Messages and Presentations from President Ralston
Listed below, in reverse chronological order, are messages, remarks, and presentations that President Ralston has shared with the College community.
2024-25
- Unwavering Support for our LGBTQIA+ Community Members (College-wide message from President
Ralston; Jan. 31, 2025)
From: Ralston, Pamela <pralston@losmedanos.edu>
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2025 12:07 PM
Subject: Unwavering Support for our LGBTQIA+ Community Members(bcc: All LMC Employees)
Dear colleagues,
We, the community of LMC and the 4CD, stand in unwavering support of our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and students. When we embrace diversity and are inclusive of all of our community members, we are stronger. In light of recent executive orders, it feels important to reiterate our stance as a unified, caring community committed to service, knowledge, and kindness, where everyone feels valued and respected. Although many of us may feel anxious about recent actions by the federal government, please know that we remain committed to doing everything we can to support everyone in our community.
Diversity is not just a catch word, it is, quite literally, reality. Our community thrives because it consists of people from all walks of life, ethnicities, races, citizenships, abilities, religions, sexualities, genders, and more. And, as scientific facts reveal, biodiversity makes an ecosystem more resilient. Let us continue to embrace the strength and beauty of our diverse community, to foster our resilience, and support the well-being of our LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues.
To be clear, we will continue to protect personal information and identity, as is the law. In compliance with the Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act (CA Safety Act AB 1955) and the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), LMC and 4CD will not disclose personal or private information, including a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. At 4CD, our support and commitment to our LGBTQ+ community is also highlighted in our Governing Board’s Resolution 1-S. Together, we can create an environment where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe, supported, and valued. Additionally, we affirm your identity. We will ensure that your name is appropriately reflected in documents and records. The District and the State of California have established policy and legislation that protects all members of our community.
We acknowledge that this is a changing landscape, so we will continue to keep you informed. Furthermore, we are not alone in our commitment to justice. Numerous lawsuits across the country have already been filed challenging the Executive Orders and other actions; and, as such, we remain firm in our values as these cases play out in court.
In the meantime, let us show up for each other like we always do, with kindness, friendliness, and in goodwill. As Brene Brown so wisely put it, "Belonging...doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
I’m grateful for the assistance of several members of our college LGBTQIA+ community for assistance with this message.
Below is a list of contacts and resources, should you need them for yourself or your students.
In community,
Pamela Ralston, Ph.D.
LMC President
College Point of Contact and Resources:
Senior Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Dr. Rosa Armendariz, rarmendariz@losmendanos.edu
LGBTQIA2S--a comprehensive LMC website of resources and opportunities for the LGBTQIA2S community
LMC Wellness Resources
Pride Alliance Club: The Pride Alliance offers a safe, friendly, and inclusive space for LMC students to share information, connect to resources, plan and participate in activities. For more information about LGBTQIA+ resources, please visit the Unity Center on the 2nd floor of the Pittsburg Campus Student Union.
UNITY Center: Located on the 2nd floor of the Student Union, the Unity Center hosts activities to create community. This semester, students can join for Mindful Mondays: Yoga/Movement Meditation sessions every Monday from 9 – 9:20 A.M. The center is also the home for the Pride Alliance, Kapwa Club, and Hope & Home, ESL and Dreamers Club.
Other Resources dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community:
Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County
LGBT Housing Resource for TAY (transitional aged youth)
Name Change Clinic in Oakland
Contra Costa Health (CCH) Pride Initiative
Contra Costa County Office of Education LGBTQ+ Resources
Pacific Center for Human Growth
The Trevor Project
Transgender Law Center
Advocates for Transgender Equality
Contra Costa Crisis Center
Parivar Bay Area
Resources dedicated to supporting for Immigration
LMC Dreamers
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office
Stand Together Contra Costa
Immigrants Rising
Informed Immigrant
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
Legal Advisory 24-11-15 (“California and its Community Colleges Remain Sanctuary Jurisdictions”): Assembly Bill (AB) 21 and Senate Bill (SB) 54 prohibit state and local agencies from using resources to further certain federal immigration enforcement efforts. - Update on Recent Federal Actions (College-wide message from President Ralston; Jan.
28, 2025)
From: Ralston, Pamela <pralston@losmedanos.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 6:04 PM
Subject: RE: Update on Recent Federal Actions(bcc: All LMC employees)
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for attending Opening Day and for supporting our students this week as they come to our college to pursue their educational and life goals. As we discussed last week, there will be a great deal of disruption as the new administration puts its policy and leadership into place. Below is a joint message from LMC, our sister colleges and District. I wanted to share what Tammy Oranje has sent to our students this evening as well. You’ll find it below this message.
