As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve shared. Together, we have embraced challenges, celebrated achievements, and strengthened the bonds that make IVC such a vibrant and inclusive community. Your dedication—whether in classrooms, offices, or virtual spaces—has been the foundation of our success.
This season is a time to honor the diversity that defines us. Our community brings together a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives, which we deeply value. Each one of us contributes to the spirit of belonging that makes IVC a place where everyone can thrive.
The holidays also remind us of the importance of family traditions—those rituals, big or small, that connect us to our roots and to one another. Whether gathering around a special meal, sharing stories, or enjoying a cherished activity, traditions help us preserve meaning across generations. One tradition I’ve cherished since childhood is the gathering of my extended family. Although we have lost many of our elders, including my parents, my cousins and I continue to come together on Christmas Day to honor their memory and strengthen the deep bonds that unite us. Remarkably, the menu remains the same over the years. We have even recorded the recipes perfected by those who have passed, ensuring the authentic flavors of our Cuban meal live on.
The holidays also offer an opportunity to pause and recharge. I encourage you to take time to unplug, rest, and reconnect with what matters most—family, friends, and yourself. Stepping away from the pace and routines of daily life allows us to return renewed and better prepared for what lies ahead.
Let a renewed sense of hope and possibility define our journey into 2026, where we can learn, grow, and innovate together as one unified community. I look forward to what we will accomplish as we continue to build a future rooted in excellence, equity, and collaboration.
Thank you for all you do to make Irvine Valley College extraordinary. Wishing you peace, joy, and renewal this holiday season—and a bright, promising year ahead.
Warm regards,
John Hernandez