June 2025

Vol. 20

From the Executive Director

Dear Friends of Bakersfield College,

With the hectic pace of spring behind us, we enjoy just a moment to look back at the excitement and activities that led to our commencement ceremonies in May. Your BC Foundation team was busy in the final weeks of the academic year, and I’m happy to share some of the highlights.

Thanks to you, our donors, more than 600 students were awarded scholarships which will help students make ends meet over the next year. We celebrated students and donors at our Scholarship Celebration, and we were thrilled to introduce quite a few students to their scholarship supporters. Next year, we’re hoping to bring together even more donors and students.

At the Scholarship Celebration, my son, Zack, and I were able to meet the recipient of our family’s scholarship for students who are exploring careers in the construction industry. Carlos was so grateful for our support, and we were impressed with his plans for his education and career. Spending time with Carlos was gratifying and left us even more committed to growing our scholarship so we can help more students next year!

Our team was also excited to partner with the BC Alumni Association to serve as the official Grad Glam Squad for graduates who needed just a bit of assistance with a bobby pin here or a band aid there as they lined up for their march into the stadium. We even brought out Dry Bar hair professionals who gave grads a touch up or curl to help them look extra special on their big night. We so appreciate the Alumni Association board members who volunteered their time; we couldn’t have done it without their help!

Looking ahead,  I hope you will mark your calendar for our October 11^th BC Alumni BBQ! All alumni and friends of BC are invited to come to campus for a great Harris BBQ meal in the quad.  We’re bringing back the popular Beer Garden, plus an afternoon of entertainment, and it all wraps up with our Homecoming football game vs. Cerritos College. Thank you, Harris BBQ, for returning as our Presenting Sponsor!

Finally, we recently welcomed Interim President Stacy Pfluger to campus. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Pfluger to create opportunities for our 44,000-plus BC students.

As always, please let us know if you’d like a tour of campus or if you would like to talk about how we can work together to turn BC students’ dreams into reality.

Warmest Regards,

Cheryl M. Scott

Bringing Students & Donors Together
at BC Scholarship Celebration

We recently hosted our Scholarship Celebration, where this year’s recipients were invited to enjoy an evening of delicious food, keepsake photos, and meaningful connections with their families, friends, and some of the generous donors who made their scholarships possible. So far, we’ve promised over 600 scholarship awards totaling more than $600,000 for the upcoming school year—an incredible investment in student success!

One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the opportunity to introduce scholarship recipients to the individuals and families behind the scholarships they received. Coordinating these introductions isn’t always easy, and this year marked the first time in six years that we’ve been able to bring back this special tradition. Being able to connect donors and recipients face-to-face made the celebration even more meaningful.

These personal introductions created powerful, emotional moments as students shared their journeys and expressed heartfelt gratitude. Donors were able to hear firsthand how their generosity has impacted lives by helping students overcome challenges, stay focused, and pursue their dreams with confidence.

Moments like these remind us just how meaningful giving can be, and we’re working to create more opportunities for these powerful relationships to grow and thrive.

It was truly a magical evening! One that celebrated not only academic achievement, but also the kindness of the community who helped make those achievements possible. We are incredibly proud of our students and deeply grateful to the donors who help turn their ambitions into reality.

From Glam to Grad:
BC Alumni Association Celebrates Class of 2025

Bakersfield College’s 2025 Commencement was one for the history books — and not just because BC celebrated its 50,000th graduate. Before over 2,000 proud graduates walked the stage and officially joined the ranks of BC alumni, many stopped by a special pre-ceremony experience designed to help them look and feel their best: the BC Alumni Association’s “Grad Glam Station.”

Hosted by BC Alumni Association board members and the BC Foundation team, the “Grad Glam Station” was all about confidence, celebration, and community. Graduates were treated to hairstyling services provided by Drybar Bakersfield, as well as assistance with securing their caps, steaming their gowns, and providing last-minute essentials like bobby pins, safety pins, and band-aids. A festive photo spot added a celebratory touch for graduates to mark the milestone with family and friends.

This year’s glam station was made possible thanks to generous support from Adventist Health, helping BC grads head into commencement feeling ready for a memorable evening that honored all they’ve achieved!

After a lively start at the Grad Glam Station, the day wrapped up with Mitchall Patel, President of the BC Alumni Association, taking the stage at commencement to warmly welcome the Class of 2025 into the BC Alumni family.

Whether you’re a recent grad or a longtime alum, join the BC Alumni Association today! Sign up for free at www.supportbc.org/alumni and stay connected to your Renegade community.

Save the Date: BC Alumni BBQ

BC Jazz Brings the Beat to BMoA

Are you looking to spend a Saturday surrounded by music, art, and community? Look no further! Jazz in the Garden is back at the Bakersfield Museum of Art!

Now in its fourth season, this free outdoor concert series features live performances by Bakersfield College jazz combos, led by BC’s own Kris Tiner. The concerts take place during BMoA’s Family Days, part of Downtown Bakersfield’s Second Saturday events. Each month offers a different family-friendly art activity, gallery access, and a fun, relaxed setting that draws visitors of all ages to the museum’s sculpture garden.

Mark your calendars: the next concert is coming up on June 14, and the Family Day art project will be a still-life watercolor lesson inspired by the work of exhibiting artist Pamela Carroll.

This year, the Jazz in the Garden series also includes a new addition, the presence of the Bakersfield College Alumni Association. As proud sponsors of the concert series, BCAA will host a booth at each performance, inviting attendees to sign up for the Alumni Association, learn more about membership perks, and reconnect with their Renegade roots.

Whether you’re there for the music, the art, or the chance to mingle with fellow BC alumni, Jazz in the Garden is the perfect way to spend a Saturday celebrating all things BC and all things Bakersfield!

Celebrating 60 Years of the 1965 BC European Tour Choir

We recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of one of BC’s most legendary student accomplishments—the 1965 European Tour Choir. Members of the historic choir group and their families gathered for a pre-concert reception on April 30 before being honored on stage during the BC Performing Arts Combined Concert.

Led by former BC Choir Director Joseph Huszti, the group gained national attention in 1965 when they became the first American choir to win first place at the International Eisteddfod Music Festival in Wales. The achievement came after a full year of intense fundraising and hard work to make the six-week tour across Europe possible. The experience was described by many as a once-in-a-lifetime journey, filled with unforgettable performances, including singing for Pope Paul VI and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In the years following, the group has continued giving back by supporting young vocalists in our community. They established the Joseph Bela Huszti Choral Scholar award, which is now proudly managed by the Bakersfield College Foundation, ensuring their legacy continues for generations to come.

With the recent passing of Joseph Huszti, the 60th anniversary became not just a celebration of the choir’s achievement, but a tribute to the man whose belief in his students made it all happen. His former students shared stories and memories that spoke to his lasting influence as a teacher, leader, and friend.

Inspired by the choir’s story? Help future singers shine by donating to the Joseph Bela Huszti Choral Scholar award at supportbc.org/donate.

BC Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

BCAA Welcomes New Board Members

Planned Giving: Myths vs. Reality

Planned giving can feel overwhelming or confusing, especially with so many myths and misunderstandings floating around. Some people think it’s only for the very wealthy, or that it means giving up everything to charity. The truth is planned giving is flexible, accessible, and designed to fit your personal goals and financial situation. To help you make informed decisions, we’re clearing up some of the most common myths about planned giving so you can see how it might be a meaningful way to support Bakersfield College and leave a lasting legacy.

Thank You For Your Support

BC Foundation Team