Woodland Hills, California Volume 142 - Issue 13
May 28, 2025 Free Copy
LACCD celebrates Black graduates at Southwest College
By Melanie Somoza Reporter
Musicechoed through the brightly decorated gym walls, pulsing with African drums and dynamic dances, as Southwest City College hosted its annual Black Graduate Celebration on Thursday, May 22.
The energy surrounding the room reflected the triumphs of Black graduates from across many Los Angeles Community
College District schools and marked its 15th annual celebration this year.
The event was organized by the African American Outreach Initiative (AAOI), which began in 2008. Its mission is to support African American students, promote academic excellence and encourage enrollment throughout each student’s journey.
Graduating Chair Dione
Washington saw the celebration as an acknowledgment of the hard work that brought a diverse group of graduates to the
ceremony.
“We work so hard to get where we are, some students even come from other countries, and some are first-generation graduates,” Washington said.
“So we are celebrating those accomplishments here today because they deserve the biggest party in the world.”
After the graduates took their seats, LACCD Trustee Nichelle Henderson took the stage to remind students of their historical strength and collective resilience, and addressed the challenges
The LACCD Black Graduate Celebration at Lakin Fitness & Wellness Center in Southwest College in Los Angeles, on May 22 2025.
Black people have faced. Henderson also reflected on the legacy of Malcolm X, highlighting what would have
“It’s showing that Black people, Black women can succeed and make it.”
Summer Jackson Cosmetology Graduate
been his 100th birthday last week. She connected his message of empowerment to the graduates’ journey, reminding them of the power to lead change.
“I want you all to know that we’ve been here before, and we made it through,” Henderson
said.
Henderson concluded her speech with the reading of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” a poem that has long stood as a symbol of hope and perseverance.
For students such as cosmetology graduate Summer Jackson, the celebration was a declaration of identity, pride and self-worth.
“It’s our pride,” Jackson said. “It’s showing that Black people, Black women, can succeed and make it.”
For some, the celebration wasn’t just about diplomas, but about honoring the determination that carried the students to the end. For cosmetology graduate Anjola Diya, reaching the milestone was about more than academics.
“We’re celebrating ourselves,” Diya said. “Being able to make it to the finish line has been my proudest moment.”
Alyssa Lupercio / Roundup News
Rashad Muhammad/ Roundup News
Victor Montiel / Roundup News
Victor Montiel / Roundup News
LACCD faculty follow Chancellor Alberto Roman (left) in a procession at the Black Graduate Celebration at Lakin Fitness and Wellness Center in Southwest College in Los Angeles, on May 22 2025.
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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup Students should have Guaranteed Basic Income
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) has recently announced an initiative known as Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) for students pursuing healthcare careers. This initiative would provide $3 million worth of monthly payments for LACCD students.
Having this initiative open to other students and campuses can aid many students pursuing careers outside of healthcare. Community college students often have challenges that include food scarcity, homelessness, single-parent families and first-generation students.
In the LACCD, 50.7% of students are considered low-income, 45% are first generation, 55% suffer from housing insecurity, 62.7% suffer from food insecurity and 19% are homeless.
While the initiative has just taken place as of November, it is currently only available to 250 students at four district colleges: East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles City College, LA Trade-Technical College, and Los Angeles Southwest College. Programs such as GBI should be on all nine campuses.
According to ABC Eyewitness News, this initiative is being funded through the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation ($3,175,000) and the Young Adults Forward ($867,500) fund. The program’s goals are meant to bridge the gap between financial aid, wages and students’ cost of living.
In the LACCD, 72.7% are considered part time. Bridging the gap and providing aid for students can help raise graduation rates and help students focus on their academics. Financial burden can be overwhelming, and
working tends to be the main focus for many students to fund their living situations.
According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid and Administrators, 85% of adults who stopped attending or never enrolled in higher education programs did so due to the cost of attendance.
GBI can help students avoid taking out student loans and can help students provide for their daily life and focus on their higher education.
According to LAist, the payments are free from conditions, and students receive debit cards with the funds loaded on them. Students can use the payments for anything they need to relieve their financial burden.
That is why the district should expand GBI to all students.
A look into the archives: 70+ years of the Roundup
OnMay 28, 1964, the Pierce College Roundup published Volume 26, Number 27. In this issue, it was reported that the men’s baseball team had played their most successful season up to that point.
