More

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West Valley College Alumna Hanaa Salha Achieves Goal of Becoming an Interior Designer

January 1, 2021 Alumni EOPS Student Success

EOPS counselors can become an essential part of a student's success because they are not limited to helping a student in the academic path, but they also provide plenty of resources to students who are struggling in other aspects of their lives. Read More

Anti Racism Action Plan

West Valley College Presents Its Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan

October 20, 2020 Equity

West Valley College will introduce its Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan to the campus community during the President's Forum. West Valley College President Stephanie Kashima and the Washington Consulting Group President Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington...Read More

Students with their WIN Workshop certificates.

West Valley College Students Gain Real-World Experience Helping to Solve Community Issues

August 28, 2020

West Valley College and World Innovations Network are partnering to launch the United Community Alliance, a collaboration of West Valley students and faculty, local government officials, accomplished entrepreneurs, high-tech leaders, and the venture...Read More

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Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, West Valley College Provides Food Sources for Students

March 25, 2020 Student Services

West Valley College is partnering with its on-campus food vendor, WM Café, and West Valley Community Services to provide two free food options for current students. WM Café is supplying box lunches on weekdays for students to pick up on campus....Read More

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West Valley College Names Stephanie Kashima As New President

January 23, 2020

West Valley-Mission Community College District Chancellor Bradley Davis has announced that Stephanie Kashima has been named the 12th President of West Valley College. Read More

west valley mission district

WVC President Bradley J. Davis Promoted to Chancellor of the WVMCCD

June 5, 2019 Press Release WVMCCD

The Board of Trustees for the West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) is pleased to announce that West Valley College President Bradley J. Davis, J.D., has been selected to serve as the District‘s next chancellor. Read More

Victoria Schellenberg & Chanel Harper build a tiny home.

Big Ideas Come In Tiny Packages: West Valley's Tiny House Project

May 3, 2019 Che School of Professional Studies

The tiny house project—a collaboration between the Tiny House Design Build Group, and West Valley College's Park Management and Interior Design programs—tackles housing problems and teaches students valuable construction skills. It received a...Read More

Victor Madeiros as David Bowie

A Rockstar is Born

April 17, 2019 Cilker School of Art and Design

15% Poise, 35% Guts, 50% Charm...100% Commitment. WVC students showcase their creativity and leadership skills in a final project that rocks, literally. Read More

Sam Liu

The Power of Compounding: Personal Finance Lecture Prepares Students for a Lifetime of Success

April 17, 2019 Honors Program

Did you know investing just $150 a month in a Roth IRA could give you a balance of over $1 million dollars at retirement? Dr. Sam Liu divulges the (not so secret) secret of financial success in a public talk, "Retire Rich," on April 25th. Read More

Cade Story-Yetto Leading Group in Singing

Student-Led Trip To Cambodia Makes A Big Impact

March 15, 2019 Service Learning

After working on a cross-cultural educational curriculum for a semester, thirteen students from the Society of Global Citizens club put their plans to work during a two-week trip to Cambodia. Read More

Dr. Chin in front of a 82-foot-long plastic whale

West Valley College Sustainability Committee: Past, Present, and Future

March 4, 2019 Committee Sustainability

From solar panels and refillable dry erase pens to a centralized trash system, Dr. Brad Chin and members of the WVC Sustainability Committee reflect on committee projects over the past ten years and share what's on the horizon. Read More

Janelle McAfee

Janelle McAfee Named Top Scholar-Athlete

March 1, 2019 Athletics Student Success

Angels in the Outfield? Valedictorian and former outfielder on the WVC softball team, Janelle McAfee, gives us another reason to believe in the athletic program at West Valley College. Read More

Amanda Clifford

West Valley Alum Wins Community Award

January 18, 2019 Alumni Student Success

Advocacy and Policy Specialist at the Bill Wilson Center and West Valley Alum Amanda Clifford (2014) talks about her passion for helping at-risk youth and finding success after junior college. Read More

Debra Griffith

Meet the New Dean of Student Equity and Success

January 18, 2019

Dr. Debra Griffith is appointed to a newly created position, Dean of Student Equity and Success. She offers some advice on how to get involved in diversity and social justice programming on campus. Read More

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Last Updated 9/9/25