December 2022

Vol. 10

Bakersfield College Philanthropists and Supporters to be
Honored at 15th Annual Sterling Silver
Saturday, March 25, 2023

Each year, the BC Foundation honors some of the college’s most impactful supporters at the Annual Sterling Silver gala. This year’s event will recognize donors and leaders whose support makes innovative new programming possible, and expands the reach of Bakersfield College. The 15^th Annual Sterling Silver will be held in the Renegade Ballroom, perched atop the Campus Center at BC’s main campus, 1801 Panorama Drive. 

This year’s honorees include:

• Valley Strong Credit Union, Corporate Philanthropist Award— Valley Strong Credit Union has been a tremendous supporter of Bakersfield College for more than three decades. In October 2021, Valley Strong took their support to a new level when they became the first corporate donor to partner with BC to create an institute of learning.  The Valley Strong Energy Institute laid the groundwork for the college’s energy initiative which focuses on creating a workforce prepared to fill Kern County’s energy industry jobs of today, and the jobs of tomorrow.

• Marjorie and Bud Lindsey, Individual Philanthropist Award—The Lindseys began their giving relationship with Bakersfield College in 1991. In 2006, their friend, then-BC President John Collins, established the BC Archives Association.  Marge was committed to ensuring that the BC Archives would thrive well into the future.  The Lindsey’s impact continues today, years after their passing, thanks to their generous gift.  In addition to the Lindseys’ support of the BC Archives Association, 10 students receive scholarships each year through the Marge Lindsey Scholarship Endowment.

• Fran Florez, BC Foundation Service Medal—Fran Florez joined the BC Foundation Board of Directors in 2003, bringing to the table her experience as an elected leader in the City of Shafter, and as a ground-breaking woman leader in the banking industry.  Throughout her 19 years on the board of directors, she was a steady guide and a staunch supporter of the college.  Her support continues today, even after her retirement from the board in May of 2022.

• Jean Fuller, Leadership in Education Award—Retired State Senator and BC Alumna Jean Fuller has a heart for Kern County students. She served as Superintendent of the Bakersfield City School District from 1999 to 2006,  when she was elected to the California State Assembly.  Fuller served in the California Assembly, then an additional eight years as California State Senator. When Fuller returned to Bakersfield, she left an indelible mark on higher education by leading the expansion of BC’s Early College program which provides high school students the opportunity to take college classes, then graduate with an associate’s degree or a certificate, as they also complete their high school education.

Top supporters of the event include SC Anderson, Balance Public Relations, and Joel and Connie Perez-Andreesen.

For ticket or sponsorship details CLICK HERE or call 661-395-4800

From the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

I often share the story of my first day as the BC Foundation Executive Director…the day when I opened an envelope containing a check for more than $2 million!  This gift came from the estate of Clifford and Patricia Mettler, donors who had included the Bakersfield College Foundation in their estate planning.  It’s an honor to have established an endowed scholarship fund for agriculture students, in accordance with the Mettlers’ wishes.

Our gratitude is indescribable when supporters make estate gifts like this.  Unfortunately, most times we don’t even learn of the gifts until after the donors have passed.  I have often wished we could express our appreciation to these generous supporters.

I’m happy to announce the new Renegade Legacy Society, created to honor and thank donors—living and deceased–who have included Bakersfield College in their estate planning. 

We have also created The Renegade Legacy Newsletter, a monthly digital newsletter to provide helpful and up-to-date information on topics related to finances and creating a legacy through your estate, plus current Bakersfield College donors and students.

Our planned gifts come from a wide variety of people.  Some have come from people whose names you would probably recognize as leaders in business and our community; some have come from our more quiet neighbors–people who worked hard and developed a “nest egg” to cover their needs, plus assets they plan to gift to Bakersfield College to ensure our students’ success well into the future.

Regardless of their background or the value of their gift, these community members have made the selfless decision to look forward and consider how they could help students achieve their dream of a college education.  You can learn more at this link: Planned Giving or feel free to call us at (661) 395-4800.

Thank you for all you do to support our students.

Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season!

Cheryl 

Healthcare Partners Join Together on Edible Education Garden

A new addition to the horticulture area of campus was unveiled recently, thanks to support from several of BC’s community partners.

When the Grimm Family Education Foundation met with Bakersfield College to explore the possibility of creating an Edible Education Garden on campus, it was the beginning of an even broader partnership. Local healthcare leaders stepped up to help fund the project, and they all turned out for the garden’s ribbon cutting in October.

Nearly every student coming to BC will experience hands-on learning in this living lab. On top of that, free community classes will teach neighbors how to plan and plant their own gardens, then how to use the fresh produce in food preparation. Produce will be put into the hands of students through the Renegade Pantry, and diners will enjoy it in dishes prepared by culinary students at the Renegade Room.  Children in the Child Development Center will even tour the garden and learn about the benefits of healthy eating.

