News from Sierra College

July 23, 2008

Sierra Searches for Elusive Wolverines

Beginning August 31st, the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association will be launching the “Search for Elusive Wolverines” contest in an attempt to capture glimpses of some of Sierra College’s most elusive wolverines—former athletic alumni. 

In order to compete in the contest, contestants must submit evidence of the “Wolverine Sighting” in the form of a JPEG photograph or YouTube URL link. In addition to this, the name of the “Wolverine” alumnus, the sport he/she played while at Sierra College, and the year(s) played must be supplied.

Cash and passes to the winner

The contestant who sends in the most contacts in this search will receive a $100 cash prize, as well two passes for all 2008-2009 athletic sporting events. Points will be awarded for creativity and every contestant who submits a “Wolverine Sighting” will also receive a t-shirt from the WAA.

All photos submitted will be published at the end of the contest, which will run until October 15th, 2008. The winner will then be announced November 1st at the Homecoming football game. All entries should be submitted via email or mail to Susanne Michaels at smichaels@sierracollege.edu or to Sierra College, C/O Sue Michaels, 5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677. Contestants should also include their name and contact information with the “Wolverine Sighting.”

Athletics play a key role in the total experience of campus life at Sierra College and the primary purpose of the Wolverine Athletic Association is to provide additional funding support for the men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports. For more information about becoming a part of the WAA, please visit their web page.

July 15, 2008

The First Annual Sierra College Business Plan Competition

Open to Sierra College students sponsored by a Business instructor

The Sierra College Business Department, with the help of SierraPine, has raised the stakes in a competition among students for the best written and presented business plan with an opportunity to win up to a $1000 scholarship.

“SierraPine is proud to partner with Sierra College to help budding business men and women succeed,” commented Chris DeLellis, Manager of Compensation and Benefits, SierraPine “This kind of entrepreneurial spirit is what makes our community and the country thrive.”

This is the first annual Sierra College Business Plan Competition to take effect on campus and creating a business plan that addresses feasibility, originality, and clarity will be the basis for evaluation.

The competition is limited to currently-enrolled Sierra College students who are in good standing to submit a business plan and who are sponsored by a Sierra College business instructor. The plans will be reviewed and critiqued by a panel of business faculty, business advisors, and entrepreneurs who will narrow the competitors down to two final plans.

Two Winners Chosen

The top two business plans selected for an award will be presented with admission to the Sierra College Entrepreneurship Lab, which includes office space, Small Business Development Center counseling, and one-on-one mentoring for up to two years while the student prepares to launch his/her business.

A scholarship of $1000 for first place and $500 for second place will also be awarded to the top business plans. The business plans must be a minimum of eight double-spaced pages and the students with two highest-rated plans will present those plans orally to the review panel.

Submissions must be delivered to Luis P. Sanchez, Associate Dean of Business, by 5 p.m. on July 30, 2008. No late submissions will be considered.

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July 10, 2008

Sierra College: Upgrading Technology for Today’s Wireless World

July 8th marked the official start of the Sierra College Foundation’s WiFi Project Campaign to raise $250,000 to provide wireless Internet access to Sierra College students district wide. At Tuesday night’s campaign kick-off, the Foundation proudly announced that during the silent phase of this campaign, they were able to raise approximately $100,000. The event was attended by community supporters, members of the project’s Honorary Committee, Sierra College Foundation Board of Directors, and Sierra College staff and students.

Honorable Jim Gray, Mayor of Roseville and Honorary Chair of the WiFi Campaign, in his remarks, talked about the importance of Sierra College to him personally, his family, and the entire region. Dr. Rachel Rosenthal addressed the importance of wireless capability for today’s digital-learner students. Sandra Gallo, the 2007-2008 President of the Associated Students of Sierra College, stated that “Sierra College students, professors, and staff identified wireless Internet access as the No. 1 priority to enhance education and the overall college experience.”

WiFi will enhance learning

Holly Tiche (Placer Ranch President) and Tami Bogert-Yuill (Attorney/ Gubernatorial Appointee), Co-Chairs of the WiFi Campaign, remarked that wireless technology on all Sierra College campuses will enhance learning, enable access to information, and improve safety to the nearly 40,000 students and community members who attend one of the four campuses (Nevada County, Rocklin, Roseville Gateway, and Tahoe/Truckee).

