Los Medanos College Explained

President:	Pamela Ralston
Students:	6,845^[1]
Country:	United States
Colors:	Cardinal and gold
Mascot:	Mustangs

Los Medanos College (LMC) is a public community college in Pittsburg, California. Established in 1974, LMC has an extension in Brentwood and is part of the Contra Costa Community College District.

History

The name, meaning "inland sand dunes" in Spanish, refers to the sand dunes that characterize its location in eastern Contra Costa County along the Sacramento River and in the foothills of Mt. Diablo.^[2] Opened in 1974, the college is part of Contra Costa Community College District, along with Contra Costa College and Diablo Valley College. Enrolment was 6,845 students in Spring 2023.^[3]

Academics

There were 25 associate degrees and 30 certificates of achievement available in the 2022–2023 academic year.

Facilities

Several notable programs include:

• Fire Academy (approved by the California State Fire Marshal)^[4]
• Honors Transfer Program^[5]
• Puente: improving college success and accessibility for Latino students^[6]
• MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement Program): facilitating transfer to four-year institutions with majors and bachelor's degrees in science, engineering, computer science and other math-based fields.^[7]
• Umoja Scholars: focuses on enriching, fostering, and nurturing the educational experience of African American students.^[8]
• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): prepares students to transfer to a four-year school.^[9]
• PTEC (Process Technology): aids and prepares students for a career in chemical processing and oil refinery work.^[10]

Notable alumni

• Ty Carter, United States Army Staff Sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient^[11]
• Lester Conner (born 1959), professional basketball player and coach^[12]
• Anthony C. Ferrante, film director, producer and writer^[13]
• Octavio Guzman, professional soccer player^[14]
• Jack Larscheid, professional football player
• Sterling Moore, professional football player^[15]
• Dave Tollefson, professional football player^[16]
• Rich Waltz, television sportscaster

Notes and References

1. Web site: About Los Medanos College. www.losmedanos.edu. 7 February 2024.
2. http://www.cccapply.org/KeyFacts/undergraduate/1072/Los_Medanos_College/Los_Medanos_College1.html CCCApply - About the Colleges - Key Facts - Los Medanos College
3. Web site: About Los Medanos College . 2024-02-06 . Los Medanos College.
4. Web site: Los Medanos College - Fire Technology. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
5. Web site: Los Medanos College - Transfer Academy. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
6. Web site: Los Medanos College - Puente. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
7. Web site: Los Medanos College - Math, Engineering & Science Achievement (MESA) Program. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
8. Web site: Los Medanos College - Umoja. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
9. Web site: Los Medanos College - Advancement Via Individual Determination AVID. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
10. Web site: Los Medanos College - Process Technology Program. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
11. Web site: From Antioch to Afghanistan: Ty Carter's journey of heroism. 24 August 2013. Mercurynews.com. 15 November 2017.
12. Web site: Conner's NBA story a charmer. 9 January 2007. Eastbaytimes.com. 15 November 2017.
13. Web site: Anthony C. Ferrante, Sharknado director, got his start at LMC. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.
14. Web site: Wildcat alumnus kicks into high gear as pro soccer player. Lars. Gustafson. Theorion.com. 15 November 2017.
15. Web site: Football journey: Sterling Moore. Espn.com. 19 November 2011. 15 November 2017.
16. Web site: Alumni Dave Tollefson. Losmedanos.edu. 15 November 2017.