Tag: Press Releases | Page 4

Sierra College Board of Trustees Announce Appointment of Dr. Rachel Rosenthal as Area 6 Trustee

Posted on December 13, 2023July 30, 2024

Dr. Rachel Rosenthal

New Trustee to Represent the District’s West Border Shared by Nevada, Placer Counties

The Board of Trustees of the Sierra Joint Community College District announce the appointment of Dr. Rachel Rosenthal as the Area 6 Trustee representing the west border of the District shared by Nevada and Placer counties. Dr. Rosenthal was appointed to serve as a Board of Trustees member until the next regularly scheduled election for governing board members in November 2024.

“We are grateful for the many qualified candidates who came forward to serve Area 6,” said Paul Bancroft, Sierra College Board President. “Dr. Rosenthal’s experience in higher education, and at Sierra College, along with her deep commitment to the community make her an amazing fit for this opportunity and it is with great pleasure we welcome her back to Sierra College, this time as a member of the Board of Trustees.”

Dr. Rosenthal is a long-time resident of Lake of the Pines in southern Nevada County. She is a retired community college educator, and her 25-year career includes service as Vice President of Instruction at Sierra College and President at Folsom Lake College.

“I’m grateful to the Board of Trustees for this opportunity to serve and hopefully continue representing Area 6 with the same passion that drove (former trustee) Nancy Palmer for so many years,” said Dr. Rosenthal. “Both Sierra College and Nevada County are special places for me, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to come back and contribute to this community in such a meaningful way.”

Dr. Rosenthal holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics, both from the University of California, Davis, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. Prior to entering the community college system, she worked as an oil field engineer in Texas and Oklahoma.

Dr. Rosenthal was selected by the current members of the Sierra College Board of Trustees at the November 7, 2023, Board meeting in Rocklin on the Sierra College campus following an open application process. She was sworn in at the Board of Trustees meeting on December 12, 2023.

About Sierra College

The Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu

Sierra College Foundation Names New Board Leadership; Receives Large Grant from Sutter Health

Posted on October 16, 2023May 1, 2024

Sierra College Foundation Continues to Raise the Bar in Supporting Local Students through its Basic Needs Center while Naming a New Foundation President and Directors

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) began Academic Year 23-24 with some exciting changes and additions to its Board, while receiving a $100,000 grant from Sutter Health for its Basic Needs Center. Adored and revered former Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner took the reins as Foundation President from long-serving Robert Dugan. Dugan, a fixture in Placer County and also a publicly elected official with the Placer County Water Agency served as President of the Foundation for over 12 years. He led the organization through an exceptional period of growth, 2018’s successful Measure E, and the Pandemic. Dugan will stay on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“Serving the students of Sierra College and this community for over a decade has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Dugan. “Investment in education at the local level is critical to the long-term success of our industries, neighborhoods and families. Sierra College is the heart of this County and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Foundation Board under President Bonner’s leadership. We will continue to achieve great milestones.”

In addition to the new SCF Board President, it also added new directors Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco, Rocklin Chamber of Commerce CEO Robin Trimble, Josh Hart with iHart Mortgages and Michael Wagener with Marquee Media. Ronco and Trimble are graduates of Sierra College. These new Directors were asked to join the SCF Board of Directors because of their commitment to Sierra College students, their passion for the Placer Community, and their experience with various philanthropic and fundraising boards.

“We are very excited to have these four individuals join our Board of Directors,” said SCF President Ed Bonner. “The notoriety and experience they bring in their respective fields will not only help our students, but the Foundation, as well, continue to grow as we plan ahead for the organization’s future.”

Additionally, SCF was awarded a $100,000 grant from Sutter Health for the College’s Basic Needs Center. The Center, which opened on campus this Fall, assists over 300 students each week with everything from food, clothes, school supplies, computers, personal hygiene products, gas gift cards and more. Over 60 percent of Sierra College students are eligible for some kind of assistance. Data shows that when a student is welcomed and assisted by SCF their chances for success, graduation and continuing education are extremely high.

“People assume Sierra College students don’t need assistance because community college is nearly free,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF executive director. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. While registration fees might be affordable, cost of living as we know is not. Students need help with food, housing, transportation – the basic needs. That’s why we’re so excited about our Basic Needs Center and this wonderful grant from Sutter Health.”

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary, SCF was founded in 1973 and serves as the advancement office for Sierra College. SCF is committed to aligning with Sierra College’s mission: Student success for all while closing equity and achievement gaps. Students often struggle, and financial limitation is the biggest hurdle to student success. SCF supports students by raising money through private donations, corporate giving, grants and events.

Sierra College Foundation 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. For more information about Sierra College Foundation and how to give or volunteer, visit: www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.

