The recent student elections at Cuyamaca College have concluded with an exciting outcome, as Brycen Brown has been elected as the Associated Student Government (ASG) President, and Manuel Juarez Lopez was elected as the Student Trustee. The election saw enthusiastic participation from the student body, reflecting the vibrant and engaged community at Cuyamaca College. Below is a brief introduction to our new ASG President, and Student Trustee, highlighting their backgrounds, aspirations, and goals for their tenure.

Meet Brycen Brown: ASG President

Brycen Brown graduated from Ramona High School in 2022, and chose to attend Cuyamaca College on the recommendation of friends who had previously studied there. Additionally, the proximity of the college allowed him to continue his running career. Brycen is currently majoring in illustration and minoring in creative writing. Academically, he aims to fulfill all the requirements necessary to transfer to Cal State Fullerton’s art program.

During his time as a student leader at Cuyamaca, Brycen intends to focus on fostering a strong campus community. He envisions Cuyamaca as a “third place” for students—a space where they can relax and have fun outside of class, work, or home. Brycen believes that with his influence, he can help create this environment for students seeking such a space.

Brycen’s ultimate life goal is to write and illustrate graphic novels that convey inspiring stories and healthy messages. He hopes to share these stories with the world, making a positive impact through his art. What makes Cuyamaca College particularly special to Brycen is the ease with which one can form friendships and connections. The numerous opportunities to get involved on campus make it easy for students to step out of their comfort zones and engage with a broader community.

Meet Manuel Juarez Lopez: Student Trustee

Manuel’s passion for running initially brought him to Cuyamaca, where he has competed alongside his peers on both the Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams. In addition to involvement in athletic programs, Manuel also discovered “a true community” at Cuyamaca, and quickly became involved in efforts to support fellow students, including as a peer mentor for the Together We Rise Center, and as the 2023-2024 President of Associated Student Government at Cuyamaca College (ASGCC).

A business major, Manuel plans to graduate with an associate degree in Spring 2025 and go on to complete his undergraduate degree at San Diego State. Manuel is excited to continue his support and advocacy for students in the roll of ASGCC Student Trustee in the 2024-2025 academic year.

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Join us at Cuyamaca College’s Open House this Saturday, April 13, for a vibrant event featuring food, community, and invaluable insights into kickstarting your college journey. A live music performance will be held in the G-Building quad, a blend of modern and traditional Iraqi instrumental music.

Whether you’re looking to embark on a new career path, transfer to a university, or simply enhance your skills, this event features an array of programs, resources and opportunities tailored to meet your needs. Meet our dedicated faculty and staff, explore our campus, and immerse yourself in the thriving college community. We hope to see you there!

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92019.
Directions to the college: https://www.cuyamaca.edu/maps-and-directions/index.php

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On March 25, 2024, Michaell Navarre was welcomed into his role as Cuyamaca’s new Director of College and Community Relations.

As Director of College and Community Relations, Michael will play a crucial role in supporting Cuyamaca’s marketing efforts for recruitment and retention, strengthening community relations and communications, and ensuring all stakeholders are informed and engaged. Navarre has over 20 years of experience building brands, developing communications-focused teams, and leading marketing and public relations initiatives for non-profit and higher education institutions.

In his most recent previous role, Michael served as Assistant Vice President of Institutional Marketing & Communications at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). SLCC is the largest and most diverse college in Utah, serving over 35,000 students annually in transfer and career & technical education. Prior to his time at SLCC, Michael spent ten years at R&R Partners, an advertising and public relations agency. In this role, he spearheaded strategic communications and client relations efforts for Utah Transit Authority, Utah Symphony & Opera, and the University of St. Augustine.

As a first-generation college student and proud graduate of his hometown community college, Michael went on to complete his studies at the University of Utah. He now calls La Mesa home, and enjoys hiking with his dog and cycling in the hills that surround San Diego. He also loves traveling with friends and family, doting on his 9-year-old niece, and is an avid reader.

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The Cuyamaca College Men’s Soccer team played an incredible season in 2023, advancing all the way to the final four in the State Championships.

The Coyotes won 2-1 against the Long Beach City Vikings for a 3C2A State Championship title berth. With the win, the Coyotes advanced to the state tournament to play against the Santa Rosa College Bear Cubs in the state semi-final match on the east soccer field at Mt. Sac’s soccer complex on December 1.

The Coyotes ultimately did not win the State Championships overall, but making it into the final four contenders is an unprecedented achievement for the Cuyamaca College Men’s Soccer team.

We are incredibly proud of our Coyotes for their performance throughout this historic season.

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After a nationwide search, Dr. Victoria Marron has been selected as Cuyamaca College’s next Vice President of Student Services.

