< Back Legacy Giving: The Charitable Gift Annuity Learn how you can influence DVC for generations to come! This Veterans Month, we’re reminded that service takes many forms. A Charitable Gift Annuity is one way to continue a legacy of giving—offering you lifelong income and tax benefits while ensuring future students at Diablo Valley College have the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve in their own ways. It’s a gift that honors the past and invests in the future. Here's why a Charitable Gift Annuity may be the right giving option for you—and how it helps Diablo Valley College students... What is a Charitable Gift Annuity? A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a simple agreement between you and the Community College League of California. In exchange for your gift of cash, stock, or other assets, you receive fixed payments for life. At the end of the contract, the remaining funds go to the Diablo Valley College Foundation, ensuring your legacy supports local students for years to come. Why Choose a CGA? Income for Life – guaranteed payments for as long as you (or you and a spouse) live. Tax Benefits – a significant portion of your gift qualifies for a charitable deduction, and much of your annuity income may be tax-free. Flexibility in Giving – fund your annuity with cash, CDs, or appreciated securities. Donating stock may allow you to avoid or defer capital gains taxes. Accessible – a CGA can be established with as little as $10,000. Make the Most of your Retirement Funds If you are age 73 or older, you are required to take annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA. These withdrawals are taxable and can increase your annual income tax liability. By directing all or part of your RMD to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity, you can: Reduce Your Taxable Income – the charitable deduction from establishing the annuity can offset some of the taxable impact of your RMD. Convert Retirement Assets into Steady Income – instead of a one-time taxable withdrawal, you receive fixed payments for life. Leave a Lasting Legacy – the residual value of your annuity supports Diablo Valley College Foundation programs and scholarships long after your lifetime. Real Benefits at Every Age The payout rate increases with age. For example, a $10,000 gift from a 70-year-old donor could provide $470 annually, with a large portion tax-free, plus an immediate charitable deduction of more than $4,000. Why DVC? By choosing the Diablo Valley College Foundation as the beneficiary of your Charitable Gift Annuity, your generosity directly impacts students in our community. Your support funds scholarships, academic programs, and initiatives that open doors for students of every background. A CGA is more than a donation—it’s a partnership. You gain peace of mind through reliable income and tax advantages, while creating long-term opportunities for DVC students to achieve their educational and career goals. To learn more about establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity that benefits the Diablo Valley College Foundation, please contact DVCFoundation@dvc.edu or visit the Community College League of California at www.ccleague.org . < Previous Next >

< Back Campus Corners: The Brand-New Engineering and Technology Building Let's take a visit to the brand-new ET Building! Just beyond the Veterans Center, where our student veterans find camaraderie, counseling, and a sense of belonging, the fenced-off area ahead marks a different kind of commitment: a new 32,500-square-foot Engineering Technology Building, now officially under construction. I like to stand on the top of the steepest stairs in county each morning and watch the construction unfold. It’s a great view from there and not because I’m winded. The groundbreaking ceremony held on October 15 marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in DVC’s investment in innovation. Funded by the 2014 Measure E bond, this $56.8 million facility is scheduled to open in fall 2027 and will house programs in engineering, construction, architecture, electronics, energy systems, and industrial design. With dedicated labs for 3D printing, CNC and CAD technology, robotics, and more, the building is designed to deliver hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for in-demand careers in automation, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. DVC President Dr. Monica Chahal described the project as a direct investment in California’s innovation economy, supported by key partnerships with employers and industry advisors. If you're interested in seeing the build, you can monitor progress here: Live Cams | Clark/Sullivan Construction . As I continue my walk toward the Student Union, the scene shifts—but the energy doesn’t. Inside the Union, students gather at the Basic Needs Center to access the food pantry, get referrals for housing and transportation assistance, or just find a quiet space to catch their breath. This is where wrap-around support lives—in a place where students don’t just survive college, but are supported in every aspect of it. And in nearby corners of the campus, learning labs continue to come alive—places where students are not just studying, but doing. Whether through music, engineering, or peer mentoring, they’re practicing the skills that will shape their futures. Today’s short stroll—from the place where we honor those who’ve served, to the place where students find daily support, to the structure now rising in between—says a lot about who we are at DVC: a college building strong foundations while helping students launch into what’s next. < Previous Next >

