Second-year student Zora Williams is using her voice to bring more mental health and nutrition programming to San Diego Mesa College. Williams was elected president of the college’s Associated Students (AS) for the 2024-2025 academic year and serves as the college’s student representative on the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees.
Sometimes, you hear a story that makes you want to know more. Kevin Gonzalez has such a story. The last time this story was updated, San Diego Mesa College student Kevin Gonzalez was a 15 year-old heading off to Massachusetts to complete his high school education. In the ensuing years, he has travelled to the other side of the world, built houses, but remained in close contact with his Mesa College professors and connections he made while on campus.
The San Diego Community College District has appointed four new student trustees for the upcoming academic year. Dalia Ramirez (San Diego City College), Zora Williams (San Diego Mesa College), Hailey Hua (San Diego Miramar College), and Haydee Zuniga (San Diego College of Continuing Education), will be sworn in during the June 20 SDCCD Board of Trustees meeting.
July 18, 2017
Throughout the month of July, students from San Diego Mesa College’s award-winning Fashion program are becoming fully immersed in the fashion, history, and culture of Paris, France. This annual trip is led by Fashion professor Susan Lazear who guides students as they learn about one of the most influential cities in the world, with visits and tours of museums, designers, and more.
Among the highlights has been an exhibit celebrating 70 years of famed designer Christian Dior, held at the Fashion and Textile Museum of the Louvre.
“Students researched Dior and learned about the significance he played in Fashion’s history,” said Lazear. “They were excited to see the exhibit, which was the largest Dior retrospective ever.”
Additionally, students visited two of the largest retail stores in Paris – Galeries Lafayette and Bon Marche. At Galeries Lafayette, students watched a fashion show and took a guided tour exploring the store’s history. Another highlight has been a guided tour of the Gobelins Manufactory, a historic weaving studio that has produced tapestries for French monarchs and government since Louis XIV.
Other museum visits included Musée de l'Orangerie, Centre Pompidou, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and Palais Galliera, with future visits planned to the Picasso Museum, Orsay, and Versaille. Students also visited the Fragonard Perfume Museum, where they learned the history of how perfume is made.
“The students are having a fantastic time,” added Lazear. “They’re a good group.”
Joining Lazear and the Fashion students is Professor Uriel Ornelas, who’s leading a group of Mesa students studying French. Cultural visits have included organ concerts at Notre Dame, classical music performances at various churches throughout the city, and pop and world music at the Hôtel de Ville.
To complete the cultural experience, students sampled some of France’s sweetest cuisine, ranging from macarons and hot chocolate to crepes and Berthillon ice cream. They will also visit a French chef and learn the art of making crepes.
Study Abroad program lasts until July 29. For more information on Mesa College’s Study Abroad program, including next year’s visits to Costa Rica and Madrid, visit www.sdmesa.edu/studyabroad. To keep up with their travels, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sdmesafashion.
More information on the Mesa College Fashion Program can be found at www.sdmesa.edu/fashion.
Tags: Paris, Study Abroad, Fashion Program, French
Jennifer Nichols Kearns
Director of Communications
jnkearns@sdccd.edu
(619) 388-2759
Spring 2022 has been a busy season for students and alumni of the San Diego Mesa Fashion Program. From being named as finalists in the Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual Trashin’ Fashion Contest, to being selected to present a garment at the Costume Society of America’s Design Symposium, and landing a job with an international premium fashion company, Mesa Fashion students are making their mark.
San Diego City and San Diego Mesa colleges were recognized today by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for having produced the most Gilman scholarship recipients over the past twenty years amongst those colleges awarding associate degrees.
On March 20th, the Fashion Department’s assistant professor Jordyn Smiley, and her class took the initiative of making reusable bags for Mesa students to utilize during the Farmers Market.
