Santa Ana College Foundation Month Year
A History of Success, A Future of Promise

Year in Review

Foundation Increases Student Support

A cornerstone of Santa Ana College’s mission to ensure that no student is denied educational opportunity due to financial constraints, the SAC Foundation has responded to the diverse needs of the student body for more than 40 years. In spite of the severe challenges California’s budget crisis has imposed, 2008-2009 continued this record of service. Established in 1968, the Foundation received more than $546,000 in revenue and donations during the past fiscal year.

Support came from private donors, alumni, faculty, staff and community foundations, including the Rancho Santiago Community College District Foundation. Internal support was significant, with 156 staff and faculty dedicating $33,000 in payroll deductions. “We are very grateful that our campus personnel have demonstrated in this tangible manner that they see and value the work of the SAC Foundation,” says Executive Director Christina Romero.

In partnership with institutions such as Southern California Edison (SCE), the Kellogg Foundation, the Orange County Community Foundation, Wells Fargo, Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana, and the federal government, the Foundation has grown its private grants to support SAC programs. As a result of all of these efforts, distributions for students and programs hit an all-time high, with more than $580,000 allocated in scholarship dollars, program funding, and departmental and faculty support.

During the last few years, a small percentage of dollars have also funded resource and business development activities to identify new funding opportunities, expand the Foundation’s service offerings and increase overall awareness of Santa Ana College. Additionally, the Foundation continues to support other community organizations and their efforts to enhance the city of Santa Ana, as well as central Orange County.

Fund-Raising Events

The Foundation hosted several fund-raising events in 2008-2009, netting more that $110,000 that will go back to students, programs and the work of the Foundation. Results by event include:

  • Sixth Annual Pageant of the Trees-$53,000
  • 11th Annual Chancellor’s Ball-$38,000
  • The Ed Arnold Golf Classic-$42,000
  • President’s Circle-$18,000

Alumni Relations

A revamped Alumni Association website was launched, featuring an alumni portal that allows alums to connect with each other and the Foundation to obtain information from alumni. Through this website, the Foundation has obtained updated contact data from more than 4,500 valued alums. A new quarterly e-newsletter also updates alumni and friends of the college about SAC and Foundation activities. As part of its alumni outreach, the SAC Alumni Relations program hosted its inaugural Alumni Speaker Series, aided by corporate underwriting that also provides lunch. This event allows selected alumni to speak directly to student groups about their educational journey and current career choices. The results, according to student body President Alex Flores have been life-changing, and the series will continue in the 2009-2010 academic year.

New Collaborations

What better place to look for new partners than on your own doorstep? In 2009 the Foundation launched a new endeavor in collaboration with the Associated Student Government. An idea presented by a small group of students to raise money to rescue summer school classes lost in budget cuts, the Summer School Rescue Fund was able to save one summer 2009 class. With much participation from internal faculty/staff, students, the Foundation Board of Directors and inspired community members, the needed $4,500 was raised. The Foundation is very proud of this collaborative achievement.

In Summary

In spite of the very difficult economic climate, the SAC Foundation increased its assets and support of students at a time when they need it most. Careful stewardship, effective fundraising and generous individual donations have positioned the SAC Foundation for continued success in favorably impacted the lives of deserving students. Your support—large or small—would be highly valued and greatly appreciated. Call Christina Romero at 714-564-6091 to explore your options for joining this important work.

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ALUMNI PROFILE
Hall of Famer Robert David Hall Attends White House Ceremony

Robert David Hall, one of this year’s inductees into the Santa Ana College Hall of Fame, attended an historic event at the White House on July 24. One of the most prominent disabled actors working today, Hall joined President Barack Obama and others to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the landmark civil rights legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act. The President also announced that the United States would sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

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