Board Reports

Reports to the Board of Trustees

Each month, President Kristina Whalen gives a report on college activities, honors, and achievements during the regular meeting of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees.

July 13, 2026

2025-26 The Year In Review

2025 Opening Day

On September 18, 2025, Foothill College Opening Day was centered around "Empowering One Another Through a Culture of Care." The keynote speaker, Dr. Durryle Brooks, whose scholarship and practice remind us that social justice is not just about systems and policies but also about how we show up for one another with compassion, courage, kindness and love.

Alumni Hall of Fame

October 4, 2025

Foothill College hosted its first ever Alumni Hall of Fame on October 4, 2025. Over 230 attendees gathered to celebrate the five inaugural inductees along with former Santa Clara County Supervisor, Joe Simitian, who was honored for his career-long support of education. The event raised over $150K for Foothill College’s experiential learning campaign

Selected for Aspen's Unlocking Opportunity

Foothill College is honored to be part of the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity project, which includes 64 colleges across the country. The central goal is to ensure that more students complete programs that lead directly to jobs that pay a sustaining wage or transfer and completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Blueprint for Success

Launch Party, Jan 28

The Foothill College Strategic Educational Plan, Blueprint for Success: Foothill 2030, was officially launched on January 28. Faculty, staff, students, and administrators gathered to celebrate the publication of our guiding document and to discuss the two transformational goals. The four VPs each talked about their goals and objectives and team leaders were introduced.

Student Poet Laureate

Marvin Flores served as Foothill College’s first Poet Laureate last year. His tenure kicked off with a wonderful speech at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony and included poems written for a variety of campus events, including Dolores Huerta's appearance at Foothill.

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Student searching in her phone for a class at Foothill College

Year-long schedule completed

The Foothill College Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) team worked on establishing a year-long schedule and the college was able to publish its very first year-long schedule on our website in April.

Searchable Schedule

Jean Thomas Building at Foothill College

Jean Thomas Building Dedication

April, 2026

On April 23, Foothill College dedicated the Jean Thomas Student Success Center. It was a joyous occasion with many alumni returning to Foothill to celebrate the memory of Dr. Jean Thomas. This building dedication is the first in the Foothill-De Anza District to honor a Black woman.

Student builder working at a construction

3rd Bachelor's Degree Approved

February / March

On February 19, 2026 Foothill College was awarded a third bachelor’s degree in Building Trades Management, after a lengthy approval process. Foothill College is proud to be able to offer this degree starting in the fall of 2027.

Press Release—Feb. 25, 2026

Palo Alto Middle College High School Graduation Ceremony

Palo Alto Middle College —1st Graduation

May, 2026

The Palo Alto Middle College High School celebrated its very first graduation in Foothill’s Smithwick Theatre on June 2. The students will be matriculating to universities across the globe, and over 30% of them have elected to stay at Foothill and transfer from here to their schools of choice.

Full accreditation for the remainder of the cycle

June, 2026

After reviewing Foothill College's Follow-Up Report, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCCJC) reaffirmed Foothill College's accreditation until 2031. A huge thank you to the faculty, staff, and administrators who worked to ensure a successful follow-up report.

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AI Fellow's Summary of Work

The Foothill AI fellows, an 18-member group made up of students, faculty, staff, and administrators has had a very productive year. Key developments for this year include completion of a college-wide AI survey, upcoming community forums on AI, development of new training programs through Coursera, and the creation of a new non-technical AI course (CS49) that could serve as a gateway for student AI literacy. The Policy and Guidance group is preparing recommendations for shared governance groups, while the Technology subgroup is working on establishing proper processes for AI tool adoption and evaluation across the campus.

Kickoff of "Love Your Learning" Campaign

Following extensive research and work with students in multiple focus groups, the college marketing team is proud to go live with our “Love Your Learning” campaign. This slogan comes from our students who love Foothill. It also supports President Whalen’s principle that our students will be successful because of love, not luck.

The Meaning Behind

Foothill College Commencement Ceremony 2026

66th Annual Commencement Ceremony

June 26, 2026

More than 900 graduates were recognized in this year's Commencement Program as family, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate this unforgettable milestone. The ceremony began with inspiring performances and heartfelt remarks that reflected the perseverance, determination, and bright futures of this year's graduates. From the opening procession to the final cheers, the day was filled with pride, joy, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.

photo album

Watch the full ceremony!

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Love Your Learning at Foothill College.

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