Valencia Stories



Valencia Theater Professor Unveils New Play at Rollins College Theater

When Sonia Pasqual began working on her master’s thesis – a series of monologues, dance, painting and poetry that eventually [...]


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 [...]