On December 3, 2024, I welcomed over 100 attendees to the inaugural Partners and Pancakes Breakfast at the IVC at ATEP campus, launching our yearlong 40th-anniversary celebration. The event brought together employers, advisory board members, community partners, alumni, students, faculty, and staff to honor IVC’s legacy of student empowerment, workforce innovation, and community impact.
For the past 40 years, IVC has represented opportunity, hope, and progress for countless students who have earned their degrees and certificates, pursued fulfilling careers, and/or transferred to top universities across the nation. This journey has shown us that IVC’s success stems from a collective effort, rooted in the strong partnerships between our college and the community.
Since 1985 when IVC became the 105th California Community College, we have uplifted and delivered on our mission to offer clear and guided pathways to transfer opportunities, certificates, associate degrees, employment, and further education. The significant number of degrees and certificates conferred by IVC since its inception in 1985—35,097 degrees and 26,836 certificates—demonstrates a profound and lasting impact on both the college and the surrounding community. This achievement underscores IVC’s role as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, social mobility, and regional economic development.
Each degree and certificate represents a person whose life has been transformed through the opportunities and support provided by our instructional programs and services. Additionally, they represent a collective celebration of institutional achievements and a compelling narrative of individual and community impact.
What does this mean to the communities we serve?
Economic Growth: With nearly 62,000 degrees and certificates conferred, IVC has contributed to a skilled and educated workforce that directly benefits the local and regional economy. Graduates who secure higher-paying jobs bring financial stability to their families and reinvest in the community.
Social Mobility: Many IVC graduates are first-generation college students, and these credentials represent life-changing opportunities. They open doors to better employment, higher education, and a brighter future for individuals and families.
Civic Contribution: Educated individuals are more likely to engage in civic activities, volunteerism, and leadership roles within the community, fostering a culture of involvement and collective progress.
Regional Stability: The impact of IVC extends beyond individual lives by contributing to a more educated and resilient population. This ensures the long-term sustainability of businesses, industries, and local organizations.
The cumulative effect of these degrees and certificates reinforces IVC as a cornerstone of community growth and empowerment. It symbolizes not only individual success stories but also the broader, transformative role that education plays in shaping a thriving and inclusive society. This incredible impact would not be possible without the dedication, passion, and hard work of our college employees, whose individual and collective efforts continue to transform lives and strengthen our community—thank you for being the heart of this ongoing success.
Best,
John