Come to Maker Faire Rocklin at Sierra College on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023

Posted on October 4, 2023October 25, 2023

Free Family-friendly Event Showcases Invention, Creativity and Resourcefulness from Engineers, Artists, Scientists and Crafters

The Rocklin community is invited to Maker Faire Rocklin at Sierra College on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Maker Faire is a free family-friendly gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, and projects.

Maker Faire Rocklin is a celebration for all ages featuring rockets and robots, digital fabrication, DIY science and technology, urban farming and sustainability, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, music and local food, and educational workshops and installations.

WHEN:  Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023  – 10am to 2pm

WHERE: Sierra College, 5100 Sierra College Blvd, Rocklin, CA 95677 in Quad near Dietrich Theatre (T Building). View Rocklin Campus Interactive Map.

COST: Free Admission and free Parking (Parking garage)

CONTACT:  maker.faire@rocklin.ca.us or (916) 625-5200 

WEBSITE:  Visit the Maker Faire Rocklin website for more information.

About Sierra College

Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.

Sierra College Theatre Arts Department Presents Lend Me a Tenor

Posted on October 3, 2023October 25, 2023

Live Performances Oct. 27 through Nov. 12 in Rocklin

Sierra College Theatre Arts Department announces its fall production of the outrageously funny farce Lend Me a Tenor directed by Scott Adams. Community members are invited to one of the eight performances in the Dietrich Theatre on the Sierra College campus in Rocklin.

Performance Dates and times:

Friday, October 27 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 2 at 7 pm
Friday, November 3 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 5 at 2 pm
Thursday, November 9 at 7 pm (director’s discussion at 5:00pm, Q&A with cast and crew after the show)
Sunday, November 12 at 2 pm (closing matinee)

Story

Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world-famous singer Tito Merelli, known as Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only. Tito arrives late, and through a series of mishaps, he is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out. Saunders persuades his assistant, Max, to get into Merelli’s costume and fool the audience into thinking he’s Il Stupendo. Max succeeds but Merelli regains consciousness, and then the confusion and hilarity begin. A sensation on Broadway and in London’s West End, this madcap, screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter.

Cast

The cast includes:

Matthew Quady as Max
Kyra Obanil as Maggie Saunders
Madison Dorty as Maggie Saunders
Paul Fearn as Saunders
Arie Knyazev as Tito Merelli
Leila Johnson as Maria
Analyse Gonzalez as Diana
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick as Julia Leverett
Gianna Conn as Bellhop

Purchase Tickets

Tickets are $17 general, $15 Seniors, $7 students; available online from On the Stage at our.show/sierracollege/tenor (processing fees apply). Tickets can also be purchased at the door one hour before curtain time in the lobby of Dietrich Theatre.

Venue

Dietrich Theatre at Sierra College, 5100 Sierra College Blvd., Rocklin, CA 95677. View Rocklin Campus Interactive Map.

Contact (916) 660-8036 for more information.

About Sierra College

Sierra College Seeking to Fill Board Opening

Posted on October 2, 2023May 9, 2025

Area 6 Trustee to be a Provisional Appointment

Sierra College is accepting applications to serve as an appointed member of the Board of Trustees until the next regularly scheduled election for governing board members in November 2024.

Each applicant must reside in Trustee Area 6 of the Sierra Joint Community College District, which includes the west border of the district shared by Nevada and Placer counties. Each applicant must also be at least 18 years of age, a registered voter, and a US citizen.

Information and application materials are available from the Sierra College website (https://www.sierracollege.edu/administration/board-of-trustees/trustee-area-6-seat/) or the Sierra College President’s Office, 5100 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677, (916) 660-7000.

A map of the trustee areas is available at www.sierracollege.edu/districting

The application deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, with interviews being held at a special board meeting on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 at the Nevada County Campus. The board is expected to make the provisional appointment on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at a board meeting held at the Rocklin Campus.

About Sierra College

Sierra College Welcomes Students, Community Members for Grand Opening

Posted on September 19, 2023July 24, 2024

Celebration of New Instructional Building and Start of Fall 2023 Semester

Fall 2023 semester instruction at Sierra College began on August 21 with increased enrollment and a new instructional building, Building Q, made possible by the community’s support for Measure E.

The students were the first priority in the new building when the fall semester began on August 21 and on September 19, Sierra College welcomed community leaders for a tour of the 77,000 square foot building with classrooms, art studios, student collaborative spaces, and an easy to access location on the Rocklin campus.

“The new instructional building is an inviting space intentionally designed to enhance learning and increase student connections,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “With classrooms built to be both user-friendly and flexible, this building will serve our students for the next 50 years. Thanks to the support of our community, our students are benefiting from incredible updates to our campus.”

