LMC Stories

THE PEOPLE OFCelebrating

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

I started at LMC with my mom, an honor student in

her own right, and I had followed her footsteps as a

student representative. After leaving LMC to Sac State,

I returned Spring of ‘92 to take a couple of classes I

wanted to take, and had the honor to have Mr. Bo-

hackel for California History. I graduated with a BA in

Biology. Going on to become a middle and high school

science teacher, including math and geography along

my current 22 year journey in education. Currently I

teach high school science in Dinuba, Ca and love it.

MY STORY AFTER LEAVING LMC

I started as a history major with Dr. Kaiper as my mentor. I tutored

for him while taking science classes. Then also tutored those. By the

end of two years I changed majors to science, and remained a 3rd for

science prerequisites. All along I was a student representative. At the

end of year 3 I was recognized at a staff meeting with an Outstand-

ing Student Representative award. As I’m being introduced, Dr. Case

asked Dr. Kaiper what happened? Why did he let me switch, and “get

away” from being a future history teacher. Dr. Kaiper bowed his head,

shaking and just said “I don’t know where I went wrong”, then we all

laughed. ;)

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“FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC

CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI

Mike McClellandClass of1990Currently teaching Science at Dinuba Unified School District

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE LMC

What I like about LMC is that it is big, but at the same time it is small. I get a

sense of community here. I feel as if the teachers care and just all the staff cares

as well! There are many programs, organizations/clubs that you can get involved

in that will help you along the way to give you the academic support as well as the

financial resources you need as a college student. I will never regret my decision

to come here. Los Medanos College has in many ways helped me realize where I

want to be in life and that I can achieve any of my future goals if I just apply my-

self. I love that they have a awesome Math Lab and an Academic Support Center

where you can get free tutoring, which has helped me personally through some

challenging classes. Overall I can say that LMC is a place of diversity, community,

higher learning and helpfulness.

I have a story that did not partake at Los Medanos College, but it involved the

Umoja club that I am a part of at Los Medanos College. The club took us on sever-

al college tours, that were paid for, but the one that stood out the most for me was

when we flew to San Diego to learn more about San Diego State University and

to attend the Umoja conference. We stayed throughout the weekend where they

made sure we had comfortable rooms and good food for us. We learned so much

about SDSU and their academics. We also learned a great deal of information

about Umoja by going to workshops and sitting through very informative seminars.

As a student going on these college tours and realizing that the students there

were just like me at some point, reluctant and afraid of something new, made the

anxiety of going to a big University or State college less apprehensive. I LOVED it!

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WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?

FAVORITE STORY WHILE AT LMC

CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS

Brittney BibbsBusiness Administration and English - Monterey, CA


I love Los Medanos College because it provides a great environment that

allows motivated students to achieve their academic goals and become

successful individuals. The staff are extremely caring, helpful and truly

dedicated to help students move forward as scholars and as individuals.

I love being at LMC, it is my second home and the people there are my

second family.

My most cherished memory at LMC was my fist semester of college. I

was really nervous, but thanks to all of the wonderful staff and outstand-

ing professors, I managed to get straight A’s while being enrolled in 18

units. Students at LMC introduced me to the Honors Program and Mesa,

and now I have created many friends and study buddies. I love LMC!!

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Sonia BustosBiology Major


I like how the teachers here help the students strive for success and to do their

best in school. I appreciate the counselors I see and the great biology teachers

because they give you their time for all and any questions and make sure and help

you stay on top of your tasks.

Do you have a favorite or interesting story about your time here at LMC?

Mr. Clarke from Political Science helped me to push myself and not lack on doing

my homework. I ended going from a D to getting a B at the end of the semester.

He is very wise and wants the best for his students, even when I thought I would

fail and couldn’t learn anything. He helped me get off the floor, dust myself off,

and pushed me to try again and do my best.

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““WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?



Jessica WaltersNursing Student - Pittsburg


Many years ago, LMC had a Students For Free Tibet

Club on campus. I had the privilege of accompanying

the student members of this club to a conference at

Stanford where we were given a “special audience” with

his Holiness The Dali Lama. There were only about

100 students and faculty in attendance. These “special

audiences” are very rare, I later learned. I sat with the

LMC students in the first row, and when the Dali Lama

entered the room, he slowly walked past each one of

us and shook hands. He was smiling and laughing as

he walked barefoot across the rug. The motivational

talk that he gave was very inspiring and uplifting. At the

end of the conference, I stood by the door to wait for

the students. Suddenly, the Dali Lama appeared before

me and took my hand. He smiled and thanked me for

attending. I had never before met a more spiritual being

and was awestruck by his warmth and sincerity. I was

so proud at how the LMC students conducted them-

selves that day and thanked them for letting me share

this once in a lifetime experience.

