Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

For Ariana Moolchandani, the path to political science wasn’t just about studying systems—it was about understanding how to create change within them. As a first-generation college student and a natural leader, Ariana arrived at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ) with big questions about the world—and quickly found the community and resources she needed to begin answering them.

Toby Cole, a dedicated Human Development major at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, has left a powerful imprint on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ community through their commitment to social impact, creative expression, and student support. A proud graduate of Northwood High School in Irvine, Toby chose to major in Family and Human Services with a focus on Disability Studies, driven by a deep desire to support and uplift others—particularly children navigating medical and emotional challenges.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ's Accounting Department doesn't just teach students — it forges industry partnerships that shape destinies by assisting students in obtaining part-time and permanent employment with area employers.

On Friday, May 16, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ) held its 40th Annual Scholarship Celebration, demonstrating a resounding display of generosity and commitment to student success. The Foundation awarded a total of $584,555 in scholarships, showcasing the community’s strong belief in the power of education. A total of 578 awards were distributed to deserving Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students.

Hazel Dai's academic journey began in a rather traditional way: She enrolled at the University of California, Irvine, and earned a degree in Economics. She quickly realized, however, that an Economics degree alone did not provide her with the tangible skills needed to excel in a competitive job market. 

After being named the 1st Place Community College at the NOF Online National Championships, and 1st Place in limited entry at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Speech tested their skills at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, Virginia from April 5–13. Phi Rho Pi is the national forensics association for community colleges and has the honor of being one of the oldest forensics organizations in the United States. The championship tournament hosted 52 community colleges from across the country and over 600 participants.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ) officially broke ground on the most ambitious construction projects in its 40-year history: a new Student Services Center and Student Union. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and the South Orange County Community College District welcomed the college and the community to mark the occasion, with officials symbolically turning soil with gold shovels—a nod to the college’s four decades of service and its bold leap into the future.

Anthony Ercolamento 
Senior Administrative Assistant, Marketing and Creative Services 

Anthony Ercolamento exemplifies what it means to foster a welcoming, inclusive, student-centered environment at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. His behind-the-scenes leadership, thoughtfulness, and dedication have made a lasting impact across campus.

Summer Serpas 
Professor of English
Coordinator of The Hub: Center for Professional Learning

Professor Summer Serpas is the embodiment of the Caring Campus philosophy—leading with empathy, purpose, and a relentless focus on student success. Through her innovative and equity-driven initiatives, she has redefined what it means to create a truly student-centered learning environment.