Top 10 news stories of 2025

December 3, 2025 | Char O'Connor - San Diego Community College District
13 people use shovels to dig up some dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony.

A groundbreaking was held on Thursday, May 8 for the $50 million renovation of the Educational Cultural Complex's historic theater.

What a year it’s been for the San Diego Community College District. From launching major Measure HH building projects to expanding opportunities through new partnerships, and cultivating student success, 2025 was filled with moments that celebrated progress and community. District resources, such as basic-needs programs and immigration-related support, helped foster an environment of belonging for all. 

There were 5 million page views on the SDCCD website this year and nearly 100,000 page views on NewsCenter alone, highlighting the community’s strong interest in district news and updates.

Here are the Top 10 most-read NewsCenter articles of 2025, showcasing the stories that captured attention and shaped conversations:

No. 10 - Chancellor’s Message: California Budget 2025-26

565 page views
At the beginning of the year, SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith shared insights on the state budget and its implications for SDCCD’s future. His message detailed a projected modest surplus, a proposed 2.43% COLA, and enrollment growth funding.

A student wearing a blazer has a professional headshot photo taken in a photo studio during the career fair
The annual career fair offered professional headshots for students.

No. 9 -  Career Fest 2025

577 page views
Career Fest isn’t just a one-day event, but a series of career-related workshops to provide students with networking opportunities and resources to prepare for the workforce. Events included workshops on resume writing, finding an internship, improving interviewing skills, growing an online presence and more. All of which led up to the annual career fair in April. The fair gives students and opportunity to meet with over 100 employers in attendance. Students can look for announcements after the new year in their Canvas account for the Spring 2026 Career Fest.

 

SDCCD Chancellor and SDSU President sign the memorandum
San Diego State University President Adela de la Torre and SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith sign the memorandum of understanding.

No. 8 - SDCCD and SDSU Partner to Boost Transfers, Construct Shared Facility

637 page views
A groundbreaking partnership between SDCCD and San Diego State University aims to streamline transfers and create a shared educational space in Mission Valley. “It reflects our shared commitment to creating more seamless, well-supported transfer pathways, especially in high-demand fields like STEM. By bringing our institutions together in a shared space at SDSU Mission Valley, we are not just expanding access, we are building the kind of innovative public education environment our students and communities deserve.” said Susan Topham, Vice Chancellor, Educational Services and Executive Instruction Officer at SDCCD. 

 

 

Ashley Nell Tipton wearing jeans and a gray blazer in a sewing classroom
Fashion Designer Ashley Nell Tipton.

No. 7 - Designer Ashley Tipton joins faculty at College of Continuing Education

785 page views
Fashion designer Ashley Tipton joined the faculty at San Diego College of Continuing Education this spring, bringing industry expertise to the classroom and inspiring future creators. The winner of Project Runway Season 14, Tipton is now teaching Sewn Product Construction, Industrial Sewing Fundamentals, and Pattern Fitting. She described her teaching as a “full-circle moment” as she previously took classes through SDCCE to advance her own education and skills. Follow Ashley Tipton on Instagram

 

 

Two workers at City College's food pantry look through the food options available.
Students at the Knights’ Table Food Pantry at San Diego City College (City College photo).

No. 6 - Survey: Two Out of Three SDCCD Students Struggle with Food and/or Housing Insecurity

914 page views
This eye-opening survey highlighted the challenges faced by students and underscored the need for continued support services. The 2025 Real College Survey received responses from 77,000 students from 102 community colleges in California. Within the SDCCD, 3,700 students responded. Each of the colleges in the district offer resources for students who are struggling with food or housing insecurity. The colleges all have food pantries and maintain lists of local resources to support students in need of shelter or a meal. They also offer transit passes, gas cards, clothing, and emergency grants.

 

No. 5 - Free Application for Federal Student Aid and CA Dream Act is Now Open

962 page views

Applications for FAFSA and the California Dream Act for the 2026-27 academic year opened October 1. Financial aid gives more students additional opportunities to advance their educational goals and lifelong success. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to maximize their chances of getting the most financial aid possible.

 

The chancellor with representatives from the firms.
Gregory Smith (Center) and Vice Chancellor and Executive Operations Officer, Dr. Joel Peterson (Center Right) stand with members of all selected design-build teams.

No. 4 - 16 Firms Selected for Measure HH Design-Build Projects

1,199 page views

The district revealed the firms responsible for design-build projects under Measure HH, advancing campus infrastructure plans. The initial projects  will deliver new academic and performance spaces, modernized instructional centers, and expanded student services at City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, and College of Continuing Education. Planning is underway and construction could begin as early as 2026 on some projects.

 

 

 

The 2017 float shows MLK's face on a large piece of sheet metalNo. 3 -  MLK Parade Event Information

1,516 page views
Community members turned to NewsCenter for details on SDCCD’s participation in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The parade is one of the district’s biggest events of the year, drawing students and employees to downtown San Diego to celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader.

 

 

The chancellor and vice chancellor of operations with three representatives from the firms
(From left) David Dunn, Anthony L. Sanchez, Robin Duveen, Gregory Smith, and Joel Peterson.

No. 2 – Firms selected to oversee $3.5 billion Measure HH bond program

1,887 page views
The district announced firms that will manage the historic Measure HH bond program that was approved by voters in November 2024. Cumming Group, Gafcon, and Kitchell will ensure strategic oversight of $3.5 billion in improvements. “With these firms in place, we are confident that Measure HH projects will be delivered on time, within budget, and effectively serve the needs of our diverse students, faculty, and communities,” said Gregory Smith, SDCCD Chancellor. 

 

 

An aerial view of City College campus
Complete replacements of the 56-year-old Saville Theatre and the D Building are some the first projects slated for San Diego City College.

No. 1 - Eight major building projects launched on campuses

2,310 page views
Eight transformative building projects are underway, marking a new era of campus development and modernization across the San Diego Community College District. At City College, plans include replacing the Saville Theatre and Building D. Mesa College will see a major upgrade to its Sports & Kinesiology Sciences facilities along with a new parking structure. At Miramar College, projects feature a replacement of the Montgomery Field Aviation Instructional Center and the Early Education Center, plus construction of a new Performing Arts Center and an English/Gallery Building. Meanwhile, the College of Continuing Education will expand its West City Campus to better serve students.

“These projects represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our campuses for the future,” said Joel Peterson, SDCCD vice chancellor and executive operations officer, providing executive oversight of Measure HH.

 

Multimedia

From milestone celebrations to community engagement, SDCCD’s top videos and photos of 2025 captured the moments that mattered most. With a total of more than 323,000 views, this year’s most-watched multimedia showcased the district’s vibrant spirit and commitment to student success, featuring highlights such as commencement ceremonies across all four colleges, participation in the San Diego Pride Parade and Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, student trustees advocating in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., resources for immigrant students, the groundbreaking for future student housing, and opportunities through dual enrollment for high school students. These stories reflect the energy and progress that defined 2025 at SDCCD.

Top 10 Multimedia

No. 1 - Commencements

No. 2 - SDCCD Partnership with San Diego State University

No. 3 - San Diego Pride Parade Coverage

No. 4 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

No. 5 - Pride Parade Invitation

No. 6 - Immigration Q&A

No. 7 - Dual Enrollment

No. 8 - Groundbreaking for historic theater at the Educational Cultural Complex

No. 9 - Chancellor's Message

No. 10 - Mesa Gallery Exhibit

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