< 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

See Planned Giving Leave a Legacy Beyond Your Life

< 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 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

The Founder's Oak Society 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! Join Through Payroll Donations Here Or... Join Through Online Giving Here Click "Foundation Payroll Deduction Form" All Donations are tax-deductible, straightforward to set up, and profoundly meaningful! 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.

< 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 Fall Giving: A Season of Momentum and Meaning See how your help has created hope and inspired dreams in the fall season! Fall at DVC always feels a bit electric. The air is crisp, the leaves turn, and the walkways fill with purpose. Students bounce between classes, clubs, and campus events. The hum of activity says it all—this is a season of momentum. You hear it in the rhythm of our Viking Ensemble students, who are turning passion into purpose by performing across campus and in the community while gaining hands-on skills that set them up for professional success. You see it in the buzz of our Student Union, where students gather not just for food pantry access and basic needs support, but for the sense of belonging that sustains them. You feel it at our groundbreaking ceremonies and alumni mixers, where new construction and renewed connections promise something lasting. Even the postseason echoes with that energy. While we won’t detail every stat, just know that Viking football, water polo, and cross country have all had a fall to remember. And that matters—not just for the athletes, but for the spirit it stirs in everyone else. But with all this energy comes the reminder that not all student needs are visible ... On November 10, the DVC Foundation hosted the first-ever Industry Invitational at Oakhurst Country Club—a day of community, generosity, and purpose. Proceeds from the tournament support Fueling Futures: One Meal at a Time, an initiative providing 1,000 meals to students and their families this holiday season. It’s part of our broader commitment through the Student Safety Net Fund, which helps students stay enrolled and succeed by providing emergency grants, food, housing support, and more. “It was just a great day,” said event co-founder JB Balingit. “Everyone came together to support students and their families—and to give DVC culinary students a chance to gain real experience while making a real impact.” And quietly, consistently, the Diablo Valley College Retirees Association (DVCRA) has been part of that impact for decades. Behind the scenes, the retirees and the DVCRA have made sure that students have a pathway to success—funding more scholarships than any other single group at DVC. These aren’t just financial gifts. They’re acts of belief. Each scholarship awarded tells a student: you belong here, and we believe in where you're going. < Previous Next >

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

Itzel Gutierrez Board Member | Administrative Assistant in the Student Veterans' Resource Center (SVRC) at DVC Itzel serves on the Board of Directors for the Diablo Valley College Foundation and works as an Administrative Assistant for the Student Veteran Resource Center at DVC. A proud first-generation college graduate and DVC alumna, she earned her B.A. in Communication Studies from San José State University. Itzel is passionate about using communication to inspire change, bringing experience from her roles in marketing and community outreach. As a former Diamante Scholar, she is dedicated to paying it forward by helping students navigate their educational journeys and access vital resources. <- Back to Roster

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

< 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 >

TikTok Student Ambassador Award of $XXX upon project completion Become a TikTok Ambassador for the DVC Foundation! We are looking for a creative student(s) to manage our TikTok account and engage with the campus community and alumni. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on social media marketing experience and build your portfolio. Learn more about the role, time commitment, and the valuable skills you'll develop below. *Up to Student(s) Discretion, but a Possible Content Structure could be: A Day in the Life: Showcasing authentic student experiences. Foundation & Resources: Creatively promoting scholarships, events, and support systems. Campus Culture: Highlighting clubs, sports, and DVC traditions. Educational & Informative: Offering quick tips on financial aid, registration, and career prep. Apply Here First name* Last name* Student email* Phone Why do you want this position?* Link to CV/LinkedIn Apply Learning Objectives 1. Increase Brand Awareness: The primary goal is to build a larger and more active TikTok following for the DVC Foundation. The student will be tasked with creating educational and relatable content that resonates with current DVC students and alumni to grow the account's audience, as well as informative infographics. 2. Drive Student Engagement: The student will be responsible for actively promoting the Foundation's initiatives and support services. This means creating a steady stream of videos that highlight key resources like: Scholarship opportunities Campus events Workshops 3. Gain Real-World Experience (Experiential Learning): A key goal for the student personally is to gain valuable, hands-on experience. Their success in this area will be measured by their ability to complete the learning objectives outlined in their agreement, which they will detail in a final report at the end of the term. <- Back to Projects