This project will live on, well into the future, thanks to our partners in education, health, and the future of Kern County!  Many thanks to the Grimm Family Education Foundation, Adventist Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Dignity Health!

Spotlight on Career Education: Employers Participate in
“Entrée to Employment” Dinner with Students

BC’s Career Education programs strive to be at the forefront of connecting BC students with high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers.  The Career Education department actively provides opportunities to bring students and potential employers together.  One of the ways they do this is through a biannual event called “Entrée to Employment” in which they highlight a specific vocational career.  The career event brings together students and industry professionals over a fine dining experience to highlight social etiquette, conversations about personal and professional experiences, necessary soft skills, workforce expectations, education requirements, diversity of employment, and career opportunities.

The November 8^th event highlighted the BC Vocational Nursing students who enjoyed dinner with representatives from Kern County Human Resources, Kern Medical, Kern Behavioral Health, Kern Health Systems, Adventist Health, and Encompass Health.  “As a community-focused hospital, Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is proud to partner with Bakersfield College for amazing events such as the Entree to Employment,” said Amber Smithson, Director of Business Development at Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital.  Smithson pointed out that the partnership is not only helpful for students, but for business partners and the community, too.  “The ability to bring together companies and outgoing students, enabling the continued professional growth of many, and supporting our community’s economic growth is just another way that Bakersfield College aligns itself with the values that Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital holds dear.” 

Students who attend these events gain valuable experience and have an excellent opportunity to connect with future employers.  Here is what a few of the BC Vocational Nursing students had to say about attending the evening:

The “Entrée to Employment” dinner was an amazing opportunity for upcoming graduating nursing students. Even with having been in the medical field for many years the opportunities and need for LVNs in our community was made very apparent after speaking to multiple employers. This was also a great opportunity to interact with local companies and find out more about them and their needs without feeling like you were under the spotlight during an interview.
-Lindsay Foreman 

The process was a little nerve-racking but once we started mingling the nervousness settled down. I do like how the staff helped guide the conversation at the dinner table, so we were able to focus on what was important.
-Toneya Nunez 

We were given the opportunity to ask questions in a comfortable environment without the pressure of being in an interview. The employers also got a chance to ask us questions and get to know our likes and dislikes. They were given the chance to put a face to the name of a resume that shows up on their desk.
-Nicole Sahagun 

It was a wonderful night for us nursing students, that are soon to be graduates, to be given the opportunity to speak with potential employers hiring. It was a very welcoming feeling from the employees and staff.
-Iris C Sandoval

Overall, the thing I liked most about it was being able to put your foot in the door and just letting people know that you’re looking for a job and letting them get to know you and your personality.
-Ashley Cortez

I had a great time at the event. The food was great, and the recruiters were awesome. We had a fantastic personal conversation about their company. I was intrigued with the information they gave me.
-Tremaine Jones

The night resulted in success and is a true demonstration of Bakersfield College’s continued partnerships with industry as we work together to develop a skilled workforce.  If you’d like more information about BC’s career education programs, contact Stephanie Baltazar at 661-395-4091 or stephanie.baltazar@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Second Peace Garden at BC Unveiled

Bakersfield College recently celebrated the unveiling of its second peace garden on the Panorama campus – the Gandhi Peace and Learning Garden.

Many thanks to the Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation and to our supportive local Rotary Clubs for making this peaceful and beautiful space possible for our community to enjoy. “May Peace Prevail on Earth!”

Renegade Promenade Recap

Bakersfield College Alumni Association held the Inaugural Renegade Promenade on October 15^th, 2022.  BC invited the community back on the Panorama Campus to see first-hand all the transformations that have taken place!  This first-time event included tours of the newest buildings on campus, including the Veterans Resource Center, Dining Commons, and Science & Engineering building.  Current Renegades were able to show their families around campus and younger generations were able to look ahead to see what becoming a Renegade will mean for them!  The day included community vendors, campus programs and departments, BC student entertainment and music, plus food and signature drinks. It all ended with a special concert in the Quad featuring BC Alums Mento Buru.

Alumni Tee It Up at “Back to BC” Golf Tournament

The BC Foundation and BC Alumni Association were honored to share in the making of the 2^nd annual Back to BC Golf Tournament on October 21, 2022, at Rio Bravo Country Club. 

The event benefited the Bakersfield College Renegade Football team, the Bakersfield College Cheer team, and the Bakersfield College Alumni Association.  A big thank you to Alumni Association Director Rick Anthony for spearheading this idea and driving it forward with success each year!