Dear Pacifica Community,
As November arrives, we find ourselves settling into the steady rhythm of the academic year. This time of听year,听often invites reflection鈥攁 moment to pause, notice where we are, and acknowledge the many ways we support and show up for one another as a community.
On听Tuesday, November 11, Pacifica will join the nation in听observing听Veterans Day.听On this day I personally honor my father,听uncle,听and grandfather along with all persons听who have served in the U.S. military鈥攖heir courage, their sacrifice, and the stories they carry. To the veterans within our Pacifica community鈥攕tudents, faculty, staff, alumni, and the family members who support them鈥�罢丑补苍办听驰辞耻. We are deeply grateful for your service and for the perspective and wisdom you bring to our shared learning environment.
We also recognize that this day may bring forward a range of emotions, especially within a world holding so much conflict and uncertainty. Veterans Day invites us to hold space for complexity鈥攖o listen, to reflect, and to honor the lived experiences of others with care and respect.
Pacifica will听observe听the holiday on听Tuesday, November 11. If you or someone you know would听benefit听from support or resources, please remember that help is available. Veterans can connect 24/7 with the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or texting 838255.听Additional听local and campus resources can be accessed through the Office of People Culture and Belonging (OPCB), which can听assist听in connecting employees and students to supportive services.
As a community rooted in belonging,听let鈥檚听continue to reflect one of our core values: holding space for one another with empathy, compassion, and respect for each person鈥檚 lived experience.
You can find local events in your area online or听participate听in one of the virtual events below:听
- :听Streamed live at 11 a.m. ET on November 11th through DVIDS.
- :听Features actor Matthew Modine as the keynote speaker and can be watched online at 11 a.m. on November 11th.
- :听A virtual option is available for the ceremony held from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM on November 11th.
Thank you for the care and intention you bring to听Pacifica.
听Warm Regards,
Deneatrice Lewis
51社区
Vice President of People Culture and Belonging
Deneatrice Lewis, MS,听is the Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging at 51社区. She engages with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and community partners to foster an inclusive culture. Overseeing Human Resources, she identifies challenges, crafts strategic solutions, and integrates Pacifica鈥檚 goals into HR and organizational development.
Deneatrice is an experienced HR professional with a background in both private and public educational environments. She has worked at the University of La Verne, American Career College, San Bernardino Community College District, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Leadership and Organizational Management, both with a concentration in Human Resources, from the University of La Verne.
Hired as Director of Human Resources at SBCC during the pandemic, Deneatrice advanced systems, processes, and relationships with integrity and compassion. In 2022, she became the interim VP of HR.
