Irvine Valley College (IVC) officially broke ground on the most ambitious construction projects in its 40-year history: a new Student Services Center and Student Union. IVC and the South Orange County Community College District welcomed the college and the community to mark the occasion, with officials symbolically turning soil with gold shovels—a nod to the college’s four decades of service and its bold leap into the future.

Summer Serpas 
Professor of English
Coordinator of The Hub: Center for Professional Learning

Professor Summer Serpas is the embodiment of the Caring Campus philosophy—leading with empathy, purpose, and a relentless focus on student success. Through her innovative and equity-driven initiatives, she has redefined what it means to create a truly student-centered learning environment.

Brooke Bui
Dean of Liberal Arts 

IVC is proud to celebrate Dr. Brooke Bui, Dean of Liberal Arts, who has been named Irvine Valley College’s (IVC) 2025 Manager of the Year—an honor that recognizes her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to equity, and profound impact on the IVC community.

Larisa Korepanova 
Program Specialist
School of Languages and Learning Resources  

“It’s to everyone’s benefit to learn about real estate,” says Rick Boone, a professor and chair of the Real Estate program at Irvine Valley College (IVC).  “Regardless if we are renters or homeowners, we all have to live somewhere – so it’s essential to learn about the legalities and nuances of the real estate industry.” 

Full-Time Teacher of the Year:

Thomas Cullen
Instructor, Chemistry
School of Physical Sciences and Technologies 

Irvine Valley College proudly honors Professor Thomas Cullen as the 2025 Outstanding Full-Time Teacher of the Year for his dynamic contributions to teaching, student engagement, and science education both on campus and in the community.

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Anibal Seminario has big plans for Irvine Valley College’s (IVC) jazz program. 

IVC Research and Planning Analyst Kevin Hsu has been named a 2025 RP Group Rising Star Award recipient, honoring his early-career leadership in institutional research, planning, and effectiveness (IRPE).