Milpitas Mayor and San José City College alum Richard Tran was born in San José and grew up in the Valley with his mother and older sister. After graduating from Milpitas High School, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. Eventually, he decided to attend City College after high school. That’s where everything started…
San José City College Centennial: McArthur Hoang
Growing up in San José, McArthur ‘Mac’ Hoang was a foster youth with a difficult childhood. After aging out of foster care, he occasionally attended college around the Bay Area, but he wasn’t serious about it until he went to San José City College in 2014. Starting in double remedial classes, it’s thanks to those…
San José City College Centennial: The Nakaso Family
San José City College is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. We are bringing you stories of those who are a part of its long history. The Nakaso family has been a part of City College since the early 60’s when former City College athletic instructor, Sam Nakaso, brought his wife, former Admissions office employee, Hiko Nakaso,…
San José City College Centennial: Nghi Ung
San José City College student, Nghi Ung, immigrated to the United States from Vietnam with her family when she was around twelve years old. She had a very hard childhood in Vietnam. But moving to the U.S. was the first step that began to turn things around for her and her family. After going to…
San José City College Centennial: Dr. Chui L. Tsang
Dr. Chui L. Tsang was San José City College’s president for nine years starting in 1998. Born in Hong Kong, he moved to the United States after high school to go to college where he first became interested in education. He saw City College through many building renovations, including the César Chávez library, and helped strengthen ties with Latino and Vietnamese American communities. His passion for diversifying City College and making it relevant to its surrounding communities can be felt to this day.
San José City College Centennial: Opal
Meet SJCC alumna Opal, a musical, rose loving, bridge climbing engineer who toured the Sydney Opera House. She began her journey at San José City College.
San José City College Centennial: Jorge Arellano
San José City College alum, Jorge Arellano, is currently the Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement at Alpha Public Schools in San José. From his time at City College, he developed the vision of becoming a teacher and then a principal in underserved communities. For over 20 years now, he has lived out that vision…
San José City College Centennial: Alva Long
A father of four, Alva Long came to San José City College after he decided to switch careers in 2010. Almost five degrees and over ten years later, he is about to graduate and transfer to eventually get his teaching certificate. He hopes to come back to City College and teach community college students. We…
San José City College Centennial: Sam Huerta
When Sam Huerta first started as the football and wrestling coach at San José City College in 1968, he lived across the street from the college and could run home for lunch. Once the 280 freeway was built, he knew it was time to move to another house. Much has changed over the 52 years…
San José City College Centennial: Maria Kawaura
San José City College student, Maria Kawaura, started at SJCC in 2015 because it was the only community college in the area with a Humanities program. Because of an inspiring ethnic studies instructor, she changed her major. She will be transferring to San Francisco State this fall to major in Ethnic Studies and minor in…