Beth Unland Board Member, Finance Committee | Sr. Principal Customer Manager at Workday Beth serves on the Board of Directors within the finance committee for the Diablo Valley College Foundation and works as a Senior Principal Customer Success Manager at Workday. With a unique professional background bridging education and technology, she spent seven years as a teacher and technology coach before transitioning to the corporate sector. Beth specializes in empowering clients to achieve their goals by synthesizing complex information into actionable strategies. A dedicated community leader, she is an active member of Leadership Contra Costa and volunteers with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, bringing a deep passion for service to her role on the board. <- Back to Roster

< Back Student Leadership at DVC: Growing What Lasts April, 2025 Learn about some of our recent student leaders! Last month, we reflected on the many ways leadership takes root at DVC—through alumni, faculty, coaches, and generous donors whose impact continues to shape lives long after the cap and gown. But as one academic year ends and another begins, it’s fitting to turn our attention to the leaders just beginning to bloom: our students and young alumni. Because at DVC, leadership isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we cultivate. And the truest sign of lasting leadership is how well it prepares the next generation to step forward. You can see it in Omar Mohamedali, whose thoughtful leadership as a student organizer, club officer and peer mentor continues to inspire. Omar leads not just through titles, but by listening, encouraging, and creating space for others to grow. It shows in the story of the Gutierrez sisters— Itzel, a recent graduate and new DVC Foundation Board member, and Cindy, a current student with a heart for teaching. Their journey through the Puente Project and Diamante Scholars program reflects a shared commitment to equity, family, and educational opportunity. Together, they represent leadership that is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Monica Hicks, a 2024 graduate, served with clarity and compassion, always focused on lifting others. Her leadership was rooted in service, equity, and inclusion—values that made her the perfect choice for a historic honor. To recognize President Susan E. Lamb’s transformative leadership and enduring impact on Diablo Valley College, the Foundation proudly established the Susan E. Lamb Fellowship—and awarded the inaugural Fellowship to Monica. Monica’s journey, from justice-impacted beginnings to earning her master’s in computer science at Stanford, embodies the very spirit of the Fellowship: resilience, mentorship, and opportunity. The announcement left the room deeply moved—and President Lamb nearly speechless. It was a moment that captured the heart of what makes DVC special: people investing in people. Reflecting on her time at DVC, Monica shared: “The DVC Foundation gave me the opportunity to lead and be heard. And more importantly, it helped me listen.” And then there’s Charles McCoy, whose path through experiential learning and community engagement showed that leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about showing up, following through, and helping others find their way. Charles and Monica returned to campus this spring to speak at our President’s Circle Recognition Breakfast—not as students, but as young alumni ready to lead from the next chapter. As we look ahead to the coming year, we do so with deep gratitude for these emerging leaders. They remind us that the seeds planted at DVC grow into something powerful—not just for themselves, but for the students who will follow. Their stories affirm what we’ve said all along: Leadership at DVC doesn’t fade - it multiplies. Previous Next

< Back DVC Alumni After-Hours Mixer The Concord Chamber of Commerce invites you to a networking event on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Diablo Valley College Alumni Association co-host the gathering. The event runs from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Diablo Valley College Bistro. The address is 321 Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill. Participants will meet Chamber staff, board members, and local business leaders. You will share ideas with colleagues and build valuable contacts. This welcoming environment helps you find new career opportunities. Event Details Requirements: You must bring a business card to the event. Registration: fill out this form . Direct your questions to Alumni Manager Charley Daly. Previous Next

< Back Scholarship Awards Ceremony & Reception The Diablo Valley College Foundation will host a scholarship celebration on Friday, May 8, 2026. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Donors will see the results of their financial support. Students use these scholarship funds to pay for tuition and school costs. Participants will go to the Main Street Bistro after the ceremony. Donors will speak with scholarship recipients at the bistro. They will hear stories about how these funds help students stay in school. Interested parties should send a reply to dvcfoundation@dvc.edu . 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 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

James "Jim" Blair Executive Director | Director of College Advancement Jim serves as the Executive Director of the Diablo Valley College Foundation and the Director of College Advancement at Diablo Valley College. With a background in law and a deep understanding of charitable giving strategies, Jim brings a unique blend of legal insight and fundraising expertise to the Foundation. He specializes in planned giving and legacy planning, helping donors align their philanthropic goals with long-term financial and estate plans. His work ensures that each gift not only supports student success today but creates lasting impact for generations to come. <- Back to Roster

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

Directed Gift Giving Program Giving Our programs are the heart of DVC. From athletics to music, each program helps fund a vital part of students' passions. Your gift powers these systems, allowing students to thrive in their passions. See the List Scholarship Giving Scholarships empower students by easing financial stress, allowing them to focus on their education and pursue their passions. Your gift is an investment in their future, helping them achieve their dreams. See the List

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