< Back The Viking Ensemble: Making Music and Careers with Experiential Learning Learn about our efforts to create experiential learning for DVC students! This fall, Diablo Valley College is buzzing with more than just students headed to class—it’s alive with music, collaboration, and career preparation, thanks to a unique experiential learning program: the Viking Ensemble Associate Fellow Program. With support from DVC Foundation donors, six music students are selected each academic year to serve as Associate Fellows in this dynamic, student-led performance group. These students aren’t just playing music—they’re building their careers. From planning campus concerts and coordinating logistics with community partners, to rehearsing and performing at local nonprofits and DVC sponsor locations, these Fellows take on real-world responsibilities that mirror the creative and collaborative demands of professional life. Under the guidance of music faculty mentors and seasoned industry professionals, the Viking Ensemble experience blends artistic growth with project management, event planning, and leadership training. Each Fellow receives a stipend—made possible through donor support—that allows them to focus on learning and performing, rather than balancing additional jobs or unrelated work-study roles: “This experience helped me build confidence as a performer and a leader,” shared one participant. “It’s something I never would have had access to without the support of the Foundation and its donors.” The Ensemble performs at least eight events per semester , infusing both the campus and community with live music and demonstrating what’s possible when education is paired with hands-on practice. These performances are more than concerts—they're proof points that student talent, when supported by opportunity, thrives. And that’s exactly what DVC’s experiential learning mission is all about: preparing students for life beyond the classroom with experiences that make them career-ready, community-connected, and creatively inspired. The Viking Ensemble is just one of many programs where your support makes a difference. Thank you for helping DVC students turn passion into purpose. < Previous Next >

< Back DVC Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Brookshire Journey November, 2025 From veteran, to DVC, to banking and board member: Brandon Brookshire. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Brandon Brookshire, a DVC alum with a fascinating journey from military service to banking and higher education. Brandon's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and community. After serving in the Air Force, Brandon found himself at a crossroads. He came to DVC looking for direction and discovered a supportive veteran’s community that helped him navigate his benefits and pursue his goals. From there, he went on to earn multiple advanced degrees and build a successful career in banking. What struck me most about Brandon's story was his hunger for continuous learning and growth. Even as he balances a demanding career and growing family, he's pursuing an MBA and considering future academic endeavors. His perspective on the balance of work-life, gained from experiences abroad, was particularly insightful. Brandon's journey from struggling veteran to thriving professional and lifelong learner is truly inspiring. His story highlights the lasting impact DVC can have in launching students toward their dreams. I invite you to listen to the full interview to hear Brandon's insights on everything from the banking industry to studying abroad in Barcelona. His story is a powerful reminder of how education can open doors and transform lives. Tune in to DVC Alumni, where every story inspires the next. Brandon's Journey may just motivate you to take the next step in your own educational and professional development! Previous Next

