51����

When Haley Alana Barrios Gomez was a child, she loved to build things. “I still love tinkering and taking things apart,” she says with a smile. That natural curiosity, paired with her experience living with congenital limb loss, eventually inspired her to design her own prosthetic arm—and to pursue a future in mechanical engineering with a focus on biomechatronics.

From a young age, books were more than just stories—they were lifelines. For Dalton Saban, reading offered comfort during tough times and ignited a lifelong passion for the written word. That love of literature grew into a calling: to uplift and inspire others through storytelling.

An English major with a minor in Creative Writing, Dalton describes writing as a window to serve others with new perspectives. “For me, writing is a way to connect with people—to help them feel seen, understood, and inspired,” he says. 

For Arsalan Zafarmand, studying biology at 51���� (IVC) was never just about mastering molecules and systems—it was about honoring a life-saving legacy. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Arsalan lost his mother in a tragic car accident before he was born. Miraculously, he survived thanks to the skill and compassion of the medical professionals who cared for him. Their dedication planted a powerful seed in Arsalan: the desire to help others through healing.

For Ariana Moolchandani, the path to political science wasn’t just about studying systems—it was about understanding how to create change within them. As a first-generation college student and a natural leader, Ariana arrived at 51���� (IVC) with big questions about the world—and quickly found the community and resources she needed to begin answering them.

Toby Cole, a dedicated Human Development major at 51����, has left a powerful imprint on the IVC community through their commitment to social impact, creative expression, and student support. A proud graduate of Northwood High School in Irvine, Toby chose to major in Family and Human Services with a focus on Disability Studies, driven by a deep desire to support and uplift others—particularly children navigating medical and emotional challenges.

51����'s Accounting Department doesn't just teach students — it forges industry partnerships that shape destinies by assisting students in obtaining part-time and permanent employment with area employers.

On Friday, May 16, 51���� (IVC) held its 40th Annual Scholarship Celebration, demonstrating a resounding display of generosity and commitment to student success. The Foundation awarded a total of $584,555 in scholarships, showcasing the community’s strong belief in the power of education. A total of 578 awards were distributed to deserving IVC students.

Hazel Dai's academic journey began in a rather traditional way: She enrolled at the University of California, Irvine, and earned a degree in Economics. She quickly realized, however, that an Economics degree alone did not provide her with the tangible skills needed to excel in a competitive job market. 

After being named the 1st Place Community College at the NOF Online National Championships, and 1st Place in limited entry at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament, IVC Speech tested their skills at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, Virginia from April 5–13. Phi Rho Pi is the national forensics association for community colleges and has the honor of being one of the oldest forensics organizations in the United States. The championship tournament hosted 52 community colleges from across the country and over 600 participants.