More than 160 community members, business leaders, and elected officials attended Long Beach Community College District Superintendent-President Dr. Reagan Ferragamo Romali’s State of the College address today, July 18. In her keynote speech, Romali celebrated 2018-2019 academic and athletic accomplishments, as well as announcing two new centers that will serve the students at Long Beach City College starting in the fall. 

“Because of the hard work of our students, as well as the tireless contributions of faculty and staff, we saw an increase of 30 percent in graduation compared to last year,” said Romali. “If you include certificates, we increased our total awards by 82 percent.”

Other highlights from the State of the College address:

• The costs for this year’s State of the College event was significantly less than in previous years. The savings will be used to open up two new centers. A Multi-Cultural Center will serve as a resource center for African American, LatinX, Asian Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ and other students at LBCC. The Office of Basic Needs will assist students with housing, food insecurities, and transportation. Both are expected to open in fall 2019.
• Romali announced the revival of LBCC’s Trades programs. New and revised programs that will start this fall include construction technology, automotive technology, advanced transportation, engineering technology, welding and electrical.
• Construction projects completed in the 2018-2019 academic year included the renovated English Building and Building D at the Liberal Arts Campus
• Viking athletics saw another rewarding year, including a State Championship, won by the Men’s Volleyball Team.

Other speakers at the State of the College address included Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees President Sunny Zia and LBCC alumnus Ryan Vane.