< Back Honoring the Legacy of Michael "Mickey" Ganitch November, 2025 Learn about the incredible impact of the great Mickey Ganitch! Each year, the DVC Foundation has the profound honor of awarding two scholarships in the name of Michael “Mickey” Ganitch — a sailor whose life reflected courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to service. On Veterans Day, as we pause to honor all who have served, we shine a special light on the story behind this remarkable scholarship and the impact it continues to make for DVC’s student veterans. A Legacy Born in Extraordinary Moments... Mickey Ganitch enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 21. By the fall of 1941, he was serving aboard the USS Pennsylvania, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet — and playing on the ship’s football team. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Mickey and his teammates were suited up for what was supposed to be the Navy’s own “Super Bowl,” a championship game against the USS Arizona. Instead, as the first bombs fell on Pearl Harbor, Mickey raced to his battle station still wearing his football pads, climbing into the crow’s nest to serve as lookout during the opening minutes of the attack. It was an almost unbelievable moment — part courage, part instinct, and unmistakably American. Mickey went on to serve throughout World War II, remained aboard the Pennsylvania during its major Pacific operations, later served during the Korean War, and ultimately retired as a Senior Chief Quartermaster. In the decades that followed, he continued serving his community through veterans’ organizations, church leadership, volunteer service, and acts of quiet compassion. Mickey passed away in 2022 at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, generosity, and heart. A Scholarship That Inspires New Generations... Today, the Michael (Mickey) Ganitch Memorial Scholarship honors that legacy by supporting DVC student veterans who, like Mickey, have dedicated themselves to service and to strengthening their communities. “Receiving a scholarship named after a true hero means more than I can express. As a veteran returning to college, this support lifts a huge weight and allows me to focus fully on my education. It encourages me to keep striving, give back, and live up to the values Mickey embodied.” -Clark Kevin Santiago, Scholarship Recipient Honoring Mickey. Supporting Veterans. Strengthening Futures... We are honored to carry Mickey’s story forward, we are grateful for the student veterans who continue their education at DVC with determination and purpose, and we are proud that this scholarship — rooted in a moment of history and a lifetime of service — continues to make a difference in their lives. Previous Next

< Back A Day of Celebration and Gratitude Scholarship Awards Ceremony Brings Donors and Students Together On May 8, the Diablo Valley College community gathered at the Performing Arts Center for the annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, followed by a donor reception at the Main Street Bistro. The event celebrated the accomplishments of hundreds of students whose hard work, perseverance, and determination earned scholarship support. For many recipients, the awards represented more than financial assistance. They provided encouragement, confidence, and affirmation that others believe in their potential. Following the ceremony, donors and students had the opportunity to meet and share their stories, creating meaningful connections and highlighting the impact of philanthropy on student success. One of the most powerful moments each year is hearing students describe the challenges they have overcome and the goals they are pursuing. From future nurses and engineers to teachers, entrepreneurs, and artists, scholarship recipients shared inspiring stories of resilience and ambition. Throughout the reception, donors experienced firsthand the impact of their generosity. Conversations revealed how scholarships help students stay enrolled, reduce financial stress, and focus on achieving their educational goals. The Scholarship Awards Ceremony remains one of the Foundation’s most meaningful traditions, bringing together the people who make student success possible and the students whose futures are being transformed through their support. Every scholarship awarded represents a partnership between a donor who believes in education and a student determined to make the most of the opportunity. Together, they create stories of achievement, perseverance, and possibility. < Previous Next >

< Back Campus Corners: The Student Veteran's Resource Center (SVRC) Let's take a visit to one of the most resourceful places on campus... Our path today takes us just across from the Library, at the base of Science Hill, to the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) on the Diablo Valley College campus. In Contra Costa County alone there are over 53,000 veterans living in our community. Across California, more than 55,000 veterans, active‑duty service members or dependents are enrolled in community colleges each year. These figures remind us that the SVRC serves not only a classroom, but a chapter of lives in transition. When I stepped inside the SVRC, I was greeted by Marine veteran Andres Garcia, who shared: " The SVRC has given me purpose and made it possible to be involved both in the community and on campus. It has also connected me with incredible resources and services that help me succeed.” Nearby, another Marine veteran, Jose Maya Magdalena, didn’t hesitate:“I truly believe I would have dropped out if not for the SVRC. The community and safe space it provides keeps me going.” Their words resonate because they reflect the heart of the SVRC’s mission: a place of support, connection, and academic renewal. As I walked among the study nooks, resource stations and informal gathering areas, it became clear the center is more than a facility—it’s a community anchor. Here at DVC, we cultivate a campus where veteran students are seen, supported and celebrated. And as the data show, the numbers matter: not only for the veterans themselves, but for the strength and diversity they bring to our collective educational experience. Designate your Donation to the SVRC! Next month, our walk will carry us to the center of student life—the Student Union. Stay tuned! < Previous Next >