Facts About the Q Building

With approximately 36 classrooms, including four art labs, the Q Building can accommodate more than 1,000 students
Designed to house about 60 percent of the classes offered on the Rocklin campus
Inviting common spaces encourage students to connect and remain on campus
New technology to improve the experience for the increased number of online students
Classroom and lab spaces built to state standards, which will help the district remain competitive for state funding of future construction projects

The Q Building is the second to be completed through the community supported Measure E bond, the first being the new parking garage, completed in 2021. Information on the new instructional building and other ongoing construction projects at Sierra College is available at www.sierracollege.edu/improvements.

Sierra College Announces Passing of Board of Trustee Member Nancy Palmer

Posted on September 13, 2023July 24, 2024

Trustee Nancy Palmer

The Sierra College Board of Trustees is deeply saddened to announce the passing of valued colleague and Sierra College Trustee, Nancy Palmer.

As a long-time Grass Valley resident and community leader, Trustee Palmer was inspired to run for the Sierra College Board of Trustees after the community groundbreaking of the college’s Nevada County Campus. Having grown up in a town with a college she recognized the value of community education. Her passion and enthusiasm won her first election in 1994, and she held the District 6 seat on the Board for an impressive 29 years. During her time of service, the Nevada County Campus opened and served thousands of students by bringing higher education to an underserved area.

“Nancy cared about the college so much and her dedication as the representative for Nevada County was evident in everything she did,” said Paul Bancroft, Sierra College Board of Trustees President. “It’s not enough to say thank you to recognize her service, we are grateful for Nancy.” 

Trustee Palmer’s passion for community college extended far beyond the Nevada County Campus or the District. She coordinated trainings for fellow trustees at the state level, and one of her favorite events to participate in each year was focused on coaching student trustees from the 73 California Community College districts across the state.

Students were the heart of Trustee Palmer’s motivation. She was the keynote speaker for many Nevada County Campus commencement ceremonies where she shared a few words of wisdom from Ann Landers’ famous column on maturity, including the following quote, “Action requires courage. Without courage in life very little is accomplished.” Trustee Palmer’s accomplishments demonstrate a life lived with action and courage, leading our students, and our community, by example.

“Nancy dedicated her life to Sierra College, and I can’t imagine the college without her,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “We are grateful for Nancy’s service but most of all for the humanity she brought to governance, putting students first and always encouraging her fellow trustees to ask what was best for students. She was a wonderful colleague but more than that, she was a dear friend, and I will miss her greatly.” 

Donations to the Sierra College Foundation may be made in Trustee Palmer’s name to benefit Nevada County students at the following link:

In Memory of Nancy Palmer – Beloved Sierra College Trustee

About Sierra College

Sierra College Completes Planned Sale of $63M in Measure E General Obligation Bonds

Posted on June 12, 2023October 16, 2023

More Than Two Thirds of $350M Approved by Voters Has Been Sold to Fund Campus Improvements

Sierra College, the District, announced that on June 8, 2023, the District sold $63 million of the $350 million Measure E General Obligation Bonds approved by registered voters in 2018. To date, the District has issued $240 million of the Measure E Bonds and has $110 million in authorization remaining for future construction projects at the Rocklin Campus. This is the third of five planned sales of Measure E General Obligation Bonds.

The Bonds were sold at a true interest cost of 3.90%, which was below the pre-pricing estimate of 3.95%. The District leveraged its exclusive “AAA” credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service to generate orders from thirty-seven bond accounts consisting of bond investors and money managers such as PIMCO, American Century, Merrill Lynch, and Blackrock. At the close of the order period, the District received a total of $277 million in orders for $63 million bonds. Strong demand for the District’s Bonds enabled the District to save approximately $620,000 in interest costs compared to the pre-sale pricing estimate.

“The success of the most recent bond sale is a testament to the diligent work being done by the Sierra College administration, staff, and Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee,” said Paul Bancroft, Sierra College Board of Trustees President. “Through planning and execution, the District has achieved a credit rating on par with the United States government, creating significant cost savings.”

Measure E Funds have been used to improve the Rocklin campus, with completed projects including campus-wide infrastructure improvements, campus center renovations, a new parking facility, and a near-complete 77,000 square foot instructional building scheduled to open this fall. Additional upcoming Measure E-funded projects include a new 65,000 square foot science building, and modernization of the Applied Technology Center to create a vocational technology learning hub on the Rocklin campus.

Information on construction projects at Sierra College, including live construction cams, as well as the Facilities Master Plan, is available at www.SierraCollege.edu/Improvements.

Registration at Sierra College is open for Fall 2023. More information on affordable, convenient, and relevant education is available at www.SierraCollege.edu/YouCan.

