Reports to the Board of Trustees

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

For previous reports, please see the board reports archive.

board reports archive

Board Meeting of Feb. 2, 2026

This month's report includes items on

2025 Annual Report: Boundless Opportunities

Has it really been a year since we produced De Anza’s very first annual report? 

The 12 months of 2025 sped by, and now we’ve put together our next annual report, which is packed with updates and details the many accomplishments, events, pride points and developments of the year. 

Our 2025 report includes a year in review, updated campus figures, and news on grants and donations. It introduces Senior Guided Pathways, covers workforce training, details our involvement in the community and provides information on our expanded basic needs resources. 

Please give it a read and let me know what you think.

Presentation: President’s Advisory Council on Business

On January 30, I made my first address to the President’s Advisory Council on Business, a collaborative initiative bringing together Silicon Valley’s education, business and community leaders. This council will provide valuable input on shaping the region’s workforce and guiding De Anza College in its role as a strategic partner in preparing talent for the industries of tomorrow. These partners’ expertise and leadership will help us align educational programs with real-world workforce needs.

The presentation gave an introduction to De Anza and covered the educational paths we offer, our workforce programs that align with regional economic priorities, our expanded Career Center, internships and apprenticeships, and noncredit programs. 

I also touched on customized contract education and employer training. We then discussed ways to work together and disconnects employers may be seeing in Silicon Valley's workforce development ecosystem — and where De Anza can be most strategic in filling those gaps.

Our businesses and industry partners made important points and brought up constructive topics, including: 

  • The need for De Anza to create cyber security education and cultural competency training — preparing students to navigate both the technical complexities of our digital world and the nuanced realities of working with international businesses. 
  • Soft skills matter just as much as technical abilities, and we should ensure our graduates can transition seamlessly into the workforce and thrive from day one. 
  • Input on collaborative partnerships and the need to work with governmental agencies, municipalities, start-up companies, utility and transit industries, and related sectors to address workforce shortages with targeted, practical training that meets the moment. 
  • The urgency of creating artificial intelligence training — not to replace your employees, but to ensure they remain adaptable, relevant and empowered in an evolving workplace. 
  • Finally, the need for flexible, short-term training options. Employees facing layoffs or seeking career transitions need pathways that fit their lives — training that is accessible, efficient and immediately applicable without requiring years of traditional coursework.

I look forward to continuing our conversations and working together!

Above: Members of the President’s Advisory Council on Business engage on discussion topics during the meeting.

Cupertino Chamber Installs New AVPCER Elizabeth Smith

In other civic organization news, our new Associate Vice President of Communications and External Relations, Elizabeth Smith, was installed into the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce Board at its installation ceremony and reception on January 15. 

This event reaffirms the long-standing partnership between the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce and the City of Cupertino. The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit business association founded in 1954 to provide programs and resources to promote and enhance the business environment and the economic climate of the Cupertino community.

Elizabeth joins as a member of the 2026 officer cohort, along with eight others, serving with new board president Claudio Bono of the Cupertino Hotel and the Grand Hotel.

Congratulations, Elizabeth! 

Above: Elizabeth Smith, Associate Vice President, Communications and External Relations (center), applauds along with fellow chamber installees at the ceremony.

Wonderful Winter Club Day

The De Anza Inter Club Council hosted Winter Club Day on January 22 in the Sunken Garden, and, as always, it was a vibrant, joyful expression of student life and opportunity at De Anza.

Club Day is the quarterly showcase of De Anza College's 80+ active student clubs. Students stopped by during the lunch hour for information, goodies and entertainment from the many clubs they have the opportunity to join, including Auto Tech, Game Developers, ESL, Music and Volunteering, Outdoor Club and so many more. 

Auto Tech Gears Up with Tool Room Renovation

Our Automotive Technology Department started off the year strong with a project that will be a great help to students.

The department completed a tool room renovation, an upgrade that allowed department leaders to sift through unused tools and equipment and reorganize the storage to fit the current needs of students.

Creative Discussions

Representatives from the Academic Senate met on January 28 with classified employees, faculty and Dean Kristen Skager from the Creative Arts Division, along with senior leaders and College Operations, to learn about the developing plans for the new Creative Arts Building.

The Board of Trustees approved a contract with Swinerton Builders in September 2025 to begin design work and other preliminary work related to development of the new facility.

Faculty, staff and the dean are providing valuable insights and their expertise on the development of this new building that will serve our students as we look to the future.

Above: Meeting attendees view and comment on preliminary concepts for the Creative Arts Building. Left photo: (left to right) Lisa Teng, Alyssa Vanzandt, Kristin Skager, Julie Hughes, Roseanne Sciacchitano, Erik Woodbury, Shagun Kaur; right photo (left to right): Kristin Skager, Julie Hughes, Alyssa Vanzandt 

CCLC 2026 Annual Legislative Conference

Members of Foothill-De Anza Community College District staff attended the Community College League of California 2026 Annual Legislative Conference January 25-26 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. 

With a conference theme of “A Bridge Over Troubled Water,” the conference addressed how California’s community colleges will confront multiple, complex challenges that will require a diverse, committed and creative coalition to bridge. Participants discussed ways to advance inclusive excellence, foster innovation and lead with purpose toward a more resilient California.

Keynote speakers included State Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, a De Anza alumnus whose district includes the city of Cupertino, and State Senator John Laird. 

Above right: Foothill-De Anza Community College District staff, Assemblymember Marc Berman (center), and West Valley/Mission Community College District staff; above left: Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (center, back) with staff from both community college districts

Career Training Outreach

De Anza Career Technical Education (CTE) staff, instructors and students participated in two outreach events in January: 

  • Our Auto Tech program staffed a booth at the Silicon Valley Auto Show, an annual event that showcases the latest-model cars, trucks, EVs and SUVs from major manufacturers. 
  • Our CTE staff worked a table at the Silicon Valley Career Technical Education College & Career Fair, an annual event where high school students connect with industry professionals, colleges and employers to explore career paths and future opportunities.

Above left: Two Auto Tech instructors and two students work our booth at the Silicon Valley Auto Show; above right: CTE staff work a table at the Silicon Valley Career Technical Education College & Career Fair

A Trip to Tesla

Representatives from De Anza recently visited two Tesla research and development facilities with faculty from Design and Manufacturing Technologies and Automotive Technology.

The visit focused on strengthening partnership opportunities and developing customized curriculum aligned with Tesla’s technician workforce needs. Discussions emphasized upskilling pathways for high-performing technicians with the potential to move up within the company and into research and development roles.

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