Christopher "Chris" Lane Administrative Assistant Chris serves as an Administrative Assistant for the Diablo Valley College Foundation while pursuing his studies in Finance. A driven leader and investor, he founded The Viking Fund Club to provide fellow students with hands-on experience in equity research and portfolio management. Christopher actively contributes to the campus community, holding leadership roles in finance clubs. His work with the Foundation focuses on donor stewardship, event support, boosting online presence, financial reporting, and streamlining operations to enhance the organization's impact. <- Back to Roster

Alexia Reed Board Member | Director of Marketing at Blackhawk Network Alexia Reed serves on the Board of Directors for the Diablo Valley College Foundation and is the Director of Marketing Communications at Blackhawk Network. An award-winning industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience, she specializes in planning global events and strategic communications that drive meaningful business results. Alexia is known as a creative architect, producing major conferences for leaders in the fintech and retail sectors, and has been recognized as a finalist for the prestigious PRSA Bronze Anvil Awards. Her deep expertise in building key relationships and managing complex projects helps guide the Foundation’s efforts to engage the broader community. <- Back to Roster

Tyson Sullivan Board Member, Finance Committee | Agent at New York Life Insurance Company Tyson serves on the Board of Directors within the finance committee for the Diablo Valley College Foundation and is a Financial Services Professional with New York Life Insurance Company. With a diverse background in business development and sales management, he specializes in helping families and business owners create and preserve wealth through comprehensive financial strategies. Tyson holds a BBA from the University of Georgia and brings over a decade of operational leadership experience from the construction and title industries. A dedicated community advocate in San Ramon, he currently serves as President of the California High School Athletic Booster Club and previously led the Bollinger Canyon Little League through a successful merger. <- Back to Roster

< 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 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 Spotlight: Karrington’s Journey from DVC to Oxford October, 2025 From DVC to Oxford! Learn about Karrington's journey! At Diablo Valley College, we believe in the promise of each student’s journey—wherever it begins and wherever it leads. This month’s Alumni Spotlight features Karrington, a 2022 graduate whose academic path is now taking her across the Atlantic to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. Karrington began her studies at DVC in 2019, finding her footing as the world around her shifted due to the pandemic. “I had a great time at DVC, even amidst the pandemic,” she reflected. “The transition to online classes was seamless, and the community was very supportive.” Those early years not only provided a strong academic foundation but also helped her clarify her sense of purpose. Raised in San Ramon, Karrington described growing up in a place that was “super nice,” yet at times isolating. As one of the few African-American students in her community, she often felt like an outsider. “It was home at the end of the day,” she said, “but definitely, as a kid, it was difficult always being an outsider.” That sense of otherness sparked a deep curiosity—one that would grow into a passion for service and advocacy. At first, Karrington was on a nursing track. But a pivotal internship at Stanford changed her trajectory. “Coding and data analysis felt like building Legos,” she said, a nod to the joy of discovering something new that connects to who you’ve always been. That internship helped her uncover an interest in mental health policy—something that felt urgent, personal, and full of possibility. Scholarships, including the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship, helped open doors, and Karrington transferred to Cal State East Bay. There, she was awarded the prestigious Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service—an experience that allowed her to travel the country, studying how different communities address mental health access. “That scholarship gave me the chance to learn directly from people in cities like D.C., Atlanta, and New Orleans,” she shared. “It deepened my commitment to advocacy, policy, and community building.” This fall, Karrington will begin graduate studies in health policy at the University of Oxford—on a fully-funded scholarship. She sees this opportunity not as a finish line, but as a way to continue giving back. “This is a dream come true,” she said. “It’s a chance to bring back insights that can help make mental health more accessible for everyone.” When asked what keeps her going, her answer was simple but powerful: “You only have one life. Just do your best. No one has ever directly told me I can’t, so why should I believe otherwise?” Karrington’s journey is a reminder that meaningful change often starts quietly—in a classroom, during a conversation, or through an internship that opens your eyes to something new. Her story speaks to the power of persistence, of being open to change, and of staying connected to the communities that shaped you. We’re proud to celebrate Karrington as a member of the DVC alumni family. Her story—like so many others—is one of purpose, resilience, and hope. 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 Finding His Way Back: Jim Blair, Executive Director at the Foundation November, 2025 A Message from Jim Blair, Executive Director at the DVC Foundation. Dear Veterans, Thirty-six years ago, I was discharged from the United States Army and landed at Diablo Valley College. Those who've never served won't know the adjustment needed between military and civilian life. From a very regimented life of near constant work with little time off, I had landed in a world where self-determination and leisure time were the new reality. This was the late 1980s, and while I didn't face the poor reception our Vietnam veterans received, there weren't any celebrations around my return to the civilian world. I didn't expect or need any. However, there was also very little support for my transition back to the world. On the campus, I was expected to find my own way. After years of being told what to do, this was difficult. Now, the life on campus for returning veterans is much different, and it should be. After two decades of nearly constant conflict, our newer veteran students land at the college and have a considerable amount of support services. With those services, I can report that they are some of the highest performing students on campus and often transfer to elite colleges when they leave here. I want to take this Veterans Day to thank all of our donors because without you, we would not be able to support our student veterans as they make their return to the civilian world. It's because of people like you that we've been able to create the services that our veterans deserve after they complete their service to our country. We're now building out a new space for veterans on campus, and your continued support of these programs will ensure that we can create a space on campus that allows them to study and receive the support services they deserve. If you have a desire to assist with this buildout, please contact Thom Martin in the Foundation office, and he will work with you to maximize your impact. To our donors that have served, I wish you the best this Veterans Day. Jim Blair Executive Director Diablo Valley College Foundation Previous Next

<- Back to News & Articles Each Person Has Their Own Story! From Syllabi to Service: How One Semester Can Launch a Legacy 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 Read More Honoring the Legacy of Michael "Mickey" Ganitch Learn about the incredible impact of the great Mickey Ganitch! Read More DVC Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Brookshire Journey From veteran, to DVC, to banking and board member: Brandon Brookshire. Read More Finding His Way Back: Jim Blair, Executive Director at the Foundation A Message from Jim Blair, Executive Director at the DVC Foundation. Read More DVC Alumni Spotlight: Karrington’s Journey from DVC to Oxford From DVC to Oxford! Learn about Karrington's journey! Read More Celebrating the Ongoing Impact of the DVC Retirees' Association Learn about the DVC Retirees' Association! Read More Student Leadership at DVC: Growing What Lasts Learn about some of our recent student leaders! Read More

< 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 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

<- Back to News & Articles See How Your Help has Affected DVC! Campus Corners: The Student Veteran's Resource Center (SVRC) Let's take a visit to one of the most resourceful places on campus... Fall Giving: A Season of Momentum and Meaning See how your help has created hope and inspired dreams in the fall season! Alumni Pulse: Networking, Networking, Networking! Learn about the Alumni Association's recent networking event! Campus Corners: The Brand-New Engineering and Technology Building Let's take a visit to the brand-new ET Building! Legacy Giving: The Charitable Gift Annuity Learn how you can influence DVC for generations to come! The Viking Ensemble: Making Music and Careers with Experiential Learning Learn about our efforts to create experiential learning for DVC students! President’s Circle: Where Generosity Becomes Momentum for Student Success This Month in History Black History, Community Colleges, and the Work of Access at DVC Read More