Bakersfield College


	President's Message

	Many times, I am asked, “Why are alumni important to Bakersfield College?” The answer to this question is quite simple, but I’d rather reframe it. Instead, I’d ask “Why are Bakersfield College alumni important to the community?” That’s a question that’s important to answer. Beyond a degree or certificate framed on a wall, or a donation to the College, our alumni have always been, and will continue to be, an extension of Bakersfield College as they in turn become important contributors to the economy of our area. Our alumni are an essential network of local employers, organization leaders, and potential mentors for students who are looking to blaze trails in our community. Our students in turn bring youth, vigor, and fresh ideas to established businesses and organizations. This relationship will strengthen Bakersfield College’s reputation in the community, and as each new class of alumni take on the charge of promoting the College’s successes in the community, the relationship and reputation will grow, prosper, and lead future generations to Bakersfield College. Dr. Greg Chamberlain President www.bakersfieldcollege.edu


	Donor Spotlight

	Dan O’Connor, Dean of Student Learning, and Adam Alvidrez from Chevron The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program at Bakersfield College has received $20,000 from Chevron to support the “Week Zero” project. The Week Zero project is an intensive orientation program that invites science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students to campus before the beginning of the fall semester.

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In the News

Oldest US Community College Alumni Association

Bakersfield College

Image courtesy of Bakersfield College

Bakersfield College

The Bakersfield College Alumni Association was founded in 1946 and has enjoyed active participation ever since, making it the oldest community college alumni association in the country!

According to John Boydstun, an original founding member of the BC Alumni Association, World War II had just ended and returning veterans were interested in renewing old friendships with former classmates. Boydstun says, “The idea was born from a few folks celebrating the end of the war at a dance held in the old Bakersfield Inn Ballroom. There were 20 original members, and dues were a mere $3 a year.”

Today, membership dues are $25 for an annual membership or $200 for a lifetime membership. Funds raised help provide scholarships and support athletic teams, cheer squad, and other groups and activities on campus. Membership privileges include free admission to all BC athletic contests (except football), priority tickets for football, access to the BC Library, a 10 percent discount at the BC Bookstore, and the annual Alumni Newsletter.

For further information about the Alumni Association please call 661.395.4273.

Read previous In the News features >

Alumni Profile

Mary K. Shell, an alumna of Bakersfield College and Foundation Board Member, has been a trailblazer throughout her life—going places and doing things not customary for women of her generation. Some highlights include:

After attending BC she was a reporter for The Bakersfield Californian.
Worked as a flight dispatcher and earned her pilot’s license.
Served as editor of the News Bulletin, a semi-weekly newspaper serving metropolitan Bakersfield.
Worked as a correspondent based in Sacramento for The Bakersfield Californian and the Capitol News Service.
In 1980 she became the first woman elected as mayor in Bakersfield, California.
Elected to three four-year terms on the Kern County Board of Supervisors.

We are honored that Mary K. remains a friend and voice for Bakersfield College within our community.

Read previous Spotlights here >

Upcoming Events



	April 16
	3rd Annual Red & White Wine & Food Festival

September 10, 2009
55th Annual BC Alumni Association BBQ

October 8, 2009
2nd Annual “A Knight with the Arts”

January 29, 2010
2nd Annual Sterling Silver: An Evening with Playboy Mansion Executive Chef William S. Bloxsom-Carter and MadoroM Wines

April 16, 2010
3rd Annual Red & White Wine & Food Festival

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