​(SANTA ANA, Calif.) Thanks to the generosity of its most dedicated donors, the Santa Ana College (SAC) Foundation hit a milestone for one of its annual giving programs, the President’s Circle, by surpassing the $100,000 goal for the 2020 year. According to SAC Foundation Executive Director Christina Romero, the Foundation received $106,000 in donations this year from its President’s Circle members. These donations directly benefit students in the pursuit of their educational and career goals at Santa Ana College.

One such SAC student, Alexis Gaspar, a SAC Foundation President’s Scholar said the support he receives from the Foundation and its donors gives him the sense that he is not alone, even during the pandemic that presents unique challenges to students who are committed to pursuing higher education degrees. His family’s recent loss of income has made it difficult to focus solely on his academics and funding from the SAC Foundation President’s Circle has made it possible for him to soar and focus on his transfer goal.

“Even in the most challenging times, I am still encouraged by a selfless group of people who believe in my dreams of becoming a physician,” stated Gaspar. “The support of the Foundation breaks the financial barriers of my education and allows me to divert more time to the things that matter most to me: my family and my dreams. It is a remarkable gift of generosity and I am incredibly grateful."

SAC student Alexis Gaspar. President's Scholar and aspiring physician

The President’s Circle program is a testament to the collective efforts of donors sharing the common goal of helping students become college graduates and professionals in our local communities. This year, nearly 80 individuals, faculty, staff, alumni, businesses and friends of the college contributed toward the milestone goal, despite not being able to convene at the annual fundraising event physically.
Dedicated President’s Circle member, the González family, has significantly grown its partnership with Santa Ana College and the SAC Foundation over the years. The family behind the Latino-themed grocery store chain, Northgate González Market, said it believes in the students at SAC and supports the Foundation’s mission of ensuring that no student is denied access to educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

The Gonzalez Family

“It is our honor and privilege to be part of the President’s Circle at Santa Ana College, helping the college reach a fundraising milestone for students,” said Miguel González, co-president of Northgate González Market. “Opening doors for students to pursue higher education is a top priority for the company. Over the last 40 years, Northgate Market and the Reynoso González Family Foundation has awarded more than $1.8 Million in scholarships and provides other support and resources for families throughout Southern California.”

Each of the SAC Foundation’s President’s Circle members believe in the power of education and resilience through challenges. Their gifts directly ensure that every SAC student stays on their educational path by reducing the barriers that they are facing during this extraordinary time.

From Left to right: Kevin Martin, Yareiry Alba, Kristin Crellin, Jim Hossfeld

“I’ve been in awe of the commitment of our donors and President’s Circle members. However, it doesn’t surprise me that the level of commitment from our community continues to grow as we focus on the impact we can make on our students,” expressed SAC Interim President Marilyn Flores. “Each donor’s contribution is a reflection of their desire to change a student’s life. I am truly grateful for their support, especially during this unprecedented time of need. Our donors continue to surpass our expectations and for that we are thankful.

Financial support of our students through the President’s Circle helps further Santa Ana College’s goals to reduce regional achievement gaps while increasing the number of students who attain a degree or certificate, or transfer to a four-year institution so they can successfully enter the workforce.

To learn more about helping SAC students and joining this special group of givers, contact Executive Director Christina Romero at the Santa Ana College Foundation (714) 654-6091 or visit www.sac.edu/foundation or www.rtgcampaign.org.

SAC Public Affairs contact: Teresa Mercado-Cota (714) 564-6105, mercado_cota_teresa@sac.edu

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.

# # #