July invites us to fully enjoy the warmth and excitement of summer. It’s a time for celebration, gathering, and appreciating the simple joys of the season. We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue bringing people together and creating spaces where community can thrive.

You have our very best,
Jackie and Kristine

AN ENGINEER IN THE MAKING

Young Sophia makes it to Nationals

At just 11 years old, Sophia Luquin, a 5^th grader at Sherwood Elementary School in Salinas, dreamed of creating a tool to help farmworkers pick strawberries. Through the Hartnell College Foundation K-12 STEAM Program and Invention Convention, her dream became a reality, and her invention earned her regional recognition, state participation, and the distinction of being the only one in Monterey County to go to Nationals.

“My grandparents worked in the fields and always had back pain,” she said. “I created a tool to make it easier to pick strawberries and prevent pain.”

The California Invention Convention initiative, supported by the Hartnell College Foundation K-12 STEAM Program and Salinas City Elementary School District Extended Learning, enabled students to build confidence, resilience, and belief in their ability to innovate through iterative engineering design practices. 

Students learned to embrace failure as part of the design process, developing perseverance, creative confidence, and problem-solving skills while refining their ideas.

“Sophia proudly became the first student supported through this partnership to travel to Michigan, experiencing her first airplane ride and representing Salinas among 513 student inventors at the National Invention Convention, marking a first of many opportunities for Salinas students,” said Lupita Arroyo-Lozano, K-12 STEAM Program Coordinator.

More than 300,000 students nationwide participated in Invention Convention programs. From that pool, 513 National Finalists were selected to present their inventions at the National Invention Convention held in Michigan. Sophia was one of the 513 students selected to compete and present at the national event.

Sophia had great support in Michigan. Her parents, Hermelinda E. Villareal and Arturo Melendez Luquin Jr., plus her aunt Maria Luquin, were there. Also in attendance were Dr. Rebecca Andrade, Superintendent, Salinas City Elementary School District; Chloe Johnson, Director of Extended Learning, Salinas City Elementary School District; Victor Marinelli, 6th Grade Teacher, Sherwood Elementary School; and Lupita Arroyo.

“We are extremely proud of her – there are no words to express how we feel,” said her mom, Hermelinda. “Sophia is always participating in different activities, and we are in awe of her making it all the way to nationals.”

Sophia is someone to watch. She is one of five children and loves to play softball. In the future, she aspires to be a product design engineer.

KILLIAN SCHOLARS GO TO BOSTON

Hartnell Vocal Students Earn National Recognition

Four Hartnell College music students, all recipients of the Killian Music Scholarship, recently participated in the prestigious 2026 Classical Singer Convention and Competition held in Boston with over 800 singers, educators, and industry professionals from across the United States. 

Junelle Aubrey Geli from Soledad, and Tiana Magdaleno, Tahlia Magdaleno, and Diego Ramirez from Salinas, competed in the Collegiate Division in both Classical and Musical Theatre categories. The students are members of Hartnell College’s Music Department and study privately with renowned voice teacher Paula Baack, who provides instruction through the Killian Music Scholarship program.

Two Hartnell scholars advanced to the semifinal round of the national competition—Tiana Magdaleno in the Classical category and Diego Ramirez in Musical Theatre—earning recognition among some of the country’s most promising collegiate singers. 

Participation in the convention provided the students with valuable performance experience, opportunities to receive feedback from distinguished vocal professionals, and exposure to fellow singers from colleges and universities nationwide. Attendees participated in masterclasses, workshops, auditions, and networking opportunities designed to support the development of emerging vocal artists. More than 60 colleges, universities, conservatories, and professional arts organizations were represented, offering recruitment opportunities and educational resources through the convention’s Expo and Recruiting Fair.

A big ‘THANK YOU’ to an anonymous donor! After the students paid their own entry/audition fees, a donor paid for the rest of their expenses, including hotel, airfare, and workshop fees associated with the event.

GALA FOR THE ARTS

Honoring three Distinguished Supporters

The Council for the Arts is ready to unveil the 2026 Gala for the Arts on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Hartnell College. The event will be held in conjunction with The Western Stage’s production of Songs for a New World.

You are invited to continue to make an impact in students’ lives. Last year, your support of the Gala funded internships in gallery management, theater production, studio art, and community programs. Our Council for the Arts has also awarded scholarships to students with high financial need who are majoring in the visual or performing arts. 

