Bridges to the Baccalaureate scholar Emmanuel Gutierrez-Alfonzo from San Diego Mesa College was recently honored at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science annual National Research Conference in Long Beach, California for his chemistry research.

The research that received the top undergraduate chemistry award at the Oct. 13-15 conference was conducted by Gutierrez-Alfonzo and his partner Jose Rizo, a former Mesa College Bridges scholar and current student studying molecular synthesis and pharmacological chemistry at University of California, San Diego.

San Diego Mesa College Dance Company will present their fall dance concert “Visions in Movement” Nov. 3-5, with performances in the Joan B. Kroc Theater each night at 7:30 p.m.

With almost 60 dancers performing in the 14 faculty choreographed pieces, the show will highlight a variety of dance styles, to include hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, modern and African fusion.

Alma Fuentes, a Custodial Crew Leader in the Facilities Department at San Diego Mesa College, has been recognized by the Committee for Diversity Action, Inclusion and Equity for having October’s “Smile of the Month.”

According to CDAIE Chair Judy Sundayo, the Smile of the Month was created in June 2016 as an informal way to recognize and honor the diversity, depth and humanity of employees at Mesa College.

“The person who suggested Alma Fuentes to be honored was impressed by her smile, her readiness to engage and help others and her commitment to her job and the campus as a whole,” Sundayo said.

Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe will visit San Diego Mesa College to speak to students, faculty and staff about the “Importance of Empathy” on Oct. 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in LRC 435.

Author of “Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies: On Myths, Morons, Free Speech, Football, and Assorted Absurdities,” Kluwe is not only known for his work on the football field, but also for his writing and outspoken nature in regards to the ethical treatment of others. His role as an ally for equality was first brought into the mainstream light after writing a scathing open letter on Deadspin.com to Maryland state delegate Emmet C. Burns Jr.

San Diego Mesa College stock clerk Jesse Reyes was presented with two awards from the Philippine American Press Club in San Francisco on Oct. 7 for his work as a writer at the San Diego-based Filipino Press.

The Plaridel Awards – presented by Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr., an ambassador to the Philippines – honors journalists for the excellence of their work within the field of Filipino-American journalism.

During the PAPC awards ceremony, he was presented with an award in the category for “Best International News Reporting” for his article on the Czech involvement in the WWII Battle of Bataan. He also received an award for “Best Sports Story” for an article about late Philippine basketball player Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga, and Reyes was a finalist in the category of “Best Commentary/Editorial Essay” for an editorial about the Filipino community helping Syrian refugees.

“Why We Collect,” an art exhibit featuring work from renowned artists of the 20th century, will open at the San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery Thursday, Oct. 13 with a reception at 4:30 p.m. in D-101, followed by a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. in G-102.

Curator Kraig Cavanaugh is an adjunct instructor at Mesa College who teaches art history and color theory. He describes the idea of the exhibition as a grassroots effort to make art more accessible to students and the local art community, and to show that you don’t need to be rich to be an art collector.

Spirit Week is taking over San Diego Mesa College campus this week, and as faculty, staff and students start to don their blue and gold, there are plenty of activities to celebrate with.

Festivities start off early in the week with the Spirit Week Office Decorating Contest, the goal of which is to feature the school’s Olympian pride and spirit to increase a sense of community for the students. This year, eight departments on campus will be competing to win an office pizza party, $50 Mesa Café gift card or a basket of office treats for first, second and third prize respectively. The contest will be judged on Wednesday, Oct. 12, with winners being announced Thursday during the pep rally.

Local high school students were welcomed to join students from San Diego Mesa College as part of the school’s SEEDS (STEM Engagement for Enrichment of Diverse Students) Scholars Program’s second annual Sustainability Summit on Sept. 30.

A total of 94 students attended the event – a combination of 49 students from Kearny High School, Mission Bay Senior High School and James Madison High School, with 45 students from Mesa College. Some Mesa students participated in the Sustainability Summit by facilitating various sessions throughout the day, the Mesa College Ambassadors gave campus tours for the high school students throughout the day and other students were attendees learning about sustainability.