LEADERSHIP AWARD TO LOCAL GIANT John Romans humbled by honor

Before becoming one of the most influential business women in the Central Coast and in the Silicon Valley, Susan Black worked as a flight attendant, for the Department of Defense, in real estate, and in marketing for a bank. All these experiences, she said, prepared her for a successful career in banking.

“Early in my banking career, I was committed to fighting for equal access to credit – now, I am concerned about access to education,” she said. “Personally, education made an enormous difference in opening doors for me, and I feel strongly that education not only changes lives, but also has a significant impact on the community as a whole.”

Susan is the picture of grace and philanthropy. Over 10 years ago, she joined the Hartnell College Foundation with a goal to uplift her community through education.

“I am so impressed with Jackie Cruz and her leadership and phenomenal work leading the Foundation,” she said. “It’s all about the students and the Foundation is committed to the students.”

Susan ended her first seven-year term on the Foundation Board, took a one-year break, and returned for a second term. Her love for Hartnell students was palpable.

“Every time I leave the campus after a meeting, I am so inspired,” she said. “The stories shared by the student speakers at each meeting or program are indeed impressive and touching.”

In addition to her board involvement, Susan is one of the founding members of the Women’s Education and Leadership Institute (WELI) at Hartnell. This is one of the innovative programs supported by the Foundation that has nationally recognized statistics. Each year, 25 young ladies join WELI, receive a scholarship, and are matched with a mentor for one year.

“This work is rewarding,” she said. “I am amazed by everyone’s commitment.”

Black is from Wisconsin, and is the youngest of five girls. Her sense of adventure led her to attend the University of Hawaii for her bachelors and Rochester Business School in New York for her master’s degree.

She founded Pinnacle Bank in 2006 and served as President/CEO from 2008 to 2017. She currently enjoys her role as Chairman of the Board, a title that gives her great flexibility to volunteer. Aside from her commitment to the Foundation board, she serves as Chair for the Rancho Cielo Board of Directors.

Black is married to Aris Angelopoulos and they enjoy their ‘happy place’ in Pebble Beach. They have two grown children and four grandchildren, whom they love to play with. She enjoys gardening, reading, and walking on the beach.

The Hartnell College Foundation feels fortunate to have donors, supporters, and board members like Susan Black, whose leadership and commitment is contributing to the betterment of our community. Her unconditional love for and dedication to Hartnell students is invaluable and transformative. Thank you, Susan!

A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE Sonia Baltazar proves that you can do it all

In the midst of a global pandemic, Sonia Baltazar, 35, of Gonzales enrolled at Hartnell College to pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education. The mother of three girls (12, 9, 6) felt it was the perfect opportunity because of the online and asynchronous class offerings the college afforded her.

“Being out of school for 16 years, I felt, would be difficult,” she said. “But it was so helpful to have the option to complete my assignments in the evenings after everyone was in bed.”

Sonia is part of the MAESTROs Program, a collaboration between Hartnell and CSU Monterey Bay that provides a pathway to a teaching degree and teaching credential. She looks forward to graduating Hartnell this fall and transferring to CSUMB to complete her educational goals.

“I want to teach in middle school and focus on 4th  and 5th graders,” she said. “I feel that is a good age to instill in youth the love of learning and of community.”

Sonia is also a wife, a sports coach, and an instructional aide at Sacred Heart school where her children attend.

Baltazar’s husband is an educator. He is a math teacher and holds a master’s degree in education. They met while at Gonzales High School and have been together ever since.

Over the last few years, while the entire family was on Zoom taking classes or teaching classes, connectivity was sometimes a challenge. But the pandemic brought on additional obstacles to her family.

“My hours were cut due to COVID and we had two medical scares,” she said. ”I found myself having a major surgery alone in a hospital without anyone to visit me…one of my daughters developed appendicitis and that was difficult to deal with as well.”