Corrections?
Email us at newsroom.roundupnews@ gmail.com
The head coach for that season was Bill Ford and the overall record was 30-9. Pierce moved onto the championship game of Southern Cal defeating Imperial Valley College, 6-2.
They would lose to Mt San Antonio College, 11-7. However, the Bulls still finished the Western State Conference with a record of 9-3.
According to the Roundup, the opposing league coaches “thought so much of Pierce” they voted to give the All-Conference recognition for the starting line-up.
The player averages for the season were .410 for first baseman Buddy Gordon, who was the leading hitter, left fielder Milt Logan was second with a .331 average, followed by right fielder Vance Proctor at .303.
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April 8, 2020 - File Photo:
Photo Illustration by Kevin Lnedio
Online finals offer flexibility
Should finals be online only? Online finals enable dishonesty
their exam.
By Alyssa Lupercio Reporter
Finals week is a high stress time for most college students. They spend all semester working on turning in assignments and this is the final one that their whole grade may depend on.
So having exams online helps students perform to their full potential by giving them a chance to choose what time and place works best for them, while also caring for their mental wellbeing before and after finals.
With the uncertainty of not
Taking exams online allows students to be more flexible to attend to their needs. Usually for final exams, there are set time limits that might be difficult for some students. They may need extra study time, or have a different schedule from their set exam time. If final exams are online, this would give students the opportunity to retain and go over all the information needed and go at their own pace.
According to a research paper written by Selcuk Karaman on Academic Journals, “Furthermore, online testing allows students to take their exam at any time of day that better coincides with their preferred sleep/wake cycle, resulting in better exam performance.” Students should be well rested before an exam and given the extra time to take
By Joseph Acuña Reporter
Finals are the natural end to a semester, showcasing cumulative knowledge, testing critical thinking and Quizlet expertise. The future is now, old man.
Having final exams held only online would be a mistake, lessening the importance of a degree.
requires a webcam feed to be rotated, showing the student’s surrounding area in a 360 degree turn and even asking to see under their seating area to show no outside sources helping them.
An audio and video recording is made of the person taking the test as well as a recording of their screen, validating their trustworthiness, but it only goes so far.
How do you destress for your finals?
Online exams are beneficial for both students and instructors.
Most online exams allow test scores to be visible right after it is submitted. This makes it easier when it comes to grading for professors because they don’t
successful on a test.” Taking an exam online allows students to find a comfortable space to take the exam, which can result in a higher grade compared to if they are stressed. Students will be able to use their judgement and find a place that will be free of distractions to successfully finish
For students, it helps put their minds at ease knowing their test scores right after and not having to worry whether they passed. According to an article on The Conversation, “In fact, research shows students are more stressed while waiting for their results than after finding out they have
Tests taken online, no matter what the rule is, are now an opennote free-for-all. Proctoring can only go so far. Previously, an open-note test made a question a critical thinking exercise. Not having questions taken directly from a textbook tested understanding, deciphering what’s being asked to express an answer into someone’s own words. From experience, tests taken online tend to be multiple choice, and the sophistication through sites such as Quizlet, Chegg, Course Hero or the abused ChatGPT, turns the student into nothing more than a middle-man.
The attention span on average is 47 seconds before switching to another screen, according to Chancellor’s Professor of Informatics at the University of California Gloria Mark during an interview with Steve Parton for Singularity (su.org) on Nov. 14, 2022.
“I feel like getting a good night’s sleep and taking care of my mental health is good for finals.”
“And that’s the average. The median is 40 seconds,” said Mark. “Attention spans are shrinking.”
Reviews.org in 2024 did a report showing that the average American checks their phone 205 times a day and this is only rising, an increase of 42% from 2023.
YuJa proclaimed on their website as the “verity test proctoring platform providing secure live and automated proctoring for institutions of all sizes,” isn’t something that is comfortably downloaded by everyone, such as Zoom. A major difference is that YuJa
So why is this important? Yuja only monitors what is being accessed on a person’s computer and whatever it can see from the webcam. A phone could easily bypass any of this proctoring protection the extension applies.
So, if people aren’t able to stay off their phone when going from point A to B, why wouldn’t a student use theirs to avoid an F.
“Usually, I listen to music or draw something and go through flash cards.”