About Measure E

The majority of Sierra College’s Rocklin campus facilities and infrastructure was constructed in the 1960s. Although the college has done an excellent job of maintaining these facilities, many of our buildings and infrastructure systems are now well beyond their useful life and in need of major renovation or replacement. In 2017, the college updated its Facilities Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision for the Rocklin campus and, in June 2018, the community approved Measure E to fund the implementation of the first phase of this Master Plan. More information is at www.SierraCollege.edu/Bond.

About Sierra College

Sierra College Foundation Closes Another Academic Year Giving Back to Community

Posted on May 22, 2023September 13, 2023

Scholarship Celebration, Taste of Excellence, Endow-a-Bed Program and a Hearst Grant Award Winner, Sierra College Foundation Raises the Bar in Supporting Local Students

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes out Academic Year 22-23 with its momentous Scholarship Celebration. The Foundation awarded nearly $350,000 to over 200 local students to help pay for school year 2023-24, as well as living costs such as rent, utilities, gas and food. As an organization, SCF serves as the advancement office for Sierra College and is committed to aligning with Sierra College’s mission: Student success for all while closing equity and achievement gaps. Students often struggle, and financial limitation is the biggest hurdle to student success.

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary, SCF was founded in 1973 and raises money from private donors to support students, college programs, and the future of the Sierra College. SCF does this through events such as Taste of Excellence which raised over $360,000 for the Foundation in early May. The event, held at Thunder Valley’s High Steaks, sold out immediately.

A remarkable year for SCF, in April it announced that it had raised over $1 million for its Endow-A-Bed program for the College’s new affordable housing facility that broke ground. The facility will house 354 students paying roughly $450 a month for room and board. The Endow-A-Program ensures at least five beds remain gratis in perpetuity for students in dire need.

Also in April, SCF announced it was awarded its first national grant: a prestigious $125,000 Hearst Foundation Grant to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities integrate into the mainstream economy and maintain an independent lifestyle. The Transition to Independent Living Program is comprehensive, with curriculum and training that promotes acquisition of the functional, social, and career skills necessary for students to live a productive lifestyle. The college works with local employers to ensure a seamless placement between education and employment.

“We have had an absolutely exceptional year,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “What we have been able to do as an organization, collaboratively working alongside our donors, partners and the community has been truly astounding. This has been a record setting year for the Foundation both in terms of what we have been able to raise, and what we have been able to give back to our students.”

Sierra College EEO Advisory Committee Celebrates Excellence in Equity with Inaugural Awards Ceremony

Posted on May 17, 2023October 17, 2023

Members of Sierra College leadership, administrators, faculty, staff, and student body gathered in the Chalet Event Center in Rocklin on May 10, 2023, to celebrate the first Excellence in Equity Awards presented by the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Advisory Committee.

These awards were created to recognize the incredible employees, students, alumni, and community/business partners who have actively engaged in equitable and anti-racist practices that have contributed towards positive institutional/societal outcomes. Those nominated must demonstrate experience in leading meaningful change in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (DEIA) that has led to institutional, community, employee-centered, and/or student-centered enhancements to support those most disproportionately impacted at our institution. 

Nominees for the Inaugural Excellence in Equity Awards:

Category	Nominees (Winners in bold)
Student Club/Group	Associated Students of Sierra College (ASSC)
Corporate/Community Partner	North State Building Industries Association Foundation (BIA) Sierra College Foundation
Sierra College Alumni	Little Dove Rey Running Bear
Rising/Emerging Equity Champion	Maryam Portillo Erica Reich-Zuazo
Classified Professional	D’Ambra Amaro-Mendoza Joseph “Joe” Avila Allisha Crockett Stefaney De Genova Elise Grice Kelly Jones Chrissy Molina Paula Mota Kara Rodriguez Breezy Young
Faculty Member	Kim Cantrell Jennifer Kattman Dr. David Miramontes-Quiñones Dr. Reyes Ortega Wayne Robinson Dr. Jason Sumi Johnnie Terry Tonya Times Zenaido Ramos
Manager/Supervisor	Dr. Kim Bateman Nigel Haikins-Appiah Rachael Greve LaToya Jackson-Laínez Dr. Susan Lucyga Dr. William Syms Dr. Linda Williams

The Sierra College EEO Advisory Committee includes Allisha Crockett, Britney Barron-Slates, Cameron Abbott, Casey Brown, Diana Higashi-Ybarra, Heather Eubanks, Jay Hester, LaToya Jackson-Lainez, Ninette Dollesin, Dr. Susan Lucyga, Tarissa Hopkins, and Dr. William Syms.

About Sierra College