The project’s Honorary Committee is comprised of Jim Gray (Chair), Mayor of Roseville; Ed Bonner, Placer County Sheriff; David Ferrari, Sierra College Trustee; Carol Garcia, City of Roseville Councilmember; Jim Holmes, Placer County Supervisor; Mark Johnson, Mayor of Grass Valley; Gil Mathew, Nevada County Economic Resource Council President/CEO; David McKay, City of Nevada City Councilmember; Dan Miller, City of Grass Valley Councilmember; Bart O’Brien, Placer Union High School District Superintendent; Rocky Rockholm, Placer County Supervisor; Primo Santini, Mayor of Lincoln; John Spencer, Nevada County Supervisor; Brett Storey, Mayor of Rocklin; and Kirk Uhler, Placer County Supervisor.

This is a short-term campaign promising to yield impressive results. The campaign is expected to wrap up in late August in order for students to begin utilizing the technology in Spring 2009.

Visit www.sierracollege.edu/wifi to learn more about the WiFi Project Campaign. Contact the Sierra College Foundation at: (916) 789-2920 or foundation@sierracollege.edu if you would like to offer your support.

July 9, 2008

Sierra College Offers New Class on Middle East

This fall Sierra College students will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and debates about controversial and central world issues focusing on the Middle East in a new class of English 41—Documentary Film: Argumentative Discourse.

“I want to bring people up to date on complex issues,” said Professor Lindy Atoms, the Sierra College instructor who will be teaching the course. “People need to be informed and enlightened, because it’s going to be important in the next election.”

Analysis of the current administration's part of the course

The subject matter will revolve around various key concepts, films, and readings which focus on the Bush doctrine and the principle players in the Administration leading up to the war in Iraq. The study of the war, soldiers’ perspectives, and prejudices surrounding the Islamic world will also be addressed in the course.

“This is a big step for Sierra College,” Atoms said. “This class will be a good environment for students to open up and learn to respect other religious beliefs, while also listening to other students’ points of view.”

From debates to film, English 41 will challenge students with the question of what it means to be an active citizen of democracy.

 “It’s so much bigger then I could ever imagine,” Atoms said, “but something just may grow out of this.”

English 41—Documentary Film: Argumentative Discourse will be held as an evening class that will meet on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Students must be eligible for English 1A. Registration for fall 2008 classes is now open.

July 1, 2008

Sierra College Athletics Third in the Nation

The California Community College Commission on Athletics and National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) recently named Sierra College third in the nation for overall athletic excellence.  Since the establishment of the NATYCAA cup in 2003-04, Sierra College Athletics has ranked in the top four positions, winning first place that year.  “This trophy gives us a complete set” commented John Volek, Dean of Athletics, “A first, a second, and now a third. It’s a nice look for our office.”

Only 5 points away from first in the nation

This year the first place cup went to Fresno City College with a score of 164 points. Finishing second was Cerritos College with 160 points, followed by Sierra with 159 points. A college is awarded points based on its teams’ final positions in post-conference competition. Each college’s top-five men’s and top-five women’s team results count toward the school’s overall point total. Complete standings, scoring criteria, and a history of the NATYCAA Cup are available on the CCCAA Web site, www.coasports.org.

NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletic administrators and membership is open to all two-year institutions from throughout the country. The awards were designed to recognize and reward overall program excellence at the two-year college level. The criteria for the State Associations division were developed by the COA in conjunction with the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA). To view the latest news, information and updates of all 23 COA sanctioned sports, visit www.coasports.org.
For more information about the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Sports Programs.

June 3, 2008

Sierra College Forum Focuses on Strategic Plans

College and business/community leaders gather to discuss needs

On Thursday, May 29, 2008 Sierra College hosted the second in an on going series of panel discussions with local business and community leaders. This roundtable forum was moderated by Joanna Wessman, publisher of the Sacramento Business Journal. Sierra College Superintendent/President Dr. Leo E. Chavez asked the panelists to comment on a draft of the District’s new Mission, Vision and Core Value Statements.  Rachel Rosenthal, Vice President of Instruction presented a draft of the district’s Strategic Master Plan for their consideration. The panelists provided insight regarding workforce development and identified the skills they look for in future employees.

These forums provide a venue for the college to work closely with and respond to the needs of its communities. With the state facing budget shortfalls, it is especially critical for the college to be thorough and thoughtful when determining programmatic needs. “We may not be able to be all things to all people,” explained Rachel Rosenthal.  “We would like to hear from you, the business and community leaders, what are your most vital needs.”

