Contra Costa Community College District students and faculty eagerly awaited Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh’s appearance at the investiture held last Thursday at Diablo Valley College. In celebration of the district’s 75 years, it named Mehdizadeh the 10th chancellor as she was awarded the golden amulet.
The event held at DVC, was a “full circle moment” for Mehdizadeh since she began her education journey at that college and has been in the district ever since.
“I never thought I would stand here being chancellor,” said Mehdizadeh adding, “I genuinely love this district. I remain steadfast to continue building our legacy, the success of students matters to me.”
Each college—CCC, DVC, and LMC—was in attendance and contributed differently to the celebration, all headed by students. DVC provided food during the ceremony, CCC arranged an acapella group for entertainment and LMC showcased art.
Governing Board President Rebecca Barrett opened the investiture ceremony by highlighting the significance of the event and its relation to the chancellor’s leadership style.
“It doesn’t go without noticing we are hosting this in March during Women’s History Month,” Barrett said, adding the impact of how Mehdizadeh “deeply cares about everyone and has the strength and approach of someone who is so down to Earth.”
Student Trustee Ivan Hernandez reflected on the honor it has been to work with Mehdizadeh and have her as a mentor. When referring to her passion for students Hernandez notes that she “is the light in the darkest of times, the spark. I’m so excited to see what you do in the future.”
Even after students have graduated from community college or worked up toward higher positions in the district, Mehdizadeh’s impact stays with them.
CCC Alumni Shreejal Luitel describes her as a “friend, confidant and a depth of empathy.” As a first-generation college student and non-native English speaker, she was supported along the way by Mehdizadeh. After being awarded the Kennedy King Scholarship, Mehdizadeh became her mentor throughout her educational journey.
LMC Alumni Bridgette Garcia Alumrado then proceeded to talk about her experience with Mehdizadeh, how “it has been an honor to be a part of your journey just as you were a part of me.”
Ending off the speeches, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Dr. Jeffery Michels read “A Time to Chancel” which had attendees roaring with laughter at his creative spin of a Dr. Seuss poem.
“There was a little girl who didn’t dream of becoming a ballerina or a movie star looking west toward California. This child dreamed of being a chancellor. Oh, she imagined herself in an epic adventure but not fighting dragons and not as a damsel no, this young woman wanted to chancel,” Michels said. He later concluded his poem with a toast stating “To all of us for the next 75 years.”
Following the event, colleagues of Mehdizadeh were ecstatic at her achievements.
“It was wonderful to see so many faculty and student alumni in order to welcome our new chancellor,” said LMC Dean of Liberal Arts Aprill Nogarr
LMC President Pamela Ralston noted her relationship with Mehdizadeh began in 2018 as Modjeh had mentored her. Later in Fall of 2022 she became interim of LMC. “She hired me as interim president and became a role model, colleague and excellent boss. I’m thrilled to work with her. I look forward to the next big idea that comes from her forward thinking.”
Praise was sent the chancellor’s way as the experiences and relationships Mehdizadeh has built shaped her and the future she hopes to create.
“The district has given me so much,” said Mehdizadeh. “It’s made me who I am and contributed to the fabric of my being. A great testament to our legacy of giving high-quality education.”
