Enjoy a fun Day Under the Oaks at SRJC

Santa Rosa again presents the annual Larry Bertolini Day Under the Oaks at the Santa Rosa Campus on May 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.|

Santa Rosa again presents the annual Larry Bertolini Day Under the Oaks at the Santa Rosa Campus on May 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Children will be introduced to the world of higher education, adults can learn about new career paths and all can explore the college’s many academic, cultural and student life offerings. Parking and admission are free. No pets are allowed.

Information on activities, performances, sponsors, food trucks, photos from previous Days Under the Oaks and more are available at santarosa.edu/duo.

The open house and community education fair extends throughout the Santa Rosa campus. Booths will offer food, hands-on activities, displays, demonstrations, shows and fun for the whole family. More than 175 booths, and over 20 music and dance performances will offer a broad look at education and culture at SRJC.

Performances include hula dancing and Polynesian music by Hui Pulama Mau, jazz music, the semi-acoustic quartet Now and Zen, a traditional Lion Parade, a cultural performance by the Redwood Empire Chinese Association, and a full matinée production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

Popular demonstrations include chemistry magic shows, Planetarium shows, and culinary arts cooking demonstration. The Native American Spring Celebration is a perennial favorite, with arts, crafts and dancing. Native American food will also be available for sale. The SRJC Alumni & Friends are hosting a photography exhibit and competition.

Lead Sponsor for the event is the Exchange Bank, support sponsor is American AgCredit, General Sponsors are SRJC’s Student Government Assembly, PG&E and Bella Rosa Coffee. The Bear Cub Athletic Trust is sponsoring a 3K fun run beginning at 9 a.m., just before Day Under the Oaks begins at 10 a.m.

This year, SRJC’s Learning Communities will be front and center celebrating “Our Diverse Community” by featuring a variety of learning communities such as Umoja (African-American), Asian and Pacific American Student Success, Hispanic Serving Institution, Puente, United Sexuality & Genders and more. In addition, the Day Under the Oaks Art Exhibit and Contest will use “Our Diverse Community” as the theme for this year’s event. Visit the horticulture department’s plant sale, the SRJC Reads Book Sale, Sustainability Village, or one of the handful of craft vendors visiting SRJC from the local community.

Once again this year, the Culinary Arts Department will be selling wood-fired pizza and strawberry shortcake, food trucks such as TIPS Tri-Tip Trolley, Croques & Toques (operated by SRJC Culinary Program alumnus Andrew Jetson), Kettle and Fog Gourmet Kettle Corn, Ultra Crepes, and Sushi Shoubu will have food for sale.

Students will be able to meet with counselors and register for summer classes. Parents and high school students can meet friendly faculty and staff who will show them how inspiring and affordable college can be. Information will be available at the “One Stop Shop,” which will provide attendees an opportunity to meet with counseling, admission and records, financial aid, assessment, and other professionals at SRJC ready to help attendees apply and make an SRJC education possible.

Exhibits and demonstrations from instructional departments and clubs range from Administration of Justice to Tiny House Club, from Digital Media and Computer Studies to Older Adults. Families can go into labs and classrooms, participate in activities, visit outside displays and exhibits, and talk to educators who enthusiastically share their expertise with students. Young children will enjoy the face painting, bubbles, jumpy houses, a rock wall and much more.

The event is named in honor of the late former SRJC trustee and Day Under The Oaks co-founder Larry Bertolini, who arranged the annual farm petting zoo.

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