Many participants spoke of the need for management and leadership training as experienced workers retire in the fields of nursing, teaching, and local government. For future employees, the panelists identified communication skills as a key element to advancement.

In addition to educating the workforce, Carlos Urrutia, Rocklin City Manager, reminded the College of the important role it can offer in the cultural development of the community. “You have a wonderful campus; it could be the cultural center of the community.”  

Front left to right - Barbara Hayes; SACTO, Rachel Rosenthal; Sierra College, Joanna Wessman; Sacramento Business Journal, Sandy Sharon; Kaiser Permanente, Julie Burrows; City of Roseville Back left to right - David Kaiser; Granite Community Bank, Pat Brady; Sutter Roseville, Mark Davis; Sierra View Construction, Leo Chavez; Sierra College, Carlos Urrutia; City of Rocklin, Don Whittaker; Ceronix, Mark Parker; City of Auburn, Gil Matthew; Nevada County Economic Resource Council, Keith Bray; Placer County Office of Education, Joseph Sheley; Sacramento State

Panelists included a cross-section of business leaders in the healthcare, banking, and technology industries, as well as representatives from educational institutions, local government, and economic organizations.

“These on-going discussions will help guide Sierra College to educate and train a workforce that will fill the needs of our communities,” commented Chavez, “helping our economy to grow and strengthen.”

May 1, 2008

Sierra College Wrestling Team Receives California Legislature Assembly Resolution

The Sierra College Wolverines Wrestling Team led by Head Coach Ken Wharry and Assistant Coach Don Martinez III were honored by a resolution from the California Legislature Assembly on April 21st at the State Capitol in Sacramento, CA.

The Members Resolution No. 934 states:

Whereas, On December 7 and December 8, 2007, the Sierra College Wrestling Team won the 2007 California Community College State Championship, thus bringing immense happiness and pride to the local community and state, and in recognition thereof, the team members, the members of the coaching staff, and all of those individuals associated with the team are deserving of special public commendations; and

Whereas, Accumulating 146 points, the Sierra College Wolverines’ state title win is the first male sport state championship in school history  and nine of the ten wrestlers sent to the tournament came home with medals, with eight of the athletes earning All-American honors; and

Whereas, Devoting countless hours to training and developing the fullest potential of the members of the team, Coach Ken Wharry was named Head Coach of the Year and Don Martinez, III, was named Head Assistant Coach of the Year; Both have been coaching at Sierra College for the last six years, during which time the Wolverines have obtained 40 state medals, 27 All-American honors, and seven state championships; and

Whereas, the Sierra College Wrestling Team was led by Norman Richmond, who was named Wrestler of the Year, and Erik Nye, who won his second state title and finished off his career with the Wolverines undefeated in the junior college ranks; and

Whereas, also bringing home All-American honors were Chauncey Phillips, Travis Wood, Mingo Grant, Chris Santana, Mike Fucci, Zeth St. Clair, and Alex Howard; and

Whereas, The people of Rocklin can be proud of athletic competitors of the caliber of the Sierra College Wrestling Team, who so admirably represent them in sporting events, and who possess the skill and determination to succeed in their efforts; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by Assembly Members Mary Hayashi and Ted Gaines, That the members of the Sierra College Wrestling Team be congratulated on winning the 2007 California Community College State Championship, commended for the ability that they displayed during the tournament, and conveyed sincere best wished for continued success in the future.

This resolution was presented and sign by Mary Hayashi 18th Assembly District and Ted Gaines 4th Assembly District.

April 29, 2008

Nominations for the Sierra College 2009 Hall of Fame Class

The Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association (WAA) is looking for nominations for the 2009 Wolverine Athletic Hall of Fame to honor its former and current athletes, coaches, and community members.

Nominations may be sent to the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Association, c/o Dawn Flannery, Sierra College Athletics, 5000 Rocklin Rd. Rocklin, CA 95677. Please, don’t submit original articles or pictures that may be cherished memorabilia. Provide us with copies and later we may ask for the originals to be displayed at an annual Hall of Fame recognition event.

Deadline August 1, 2008

The deadline to submit nominations for the Wolverine Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2009 is Friday, August 1, 2008.

