LA Pierce College Brahma Beat - Issue 116
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Reaching for the Stars: Rodrigo Juarez’s Journey at Pierce College
When Rodrigo Juarez walked onto the Pierce College campus three years ago, he wasn’t sure exactly where his future was headed. Today, the chemistry major knows exactly what he’s reaching for: the stars—literally. With plans to transfer to a four-year university in 2026 and pursue a career in aerospace chemistry, Rodrigo is combining his love of science with his fascination for space exploration.
That clarity didn’t come overnight. In high school, Rodrigo discovered his passion for chemistry after a teacher opened his eyes to how deeply the subject touches daily life. But it wasn’t until he became active in Pierce’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program that his dream of applying chemistry to aerospace began to take shape.
Pierce College Showcases Brahma Pride at San Fernando Valley College Fair
Pierce College participated in the 2025 San Fernando Valley Goes to College Fair at Mission College on Saturday, September 20, where the Brahma spirit was on full display. The event drew hundreds of high school students and their families from across the region, offering an important opportunity to showcase all that Pierce has to offer.
Throughout the day, Pierce College faculty, staff, and student ambassadors engaged with attendees, answering questions about academic programs, career education, student support services, and campus life. The energy at the LAPC tables was contagious, with many visitors walking away inspired by the college’s welcoming community, strong transfer pathways, and career-focused programs.
Pierce College Expands Credit for Prior Learning Opportunities
Pierce College is strengthening its commitment to student success by expanding opportunities for students to earn credit for what they already know. During the 2024–2025 academic year, Pierce faculty collaborated with Interim Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Coordinator, Cristina Castelo Rodriguez, to develop nearly 70 new CPL opportunities. These include credit-by-exam, portfolio review, recognition of industry credentials and military training.
This local effort aligns with a broader statewide initiative led by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to expand CPL access across the state by 2030. To explore how your course could offer Credit for Prior Learning or to learn more about CPL at Pierce College contact Cristina Castelo Rodriguez at rodrigcc@piercecollege.edu or visit our CPL website.
UPCOMING EVENT AND HIGHLIGHTS ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS / ASSISTANCE
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, join LAPC in the Multicultural Center (LLC 5110) for Latine Heritage Month: Papel Picado. Learn about the history and cultural importance of papel picado and get hands‑on creating your own designs—materials will be provided.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the ASO Concert Series presents “Mental Health for Musicians” with guest speaker Daniel Keller in the Performing Arts Building. This unique session blends live performance with a conversation on the challenges and strategies for maintaining mental health in the music industry. Students, faculty, and music lovers alike are encouraged to attend this free event.
In the days leading up to the September 30, 2025 deadline, the LAPC Transfer Center is offering in‑person and Zoom support to assist students with their University of California Transfer Admission Guarantee (UC TAG) applications. Help is available Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Students can drop by the Transfer Center or connect remotely for guidance. The final deadline to submit the UC TAG application for Fall 2026 is Tuesday, September 30, by 11:59 PM.
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Support Brahma Athletes at These Upcoming Competitions
Show your Brahma pride and cheer on our student-athletes at these exciting upcoming matches. Whether on campus or away, your support from the sidelines helps energize every play. Mark your calendars and come be part of the action!
Men’s Soccer @ SD Miramar — Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 2:42 PM to 4:00 PM (off‑campus)
Women’s Soccer @ LA Harbor — Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (off‑campus)
Women’s Volleyball vs Citrus — Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (on campus)
Women’s Soccer @ Cuesta — Friday, September 26, 2025, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (off‑campus)
Women’s Volleyball vs Moorpark — Friday, September 26, 2025, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, on campus
Men’s Soccer — Friday, September 26, 2025, 6:00 to 8:00 PM on campus
Football vs Antelope Valley — Saturday, September 27, 2025, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, on campus
Let’s pack the stands and show our teams the strength of Brahma spirit!
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00, history comes alive at the Andres Pico Adobe in Mission Hills with “Pulp Non‑Fiction: How Citrus Shaped the San Fernando Valley.” Professor Brian Walsh will explore the surprising influence of the citrus industry on the region’s development—economically, culturally, and environmentally. This evening is hosted by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society at 10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills.
On Friday, September 26, 2025, from 11:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., International Student Services will host a field trip to the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills. Known for its bold pop art and immersive exhibits, the museum highlights the work of renowned artist Thierry Guetta, also known as Mr. Brainwash. Transportation from Pierce College will be provided, and admission is free, though students are responsible for their own food and drinks.
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, join us in the Performance Arts Building on campus for ASO Concerts: Richard An. Richard An will be performing as part of the Associated Student Organization’s free concert series—come enjoy live music and support your peers.
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join us at The Great Hall on campus for the Meet Your Major Fair. This public event invites students to explore their academic options at Pierce College—meet faculty and department representatives, ask about career paths, coursework, and possible transfer universities.