President's Office

November 5, 2026

(1) Celebrating Veteran’s Day, November 11th

It is both an honor and a responsibility to recognize the incredible contributions of our veteran students, faculty, and staff this coming Veterans Day. Our campus is committed to supporting the well-being of our veterans, including their mental health. I’m exceedingly grateful to the faculty and staff providing access to counseling and veteran benefit services, promoting peer support in our wonderful Veterans Resource Center, and fostering a stigma-free environment where all veterans can seek support without hesitation. The college also invests in community partnerships by connecting veterans and their families to specialized resources and support, empowering their success both inside and outside the classroom.

We are especially grateful to the Saga Foundation and the Los Altos Rotary. This coming Thursday, our Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Holder will be at the Los Altos Rotary, sharing how he moved through three governmental systems—foster care, the military, and then, triumphantly, into higher education here at Foothill (and beyond). Ricky is one of many textured stories I will hold to heart during this time of celebration and reflection.

As we celebrate our veterans at this week’s 5K Fun Run, I sincerely hope that the ongoing government shutdown and its disruption of vital veteran benefits will end soon, ensuring that those who served receive the support and respect they so deeply deserve.

(2) Native American Heritage Month

The month’s activities kicked off today with an opening ceremony. The next time you travel to the Campus Center, be sure to notice the new plaque on our Muwekma Ohlone flagpole outside the 1900 building. This plaque was crafted by student Lynn Porcedda and gifted to Chairwoman Nijmeh during our flag raising ceremony last December. The Chairwoman asked for it to complement the flagpole, and we are honored to have it installed.

(3) Mission Informed Planning Council

The next meeting of the Mission Informed Planning Council will take place this Friday, from 1–3 p.m. in Room 1901 and online. You may find the agenda here.

(4) Chancellor’s Priorities

At the November 3rd Board of Trustees’ Meeting, the five Strategic Priorities (Transformational Aims) were approved by the Board. I have linked them for your reference.

(5) Resource Allocation Model Somos Unos Taskforce

Membership to the Somos Uno Taskforce is being formed and the group will begin work, with Interest Based training this quarter. At the Budget Town Hall, the Resource Allocation Model Guiding Principles were first introduced. They were adopted by the Board this Monday.

Yours in service,
Kristina

Dr. Kristina Whalen
President, Foothill College