We did it. We all came together on our computer screens from all over the country (though mostly from California and Nevada) and shared our experiences with each other in our sessions, seminars, and yes, even the socials.
You joined us for sessions on community colleges, the test optional movement, college access for first-generation students, covering the gap in financial aid, and creating inclusive campuses for queer and trans students. And that only begins to touch on the many amazing presentations we saw over three days. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Megan Red Shirt-Shaw as our keynote speaker. She kicked us off with inspiring words about supporting students and giving them (and ourselves) space to take a breath. It was a refreshing and restorative way to open up the first completely virtual conference in the history of WACAC.
You joined us for drag trivia, plated your own charcuterie boards, learned some improv, and even hung out online together, sharing tips for getting “Zoom ready.” You brought your coffee and tea to Wake up with WACAC where you supported and engaged with your college admissions colleagues as they presented information about their campuses in a fun and fast format.
You chatted on Slack, you opened your conference boxes and shared photos with us, and you cheered each other on from the Zoom chat rooms. For not seeing all of you in person, I will say that I felt very connected to everyone and I speak for the entire conference team when I say THANK YOU. Thank you for not only showing up but for bringing your open hearts and minds with you.
You joined us in our final session, the annual membership meeting, where we shared highlights from the conference, announced our election results, and celebrated this amazing organization filled with our valuable and generous members. If you missed that meeting, you can still watch it here.
Besides being the inaugural virtual conference, we hit some other milestones as well. This year we offered more registration scholarships than ever before thanks to the support of our IDEA committee. We offered 100 scholarships to our colleagues. Because we did this virtually, we could bring the price of registration down and we had 1,014 attendees this year! We invited some students from the Nepantla Program, which empowers first-generation students at Nevada State College, to come speak to all of you. There is value in hearing the voices of our colleagues but we also need to listen to our students.
That’s what this is about, folks: access. And we all did that together. And here come the thank yous. Our conference team worked tirelessly for months to put together this programming and they are superheroes. Our sponsors made this event possible. With their support, we had an easy-to-use online platform, fun conference boxes, and informative exhibitor demos.
And the final thank you is to all of you. Mark your calendars for our next conference, from April 12-14, where we will gather once again in person (finally, right?!) in Long Beach! We can’t wait to see you there.
Breanne Boyle, President
Herbie Walker, President-Elect
Phil Moreno, Past President