Dr. Marron has over 18 years of experience in the K-12, nonprofit, criminal justice, and higher education fields. Dr. Marron’s previous work includes serving as an Associate Vice President of Retention and Transition Services, Chief Equity Officer, Executive Director of Retention and Transition Services, Executive Director of Hispanic Serving Institutions, and a STEM Grant Director. In her most recent role as the Associate Vice President of Student Success and Chief Belonging Officer at Lee College in Baytown, Texas, she oversaw over 15 million dollars in grants, oversaw the implementation of Lee College’s Learning Frameworks course, Veterans’ Services, the Access Center and Student Belonging programming.

Dr. Marron is known for creating and supporting an equity-focused and evidence-based culture, designing innovative studio learning classrooms and student support service areas, and implementing data and research projects to help evaluate program success and sustainability.

Dr. Marron was selected for the 2016 National Community College Hispanic Council Fellowship Program and is a recipient of the INSIGHT Into Diversity’s Inspiring Women in STEM National Award. Dr. Marron helped establish Lee College as an American Association of Community Colleges Diversity finalist for the Puente Mentoring Program and, in 2018, was named one of Baytown’s 24 under 40 to positively impact the local community. She has been instrumental in garnering institutional funding and support while working closely with her teams to scale efforts and bring new resources to students.

Dr. Marron’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University, and an educational doctorate in Ethical Leadership with a Social Justice concentration from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX.

As a first-generation college student, navigating higher education with an infant daughter was difficult. Raised by an incredibly hard-working grandmother with a middle school education, Dr. Marron often heard, “To live a better life, Victoria, you have to get your education.” Dr. Marron has made it her life goal to serve historically marginalized student populations and their families because she has first-hand experience with the many barriers they encounter. This journey has impacted not only her but also her family. She is now the proud mother of two college graduates and frequently shares her life journey to help other young individuals and their families.

Dr. Marron will begin her tenure at Cuyamaca on January 24, 2024. We are incredibly excited to welcome her to serve as our next Vice President of Student Services.

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On November 14th, 2023, Cuyamaca College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Queer Student Center. The celebration, complete with music, food, and enthusiastic support from the community, reflected the college’s sincere commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students.

The Queer Student Center embodies the mission of Cuyamaca College, embracing diversity and encouraging a sense of community among all students. By creating a designated space where LGBTQ+ students can connect, study, and find support among their peers, the Queer Student center works to address the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and foster genuine connections within the college environment.

The Queer Student Center is located in I-107, on the lower floor of the I building. It is operational daily. To learn more about the Queer Student center and to find resources for LGBTQ+ students at Cuyamaca, visit the link: https://www.cuyamaca.edu/student-support/diversity-and-inclusion/queer-student-center/index.php

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After a thorough review process, Tashaurie Rogers has been selected as Cuyamaca College’s new Director of Admissions and Records.

Rogers has over 13 years of experience in education administration, admissions, and records.
In Roger’s most recent role, she served as the Director of Academic Administration at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she successfully spearheaded a number of projects focused on creating an improved student experience. Prior to her role as Director of Academic Administration, Tashaurie served as the Registrar at a local trade school. As the Registrar and member of the campus leadership, she was passionate about advocating for students’ rights and removing obstacles that could hinder their success.

Roger’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration, specializing in Human Resources Management.

Rogers was born and raised in Lompoc, California, by her father. Tashaurie developed an unwavering passion for education, firmly believing that education and hard work were the keys to defying others’ expectations. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a commitment to fostering a positive campus culture and ensuring equity for all students. Beyond the professional realm, Tashaurie is an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for track and field, basketball, and football. She is a devoted sports mom who can often be found on the sidelines cheering for her young son.

As the Director of Admissions and Records, Tashaurie is committed to fostering an inclusive and efficient environment where every student’s educational journey is supported. She is eager to bring her wealth of experience and passion for education to Cuyamaca College and looking forward to contributing to the vibrant campus community, ensuring that education remains a transformative force for all.

Tashaurie Rogers will begins her tenure at Cuyamaca College on January 10, 2024. We are incredibly excited to welcome her to serve as our new Director of Admissions and Records.

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Long Beach, CA: Both Cuyamaca College Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country teams have qualified to compete in the 2023 3C2A State Championships. On November 18th, they will be traveling to Woodward Park in Fresno to compete.

The 2023 Southern California Regional Championships were hosted by Long Beach City College, at El Dorado Park. Forty-one SoCal teams were represented at the event with perfect conditions and a thoughtful yet challenging course laid out by the host.

The Lady Coyotes came into the SoCal regionals ranked fourteenth and fresh off their second-place conference win. The mostly freshman crew of runners was led by Daycia Fielden who started off clocking her first mile in 6:04.4, in forty-fifth. At mile two, Daycia had passed several runners and moved up to twenty-fifth place out of the one hundred and sixty runners. Daycia was the first Lady Coyote to cross the finish line of the 5k race in 19:24.4.