“This will be the fourth year the college has honored and celebrated our proud athletic history”, states Tim Haenny, Hall of Fame Chairperson. “However we can not do this alone. This is a team effort including our community members that have long been the heart and soul of Sierra College Athletics.”

For more information, call the Sierra College Athletic Department at (916) 781-0583.

April 9, 2008

Construction Begins at the Sierra College - Nevada County Campus

Three New Buildings to be Completed by Fall 2009

At its March Board meeting, the Sierra College Board of Trustees voted to proceed with a construction contract to Sacramento-based Turner Construction Company for the Sierra College - Nevada County Campus expansion and renovation project. Construction mobilization began in March, with temporary fencing going up on the southern parking lots (5 & 6) of the campus and construction equipment beginning to arrive.

With resources previously secured through a voter-approved Measure G Bond in November 2004, construction on the Sierra College - Nevada County Campus will be expanded to include the following new buildings: Two-dimensional Art Building, Three-dimensional Art Building, and a classroom/laboratory building containing lecture rooms, computer labs and science labs. The construction of the site for a new Public Safety Training Center will follow in the fall of 2008.

Sierra College President, Dr. Leo E. Chavez said: “We are very pleased to begin construction of this next phase of campus development. With support from the citizens of western Nevada County, these new facilities will enable Sierra College to offer students a broader range of courses to reach their personal goals and to help build our foothill communities.”

Based on information provided by Turner Construction Company, the Sierra College Board of Trustees expects the first buildings to be completed in time for classes to start in the fall semester of 2009.

April 1, 2008

Park Ave. students’ experience building catapults may launch careers

Sierra College CACT Tech-Explorer project inspires students to consider tech careers

Students at the Park Avenue Alternative Education Site asked their principal for more hands-on projects. On Thursday, April 3, they will learn to use mills, lathes, drills and other tools to make catapults. The school site located at 140 Park Ave. in Grass Valley.

According to school principal Mike Tambini, the students are hungry for applied learning projects like the Tech-Explorer catapult program developed by Sierra College CACT (http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php). “As the new principal, I wanted to find out what the students were really interested in so I conducted several focus groups,” said Tambini. “The students said that they wanted hands-on programs so we’ve brought community partners on to the site to introduce technology, health and art.”

The Tech-Explorer project introduces skills that students might use in technical or manufacturing careers. “We don’t have a vocational education program on campus so the Sierra College CACT project could motivate students to consider careers in robotics, engineering, design, electronics, manufacturing and product development,” said Tambini.

Exposing K12 students to technical education is crucial according to Neal Albee, Dean Sierra College Nevada County Campus. “At youngest possible age, we need to expose them to technical educational and career opportunities,” said Albee. Gil Matthew, President and CEO of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council, agrees. “Tech-Explorer is an entry point for high school students to explore technology,” said Matthew. Theresa Wescott, human resources manager for Thomson - Grass Valley, Inc. in Nevada City said that there is a need for technically qualified employees. “There are excellent opportunities for young people who pursue technical education,” said Wescott.  

This short-term, turn-key applied academic project meets State of California secondary education standards. Sierra College CACT provides trainers, shop tools, materials and safety gear. The Sierra College CACT secured a grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Division (www.cccco.edu) for this demonstration project. For more information, contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College Workforce Development and Continuing Education at (916) 781-6244 or go to http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php.

Once the pilot is completed, the Tech-Explorer projects will be available to schools through California’s twelve Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT.org). The mission of the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is to support companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or call 916-781-6244.

March 11, 2008

Catapults launch students’ interest in highly-paid local technical careers

Sierra College CACT Tech-Explorer & mobile shop inspire Bear River Students

Bear River High School students in Grass Valley, CA will learn basic manufacturing skills on Thursday, March 13 at 10 AM and will be introduced to some the highest paid careers in Nevada County. Students will use mills, lathes, drills and other tools to cut, form and assemble metals parts to make catapults.

The goal is to excite students about the tremendous career opportunities in developing and manufacturing products as well as designing, maintaining and repairing automated equipment. The Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) developed the hands-on project to inspire students to seek highly paid technical careers in robotics, engineering, design, electronics, manufacturing and product development.

