(Santa Ana, CA) - The 2020 Santa Ana College (SAC) Scholarship Awards Ceremony, virtually held on Friday, May 29, brought together nearly 450 students, scholarship donors, supporters of the college and their friends and family, shining a light on donors who, no matter the circumstances, continue to support the most deserving Santa Ana College scholars. “It was very important for us to hold this ceremony and to not allow the current circumstances to stop us from honoring our students and generous donors. The virtual event proved to be just as engaging and celebratory as ever, and everyone who joined us was able to share in the joy and pride that our students experienced,” said Rossina Gallegos, SAC Foundation President.
Ceremony attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Cindy Shea, an 11-time Grammy award nominee, and two-time Grammy award winning distinguished trumpet player, who learned to play the trumpet at the age of eight. Cindy studied music at California State University, Fullerton and Florida International University before founding her own all female, wildly successful ensemble group, the Mariachi Divas in 1999, a mariachi group comprising female musicians of diverse backgrounds. Her rousing message to students was clear: reach for the stars and don’t let anyone stand in your way. You are powerful enough to make your dreams come true.
2020 Scholarship Ceremony Keynote Speaker and Grammy Award Winner Cindy Shea.
Also evoking inspiration, the 2020 Scholarship Honoree of the year, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union's continued partnership with Santa Ana College Foundation has provided scholarships, grants, and program support to staff, faculty, and students, positively impacting student success initiatives at Santa Ana College. In addition, SchoolsFirst FCU has continued to show dedication to helping SAC employees and their families thrive, providing products and services designed around their unique needs.
2020 Scholarship Honoree of the year, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union CEO Bill Cheney with students.
Some notable guests who were highlighted and in attendance are: Kim Valentine of Valentine Law Group, Rossina Gallegos with Union Bank, Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolFirst Federal Credit Union, Dr. Linda Rose, President of Santa Ana College, Dr. Vaniethia Hubbard, Vice President of Student Services at Santa Ana College, and Catherine Emley, Santa Ana College Scholarship Committee Chair and Medical Assistant Program Professor.
“Santa Ana College scholarships will help to pay for any future study abroad programs I plan on pursuing, as well as ensuring that my living expenses are low to none when I transfer to the university of my choice,” said Muadh A., SAC student-athlete and transfer scholarship recipient. “For that, I am sincerely grateful! I came to SAC completely unaware of what I wanted to do academically and found that there was an abundance of resources readily available for me. I appreciate all the support I have received and I am looking forward to an amazing education at my soon-to-be university.”
SAC Student Athlete and Scholarship Recipient, Muadh Abdul Hakim and his mother.
During this 2020-2021 academic year, the SAC Scholarship Program will award and distribute a total of $587,196 in scholarships to 407 students. Award amounts range from $500 to $8,000. In addition to the close to $600,000 that is distributed, the scholarship team holds year-round informational sessions on outside scholarship opportunities and helps train students on application competitiveness and competency. SAC Scholarship Program opportunities are awarded competitively to hard-working students in need of additional support to continue their education, who demonstrate great academic merit, achievement, and leadership. Directly tied to the college’s overall completion goals which support students as they continue to stay on the path and reach their academic goals, scholarships are available to all SAC students who meet the basic requirements who are incoming, continuing, or transfer bound.
“Community colleges are proud to serve a large pool of high-performing, first-generation students,” said Rossina Gallegos, Santa Ana Foundation Board President & Scholarship Donor. “I want to congratulate all scholarship recipients for their dedication and commitment to their education.”
To view just one of the moving videos shared with attendees, please click here.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, and provides invaluable workforce training and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
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