Sonia and her family stayed optimistic and kept a positive demeanor. Emergency support through Hartnell enabled them to receive the necessary assistance to cover the medical bills, to have food in the house, to cover their rent, and more.

“If it wasn’t for your help and the generosity of donors and supporters, we couldn’t have survived this pandemic,” she said.

Through it all, Sonia has managed to keep her family active with outdoor activities and family time. She said that making the most out of a bad situation is a daily goal for her and her husband.

“You know, I have six eyes looking at me for guidance each day,” she said. “My girls inspire me and I hope I do the same for them and show them that in this world there are opportunities and lots of people who want to help you advance in life.”

In photo – Sonia with her daughter Seleen (12) at Hartnell College Library.

A WOMAN OF DISTINCTION Susan Black prepared for a life of philanthropy

Before becoming one of the most influential business women in the Central Coast and in the Silicon Valley, Susan Black worked as a flight attendant, for the Department of Defense, in real estate, and in marketing for a bank. All these experiences, she said, prepared her for a successful career in banking.

“Early in my banking career, I was committed to fighting for equal access to credit – now, I am concerned about access to education,” she said. “Personally, education made an enormous difference in opening doors for me, and I feel strongly that education not only changes lives, but also has a significant impact on the community as a whole.”

Susan is the picture of grace and philanthropy. Over 10 years ago, she joined the Hartnell College Foundation with a goal to uplift her community through education.

“I am so impressed with Jackie Cruz and her leadership and phenomenal work leading the Foundation,” she said. “It’s all about the students and the Foundation is committed to the students.”

Susan ended her first seven-year term on the Foundation Board, took a one-year break, and returned for a second term. Her love for Hartnell students was palpable.

“Every time I leave the campus after a meeting, I am so inspired,” she said.  “The stories shared by the student speakers at each meeting or program are indeed impressive and touching.”

In addition to her board involvement, Susan is one of the founding members of the Women’s Education and Leadership Institute (WELI) at Hartnell. This is one of the innovative programs supported by the Foundation that has nationally recognized statistics. Each year, 25 young ladies join WELI, receive a scholarship, and are matched with a mentor for one year.

“This work is rewarding,” she said. “I am amazed by everyone’s commitment.”

Black is from Wisconsin, and is the youngest of five girls. Her sense of adventure led her to attend the University of Hawaii for her bachelors and Rochester Business School in New York for her master’s degree.

She founded Pinnacle Bank in 2006 and served as President/CEO from 2008 to 2017.  She currently enjoys her role as Chairman of the Board, a title that gives her great flexibility to volunteer. Aside from her commitment to the Foundation board, she serves as Chair for the Rancho Cielo Board of Directors.

Black is married to Aris Angelopoulos and they enjoy their ‘happy place’ in Pebble Beach. They have two grown children and four grandchildren, whom they love to play with. She enjoys gardening, reading, and walking on the beach.

The Hartnell College Foundation feels fortunate to have donors, supporters, and board members like Susan Black, whose leadership and commitment is contributing to the betterment of our community. Her unconditional love for and dedication to Hartnell students is invaluable and transformative. Thank you, Susan!

A MAN OF VALOR REMEMBERED Alfred Diaz-Infante’s Celebration of Life

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, the Hartnell College Foundation co-hosted the Celebration of Life for Alfred Diaz-Infante in Hartnell College’s Student Center. The program was emceed by Alfred’s son, Marcos Diaz-Infante, and dear friend Kurt Gollnick.

More than 250 guests came together to offer tribute to a man who touched the hearts and changed the lives of many. Diaz-Infante was the CEO of CHISPA, where he helped provide housing for low-income families.  Alfred also invested time and effort into his community by participating on a number of boards, where he contributed to the success of many community organizations.

The written program for the event included an obituary, written by Alfred’s niece, Amy Diaz-Infante, which set the tone for the celebration saying, “While so many of us looked to Alfred for his knowledge and insight, he was also someone who loved to listen with an analytical mind and to learn from others. We will remember his stories, his ceviche recipe, his quiet but confident demeanor, and perhaps most of all, his sense of humor.”