Manufacturing jobs pay the best

Manufacturing jobs have the highest average wage in Nevada County according to the Nevada County Economic Resource Council (ncerc.org). In 2005, manufacturing represented 6.6% of jobs in the county and the highest average wages -- $48,152. (Nevada County Economic and Social Indicator Review 2007, page 15 - 2005 Employment Development Department, ES202 Data)

There is a growing need for technically adept people according to Gil Matthew, President and CEO of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council. “Sierra College has been a front runner in building the workforce of the future,” said Matthew. “This Tech-Explorer program is an entry point for high school students to explore technology.”

Demand for the technically skilled is rising

Theresa Wescott, human resources manager for Thomson - Grass Valley, Inc. in Nevada City agrees that there is a rising demand for technically qualified employees. “There are excellent opportunities for young people who pursue technical education,” said Wescott.

Thomson - Grass Valley, Inc. director of operations and technology, Stephan Povio agrees. “Despite the news about the economy, drops in the stock market and the housing market crisis in general, I continue to read articles in the electronics industry trade magazines that show there are still lot of engineering & technical jobs available in the electronics industry,” said Povio. “This is particularly true of the telecommunications, aerospace and defense sectors. Well trained engineers are always in demand.”

Sierra College leads in technical education

Sierra College recognizes the leadership it can provide in promoting the value of technical education, according to Neal Albee, Dean Nevada County Campus. “We know that it is critical to reach K-12 students at the youngest possible age to expose them to educational and career opportunities,” said Albee.

Principal Jim Nieto of Bear River High School said that the students who are participating are part of the Business Partnership program and will benefit from the applied academics in this project. “The CACT Tech-Explorer project gives students the opportunity to apply the skills that they are learning in their partnership classes in a real world setting,” said Nieto.  “Geometry makes sense when you use a protractor to measure the angle of the catapult arm. This project lets students learn by doing and reinforces what they’ve been learning with practical application.”

CACT Tech-Explorer Project provides leadership

This short-term, turn-key project makes it easy for teachers to engage students, introduce technology and suggest careers while meeting State of California secondary education standards. CACT Tech-Explorer can be offered in English, history, math and science classes. Sierra College CACT provides trainers, shop tools, materials, safety gear and curriculum standards, making it attractive to teachers without technical backgrounds. The manual catapult can also be modified with electrical, solar and electronic modules. Find the video and information at (http://sierracollegetraining.com/techexp_program.php).

The Sierra College CACT secured a grant of $121,000 per year for two years from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic Development and Workforce Preparation Division (www.cccco.edu) to establish this demonstration project. The demand is so high for the new program that Sierra College CACT is seeking additional sponsors so it can be offered in more schools locally. For more information, contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College Workforce Development and Continuing Education at (916) 781-6244.

CACT Tech-Explorer Projects Will Be More Available

Once the pilot is completed, the Tech-Explorer projects will be available to schools through California’s twelve Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT.org). The mission of the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is to support companies with employee training, technology deployment and industry development. Since 1997, the Sierra College CACT has supported manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California from Sacramento to the Oregon border. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or call 916-781-6244.

February 19, 2008

Study Abroad Program Heads to Argentina

Sierra College is accepting applications for the Fall Semester 2008 study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This 12-week semester program is scheduled from September 12, 2008 through December 10, 2008.

Studying abroad provides students with a rewarding educational experience, and Sierra College has created an affordable program that offers students the opportunity to advance their studies, learn a new language and live for twelve weeks in one of the most beautiful cities in South America.

The program fee is $5695 and includes roundtrip airfare, 12-weeks accommodations, excursions, medical and travel insurance, services of on-site support staff, and the services of Sierra College program coordinator. The academic curriculum in Buenos Aires includes Geography, English, Communication Studies and Spanish, all CSU/UC transferable units. Accompanying Sierra College instructors are Dr. Alex Amigo, Professor of Earth Science/Geology, and Julie Bruno, Professor of Communication Studies / Speech.

Financial aid may be applied to fees. Seniors are welcome.

For more information contact Christine Vona, Study Abroad Coordinator at (916) 781-7198 or cvona@sierracollege.edu

January 25, 2008

Sierra College to Launch Three Electronic Journals in Spring 2008

Sierra College will launch three electronic journals in Spring 2008 as part of its Sierra College Press project.

Founded in 2002 for the publication of its award-winning Standing Guard: Telling Our Stories, a book chronicling the internment of Placer County Japanese Americans during World War II, the Sierra College Press will be expanding its offerings with the debut of three electronic journals in the weeks ahead.