We are committed to being methodical as we respond to the actions and policy changes from the new Administration. We continue to center our work on our mission of serving all students.
I’m grateful for the work you do serving students and for the calm you provide them and one another during tumultuous times.
In community,
Pamela Ralston, Ph.D.
LMC President
LETTER TO STUDENTS RE: FINANCIAL AID
Dear Student,
We recognize that news about the Trump Administration's freeze on federal funding may have caused concerns regarding your financial aid at Los Medanos College. We want to assure you that this action does not impact your federal or state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
If you are not yet receiving financial aid, it's not too late to apply. Visit the LMC Financial Aid webpage to get started.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our Financial Aid Office or visit us in person. We're here to support you and ensure you have the resources you need to succeed.
The future is yours! And we're here to help you make it happen.
Thank you for being part of the LMC community.
Tammy Oranje
Director of Financial Aid
toranje@losmedanos.eduFrom: Mehdizadeh, Mojdeh <mojdeh@4cd.edu>
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 5:47 PM
To: Mehdizadeh, Mojdeh <mojdeh@4cd.edu>
Subject: Update on Recent Federal ActionsDear 4CD Colleagues,
Recent executive actions of the new Administration addressing DEIA programs, immigration, citizenship, environmental programs, and most recently a government-wide freeze on certain federally funded programs have created anxiety and uncertainty pertaining to essential programs, communities, and, most importantly, our students. While Federal judges have temporarily blocked some actions, we continue to actively work to evaluate all potential areas across the District to assess possible impact.
It should be noted that the impact of some actions in California may be limited by virtue of article I, section 31 of the California Constitution (Proposition 209), which already prohibits the Community Colleges from “discriminat[ing] against, or grant[ing] preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.” We can also confirm that Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans will not be affected. According to the Education Department, these essential Title IV programs directly support individual students and remain fully operational and accessible. A communication is going out to all students sharing this update.
The colleges and District will continue to advocate for resources to support our students' educational journey. Just yesterday, our Governing Board Trustees visited all our State representatives in Sacramento.
We will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation. In the midst of this shifting landscape, we endeavor to be proactive in providing information and support, while simultaneously guarding against reactionary responses that could inadvertently contribute to fear and confusion. College Presidents will also provide further college-specific information as needed.
As a District, we want to affirm that we remain steadfast in providing access to education, guided by our mission, vision, values, and unwavering commitment to our employees and students.
Sincerely,
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Chancellor
Kimberly Rogers, CCC President
Susan Lamb, DVC President
Pamela Ralston, LMC President
Donate to help a student succeed through the Contra Costa College Foundation, Diablo Valley College Foundation or Los Medanos College Foundation. Thank you for changing lives, one student at a time.
- Update on Recent Federal Actions (District-wide joint message from the Chancellor
& Presidents; Jan. 28, 2025)
From: Mehdizadeh, Mojdeh <mojdeh@4cd.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 5:46 PM
To: Mehdizadeh, Mojdeh <mojdeh@4cd.edu>
Subject: Update on Recent Federal ActionsDear 4CD Colleagues,
Recent executive actions of the new Administration addressing DEIA programs, immigration, citizenship, environmental programs, and most recently a government-wide freeze on certain federally funded programs have created anxiety and uncertainty pertaining to essential programs, communities, and, most importantly, our students. While Federal judges have temporarily blocked some actions, we continue to actively work to evaluate all potential areas across the District to assess possible impact.
It should be noted that the impact of some actions in California may be limited by virtue of article I, section 31 of the California Constitution (Proposition 209), which already prohibits the Community Colleges from “discriminat[ing] against, or grant[ing] preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.” We can also confirm that Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans will not be affected. According to the Education Department, these essential Title IV programs directly support individual students and remain fully operational and accessible. A communication is going out to all students sharing this update.
The colleges and District will continue to advocate for resources to support our students' educational journey. Just yesterday, our Governing Board Trustees visited all our State representatives in Sacramento.
We will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation. In the midst of this shifting landscape, we endeavor to be proactive in providing information and support, while simultaneously guarding against reactionary responses that could inadvertently contribute to fear and confusion. College Presidents will also provide further college-specific information as needed.
As a District, we want to affirm that we remain steadfast in providing access to education, guided by our mission, vision, values, and unwavering commitment to our employees and students.
Sincerely,
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Chancellor
Kimberly Rogers, CCC President
Susan Lamb, DVC President
Pamela Ralston, LMC President
Donate to help a student succeed through the Contra Costa College Foundation, Diablo Valley College Foundation or Los Medanos College Foundation. Thank you for changing lives, one student at a time.