Many friends, colleagues and family members shared from the heart about Alfred’s impact during the event.

Mentees Jose Garcia and Jonathan De Anda as well as Alfred’s lifelong friend, Benny Tiscareno reflected on Alfred’s presence, and his determination to make time for the people and things that he loved. His life was about others, showing them their value and helping them reach their potential. 

Retired Chief Financial Officer of CHISPA, Norm Kolpin, shared that Alfred could have chosen to pursue a successful career anywhere, but that his roots in and heart for Salinas committed him to this community for life. 

Alfred’s two daughters, Alexis and Karina, and son Marcos spoke of Alfred as their beloved father. Their admiration for their dad and how much they will miss his love, kindness, and great conversations was evident, and it was also clear that they know his legacy will be a lasting one. 

We are certain that Alfred’s legacy will not only be seen in the work to provide affordable housing for families and educational opportunities for youth in our community, but in the work of making others feel at home.

During the event, the Hartnell Foundation announced that the Alfred Diaz-Infante Legacy Memorial Fund has exceeded the $40,000 guaranteed match amount from the Hartnell College Foundation Board. Foundation Executive Director, Jackie Cruz, invited Alfred’s friends and colleagues to continue to honor Alfred with gifts to the fund as we seek to increase the matching amount. You may contribute to this fund by visiting: https://hartnellfoundation.org/alfred-diaz-infante-legacy-memorial-fund/

A photo gallery can be viewed by visiting the CHISPA Housing Facebook page by clicking: https://www.facebook.com/Chispa-Housing-143136989075665/photos

IT KEEPS GOIN’ UP! Applicable Federal Rate to your benefit

The IRS has released the Applicable Federal Rate for the month of February 2022. Each month, the Service surveys hundreds of interest rates for various financial instruments and publishes the rate that is applicable for charitable deduction calculations. The rate for February is 1.6%. The rates will look like this:

When calculating the tax deduction for a charitable gift, the IRS permits use of the Applicable Federal Rate for the current month or one of the two prior months. For charitable remainder unitrusts, annuity trusts and gift annuities, the highest Applicable Federal Rate will produce the largest charitable tax deduction. However, for seniors who create gift annuities and do not itemize, the lowest Applicable Federal Rate will produce the highest tax-free payout. For lead trusts and life estates reserved, the lowest Applicable Federal Rate is most favorable.

For more information on how the AFR works in your favor, contact Jackie Cruz at 831-755-6810 or jcruz@hartnell.edu.

Monterey County Gives
You hit it out of the park

We are so excited to announce that our Basic Needs Campaign through Monterey County Gives raised $35,905. We had 57 individual donors support this effort which will provide $500 emergency scholarships to 71 students. But that is not all! This, combined with the Basic Needs grant mentioned above, helps us surpass the $1 million mark! Thank you to each of you who helped us support students in such a big way!

MC GIVES CONTINUES TO BRING HOPE Emergency scholarships available for students

Thank you so much for your support of Hartnell College students’ basic needs through the Keep Our Students Learning Project in partnership with Monterey County Gives!

Gifts are still accepted through December 31^st, 2021 – please make sure to make your gift before then by visiting our MC Gives page at www.montereycountygives.com/hartnell

Eighty-five percent (85%) of Hartnell College students come from low-income families and daily face food and housing insecurity, transportation challenges, and the need to pay medical bills. Your support through the Keep Our Students Learning project will help eliminate barriers to our students’ success even after the pandemic ends as funds donated over the last year have been quickly depleted.

Thank you for continuing to show your support for our incredible students!

BUILT ON LEGACY A Tottino family affair

When the Tottino family heard about the construction of the Castroville Education Center, a burst of excitement filled their hearts.