Coyotes Mwamini Shabani and Maua Mloko were next to complete the run in forty-eight and fifty-fourth, both running under the 21:00 minute mark. Daisy Tamayo finished in seventy-second, only thirty seconds behind her teammates Shaabani and Mloko. Their final team scorer was track star Viviana Cuadras, who finished in one-hundredth fourth place overall, clocking a time of twenty-three minutes, sixteen seconds point eight (23:16.8). Reese Ford, who has struggled all season with lower leg injuries, soldiered through the race and delivered a season best 25:56.0 finishing in one hundredth thirty-ninth.

The Cuyamaca Women’s XC team finished in eight place of the thirty-five teams that took the starting line.

Thirty-two men’s teams totaling one hundred and eighty-nine athletes lined up for the four-mile run that would qualify the top sixteen teams and thirty-two individuals (not part of a team that finished in the top 50 percentile of all runners).

Cuyamaca’s Steven Valadez crossed the finish line in twenty-sixth place of all athletes, setting a blistering 5:00 mile pace in the first mile. Steven finished with a time of 20:28.1 minutes for 4-miles. Juan Arredondo finished in fortieth, followed by Paolo Katanchi and Dominic Rizzo in forty-third and forty-fourth respectively. The final team scorer, Angel Juarez, crossed the line :30 second behind his teammates in sixty-eighth place. Cuyamaca’s two displacers (scores that push other teams back in points), Elijah Jordan and Ian Prunty, finished seventy-seventh and one hundred fourteenth.

The Cuyamaca Men’s XC team scored two hundred and twenty points and finished seventh overall.

2023 3C2A State Championships will take place on November 18th, in Woodward Park in Fresno. The Women’s 5k race is scheduled for 10:00am with the Men’s 4-mile race scheduled for 11:00am.

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EL CAJON – Military Times magazine has ranked Cuyamaca College 80th in the nation as Best for Vets: Colleges and 215th as Best for Vets: Employers. Cuyamaca College was the only San Diego County college or university in the top 100 of the magazines’ ratings of best colleges for veterans.

This is the second consecutive year that Cuyamaca College has been recognized by the magazine as a Best College for Veterans.

“The rankings reflect Cuyamaca’s commitment to support students and employees and meet them where they are,” Cuyamaca College President Jessica Robinson said. “Supporting our veterans and their families is core to our values of equity, excellence, and community. I want to extend my deep gratitude to our Veterans Center team for their unwavering commitment to our military and military-affiliated students.”

About the Rankings:

Each year for the last 10 years, the survey has been sent to colleges and universities across the nation asking about programs and services for veterans. The survey results are then analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Employer rankings are based on the results of a voluntary survey that asks companies about their policies, practices and benefits for veterans and their families.

Both surveys capture the areas of greatest importance to transitioning service members, veterans, and their families when looking for a college or employer. The Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive annual ranking of schools for military service members and veterans. The 2023 rankings, methodology, and more information can be found on the Best for Vets website: bestforvets.com

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Melvyn McGowan is currently enrolled as a student at Cuyamaca College as well as its sister school, Grossmont College, studying CADD Technology. In Spring 2023, McGowan received a Promise Plus scholarship specifically for students who are returning to college later in life with the goal of improving workforce opportunities.

We interviewed Melvyn to find out about his experience here at Cuyamaca College and what it means to be a recipient of the Promise Plus scholarship.

Tell us a little about your background and your journey to Cuyamaca College.

I am originally from the Tampa Florida area. I’ve lived all over the country, but more recently in San Diego, since 2018. I’m a poker dealer, currently. I found out about Cuyamaca College because my stepson just graduated high school and was starting his college journey… We found out that Cuyamaca and Grossmont offered the Promise Scholarship to get two free years of college. I already had a little bit of background in what I’m studying right now, so I decided that maybe It’s time to go back to school and refresh my skills.

What are your career goals and how is Cuyamaca helping you get there?

I studied CADD technology and drafting back in high school, but that was back in 95’. I’m basically coming back to school to refresh myself in software, learn new technologies. My career goals are to eventually find work in the field of building design or manufacturing technology that I can do remotely. That way, I can stay home with my young daughter, or we can travel without being tied down to a single place.

How will your scholarship help you this semester?

The Promise Plus scholarship helped me out, because I needed a new laptop in order to run the software I’m using this semester. (The scholarship) went a great deal towards the cost of funding the laptop and other items needed for that.

What does it mean to you to be selected to receive a Promise Plus scholarship?

Being selected for the Promise Plus scholarship means a lot to me, because of my age and time commitments being able to maintain the GPA to qualify for the scholarship is something I’m proud of. Life is expensive, especially here in California, and every little bit helps. I have a three-year-old daughter and a nineteen-year-old stepson, and our family is not cheap to run. Every little bit of money helps students like me come back to school.

Any final thoughts?

This goes out to those of you that feel that going back to school may not be within your reach, or that you may be too old to start over and try again: I’m forty-six years old, this is my second year in college, and I do not regret going back to school whatsoever. I’ve learned so much, and I know that it’s going to make a better future for myself and my family. So even if you can only attend school part-time and take a few classes, always improve yourself. Educate yourself and do what you can for your lifestyle and your abilities to earn an income.

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