The Founder's Oak Society
Faculty and Staff: Standing Tall for Student Success
What is the Founder’s Oak Society?
Have you ever wondered what makes DVC’s commitment to student success so strong? Without a doubt, it’s the dedication and support of the Faculty and Staff of DVC.
Within this dedicated group is a special circle of faculty and staff who make ongoing donations to the DVC Foundation to support programs, scholarships, and initiatives that provide essential opportunities for our students. This group is DVC’s Faculty and Staff Founder’s Oak Society.
Named after the majestic oak tree that once stood at the heart of our campus, the Founder’s Oak Society embodies strength, growth, and lasting impact. Just as the oak tree offered shade and support for generations, members of the Founder’s Oak Society help build a future of success for DVC students through their ongoing contributions.
Why Your Support Matters, and Why Now?
We are at a critical moment of growth and opportunity for the DVC Foundation. In recent years, our impact has expanded significantly, allowing us to support more scholarships, student programs, and campus initiatives than ever before. Today, your participation in the Founder’s Oak Society is crucial in ensuring we continue to make timely, impactful, and responsive funding decisions for student success.
Your support helps us move beyond reactive fundraising—such as “passing the hat” during emergencies—and enables proactive, sustainable support for student success. Together, we can ensure students have continuous access to the resources they need most.
Join the Society Today
Oak Roots Level
$90/month
Building deep, lasting roots of student success. Your support ensures resources for generations to come!
Your Impact In Action...
Enhancing Emergency Grants
In 2024, over $12,000 was given to students facing urgent financial crises. With your support, we aim to provide at least $25,000 annually by 2025, ensuring immediate assistance is always available.
Expanding Scholarships
We’ve increased scholarship funding by 200%, awarding over $200,000 annually. We’re projecting another 20% increase in 2025, enabling even more students to access critical financial support.
Funding Student Success Programs
Last year, the Foundation funded over 55 academic and hands-on student success programs, investing directly in opportunities that prepare students for real-world challenges. In 2025, our goal is to provide more than $100,000 toward these transformative initiatives.
Investing in Staff Development
From funding the President’s Classified Exemplary Service Award to providing professional development resources, the Foundation is committed to filling the gaps and supporting DVC’s dedicated faculty and staff.
Strengthening Alumni Connections
In its second successful year, the DVC Alumni Association, funded by the Foundation, continues to provide critical mentorship, networking, and community-building opportunities.
The Legacy You Leave
Together, let’s stand tall for student success!
In the early 1950s, a majestic oak tree was left standing amid the bulldozers as the DVC campus took shape. For decades, Founder’s Oak served as a symbol of community, strength, and resilience—offering shade and shelter to generations of students and staff.
Though storms and age eventually took the tree, its spirit continues through the generosity of our Founder’s Oak Society members. Your ongoing support ensures that the legacy of Founder’s Oak lives on, providing immediate assistance to students, funding meaningful programs, and fostering a campus environment where every student can thrive.