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It was Katelyn Klee’s connection to 51���� — and a lucky break at an IVC job fair — that helped her land a job as a “Skipper” for Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise. 

After winning 161 awards over 21 days of competition this season, the IVC Speech Team tested their talents by competing at the 35th Annual International Forensics Association (IFA) Speech and Debate Championships. IFA is an affiliate of the National Communication Association and promotes the diversity of speech and debate competition in nations around the world by hosting an annual tournament in alternating countries. For 2025, Incheon South Korea was voted to be the location of the prestigious tournament.

IVC's Circle K International Club attended the annual California-Nevada-Hawaii District Convention February 28 – March 2 in Ontario, California. Circle K members from colleges across the district gathered for educational workshops, leadership training, regional elections, service projects, and to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments.  

The IVC Circle K International Club brought home the following awards:  

• 3rd Place Outstanding Club Media: Kristy Nguyen 

The Spot: Center for Basic Needs officially opened its doors on March 26 in their new location at the (SAC) 140. The center provides essential support for students facing challenges with food, housing, transportation, and more. Available resources include:

Two IVC students have received scholarships and recognition through award programs administered and supported by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Zifang Shi has been named a 2025 and a , while Thuong Nguyen has been named a 2025 .

Myron Soyangco's journey into higher education began with disappointment. 

After his parents suddenly announced in 2008 that his family would be moving from the Philippines to California, Soyangco had a decision to make. He had just graduated from high school in his home country with a stellar academic record, but it was too late to enroll at a four-year American university as he’d wanted to. His choices were to redo his senior year in high school (“and who wants to do that?” he says) or enroll at 51����.  

Irvine native Aleyna Luick arrived at 51���� (IVC) lit by a spark of curiosity and the determination and resilience to stay focused on developing a clear vision for her future. A first-generation student herself, she had heard the college described as a “transformative experience” by high school counselors and former classmates alike.

For third-year 51���� (IVC) biology and chemistry student Steve Salinas, success is not just about grades — it’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and giving back to the community. With plans to graduate this spring with an associate degree in biology (Steve already holds an associate degree from IVC in chemistry), this first-generation college student is well on his way to a career in medicine.

Michelle Chen didn’t take the road most traveled, and that’s exactly why her story stands out. A 2023 graduate of 51���� (IVC), Michelle transferred to UCLA’s prestigious Design Media Arts (DMA) program, a major with an acceptance rate of just 5 percent.  “The year I was accepted, they only took 15 transfer students out of hundreds of applicants,” Michelle says.