Valencia Stories



Chef and Culinary Grad Finds Big Success by Thinking Small

Michael Collantes can’t sit still. That may explain why the Valencia grad (class of 2005) now operates three restaurants in [...]


Against All Odds, She Excelled – and Continues to Set an Example for Others in Foster Care

No one really expected Hartley Villagra to go to college – let alone excel in college. In her immigrant family, [...]


He’s a survivor: Valencia grad persevered to earn his degree while battling cancer

Fernando Perez was just two classes away from graduating at Valencia College with his associate’s degree in December 2015 when [...]


Distinguished Grad Finalist Powers Through a Pandemic

When Maria Thompson decided to go to college, her journey became a family affair. She was 30 years old, with [...]


For This Valencia Grad, Space Is the Ultimate Frontier

Growing up watching space shuttle launches from her backyard in Orlando, Jillian Gloria set her sights on one goal: Becoming [...]


Military Wife, Mother of Two Named Valencia’s Distinguished Graduate

When Samantha Tanner’s family celebrates Mother’s Day this year, they’ll have additional reasons to honor the 28-year-old mother of two. [...]


Behind the Bay: Metallica Scholar Finds Empowerment Through Welding

Sparks fly through the air around Emma Lynn Ponds as she strides into the room, swimming in her thick protective [...]


Remembering Dr. Jim Gollattscheck, Valencia’s Second President

A letter to the Valencia College community from Dr. Sandy Shugart, Valencia College’s president: Friends and colleagues: I’m saddened to [...]


Singing A New Tune: Valencia Paralegal Grad Lands at Grammy Museum in Los Angeles

Kevin Yang isn’t a backup singer, but on a good workday, he’s 20 feet from stardom. From his job at [...]


From The Sandbox to Construction Sites

Not even a three-hour round-trip commute could stop Valencia College Heavy Equipment Operations student Omar Hill from tackling a childhood [...]