Irvine Valley College (IVC) hosted its inaugural Partners and Pancakes Breakfast on Tuesday, December 3, bringing together more than 100 guests, including esteemed members of the college, local business leaders, and community partners. The event, held at IVC at Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP), celebrated the college's role in workforce development and marked the kickoff of IVC’s 40th anniversary celebration.
IVC President John Hernandez welcomed attendees, including members of the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, Chancellor Dr. Julianna Barnes, IVC faculty and staff, and representatives from leading Orange County industries and community partners. During his remarks, President Hernandez emphasized the critical importance of partnerships in creating pathways for student success and meeting the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
“This event kicked off a yearlong celebration of IVC’s 40th anniversary, while looking toward the opportunities ahead for growth and innovation,” said Dr. Hernandez. “Together with our valued partners, we are fostering strong connections, sparking new initiatives, and preparing our students to meet the dynamic workforce needs of our community.” The event featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Chancellor Dr. Julianna Barnes, titled “The Importance of Workforce Development in Orange County.” Esteemed panelists included:
• Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO, Orange County Business Council
• Randy Mees, Director of Design Medical Device New Product Development, Edwards Lifesciences
• Ves Vafadari, CPA, Moss Adams, and proud IVC alumnus
The program also highlighted an inspiring story by IVC student Haley Barrios, an engineering major in the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program (MESA), who shared her journey and aspirations, showcasing the transformative impact of the college’s support systems.
The event spotlighted several of IVC’s innovative initiatives, including:
• Adult English as a Second Language (AESL): Career-focused pathways serving over 3,970 adult learners, with industry-specific English language instruction tailored for fields like healthcare, child development, and law.
• Dual Enrollment Programs: Collaborations with local school districts that have doubled high school student participation in IVC courses since 2020, preparing students for certificates and degrees in high-demand fields such as biotechnology and cybersecurity.
• Future Program Development: Plans for career education pathways in healthcare, STEM, and climate action, aligning with California’s Vision 2030 for workforce development.
Looking ahead, IVC’s 40th-anniversary celebrations throughout 2025 will reaffirm the college’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships with industry leaders, expanding opportunities for students, and ensuring the college remains a premier source of career-ready talent for Orange County and beyond.
For more information about IVC’s Career Education programs and upcoming 40th-anniversary events, visit ivc.edu.