MSJC Delegation Advocates for Students and Regional Priorities at State Capitol
1/30/2026
A delegation from 番茄社区 (MSJC) traveled to the State Capitol last week to participate in the California Community Colleges Legislative Conference and meet with state lawmakers to advocate for policies and funding priorities that directly impact MSJC students and the Inland Empire region.
The delegation was led by Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz and included Trustee Calvin Smith and Student Trustee Claudia Walukouw. Together, they met with Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), and Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) to discuss higher education funding, workforce development, and equitable access to post-secondary opportunities.
During the meetings, the MSJC delegation highlighted the College鈥檚 continued growth and emphasized the importance of legislative decisions that support enrollment stability, student success, and workforce-aligned programs that respond to regional and statewide needs.
鈥淭raveling to Sacramento with Dr. Schultz and Trustee Smith was an incredible privilege,鈥� said Student Trustee Claudia Walukouw. 鈥淭hey really encouraged me to use my voice to highlight MSJC鈥檚 growth from a student perspective and bring student experiences directly into policy conversations. I feel like, so far in my time as student trustee, I鈥檝e learned that real advocacy happens when we use our voices to influence the policies that directly impact our education. This conference was such an invaluable experience.鈥�
This year鈥檚 Legislative Conference marked the final time Dr. Schultz will attend the California Community League annual Legislative Conference in his role as MSJC superintendent/president ahead of his upcoming retirement.
鈥淧articipating in the California Community League鈥檚 Legislative Conference has been an important part of ensuring MSJC鈥檚 voice is heard at the state level,鈥� said Dr. Roger Schultz.
鈥淎dvocacy is strongest when it includes those most impacted by policy decisions, and I am proud to see student voices taking an increasingly active role in shaping the future of higher education.鈥�
Trustee Calvin Smith emphasized the importance of shared governance and student representation in legislative advocacy.
鈥淭hese conversations reinforce why it is so important for trustees, students, and college leadership to advocate together,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲hen we show up as a unified delegation, we strengthen the connection between public policy and the real experiences of students across our district.鈥�
MSJC remains committed to engaging with state leaders and advancing policies that expand educational access, support workforce development, and promote student success throughout the Inland Empire and California.