<- Back to News & Articles See How Your Help has Affected DVC! News DVC Alumni After-Hours Mixer Read More March 19, 2026 at 11:00:00 PM Alere: Food and Wine Symposium Alere is the food and wine symposium for Diablo Valley College. It raises funds for culinary arts students while providing them with networking opportunities with professionals from a variety of sectors in the culinary industry Read More April 25, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM Slice of Success: Scholarship event Read More April 27, 2026 at 7:00:00 PM Scholarship Awards Ceremony & Reception An inspiring morning celebrating student success and donor impact Read More May 8, 2026 at 4:30:00 PM Presidents Circle Breakfast Recognition Breakfast : Norseman at DVC Read More May 8, 2026 at 2:45:00 PM A Legacy That Lives in Creativity: The Eva Cohen Endowed Memorial Internship in Digital Arts Read More

<- 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 Building What Comes Next: Engineering & Technology at DVC Campus Corners: From Foundations to Futures The New Engineering and Technology Building Read More

<- 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 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 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 >

Mino Sastry Board Member | CEO at Stanford Helth Care Tri-Valley Mino serves on the Board of Directors for the Diablo Valley College Foundation and is the Chief Administrative Officer at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley. An accomplished executive with a Master’s in Public Health, he brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, business development, and hospital administration. Mino has led transformative initiatives such as the launch of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement program and the expansion of the Stanford Medicine Ambulatory Network. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a dedicated community advocate who served as Chairperson of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, working to foster local growth and connection. <- Back to Roster

< 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 Presidents Circle Breakfast Each semester at Diablo Valley College begins with a familiar rhythm—new classes, new faces, new possibilities. But behind that first day of class is something quieter and far more enduring: a community of donors whose generosity ensures that learning at DVC doesn’t stall when life gets complicated. That community is the President’s Circle . Each spring, the Diablo Valley College Foundation proudly gathers President’s Circle members for a Recognition Breakfast—not simply to say thank you, but to reflect on the long arc of impact their leadership gifts make possible. While the event takes place on a single morning, the impact of these gifts stretches across semesters, programs, and generations of students. President’s Circle members make leadership gifts of $1,000 or more annually , providing the Foundation with the flexibility to respond where support is needed most—often in moments that define a student’s learning journey. These gifts help bridge the gap between intention and opportunity, funding scholarships, experiential learning, emergency assistance, and program enhancements as needs arise. This flexibility matters. It allows the Foundation to act quickly when a student faces an unexpected barrier, when a hands-on learning opportunity emerges mid-semester, or when a program needs immediate support to keep momentum moving forward. In many cases, President’s Circle support is the difference between a student pressing pause and a student pressing on. Just as importantly, President’s Circle giving creates a lasting legacy of learning at DVC. These leadership gifts don’t just solve today’s challenges—they strengthen the systems that support students year after year. They help ensure that education at DVC remains accessible, responsive, and rooted in real-world success. As a President’s Circle member, you are part of a close-knit group of donors who: Receive invitations to special Foundation and campus events Gain early insight into the students and programs their support impacts Connect with fellow supporters committed to student success and opportunity And each May, members are invited to gather for the President’s Circle Recognition Breakfast—a moment to hear student stories, celebrate collective impact, and look ahead to what’s possible when generosity meets purpose. We look forward to seeing you on 7:45am on Friday May 8th, 2025 in the Norseman at DVC Not Yet a Member? There’s Still Time to Join If you’ve been considering a leadership gift to DVC, now is a meaningful time to step forward. A gift of $1,000 or more qualifies you as a 2024–25 President’s Circle member and includes an invitation to this special celebration. More than that, it places you at the heart of a legacy—one that ensures learning at DVC doesn’t begin and end with a semester, but continues to shape lives long after graduation. Previous Next

Alexandra Felipe Admin Services Team Member N/A <- Back to Roster

Charley Daly Alumni Manager Charley serves as the Alumni Manager and Podcast Host for the Diablo Valley College Foundation. With a strong background in business development and community engagement, he specializes in building networks that connect alumni with current students. Charley founded the DVC Alumni Speakers Bureau to provide mentorship opportunities and share inspiring success stories through his platform. His strategic outreach has significantly grown the alumni community, fostering a supportive environment that honors the college's legacy. <- Back to Roster

Thomas "Thom" Martin Development Officer Thom Martin serves as the Development Officer for the Diablo Valley College Foundation. As an experienced non-profit executive and cause-driven leader, he brings a wealth of expertise in fundraising, staff development, and strategic planning. Thom has a proven track record of leading diverse teams and implementing successful major gift strategies for organizations across the Bay Area. He is dedicated to driving results that support community programs and enhance organizational impact. <- Back to Roster

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