Mission College at 50: Dr. Harriett Robles’ Message to the Community

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- As Mission College marks its 50th anniversary, alumni, faculty, and former employees have shared their congratulations and reflections on the institution’s impact. Among them, Dr. Harriett Robles offered a heartfelt message to the campus community. Her words of encouragement and celebration are shared below.

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I was privileged to have served as Mission College’s Vice President of Instruction (2003-2006), Interim President (2006-2007), and President (2007-2010). I can honestly say that serving Mission College was the highlight of my administrative career at West Valley-Mission. However, I have to say that my presidency began on interesting notes.

My first day, there was a bomb threat, the campus was evacuated, and my administrative assistant, my PIO, and I sat on a bench under a palm tree for much of the day, waiting to be allowed to re-enter. When I entered my first district executive staff meeting, I was informed that Mission had failed its seismic evaluation and the first question was, “What are you going to do about it?” Honestly, I didn’t know, except that I did know it wasn’t just my decision; it would need to be the collaborative decision of the college and the community it served. Mission was an iconic building. That started a conversation with faculty, staff, students, and the community that led to a master plan, which over time, resulted in the new campus-- and my striking the first blow to the beloved building.

I am also very proud that Mission’s accreditation was reapproved, again thanks to the extraordinary efforts of faculty and staff, some of whom remember working at my kitchen table overnight! And we were able to qualify for an RN program, a major accomplishment! Such a triumph for Mission, its students and the community. Truly, I was blessed with an amazing staff who were able to agree to the problem, state it clearly, and focus on the solution. They were the best example of how diversity, equity and inclusion make for good results.

But what I most remember and treasure (in addition to our burrowing owls), was the commitment to teaching and learning on the part of every one of Mission’s competent and caring faculty, staff, and administrators. And kudos also to the District Chancellor, staff and Board who worked with and supported us. I never had to question whether what was taking place in the classroom was of the highest quality.

And there was never more proof than at Mission’s annual graduation celebration. I literally could not stop smiling throughout the entire event, as one faculty member noted. What a privilege to honor those students, their families and the professionals who dedicated their knowledge, caring and untold hours to make it all possible.

Thank you, Mission!

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]