- Guidance Regarding Students and Employees and Immigration/Guía para estudiantes y
empleados sobre asuntos de inmigración (College-wide message from President Ralston;
Dec. 13, 2024)
From: Ralston, Pamela <pralston@losmedanos.edu>
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2024 3:27 PM
Subject: Guidance Regarding Students and Employees and Immigration/Guía para estudiantes y empleados sobre asuntos de inmigraciónWhat follows is a message in English followed by Spanish from LMC President Pamela Ralston regarding guidance for employees and students in case if immigration enforcement action on campus. Lo que sigue es un mensaje de la presidenta de LMC Pamela Ralston en inglés seguido de español sobre orientación para empleados y estudiantes en caso de que se realicen acciones de control de inmigración en el campus.
Dear Los Medanos College Community,
As we see the coming end of the Biden Administration, we are preparing for the policy changes proposed by the second Trump Administration. I want to reaffirm LMC’s commitment to supporting all students, especially those who may feel vulnerable due to their immigration status or that of their family members. The transition to the Trump Administration has brought uncertainty and concern for many in our community, including those who are undocumented, come from mixed-status families, are international students, or have other identities that have been targeted in political rhetoric and policy changes. At LMC, we believe that it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that each of you who walks through our doors feels safe, valued, and supported.
Below is guidance in the event of possible immigrant enforcement activities. The Contra Costa Community College District passed Resolution 1S (1/25/2017) in support of our students and to reaffirm procedures that protect student information and access. In addition, I want to highlight legislation by the State of California, namely Assembly Bill (AB) 21 and Senate Bill (SB) 54, that prohibit state and local agencies from using resources to further certain federal immigration enforcement efforts.
I encourage you to contact us if you have questions or need guidance on how best to support one another and yourselves through this difficult period. Contact numbers are listed in the Guidance document below and attached to this email. You each help make LMC a stronger and more resilient community that honors the dignity and potential of every student.
We stand united as we champion equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
--
Estimados estudiantes y empleados del Colegio Los Médanos,
Mientras vemos el próximo fin de la Administración Biden, nos estamos preparando para los cambios de política propuestos por la segunda Administración Trump. Quiero reafirmar el compromiso de LMC de apoyar a todos los estudiantes, especialmente aquellos que puedan sentirse vulnerables debido a su estatus migratorio o el de sus familiares. La transición a la Administración Trump ha traído incertidumbre y preocupación para muchos en nuestra comunidad, incluidos aquellos que son indocumentados, provienen de familias de estatus mixto, son estudiantes internacionales o tienen otras identidades que han sido objeto de retórica política y cambios de políticas. En LMC, creemos que es nuestra responsabilidad colectiva garantizar que cada uno de ustedes que cruza nuestras puertas se sienta seguro, valorado y apoyado.
A continuación, encontrará orientación en caso de posibles actividades de control de inmigrantes. El Distrito de Colegios Comunitarios de Contra Costa aprobó la Resolución 1S (25/01/2017) en apoyo a nuestros estudiantes y para reafirmar los procedimientos que protegen la información y el acceso de los estudiantes. Además, quiero destacar la legislación del Estado de California, concretamente el Proyecto de Ley de la Asamblea (AB) 21 y el Proyecto de Ley del Senado (SB) 54, que prohíben a las agencias estatales y locales utilizar recursos para promover ciertos esfuerzos federales de aplicación de la ley de inmigración.
Los animo a que se comuniquen con nosotros si tienen preguntas o necesitan orientación sobre la mejor manera de apoyarse unos a otros y a ustedes mismos durante este período difícil. Los números de contacto figuran en el documento de orientación a continuación y se adjuntan a este correo electrónico. Cada uno de ustedes ayuda a hacer de LMC una comunidad más fuerte y resiliente que honra la dignidad y el potencial de cada estudiante.
Estamos unidos mientras defendemos la equidad, la inclusión y las oportunidades para todos.In community/en comunidad,
Pamela
Pamela Ralston, Ph.D.
LMC President
2023-24
- 2025 Aspen Prize "Top 150" Announcement (President Ralston's college-wide message;
Oct. 31, 2023
From: Ralston, Pamela <pralston@losmedanos.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2023 8:58 AM
Subject: Fantastically Good LMC News!
Importance: High(sent bcc to all LMC employees)
Good morning, LMC Colleagues!
I am incredibly thrilled and extremely proud to share with you the news that Los Medanos College has been named an “Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College” by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. We are among only 150 community colleges – out of more than 1,000 across the country – eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million in shared prize funds. LMC has now been selected for this honor in five consecutive Aspen Prize award cycles. This prestigious recognition is the direct result of your phenomenal work, a deep institutional commitment to student success, and the powerful and transformative educational experience that Los Medanos College provides our students and our community. Congratulations! This fifth opportunity makes it possible to document the incredible gains we have made in supporting students to enroll, persist, complete degrees and certificates, and transfer to four-year institutions.