“Jackie Cruz came to Ocean Mist to make a presentation about the new Center,” said Cathy [Tottino] Alameda. “I brought information to the family and together we decided to honor our parents with something so significant.”

The Tottino family donated $250,000.00 in unrestricted funds over five years to support the Castroville Education Center. Cathy told how the entire family came together, her generation and the next generation, supported the amount wholeheartedly.

For the Tottino family, love for the community and giving began in the early 1920s with Alfred and Emilia Tottino. Alfred was one of the founders of Ocean Mist. They gave quietly to their community and injected that legacy of giving to Hugo and Dolores Tottino, Cathy’s parents, and the ripple effect continues today.

“Castroville has been really good to us,” Cathy said. “We just want to give back.”

Hugo and Dolores had five children: Cathy, Michele, Les, Karen, and David. All in the family have been or are part of Ocean Mist. It is a family affair.

Hugo Tottino always said that education was key. He passed away a few years ago; Dolores continues to call Castroville her home.

This family looks to the future with hope to inspire the Ocean Mist employees to attend Hartnell College and improve their skills for promotion opportunities. In addition to this gift, the Tottino family and Ocean Mist support students in Castroville with annual scholarships. This is something the entire family looks forward to every year.

“All some students need is a helping hand,” Cathy said.

GRAND OPENING Community Celebrates New Soledad Center

Cutting the ribbon at the close of the Grand Opening Celebration for the Soledad Education Center is Hartnell Governing Board President Erica Padilla Chavez (holding scissors). From left: Randy Bangs, superintendent, Soledad Unified School District (SUSD); Monica Pantoja, SUSD board member; Chris Lopez, Monterey County Supervisor and member of the Hartnell College Foundation Board of Directors; Hartnell Trustee Candi DePauw (rear); Carla Strobridge, Soledad City Council member; former Soledad mayor Frank Ledesma; Hartnell Trustee Alejandra Gonzalez (rear); Anna Velazquez, Soledad Mayor and district director for State Sen. Anna Caballero; Hartnell Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Raul Rodríguez; (Erica Padilla-Chavez); Ivan Ibarra Mora, board member, SUSD; Alejandro Chavez, Soledad City Council member and husband of Padilla-Chavez; Marisela Lara, Soledad City Council member; Hartnell Trustee Irma Lopez; Assemblymember Robert Rivas; Mostafa Ghous, dean of South County Education Services for Hartnell; and Ana Gonzalez, director of the Soledad center.

On October 23, 2021, nearly 300 community members of the greater Soledad area came together to experience and celebrate a source of pride and a transformational new asset for the Salinas Valley – the Hartnell College Soledad Education Center.

The Hartnell Community College District (HCCD) invited residents of all ages to watch as it formally cut the ribbon on the 16,750-square-foot center at 1505 Metz Road, which was completed this spring and began offering classes in August.

Participants were able to tour the building and learn about becoming a student during the upcoming Spring 2022 semester, which starts Jan. 24. The center has a tutoring and study center known as the Panther Learning Lab, wet and dry science labs and three state-of-the-art classrooms.

“This has been such a long time coming,” said Hartnell Governing Board President Erica Padilla-Chavez, who represents Soledad as the district’s Area 6 trustee. “I’ve spoken to so many folks who have lived here all their lives and who dreamed of one day having a Hartnell center right here in Soledad.”

Padilla-Chavez gratefully acknowledged the City of Soledad’s decision to provide 3.7 acres for the center for just one dollar, which allowed Hartnell to stretch its construction funds from the $167 million Measure T bond. Soledad plans to build Orchard Lane Park immediately north of the center within the next couple of years, creating a Wi-Fi-equipped green space right next door.

Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez accepted an honorary key to the center and said, “I know Hartnell’s motto is putting ‘students first’, and today we see that coming to fruition.”

Hartnell’s Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Raul Rodríguez highlighted the center’s Community Room, which he encouraged local organizations to use.