“I like to take a 20-minute to an hour break to get my mind off of it and lock in an hour or two later.”
“I journal my thoughts and make sure I’m on top of everything.”
Interviews by David Cohen
Photos by John Cordova
Emileo Carreon - Broadcasting Major
Monika Mkrtchyan - Biology Major
Lucy Teodoro - Pre-Vet Major
Noelani Herrera - Psychology Major
Model Adrian Hernandez
Photo Illustration by Dominic Borja
Pierce College Council discusses upcoming campus events
By Alyssa Lupercio Reporter
Asthe last few weeks of the spring semester are approaching, the Pierce College Council Chair Brian Gendron discussed schoolrelated events, enrollment updates and the preparation for Pierce College’s 77th Commencement Ceremony in a Zoom meeting on Thursday, May 22.
Gendron read the report that was shared with him by the Diversity Committee.
“Multicultural Day took place on Wednesday, April 23, and was overall a big success,” Gendron said.
“Eighteen workshops were held on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, and the planning group wanted to thank participating faculty and those who encouraged students to attend the event, as well as our collaborators, the ASO, Guided Pathways, President Aguiar and the Faculty Union.”
The committee
acknowledged the presenters that performed at the Multicultural Day event, such as the Sisters of the One Drum that invited the audience to join them in performing.
“We had overwhelming positive evaluations from the students who attended and
next school year.
Dean of Student Services
William Marmolejo shared an enrollment summary for the spring semester.
“Our headcount was 16, 282,” Marmolejo said. “We had a larger headcount than the previous two years.”
“We had overwhelming positive evaluations from the students who attended and positive feedback from newly participating faculty who are interested in continuing next year.”
Brian Gendron
Pierce College Council Chair
positive feedback from newly participating faculty who are interested in continuing next year,” Gendron said.
The planning group hopes to brainstorm new themes and interactive activities for the
Marmolejo said the projected enrollment for spring is 36,812, and he shared that the section count was more efficient this year than it was last year.
“We are offering just the
right number of classes to maximize our enrollment,” Marmolejo said. Associated Students Orginization President Jasmine Minchez discussed ASO events that have been happening around campus as well as upcoming ones. She mentioned the Memorial BBQ Fundraiser by the Veterans Club at the Mall, scheduled for Thursday, May 29.
Also, Minchez shared that ASO is working on making sure students are informed and prepared for the commencement ceremony.
A strategy they are using is posting information on social media, such as Instagram, so students have easy access to the school-related events and dates they need.
The next PCC meeting will be on Thursday, June 26, and is accessible on Zoom.
An alleged hit and run traffic collision was reported in Parking Lot 7 on May 21.
instance of alleged sexual battery was reported on May 22, in the Center for The Sciences Room 91002.
crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office.
Reporting by
Gerardo Escobar
Music Department organizes showcase for student performers
By Zamourad Iqbal Reporter
Pierce College’s Music Department organized a musical showcase concert, and the students participated to highlight their singing skills on Saturday, May 29, in the Music Building 3400.
Music Professor Garineh Avakian spoke about why a musical showcase concert was important for the Pierce community.
“I think this is a must for someone in my position in the music department to show and build community and make sure that the students have that opportunity and experience,” Avakian said. “This is not even part of my curriculum, but I am going above and beyond for the students and the program. It also lets the Pierce community and their friends and family know that, hey, there’s talent here.”
Applied Music Instructor Ryan Espinosa described what he enjoyed the most from his students’ performances.
“I really enjoyed a few of the performances that I felt integrated, not only their voices but also just a little bit of everything, movement, any next-level things, like physical expression,” Espinosa said. “I don’t know if I have a favorite one. It’s like asking a parent what a favorite child is.”
Espinosa also expressed how he felt witnessing his students’ musical journey growth.
May 24, 2025.
“I was very impressed because I know some of these students and have seen them from when they were still developing their voices to now, so I could hear the improvement,” Espinosa said.
Music major Lindsay Lopez sang “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story.
“I hope they feel like the hope of love, the hope of being
alive, that there is another day that they can feel better about themselves, even if it’s not today, even if it’s something, like your face, your dress, or even your smile,” Lopez said.
Music major Aviva Snir talked about what she enjoyed about being on stage.
