Jul 31, 2026 — Commencement: Record Breaking Year!
The FCC Convocation will be held on August 5 and 6 in the OAB Auditorium. In preparation for the upcoming academic year, FCC President Denise Whisenhunt, and her executive leadership team will provide updates on accreditation, the budget, construction projects, enrollment and student services. Faculty will also receive a special presentation related to student retention and success.
New Employee Equity Academy
Launched in 2020, the college is hosting its 7th annual New Employee Equity Academy (NEEA) beginning August 7. The semester-long academy is designed to provide new employees with an intentional and comprehensive learning experience and a support team during their first year.
Ram Ready For Incoming Students
Ram Ready, the new student welcome event, will take place on August 4, 5 and 8 in the OAB Auditorium and via Zoom. The multifaceted event includes tutorials designed to help new students become familiar with the college. An extra emphasis on distance learning and technology will be included. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with faculty and staff. Workshops will include Q&A sessions on financial aid, library and tutorial services, campus tours, DSPS, textbooks and more. This event is recommended for all first-time students attending in-person and online courses at FCC and the West Fresno Campus.
2026 Fall Flex Day
This year’s theme for the Fall ’26 faculty professional development day is “Our Collective Power: People. Place. Purpose. Possibility.” In a world that often asks us to do more with less, we are reminded that our greatest strength has never been found in any single role, department, or discipline. Inspired by the energy and imagination of a superhero universe, this year’s event celebrates the remarkable power already present across our campus. Both virtual and in-person sessions will be offered, providing ample opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate through a flexible schedule.
Extreme Reg Serves Hundreds Of Students
FCC served hundreds of students during the 2026 Extreme Registration and student resource event held on July 31 and August 1. Classified professionals and faculty assisted students with applications, new student orientation, assessment placement, counseling, registration, financial aid and business services. Services included express counseling to help students enroll in Fall 2026 classes, and plan their fall schedules. B95 also hosted a live remote broadcast.
2026 Summer Upward Bound
Fresno City College’s TRIO Upward Bound (UB) and Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) programs celebrated a highly successful summer, serving 330 Fresno Unified School District students. They completed a rigorous five-week dual enrollment course at FCC and achieved an extraordinary pass rate exceeding 95%. The summer concluded with an immersive college experience, when students visited and stayed overnight in residence halls at UC Santa Barbara, CSU Channel Islands and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Annual Dance Expo
The annual FCC Dance Expo featured industry professionals who taught over 40 master classes for students and community members on July 25. Participants had the opportunity to explore a variety of dance styles,
including tap, ballet, jazz and hip-hop, African, Hmong, folklorico and flamenco.
2026 CityFest Will Honor Former Employee
Save the Date for the annual CityFest slated for Friday, September 25, from 5:30 – 10:30 pm in the OAB Courtyards. This year’s theme is Fiesta in Paradise. The evening will feature food, beer and margaritas, dancing and opportunities to support a scholarship established in memory of Kathy Bonilla. Tickets are $50 per person or $350 for a table of 8.
FCC Studies Abroad
During the summer of 2026, five FCC faculty taught 96 students in study abroad programs in Japan, Greece, Korea, and Ireland. Participating FCC faculty included, John Wilson (English), Alyssa Tobar (Linguistics), Gena Gong (Asian American Studies), Jonathan Davey (Culinary Arts) and Tiffany Sarkisian
(Communication Arts). Two faculty members from CCC and one faculty member from MCC also participated. In addition to earning college credit, the students gained valuable insight into various cultural, historical, and political and economic perspectives from around the world.
State Of The College
Save the date! On Friday, September 4, President Denise Whisenhunt will host the 2026 State of the College event in the OAB Auditorium. The event will include breakfast and special presentations. Funds raised from
the event will support the President’s Fund for Excellence, which was created to assist students in need of support for special projects. A limited number of sponsorships and tables are still available.
Poem Selected For Time Capsule
Congratulations to English instructor and California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick. In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, his poem, “My California,” was selected by Governor Gavin Newsom as one of seven state contributions to the official America250 time capsule. Celebrating the diversity, imagination and vibrant spirit of the Golden State and the Central Valley, the poem reflects Herrick’s belief in the beauty and importance of every individual’s voice. The capsule was buried outside Philadelphia’s Independence Hall on July 4 and will preserve this piece of California’s artistic heritage until it is unearthed in 2276. Lee was featured on NBC Channel 4 LA News.
Decisive Actions Saved Life of Student Athlete
During a routine basketball practice on July 6, men’s basketball coach Robert Haynes and Athletic Trainer Francisco Gamboa saved the life of incoming freshman basketball player Jackson Scarborough. The recent
Clovis High School graduate experienced chest pains and shortness of breath at the start of practice prompting concern from Coach Haynes. Gamboa took Jackson’s vitals and became increasingly concerned when his symptoms did not improve. SCCCD Police and EMS were called and Jackson was transported to Community Medical Center where he underwent emergency cardiac surgery. Haynes and Gamboa’s quick
recognition and timely actions saved Jackson’s life and he is now recovering. This remarkable story was covered by KMPH FOX26, ABC30 and KSEE24.
Free AI Workshops Held This Summer
In partnership with Fresno State, FCC Computer Information Technology instructor Todd McLeod offered two free AI workshops for Fresno County residents. With the goal of helping participants move beyond simply
talking about artificial intelligence, the workshops focused on how to use AI tools in everyday work. The event was featured on ABC30.
FCC Students Shine At Design Competition
Three FCC architecture students achieved an impressive sweep at this year’s AIA San Joaquin Student Design Awards, securing 1st Place, 2nd Place, and Honorable Mention out of 46 total entries from local programs including Fresno State and College of the Sequoias. The competition challenged participants to design a Community Hub in Fresno’s Chinatown focused on urban revitalization. Top honors went to Paige Hankins, who earned First Place for a project distinguished by its thoughtful historical concept, clean floor plan and exceptional renderings. Alexander Cazares received Second Place for a well-scaled design featuring intentional material choices, while Liliia Skitsak earned Honorable Mention. Congratulations to the students and to architecture instructors Andres Diaz, Adriana Duarte-Dionicio, and Rafael Salazar. ABC30 featured their success in July.
Sports Update
Ram Wrestling; The Gold Standard
The FCC Wrestling Program was featured in a wrestling podcast that provided a comprehensive history of the sport in California. The FCC wrestling program was one of the first starting in 1959 with the inaugural state match against San Bernadino College. The Rams remain the all-time leader in nearly every
major statical category, establishing a standard of excellence unmatched in C32A history.
Volleyball Academic Awards
The FCC Beach Volley Team had a dominate season winning their first State Championship in May. In July they were awarded the American Coaches Volleyball Association (ACVA) Team Academic Award. The
Rams maintained a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale), to earn the academic award.
Wall of Fame Football Dinner
The 36th annual Football Wall of Fame Banquet will be held on Sunday, August 18 at Pardini’s. This year’s inductees are: retired FCC football coach Tony Caviglia (Cornerstone); Terrance Grant, Aaron Miller, Charles Goldman, Brandon Sharpe and Robert Theus. Each inductee was selected by a committee of current and former coaches, players and WOF members on the basis of playing ability, positive character, and service to the football program. Each honoree’s name will be etched on the marble wall located on the home side of Ratcliffe Stadium. Tickets are $80 each. Check out all the fall sports schedules on the FCC athletic website.