“It’s for you; it’s for the public,” Dr. Rodríguez said. “Contact the staff to reserve it. We’ve already had Rotary meetings and other organizations meet here, and we want to have many more organizations from the community use this room.”

Prior to the community celebration, the Hartnell College Foundation hosted donors and interested supporters at a breakfast reception inside the center to highlight funders who have helped raise nearly $3.2 million to help pay operating expenses at all three centers. Major donors to the Soledad center include Huntington Farms, Tanimura Family Foundation, Harden Foundation, Sally Hughes Church Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the Padilla-Chavez family, and the family of Hartnell Trustee Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin.

A GIFT DESTINED TO EMPOWER The New Dr. Debra Kaczmar Endowment

Mary and Pierre Cousineau have established an endowed fellowship in honor of Dr. Debra Kaczmar to support graduates of the Hartnell College nursing program to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specializing in teaching. This support over the two years of a master’s program will come with a commitment from fellowship recipients to teach in the Hartnell College Nursing Program for at least two years after they graduate.

This special announcement was made on September 27, at a private outdoor event on the construction site of the new nursing building. Hartnell College Interim Superintendent/President, Dr. Raúl Rodríguez announced the generous gift from the Cousineaus, who in turn surprised Dr. Debra Kaczmar, Dean of Academic Affairs, ursing and Allied Health Sciences at Hartnell College, by announcing that they have made the gift in her honor.

The goal of the Dr. Debra Kaczmar Fellowship is to attract and retain qualified faculty for the Hartnell College Nursing Program, ideally individuals who are from the Salinas Valley and want to contribute to this community.

“I am humbled by Mary and Pierre’s generosity and commitment to supporting new nurse educators interested in teaching at Hartnell College,” said Dr. Kaczmar.  “Their gift will support Hartnell’s efforts to produce highly competent and caring nurses who live and work in the greater Salinas area.”

Mary Cousineau is the former Assistant Director of Nursing and a current adjunct faculty member at Hartnell College. Pierre, who is retired, shares Mary’s passion for nursing and student success.

When working at Hartnell, Mary embraced the culture of her students and became aware of their struggles to manage school, family life, work, and other responsibilities. She quickly understood the importance of faculty members who share the culture, language, and life experiences of their students and can serve as role models and mentors. She also saw first-hand the difficulty of recruiting and retaining qualified nursing faculty.

“I am proud to recognize Mary and Pierre for their generous and highly strategic gift to establish an endowed fellowship in support of master’s level education of future Hartnell nursing instructors,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “I describe this gift as ‘strategic’ because we realize how challenging it is to hire and retain high-quality nursing instructors due to the fact that professional nurses are in such high demand and at increasingly lucrative salaries. This gift will allow Hartnell Nursing to remain one of the best programs in the nation.”

Two Hartnell College nursing alums, Michael Gibson ’13 and Yoli Cervantes ’17, attended the event and expressed gratitude for the guidance and support they received as students of Mary Cousineau and Dean Kaczmar. Michael is a registered nurse specializing in emergency, trauma, and critical care flight nursing. He works in the emergency department at Natividad Medical Center and as a CALSTAR flight nurse. Yoli is a pediatric nurse at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, where she has completed the medical-surgical training program. They both expressed the importance of this type of scholarship to help students thrive.

The endowment has been matched by the Hartnell College Foundation and will allow one student to complete their master’s program. The Foundation seeks to double the impact of the fellowship, seeking a second match in order to help advance a second student each year.

Mary and Pierre are naming this endowment in honor of Dr. Debra Kaczmar, out of deep respect for Dr. Kaczmar’s contributions to the Hartnell College Nursing Program, in recognition of their shared passion for excellence in nursing, and in appreciation for Deb’s and Mary’s years together as colleagues.

At the event, Mary Cousineau praised Dr. Kazcmar as a “fearless leader,” adding, “She’s willing to tackle problems head-on and go against the status quo within the nursing department, the college, the community, and even at a state level.”