“I like applause, and everyone likes attention a little bit,” Snir said. “I particularly
ASO hosts graduation cap decorating
By Elizabeth Tirheimer Reporter
College Associated Student Organization (ASO) hosted its annual Grad Fest in the Student Engagement Center on Thursday, May 22, to create a one-stop shop for students.
With graduation approaching on June 10, students got the opportunity to decorate their grad caps with supplies provided by ASO. There was also a station where students could decorate a plain white shirt or plain trucker hat as memorabilia.
STEM major Maria Portillo expressed how it feels to be able to come to an event like this and decorate her grad cap.
“It feels nice, I’m here with my friend decorating the caps, and it’s nice we can bounce off ideas and it’s just a nice time to be here,” Portillo said.
Cognitive science major Elaine Young explained why
she decided to decorate her cap for graduation.
“I think it’s all for fun and looks, it’s really cute,” Young said. “Also, from far away I feel your family can recognize you easier than if the cap was just black and other people have on black caps.”
Students were able to pick up their honors and transfer cords if they are eligible, along with the opportunity to ring a bell to celebrate their transferring.
Young shared how it feels to be able to come and creatively celebrate graduation by decorating her cap.
“It’s wonderful. I feel like people usually don’t really know what to do or don’t know if they have the supplies to,” Young said. “It gives us students an opportunity to just come by and decorate if we want to. There’s a lot of supplies here. Since it’s such a long time frame, too, I think it gives students time to come over.”
ASO Adviser Lara Conrady Wong elaborated on why the event took place in the Student Engagement Center rather than the stadium this year, and what she’d do differently in years to come.
“The thing I would adjust for next year would be to make it the whole day, so that we can catch as many students as possible,” Wong said. “The main reason we had it down here, not up there, is for students to have ease and access to these things during a really stressful time when they’re trying to finish and getting transcripts and doing all these other things. Everything is here in this one space.”
Wong expressed what it means to her to see students be able to express themselves through their caps and T-shirts.
“ASO is proud of them. It’s one way we can show our support for graduates, and it’s a really fun thing that students do together,” Wong said.
enjoy it on stage. I’ve always loved music. I grew up around a lot of it. I always figured I would end up there.”
Avakian felt proud of her students for their dedication.
“The thing I am most proud of is that nobody truly crashed and burned,” Avakian said.
“Many of these students had some anxiety issues throughout the semester, but
everyone delivered, and they went above and beyond their limits. So I’m proud of them.” Snir shared what she wanted the audience to take away from her performance.
“It’s not as scary as it seems on stage, and if you want to do something, go for it, especially in an environment like this one where everyone is so supportive,” Snir said.
Christine Duglas sings at the Pierce College Musical Showcase in the Music Building 3400 at Pierce college in Woodland Hills Calif., on
Rashad Muhammad / Roundup News
Brian Khoury / Roundup News STEM and behavioral science major Maria Portillo decorates her graduation cap in the Student Engagement Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 22.
Adventures in the heart of green gardens
From rare succulents to cutting-edge propagation techniques, botany students were able to visit the second-largest botanical garden in the world. Visiting the Huntington garden was a first for many of them.
During the tour, students had the opportunity to explore several fascinating areas, such as the Tissue Culture Lab, the Desert Plants Nursery and the Tropical Nursery. Each stop offered a hands-on glimpse into the beauty and complexity of plant science.
The day was filled with discovery and learning.
Copy by Gelareh Behdad
(Left to Right) Horticulture students Kaitlyn Satter, Eteri Solomko and Conor Ray look at specimens in the tissue culture grow room at The Huntington gardens in San Marino, Calif., on May 23, 2025. Photo by Gelareh Behdad
RIGHT: (Left to Right) Curator Dylan P. Hannon speaks about plants to horticulture students Danny Phan, Chirag Dixit and Conor Ray in the tropical greenhouse at The Huntington gardens in San Marino, Calif., on May 23, 2025. Photo by Gelareh Behdad
MIDDLE: (Left to Right) Horticulture students Lucille Whitesell and Maxim Reche look at plants in the desert plants greenhouse at The Huntington gardens in San Marino, Calif., on May 23, 2025. Photo by Gelareh Behdad
BOTTOM: Botanical Collections Associate Director Sean Lahmeyer speaks to students at The Huntington gardens in San Marino, Calif., on May 23, 2025. Photo by Gelareh Behdad
LEFT: