Impact Story: Jason Loscalzo

Jason Loscalzo, Proud Alumnus is now Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bears

Jason Loscalzo
Jason Loscalzo, former Sierra College student

When Jason Loscalzo graduated from Golden Sierra High School in the ‘90s and began gearing up for the next stage in his life, he said that while he couldn’t afford a 4-year college, his parents encouraged him to enroll at Sierra College.

“My brother went there, and I wanted to play football,” he said. “It just made sense.”

Jason played fullback for Sierra College for a few years, then he went on to Humboldt State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 1999. In 2001, he earned a master’s in athletic administration from Nevada.

From there, he went on to a successful 21-year collegiate career as a strength and conditioning coach with Washington State (2012-17), Boston College (2007-11), Auburn University (2003-06), Marshall (2001-03), University of Nevada, Reno (1999-01) and Arkansas (1999).

Today, Jason is beginning his second year as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bears, but looks back fondly on his days at Sierra.

 “I’m still in touch with some of my Sierra teammates,” he said. “We played under Rex Chappell.”

Sierra College was a great first step for Jason and prepared him for a four-year school.

“I had the same education at Sierra that I received at Humboldt State, and the best part is that I graduated without taking out a loan.” He added, “School is what you make of it. The important part is having your name on a diploma.”

We applaud Jason on his impressive accomplishments. His success is an inspiration to the thousands of students preparing to begin their college career at Sierra.

Jason and his wife, Nicci, have two sons, JP and Luke, and one daughter, Gianna. 

Impact Story: Andi*

Andi: Sierra Promise Student Grateful for SAFE

Andi* struggled with substance abuse at age 14. Expelled from high school, she had no family support and ended up staying with friends. She attended continuation school, but high school graduation was a big “if” for her. Attending college was never in the picture.

Through Sierra Promise, Andi took a field trip to Sierra College. She toured many departments but was especially inspired by the Nursing Village. Suddenly, for the first time in her life, she knew what she wanted to do.

She wasn’t sure how to make it happen, but she worked hard in high school and successfully kicked her drug addiction. Despite earlier worries that she wouldn’t graduate, she did – and ahead of schedule.

With the assistance of Sierra Promise staff, she focused on how to attend Sierra College. Her Sierra Promise counselor helped with every stage – from filling out the application to completing her FAFSA application, and even driving her to take assessment tests.

Andi was overwhelmed and a bit terrified, but she began college at Sierra and has already successfully finished her first semester. She said it has been tough, but worth it. She’s excited for her future.

Learn more about how you can support Sierra Promise through the Student Assistance Fund Endowment (SAFE).

*Last name not used to protect student’s identity.