< Back From Syllabi to Service: How One Semester Can Launch a Legacy February,2026 A chance info session and a districtwide pitch win launched Anya Gupta from classroom networking to a community-minded startup and multiple civic leadership seats When the semester begins, many students focus on syllabi and schedules. For Anya Gupta, this spring started with a spontaneous pitch, $1,000 prize, and new leadership roles on regional boards — a chain of opportunities that turned a campus idea, Wellness Pulse, into real-world impact and civic service. Donors, alumni, and campus programs power the long arc that makes stories like hers possible. When the semester calendar flips open, most students are threading syllabi into binders and scanning schedules. For Anya Gupta, this spring began with a different kind of first week: a winning pitch, new leadership seats on regional boards, and the momentum of opportunities seeded at Diablo Valley College. Anya hadn’t planned to enter the districtwide pitch competition. She stopped by an info session (there was free pizza) and, on a whim, built a 20-slide pitch that became Wellness Pulse — an anonymous, short-form platform to surface how students and community members are feeling so leaders can intervene early. Selected as a finalist, Anya presented before local mayors, investors, and transit leaders — and won. The prize stipend helped her expand Wellness Pulse beyond campus pilots; the recognition opened seats on BART’s security committee, the Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Board (where she’s been nominated for chair), and the MTC advisory group. Anya’s story is a clear arc from classroom to community: a networking workshop in a single semester pushed her out of her comfort zone, club advising and campus programs gave her places to practice, and campus-run competitions and partnerships supplied the funding and visibility to scale an idea into civic impact. Along the way she’s also been part of the Educational Strategic Plan task force shaping DVC’s goals through 2031 — bringing a student voice to decisions that will affect future cohorts. This is the long arc donors and alumni help sustain. Legacy gifts, endowed internships, program support, and community partnerships don’t just fund one semester’s activities — they create touchpoints where ambition meets resources, where a spontaneous pitch can become a public-health tool, and where a classroom encounter becomes a lifetime of service. Anya’s wins — stipend, board nominations, and growing collaborations with local nonprofits — trace back to a campus ecosystem supported by alumni mentors, faculty advisors, and community funders. For alumni and donors: your continued investment pays forward in ways that ripple for years. The next student who walks into an info session, signs up for a club, or accepts a small stipend may be the person whose idea strengthens transit safety, improves county mental-health response, or helps shape the college’s next five-year strategy. Help keep that arc going. Support DVC programs that connect learning to real-world leadership: fund student stipends and pitch competitions, mentor student clubs, or contribute to endowed internships that turn remembrance into momentum. Every gift and every volunteer hour turns a single semester into a legacy of impact. Previous Next

< Back President’s Circle: Where Generosity Becomes Momentum for Student Success At Diablo Valley College, student success rarely follows a straight line. Some students balance classes with two jobs. Others are the first in their families to attend college. Many are navigating responsibilities that stretch far beyond campus. And yet, every semester, they show up—ready to keep moving forward. Behind that steady progress is a steady source of support: the President’s Circle of the Diablo Valley College Foundation. President’s Circle members make leadership gifts of $1,000 or more annually. Those gifts provide flexible funding that allows the Foundation to respond quickly and thoughtfully when opportunity—or challenge—arises. And in higher education, timing matters. Flexibility That Changes Trajectories Unlike restricted funding tied to a single purpose, President’s Circle gifts give the Foundation the ability to act where the need is greatest. Sometimes that means helping a student accept a career-building internship. Sometimes it means bridging a short-term financial gap that could otherwise derail enrollment. Sometimes it means strengthening a program that prepares students for real-world work in engineering, digital arts, health sciences, and emerging industries. Because these gifts are flexible, they meet students in real time. A student doesn’t have to wait for the next funding cycle. A faculty partner doesn’t have to scale back a learning experience. An unexpected bill doesn’t automatically become the end of a semester. President’s Circle donors make it possible to respond—not react. “President’s Circle support gives us the ability to step in at critical moments—ensuring a temporary obstacle does not become a permanent setback for a DVC student.” Sustaining the Learning Journey Student success at DVC is not built in a single semester. It unfolds over time. Leadership gifts support scholarships that keep students enrolled. They advance experiential learning that connects classroom knowledge to hands-on practice. They help fund emergency assistance when life takes an unexpected turn. Over time, this layered support creates something powerful: continuity. Students move from classroom to internship. From internship to transfer. From transfer to career. And many return as alumni who mentor, hire, and give back. That is the long arc of learning—and President’s Circle members help sustain it. A Legacy That Extends Beyond Today When donors join the President’s Circle, they are not simply making an annual gift. They are strengthening a culture of responsiveness and opportunity at DVC. Their leadership: Builds institutional resilience Expands access for first-generation and underserved students Ensures the Foundation can move quickly when opportunity appears Reinforces the belief that no student should miss out due to temporary financial hardship Each spring, President’s Circle members gather for a Recognition Breakfast—a moment to hear directly from students, reflect on shared impact, and look ahead to what sustained generosity can accomplish next. But the true celebration happens quietly, semester after semester, as students persist, graduate, transfer, and launch careers. That is the legacy. Join the President’s Circle A leadership gift of $1,000 or more qualifies you as a President’s Circle member for the current giving year. Thank you to those who have already made their leadership gift to become a President’s Circle member. We look forward to celebrating you at our annual President’s Circle Recognition Breakfast on Friday, May 8 at 7:45 a.m. in the Norseman at DVC. If you have not yet joined, we invite you to lead with us. More than recognition, President’s Circle membership is an investment in sustained student success. It ensures that generosity continues to become momentum—semester after semester, student after student. Become a President’s Circle member today. < Previous Next >

