September 18, 2023

Dear Colleagues: 

Welcome to fall 2023!  I am looking forward to joining you on Wednesday, September 20, for my first District Opening Day as your new chancellor. The past two months have been a whirlwind, and I have genuinely enjoyed getting to know so many of Foothill-De Anza’s leaders and learning about the dedication and commitment all of you have to our students and mission. I hope to meet many more of you on Wednesday and in the coming months. 

A complete schedule of Wednesday’s activities is available here or by using the link on the district home page (fhda.edu). The program begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. in Foothill's Smithwick Theatre. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the continental breakfast available in the Smithwick Theatre Quad at 7:30 a.m.  

There is something for everyone in the impressive lineup of workshops offered from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Complete descriptions are available on the District Opening Day webpage. Thank you to the workshop presenters and facilitators for being so generous with your time and expertise. 

Lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Campus Center Plaza. Enjoy the fresh air or take advantage of indoor seating in the Hearthside Lounge (2313) or Council Chambers (2018). Once you have eaten, be sure to stop by the Benefits Fair in the Dining Room to check out all your options for open enrollment. 

As a reminder, the COVID-19 vaccination requirement was lifted at the start of the summer quarter. The use of face masks remains optional, although face masks may still be required in some offices or by individual instructors in their classrooms. Visit the following links for information about what to do if you or a student experience symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive: 

Foothill College COVID-19 Health and Safety 

De Anza College COVID-19 Information 

With best wishes for a successful start to the academic year, 

Lee D. Lambert, J.D.

Chancellor