FAVORITE STORY ABOUT LMC

On my 40th birthday, my office was “toilet papered” and a stall in the women’s

bathroom on the second level was dedicated to me. No one else could use it all

day! Also, there was a flashing light in the cafeteria letting everyone know that it

was my 40th birthday!“

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CELEBRATING OUR RETIREES

Jeannine SteinDSPS, Math, Philosophy & Honors Program

31 YEARS AT LMC


I am active in the LMC Theater Department. We are

putting on the production of William Shakespeare’s A

Midsummer Night’s Dream in March. The play will be

directed by Professor Barbara Norris. We will be in

the Theater the day of the event on campus and will

be preforming scenes from our exciting production!

Thank you!

Yes, I do! I am a 4 time nominee of the Kennedy

Center American College Theater Festival that is held

once a year. Two students out of each LMC Theater

production is nominated to represent LMC at the

convention. We compete, workshop, and audition

for scholarships into four-year Universities. I am so

honored to be Nominated and will be attending the

conference next week in Washington with the other

nominees. It is very exciting to be a part of the LMC

nominees, it is a an honor to represent our school.


Tiffanie MoreLiberal Arts: Arts and HumanitiesAntioch

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I drove up to the campus for the first time 25 years ago. I had never seen a

campus like it before. I later found out its main structure was an architecturally

desirable style for the era in which it was built in 1975. Philosophically the big

gray concrete building was all about student engagement on an equal level with

faculty: no offices without large windows, no separate bathrooms for faculty

and staff. All one. I liked this concept but the building itself did not feel warm

and inviting. About three weeks ago I stepped into the new Student Center,

redesigned, transformed actually from the bones of the old building, and it felt

like the promise of the original architects and creators of the college had at long

last been realized. Open, bright, inviting and most importantly expansive, Los

Medanos College now truly reflects physically what it has long been any way: a

place where students and faculty connect. Long may she live.

CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES

Joanna Perry-FolinoProfessor of Theatre

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I like the faculty and the determination that the ones I have

interacted with seem to have with helping you succeed.

I was a young teen mom and drop out that never finished high

school so college wasn’t something I ever thought I would

be capable of doing! Watching my daughter get to college

and her courage in going for it inspired me. I really am proud

to say my daughter is LMC alumni and will be my inspiration

in everything I do because it was because of her that I even

seen the light! I am now a computer science major at DVC!

CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI AND THEIR FAMILIES

Amber Nikole RodriguezClass of 2014, Liberal Arts Major

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Amber’s mom, Lateca Ojeda shares her inspiration


I love the fact that LMC is where I received my AA Degree because there were so many high quality faculty and staff

that assisted me along the way. Everyone is so willing to assist with a smile all of the time! Starting with Admissions

and counseling to the classroom and beyond. I am proud of my quality education that I have returned to earn my Span-

ish Certificate. I also love the Student Government where I am currently the Student Body President. The students are

such an important reason of what I love about LMC! I love that the campus is full of diversity and has a multi-cultural

atmosphere. We are all learning from one another the importance of diversity and equity not only on campus but in

our communities and in the work force. It is so awesome to solicit students needs from students and then give them

“voice” in the shared governance process. It is often that I hear faculty and staff (especially President Bob) say: “Stu-

dents first- we do what we do for our students.” I can say with confidence LMC faculty and staff prove this sentiment

with action. It makes me proud to be a student at LMC when I see their saying turn into action!

My favorite story about my time at LMC was when

President Bob decided to change the Science Build-

ing bathrooms into gender neutral bathroom after our

Elevating Diversity Conference in 2013. This was so

touching to me because President Bob was moved

by the event and stories from our students whom

depend on gender neutral bathrooms in order to be

successful at our college! It was the first time I really

realized that students voices can make successful

changes on campus and realized that our student

voices are being heard. This is the best story for me

because LMC is a place that truly believes in equality

and equity for all underrepresented student popula-

tions!


Gary WalkerGraduated in 2013 Behavioral & Social Sciences & back at LMC for Spanish Certificate

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LMC has presented countless opportunities to me as a return student, and has allowed me to redirect the course of

my families life. After enrolling, it became apparent that many of the faculty members held genuine interest in the suc-

cess of all LMC students. I’ve been provided many resources that have allowed me to worry less about my finances,

and focus more on learning. As a father with financial needs, returning to college can quickly become overwhelming.

My family was able to benefit from many of the resources available such as Financial Aid, EOPS, CalWORKS and

CARE. In addition, there are plenty of employment opportunities for students at LMC. I was fortunate enough to

experience working as a student worker in the EOPS department, where I also serve as a Peer Mentor and Student

Advocate. At LMC, returning students are provided a smooth transition into college by its caring faculty members and

countless resources. Returning students, especially those in low-income families, can pursue a degree and dedicate

100% of their focus in their studies because LMC is overflowing with supportive staff and resources.