DVCF Donor Survey 1. What motivates you to donate to charitable causes in general? Personal values Connection to the cause Supporting education/community development Tax benefits Other 2. Why do you choose to donate to the Diablo Valley College Foundation specifically? 3. How did you first get involved with our foundation? 4. Do you donate to other organizations? If so, which ones and why? 5. What are your top priorities or values when selecting organizations to support? 6. How do you prefer to engage with the nonprofits you support? 7. In what ways do you feel our organization can improve to better serve your charitable giving goals? 8. Would you be open to volunteering or getting more involved beyond financial support? 9. Is there anything else you would like to share about your giving experience with us? Thank you for your time and insights! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us better understand and serve our donor community as we work to make a greater impact on the students and programs you support. Submit

Scholarship Giving <- Back to Menu Invest in a Dream Because of your generosity, a promising student can focus on their studies, unlock their potential, and become a future leader in our community. Your support removes financial barriers and opens doors to a brighter future. Give the gift of education and empower the next generation of leaders. We have a long list of scholarships that help a wide range of students, so we suggest using the menu on the right to navigate the different groups we have! If you are interested in opening a scholarship, please contact us at dvcfoundation@dvc.edu Donate To The DVC Retirees Association Scholarships Today! DONATE

< Back Celebrating the Ongoing Impact of the DVC Retirees' Association August, 2025 Learn about the DVC Retirees' Association! 11 scholarships. 11 stories of Perseverance, Purpose, and Promise. For decades, the Diablo Valley College Retirees Association has led the way in funding scholarships that help students pursue their educational dreams. Through their sustained generosity, they have consistently provided more scholarship support than any other individual, endowment, or organization at DVC. This year, 11 students received scholarships from the Retirees Association—each one a powerful expression of belief in student potential. These scholarships don’t just pay tuition or cover books. They affirm, they motivate, and they remind students that someone believes in them. Here are just a few of the voices whose lives have been impacted: “DVC and the Umoja community have helped me better understand my identity, history, and the power of education. This scholarship reminds me that my efforts are seen and supported—and encourages me to keep pushing forward.” - Edward “Through my battle with addiction, I found the strength to change and a deep passion to help others do the same. Your support is helping me become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker—so I can show others that transformation is possible.” -Julien “I'm finally going to be able to grow my education and transfer to a four-year college” -Bruna “This scholarship has allowed me to dedicate more time to both my studies and my community. As the first in my family to attend college, I am grateful for the opportunity to keep pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.” -Justin To the members of the DVC Retirees Association: your legacy grows with every student you uplift. Thank you for continuing to believe in our students—and for making it possible for them to believe in themselves. Let's continue to support our students. Visit the DVCRA in "Directed Giving" to support our cause! Previous Next