I drove past the school often over the years and became curious about it. I actually researched the community college mission, and I thought it was great. So when there was a job opening, it just made such good sense to apply. It was a job that required all my skills: fundraising, communication, and non-profit management.

When I started, Glendale College Foundation already had a solid base. It was among one of the most successful in the state.

Building on that base, I’d say a few highlights include: developing a successful grant program; opening funding to the entire college and granting funds to a variety of projects; creating emergency funds to assist students with critical needs; organizing successful anniversary celebrations that raised over $100,000 each; generating increasing profits through our golf tournament and major giving program; and building a strong board and foundation staff.

I think that Glendale is unique in that it’s a very warm, loving place for most students. They feel that it’s much more hands-on for them, and that they get the personal attention of their professor. They get to meet with first-rate faculty members, one-on-one, who really have their best interests at heart. What I’ve heard often from alumni is that even though they went on to pursue other degrees, their experience at Glendale Community College was life-changing for them. It was the first place where they learned to love learning. It was the first place where they felt confident in their own abilities. It was the first place where somebody believed in them.

Donors are people who care about the cause for which we stand, and ensuring future generations of students are going to get the skills that they need to lead the life they want.

They’re not only supporting students who go on to four year colleges. They’re also supporting firefighters, machinists, and other students who step right into important jobs where they are urgently needed.

Donors are the ones who help us provide the funding to be able to give our students, and essentially the community, what they need.

I feel good about retiring because I’m leaving a very strong, skilled staff, an engaged board, a highly developed system of tracking, a robust database, and a strong GCC Superintendent/President and cabinet who are student-centered and future-oriented.

I feel confident that the new executive director will be able to build on what I’ve done, just as I built on what my predecessor had done, and move the Foundation to the next level.

A new person with new ideas and new skills is going to be a great advantage to the Foundation, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!