​​​​​(Santa Ana, CA) - The Santa Ana College (SAC) Veterans Resource Center is honoring student veteran Jose Marin at its 2019 Philanthropic Dinner and Student Recognition event on Thursday, May 9.

Marin, a former Marine involved in combat operations during Iraqi Freedom in 2003, was one of 25 students from across Southern California to be selected as part of University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) Community College to PhD (CC2PhD) program, which assists community college students with the knowledge and resources necessary to further their education and earn a PhD.

“The guidance I received throughout the program from UCLA and by Professor Moises Medina, the co-chair at Santa Ana College, has been priceless,” Marin said.

Although his experiences through the CC2PhD program have helped prepare him for the future, Marin has also benefitted from services provided through SAC’s Veterans Resource Center – services that have been instrumental in his success as a student.

“The Veterans Resource Center was a big help in guiding me through the academic process that could be overwhelming at times,” he said. “I grew up in Santa Ana I noticed the street sign that was advertising a “Boot Camp Program” – the veteran resources available through the school to help you get started. I have to acknowledge Abel Arredondo, Liliana Oropeza, counselor John Acuña, student program specialist Jason Lamb and Dr. Brenda Estrada for the guidance and help they provided, from coordinating an education plan to tutoring, field trips to universities, workshops, applying to universities, laptop rental, and so much more.”

A history major and tutor carrying a 3.6 G.P.A., Marin will graduate this spring and has been accepted to programs at University of California Berkeley, University of California Irvine, University of California Riverside, University of California San Diego, California State University Long Beach and California State University Fullerton. He will learn if he has been accepted into UCLA later this month.

In addition to Marin, the Philanthropic Dinner and Student Recognition event honors Madeline and Ronnie Grant, AT&T, R.A. Industries, U.S. Bank, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Lentz Morrissey Architecture, Strength in Support, Goodwill Tierney Center.

The Philanthropic Dinner and Student Recognition is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Santa Ana College campus, 1530 W. 17th St. in Santa Ana, and is sponsored by Farmers & Merchants Bank, Lentz Morrissey Architecture, Lockwood Retirement Consulting, Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Vice Chancellor of Education Services Enrique Perez and other valued supporters. Tickets, $100 per person ($50 for RSCCD) staff, are available at sac.edu/soldiers2scho​​lars. For additional information, call (714) 564-6091.

All event proceeds will benefit SAC’s Veterans Resource Center. Since 2010, the Veterans Resource center has supported veterans transitioning from military service to college and civilian life, as well as active duty personnel and their dependents. Specialized services include explaining and using GI Bill® benefits in the Veterans Affairs Office; the Veterans Upward Bound college preparation program, a college retention program through the Veterans Student Support Services; academic counseling; VA employment for service connected disabled veterans through VA Vocational Rehab; and mental health, wellness and counseling services through Strength in Support.

About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, and provides invaluable workforce training and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.