Sierra College Foundation Reaches 10 Bed Milestone

April 10, 2026

Raises $2.5 Million in Three Years for the Endow-a-Bed Program

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is excited to announce it has reached a major milestone: Raising $2.5 million to endow 10 beds in perpetuity in Sierra Hall, Sierra College’s on-campus student housing complex. Endowing one bed in perpetuity in the on-campus housing complex costs $250,000.

“We achieved a goal that was set three years ago,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “Thanks to our amazing community, 10 beds will remain free – in perpetuity – for students experiencing hardships. Our generous supporters heard the call and made it a reality. Students in a position of housing insecurity should never have to choose between their education and a roof over their head. We hit 10 beds, now let’s get to 20!”

The 10th bed was endowed by the John G. & Lillian M. Walsh Scholarship Fund, established at Placer Community Foundation, through a gift of $700,000 from Marian Vade Walsh. Marian passed away in February, 2006. With no children of her own, Marian chose to honor her parents, John G. and Lillian M. Walsh, by creating a fund that would invest in the young people of her community in perpetuity. The Walsh Family was the first of the surname to settle in Auburn, with her father serving as mayor and postmaster.

Sierra Hall welcomed students in January 2026 making 354 beds available for full-time students with the greatest financial need – even offering beds for as low as $550 per month for income-eligible students. Though Sierra Hall is open, philanthropic support remains essential to help students succeed.

In addition to the Walsh gift, nine beds have been endowed for a total of 10 bed since 2023. Other donors who have generously endowed beds in Sierra Hall include:

  • Associated Students of Sierra College
  • Elizabeth Kinstler Trust
  • Frederick G.Sahlberg Living Trust
  • Mikuni Charitable Organization
  • 2024 Taste of Excellence Attendees
  • 2025 President Circle Gala Attendees
  • 2024 Sierra College Foundation Board
  • Sutter Health
  • Individual Community Donors

There are three ways interested donors can support students in Sierra Hall:

  1. Endowing a bed, or contributing to Endow-a-Bed, in perpetuity
  2. Providing a housing scholarship for room and board for one year
  3. Supporting the meal plan program

About Sierra College Foundation

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is independently audited and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of whom live and work in the communities served by the Sierra Joint Community College District of Placer, Nevada, and parts of Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. View the Sierra College Foundation Annual Impact Report, or for more information about SCF, how to give or volunteer, visit: https://www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.

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