The Aspen Prize is the signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. The Prize comes with a monetary award: The $1 million Prize purse is divided by the Prize Jury between the winner – which in most years has been $600,000 – and finalists with distinction and rising star winners – which typically receive $100,000. Based on publicly available data, eligible colleges are selected for showing strong, improving, and equitable student outcome
The next phase of the competitive selection process includes submitting an application that addresses six critical areas identified by the Aspen Institute: teaching and learning; certificate and degree completion; transfer and bachelor’s attainment; workforce success; equitable access to the college; and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. The application deadline for the Aspen Prize is December 12. A team of external experts – representing K-12, higher education, and the workforce – will then review our application. In June 2024, following leadership calls with some of the eligible institutions, the selection committee will announce the 10 Aspen Prize finalists. We will then receive student outcomes data that is specific to LMC and benchmarked to the Aspen Prize applicants. Stay tuned for updates on our progress!
A press release announcing LMC’s recognition by the Aspen Institute soon will be distributed to local media. You will be able to view it on our LMC News webpage. Additional information about the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is available online at: https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize/.
It is no small feat to be selected as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College, but to be recognized five times is amazing. This is your recognition for the long nights, challenging days, and exceptional efforts to help students achieve, succeed, belong, and thrive here. Each of you – every classified professional, faculty member, and manager – has played an important role in receiving this national acknowledgment, as have our students, who continue to excel and better our college and community.
Congratulations, LMC – and thank you for your countless contributions to the success of our students and college!
With excitement and deep gratitude,
Pamela
Pamela Ralston, Ph.D.
President
2022-23
- Supporting 2023 APIDA Heritage Month Events (President Ralston's college-wide message;
April 17, 2023)
Dear Los Medanos Faculty, Classified Professionals, and Managers,
As we approach the month of May, I am writing to you to highlight the significance of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month and the importance of addressing issues of inequity at Los Medanos College.
APIDA Heritage Month provides an opportunity for our college community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and achievements of APIDA communities. It is a time to honor the diverse perspectives, experiences, and histories of APIDA individuals, and to acknowledge their valuable contributions to our campus and society.
However, recognition alone is not enough. As an educational institution, we must also actively address the issues of inequity that APIDA students may face on our campus. APIDA students, like many historically marginalized groups, may experience discrimination, bias, and systemic barriers that can impact their access to educational opportunities and success in college. It is our responsibility to create an inclusive and equitable environment where all students have equal opportunities to thrive.
And to that end, across our district, Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans have joined in community to support one another and our students. Contra Costa Community College District is a global community of students, staff, and faculty. We have a growing number of students coming from Central, South, and West Asia, including Türkiye, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, Yemen, India, and more. The 4CD APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Coalition aims to build more awareness about the unique experiences and histories of those coming from these areas. Knowledge empowers us all to be better educators, stronger providers, and supportive leaders for our students and community.
The APIDA Coalition has planned several important learning opportunities during the month of April. And in addition, the APIDA Coalition is hosting the inaugural district-wide Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Graduation.
April 18th, 19th, and 25th:
These dates will be a watch party via Zoom and in-person. All are welcome to attend and learn about the history and cultures from each group. The 25th is in placement of our original annual API Heritage Month Celebration with Speaker and performance. This year we are featuring Dr. Roger Chung from Peralta College and our very own alumnus of Recording Arts with 2 albums on Spotify, Louis Phoenix and Band.MAY 4, 2023 – 1ST 4CD APIDA GRADUATION:
The first annual district-wide Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Graduation to be held on Thursday May 4, 2023, 5 to 7pm at Contra Costa College's Knox Theater. A reception will follow the ceremony. This year's theme is MANY LANDS ~ ONE COMMUNITY. All graduates participating will receive a special district APIDA sash for use at other commencement ceremonies.
Participation in the APIDA Graduation Ceremony is open to anyone at CCC, DVC, or LMC, and especially graduates of Asian and Pacific Islander descent which include but not limited to:
Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgrz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan);
East Asia (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau, Mongolia, Taiwan);
· Pasifika/Oceania Pacific Islands (countries and islands in Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, including Native Hawaiian);South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet);
Southeast Asia (Brunei, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam);
Western Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkiye, UAE, Yemen)
Lastly, Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh will be a keynote speaker for 4CD APIDA Graduation night hosted by CCC.Thank you for your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. I urge all members of our college community to actively promote and participate in the opportunities our APIDA colleagues have planned. We are grateful for their efforts.
Sincerely,
Pamela Ralston, Ph.D.
Interim President