During the Spring 2014 semester, my Calculus professor, Jennifer Saito, encouraged me to apply for the STEM

Scholarship. Reluctant at first, I doubted my ability to write an essay compelling enough to qualify as a recipient,

though with Professor Saito’s guidance my story seamlessly transformed into a 1,500 word essay. With only a few

hours left before the deadline, I submitted my STEM Scholarship application and crossed my fingers. In April, I

received an email containing an invitation to the Student Success Ceremony to celebrate as a STEM Scholarship re-

cipient. With encouragement from Professor Saito, and additional assistance provided by Professor Jones for a Letter

of Recommendation, I became one of nineteen STEM Scholars. As a STEM Scholar, I gained plenty valuable relation-

ships, irreplaceable opportunities, and most importantly, a boost of confidence.


Alexander AyersComputer Science Networking and SecurityAntioch, CA

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I was always warned that I wouldn’t be able to

transfer to a university in two years, especially not to

the #1 school of my choice. I’ve been told that most

people just drop out of community college. People

always gave me The impression that going to a JC,

especially somewhere so close to home like LMC,

was something to ashamed of. I felt as if people

who went straight to work were more respected than

someone trying to further their education by going to

LMC. I even heard someone tell me, “At least you’re

doing something.” But I wasn’t just doing “some-

thing,” I was working hard. I was taking up to six

classes at a time while working a part time job. I took

summer classes and ignored the negative comments.

I always had average grades in high school. I chose

LMC because I wanted to figure out what I wanted

to do and I wanted to save money. I’m very happy to

say that this is my last semester here and in the fall I

will be transferring to Cal Poly SLO with a 3.8 GPA.

I just wanted to let everyone know that it CAN be

done. You can go to whatever school you want to if

you put your mind to it. The major thing that helped

me achieve my goal was my new sense of confidence

that I never had before. Have confidence, strive for

the best, and achieve your goals!


Raquel CondonCommunicationsBrentwood, CA

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Raquel CondonCommunicationsBrentwood, CA

I love the library and counseling staff especially. The library staff ensures I always

have the tools I need to do great in class. They are always available and wanting to

help me. On top of this they always greet me with a smile.

I love the faculty, everyone I have met and interacted with has always seen to my needs

and have helped me accomplish my goals. It always seems as though the faculty go

above and beyond what’s required of them, to ensure the students success.


Frank LadraNursingWalnut Creek, CA

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““WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LMC?



I returned to college when my youngest son was two years of age after having

been in the workforce for some time. At first, it was a bit terrifying going back to

school after so long. Our child development department, however, made the expe-

rience a terrific one. Having an education counselor within the Child Development

department really made the process go smoothly. Melissa Jackson laid out a very

specific education plan for me which made it easy to know what class to take next.

Not only did I graduate from LMC with my AA Degree, but I graduated with Hon-

ors! I then went on to transfer and complete my Bachelors Degree in Early Child-

hood Education from Brandman University while working full time as a preschool

teacher at the LMC Child Study Center.

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Leticia GomezClassified Staff as a Instructional Assistant


LMC prepared me for Real Adult Living. When I saw grown ups who were in their

40’s in my classes, I realized it was every man for himself now. After attending

San Jose State University, and 11 years in Silicon Valley, I now have been pa-

storing thriving church in Pittsburg for 26 years. I am the first African American

Pastor to buy property and build his own facility from the ground up in the last

45 years in Contra Costa County. Miracles, signs and wonders are taking place

regularly in my ministry. I’ve been through three recessions yet 95 percent of my

congregation remained employed or their businesses are not affected. My social

science instructor told me that we love in a market society and showed a docu-

mentary titled, “The Blue Collar Trap”. That is what stuck with me until this day.


My favorite and biggest memory was the fact that I

was in the first class that opened the college, Sep-

tember 1974. I played football and we didn’t have

our own stadium, so we used Antioch High School.

It was a new day for my generation. We were proud

and wanted to win and we did. We met other students

from Liberty High, Antioch High and a few other

schools in Contra Costa County. One day it snowed

and I slid my ‘69 Firebird into one of the concrete

borders in the back parking lot.

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Anthony BlackmanClass of1977Self Employed


LMC is probably the single most warm and inviting institution I have ever been

affiliated with. As a new part-time professor, I am treated like a family member

by faculty, staff, and administration. The students are some of the brightest and

most academically curious I have ever met. They make it an honor and pleasure

to teach and engage them. My faculty mentors David Zimny and Milton Clarke are

supportive, encouraging and have helped me tremendously. LMC is a gem, and I

love it here!

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“FAVORITE STORY ABOUT LMC


Iris ArchuletaFaculty (part time), PT Professor - Poli Sci

I actually transferred to Sac state right after. I am thankful for the faculty

and students I met at LMC, not only did they help me grow as a person/

student but they helped me create wonderful college memories that I will

always remember and cherish.


It would definitely be when I got lost my first day of school. I had no

idea where my classes were and had to ask random students where my

classrooms were and that’s how I met my now best friend. The students

at LMC were helpful and nice for helping me out on such a hectic day.“

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Cynthia ChavezClass of 2014Anthropology and Liberal Arts

What’s Your Story?

Let us know atwww.losmedanos.edu/yourstory

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LMC Stories