(Santa Ana, CA)— The Santa Ana College (SAC) Foundation has received $130,000 to support the college’s 18-month centennial celebration. These charitable gifts from six community partners will underwrite the Santa Ana College Birthday Party on September 19, 2015, and the Santa Ana College Open House on March 12, 2016. These generous contributions will also support increased community and alumni outreach by the college.
The Santa Ana College Centennial partners include:
- Union Bank – Presenting Sponsor - $50,000
- First American Corporation – Signature Sponsor - $25,000
- Wells Fargo – Signature Sponsor - $25,000
- Crevier Classic Cars – Founding Sponsor - $10,000
- HGA Architects - Founding Sponsor - $10,000
- Payden & Rygel – Gold Sponsor - $5,000
- SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union – Gold Sponsor - $5,000
“We are very grateful for our community partners and friends, who have stepped up so graciously and generously to support the Santa Ana College Centennial,” said SAC President Erlinda J. Martinez, Ed.D. “Their kind contributions will make it possible for us to enthusiastically showcase Santa Ana College’s academic programs and support services as we celebrate our magnificent past and our boundless future.”
Santa Ana College has come a long way from the fall morning in 1915 when Santa Ana Junior College opened its doors on the grounds of Santa Ana High School to 24 students and 11 professors. One hundred years later, SAC serves nearly 30,000 students each semester from a 65-acre campus at 17th and Bristol Streets and at three educational centers. From its Orange County Regional Sheriff’s Training Program and Fire Academy—the first Accredited Regional Fire Academy in California—to its Centennial Education Center, one of the largest providers in the California Community College system of non-credit adult education programs, and its Career Technical Education program, which supplies the community with high-demand specialists in auto and diesel technology, welding, manufacturing technology, speech language pathology and more—SAC has always been responsive to employers and the local community.
“Union Bank is committed to working with our partners to collaborate and help strengthen our communities,” said MUFG Union Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the MUFG Union Bank Foundation Carl Ballton. “Education is a key area of focus of our Foundation. We are honored to partner with SAC and help bring Santa Ana’s College education programs to the greater Orange County community.”
SAC invites the community to visit its centennial website at www.sac.edu/100 to learn about the special events planned for the coming months. The website highlights the following opportunities for community involvement: purchasing a centennial brick through the Pave the Way Campaign, becoming a community partner or sponsor, or volunteering time and talent. In particular, the college is asking for SAC alumni to share their Santa Ana College stories. Stories may be uploaded at www.sac.edu/100share. If residents have historical photos or Santa Ana College memorabilia that they would like to share, please contact the SAC Foundation at (714) 564-6095.
“We are pleased to lend our company’s support to the Santa Ana College Centennial,” said Parker Kennedy, CEO of The First American Corporation. “SAC is part of the fabric that makes Orange County a great place to live and work. For 100 years, this outstanding college has helped educate the people who have gone on to become the leaders of Orange County business, industry, and community organizations.”
Plans are currently underway for the birthday party of the century to be held at Santa Ana College on Saturday, September 19, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to sunset. The free event will offer something for every member of the family, including live entertainment, children’s activities, vintage cars, a glimpse of the SAC’s 100-year history, a community expo, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and birthday cake.
“At Wells Fargo we believe we are only as strong as the communities we serve and having the opportunity to support Santa Ana College celebrate its 100th birthday is an honor. Community colleges offer an important way for individuals to find success and make better lives for their families. We look forward to a continued partnership as we work to make Orange County a better place,” said Keith Kobata, Wells Fargo Greater Orange County President.
For additional information about Santa Ana College’s centennial celebration and to sign up to receive centennial news, visit www.sac.edu/100.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which is turning 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sac.edu to learn more. For information about Santa Ana College’s Centennial, please visit www.sac.edu/100.
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