Beginning the week of January 28, the first of these journals will appear online. It is entitled Snowy Range Reflections: The Journal of Sierra Nevada History and Biography. Published three times annually, the journal will consider the fascinating events and individuals of the region. Dan DeFoe, Sierra College history professor and Executive Editor of the journal, foresees enormous potential for the project. “As envisioned,” DeFoe states, “Snowy Range Reflections will be a fresh and exciting mosaic of history, people, places and events that are the legacy of the Sierra Nevada. Three times a year we shall apply a wide-angle view to capture the region’s rich and evolving heritage. I am proud to be a part of such an important literary endeavor.” The journal can be accessed from the Sierra College website at www.sierracollege.edu/ejournals/jsnhb or by entering www.jsnhb.org

Natural History Museum eJournal

In early February, the Sierra College Press will debut The Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum. Published three times a year, the journal will present information on the Museum and its activities, as well as consideration of natural history topics, with a focus on our geographic area. The Museum is the premier venue for science education in the region. Keely Carroll, Sierra College biology professor, who, along with her colleague, long-time Sierra College biology professor Charles Dailey, is an Executive Editor of the journal, states: “Each of the three yearly editions of the Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum will focus on a particular subject related to science that is accessible to the average reader. Editions that are currently being planned include issues that focus on the Sierra College Natural History Museum, Sustainability, and the Ecology of the Highway 80 corridor. It is my hope that readers will find each edition entertaining and educational.”

Additionally, the Sierra College Press will be providing an online version of the Sierra Journal, the Sierra College literary magazine that has been published by the college since 1959. This journal has featured poetry, prose, and artwork by many prominent artists including Gary Snyder, Pulitzer-Prize winning poet. The journal will launch in Spring 2008.

Upcoming anthology on the Sierra Nevada

In 2008, the Sierra College Press is scheduled to significantly enlarge its publication and information outreach. As well as the journals, the Press has the scheduled publication of a Sierra Nevada anthology entitled The Illuminated Landscape and the offering of an information clearinghouse on sustainability and green technology issues.

Information about these journals and the Sierra College Press can be found on the Sierra College website at www.sierracollege.edu. Click on the “About Us” tab and open “Publications” on the menu listing. Then click on “Sierra College Press.”

For more information, call Sierra College at 916-781-7184.

October 26, 2007

United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) Donates $100,000 For Technology Improvements For Sierra College Rocklin Campus Library

The Sierra College Foundation, a non-profit, tax exempt organization that raises money from private donors to support students and programs at Sierra College, announced that the United Auburn Indian Community has donated $100,000 to support technology improvements on campus.

New computers in LRC labs

The donation was used to replace computers and monitors for the student-learning center and foreign language lab in the main campus library. The new equipment was installed in time for students attending classes this fall. In honor of this gift, the student learning center was renamed the UAIC Student Learning Center.

“Education is a major focus of our giving,” said Jessica Tavares, tribal chairwoman of the United Auburn Indian Community. “Sierra College is a vital part of our community and its impact goes well beyond the 40,000 students who take classes each year. We are pleased to help Sierra and strengthen student resources through improved technology.”

Sierra leads in transfers

Sierra College is ranked No. 1 in Northern California (Sacramento North) among community colleges in transfers to University of California and California State University Systems. The College offers more than 78 certificate programs and has seen its student population increase by 48 percent in the last seven years.

The college has gained a reputation based on their excellence in areas such as computer science, math, electronics, nursing, early child hood education, and various other programs.

UAIC supports education

“The United Auburn Indian Community has consistently supported Sierra College and its students,” says Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “We are very thankful that they have chosen to partner with us in our efforts to improve technology on campus. The United Auburn Indian Community shares our commitment to the success of students and enhancing educational opportunities for the people of Placer County.”

UAIC "Outstanding Partner"

In 2006 in recognition of their continued support, the Foundation at its annual major donor reception honored the United Auburn Indian Community as its “Outstanding Partner” of the year. Previously, the UAIC donated money to purchase technology equipment and furniture to establish a Student Learning Center at the college’s Roseville Gateway campus, and they have provided scholarships to qualifying students annually.

The Sierra College Foundation was established in 1972 to give members of the community an opportunity to assist and invest in the development of quality educational opportunities. Those who would like to make a contribution or learn more about the Sierra College Foundation contact the at 789-2920, 5000 Rocklin Road Rocklin, 95677 or visit www.sierracollege.edu/foundation