News

  • Lori Rianda Headshot

    Sierra College Foundation Names New Executive Director

    Sierra College Foundation announced that regional corporate and nonprofit leader Lori Rianda has been named its new executive director. She will succeed long-time executive director Sonbol Aliabadi, who announced her retirement earlier this year. 

    April 17, 2026

  • Sierra College Foundation Reaches 10 Bed Milestone

    Sierra College Foundation reached a major milestone: Raising $2.5 million to endow 10 beds in perpetuity for Sierra Hall, the on-campus student housing complex.

    April 10, 2026

  • Sierra College Foundation Started New Semester with Impactful Gifts

    Sierra College Foundation started a new semester after an impressive Year End giving campaign, private gift and corporate grant program that closed out 2025.

    February 23, 2026

  • Longtime Sierra College Foundation Executive Director to Retire in May

    The Sierra College Foundation (SCF) announced today that longtime Executive Director Sonbol Aliabadi will retire at the end of May 2026. Over her 22-year tenure, the Foundation dramatically expanded access and opportunity for Sierra College students — mobilizing more than $22 million in community support, awarding nearly $7 million in scholarships, and delivering major initiatives in student housing, allied health, entrepreneurship, technology and more that reduced financial and structural barriers so more students could enroll, persist, and complete their education.

    February 2, 2026

  • Megan Wetzel Joins Sierra College Foundation

    Megan Wetzel joins the Sierra College Foundation team as an Associate Development Director.

    November 17, 2025