Gary Soto visits Napa Valley College

Prolific author Gary Soto spoke on campus November 18th to students and the campus community. After an eloquent introduction from college president Dr. Chris McCarthy, he read from his books and took questions from an enthusiastic audience that packed the theatre. Soto's engaging manner on stage--often playing the part of his characters and moving energetically across the stage--captivated an audience ranging from middle-school and college students to faculty and staff. The author also made himself available before and after the event when he spoke individually with students and signed his books. Soto was equally impressed with his audience saying that he very much enjoyed visiting our community and especially talking to students who have read his work. The event was sponsored by the college's honor society, Beta Beta Sigma, the English department, and the Puente Program.

Puente Program students read Soto's A Summer Life this semester.

November 1, 2008 Puente Motivational Conference

This last Saturday, this year's Puente students as well as two phase 3 students and the Puente team, attended the Puente Motivational conference held at UC Davis.  Students listened to motivational speeches from transfer students and the keynote speaker, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, President of Cosumnes River College.

 

The students also enjoyed a talent show and attended transfer and general topic workshops.

A very early morning on the bus to Davis.

Christina Rivera, Puente Mentor Coordinator

Student Christina Barron and Puente English Instructor, Cathy Gillis

Getting settled in Freeborn Hall, UC Davis

Dr. Fred Wood, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Frank Garcia, Executive Director, Puente Project

Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, President, Cosumnes River College

The Puente team: Marina Lira, Puente Counselor, Cathy Gillis, Puente Instructor, Christina Rivera, Puente Mentor Coordinator (and students Francisco and Soledad)

Malaquias Montoya, Art professor at UC Davis, was commissioned to design the new Puente poster.  Here he unveils the poster and explains its significance.

Puente student, Jenny, goes up to ask a question of the transfer panel

Explosion! The ending talent show for all Puente students

Arriving back in Napa in the late afternoon