This year’s Gala for the Arts will once again raise vital funds for internships and scholarships for the college’s arts students. The Council will recognize three supporters of the arts: 

Ramón Silva Ruelas 

Distinguished Alumnus in the Arts

Ramón Silva Ruelas is a respected dance educator at Alisal High School, cultural ambassador, and artistic leader who has dedicated more than four decades to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Mexican folk dance. Since 1980, he has directed dance groups throughout the region, and in 1992 he founded Tonatiuh Danzantes del Quinto Sol, an organization that has become an important force in promoting Mexican culture and traditional dance in the Salinas Valley and beyond.

Silva holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance and has devoted his career to the in-depth study of Mexican folk dance traditions. He has visited and studied the dances of all 31 states of Mexico, bringing a remarkable depth of cultural knowledge and authenticity to his teaching and choreography. 

Carl Christensen 

Distinguished Service to the Arts 

Carl Christensen is Professor Emeritus of Music at Hartnell College, where he served for more than 30 years as Director of the Orchestra and Band, inspiring generations of student musicians throughout the Salinas Valley. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California and went on to build an accomplished international performance career. 

Christensen has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Monterey County Symphony, Santa Cruz Symphony, Sacramento Symphony, Monterey Brass Quintet, Ensemble Monterey, and the Monterey Bay Symphony. He has appeared as guest conductor with orchestras in Mexico, Guatemala, and Argentina. He is an active volunteer on two Hartnell scholarship committees: the Killian Music Scholars program and the Boronda Arts Travel program. Since retiring from Hartnell College in 2012, Christensen has continued to enrich the cultural life of Monterey County as Music Director and Conductor of the Monterey County Pops! 

César Flores 

The Western Stage Distinguished Honoree

César Flores has been a longtime leader and advocate within the local theater community and is one of the Veteranos of El Teatro Campesino, the groundbreaking theater company established by Luis Valdez. He was instrumental in building the relationship between El Teatro Campesino and The Western Stage, a collaboration that enabled The Western Stage to produce several works by Luis Valdez and broaden its cultural programming while deepening engagement with Latinx audiences.

Flores has mentored many of the current generation of Latinx theater-makers who continue to shape the region’s vibrant performing arts landscape today. He currently serves on the Hartnell College Foundation’s Council for the Arts and has dedicated years of service to the community as a member of the San Juan Bautista City Council, including terms as Mayor and Vice Mayor, among others.

Sponsorships are available! Your support will help inspire the next generation of artists, performers, and cultural leaders, while also eliminating barriers to college and career success for first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved students in the arts. For more information, tickets, and sponsorships, contact Celeste DeWald at cdewald@hartnellfoundation.org or call 831-755-6810.

Dr. Jackie Cruz, Ed.D.
Vice President of Advancement and Development
Executive Director, Hartnell College Foundation
jcruz@hartnell.edu
(831) 444-2446 mobile

Kristine Edmunds
Director of Philanthropy
Hartnell College Foundation
(831) 755-6903 Office
(831) 601-0016 Mobile
kedmunds@hartnell.edu

Emmett was a proud and distinguished alumnus of Hartnell College who dedicated his life to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening the agricultural community, and uplifting the Salinas Valley. He played a significant role in shaping Hartnell’s agricultural and workforce development efforts, serving as chair of the first Strategic Plan for the Ag Business Institute and as a valued contributor to the Ag Steering Committee, among many other contributions.

“His legacy is not only in what he built, but in the lives he lifted, the dignity he honored, and the future he helped shape for generations to come,” said Dr. Jackie Cruz, Executive Director of the Hartnell College Foundation.

Emmett was born to James and Joan Linder on November 30, 1958, the third of five boys. Born and raised in Salinas, he carried a deep pride for his hometown throughout his life. He attended Madonna del Sasso School, Palma High School, and Hartnell College.

His remarkable career in agriculture was rooted in the foundation he built at Hartnell. He went on to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management. While at Cal Poly, his natural leadership was already evident as he managed the university’s dairy facility, overseeing production of milk, cheese, and yogurt for campus distribution.

After graduation, Emmett began his career with the Kroger Company as a fresh produce field inspector. This experience led him to Driscoll Strawberry Associates, where he built an extraordinary 40-year career. During his tenure at Driscoll’s, Emmett held numerous leadership roles spanning Supply Chain, Quality, Transportation/Food Safety, and Mission Engagement.

Emmett found great joy in raising his children, Matthew and Catherine, and took pride in watching them grow into thriving adults, now with young families of their own.

After many years as a bachelor, he met Ana C. Toledo, and the two were married in 2014. Emmett often spoke with deep warmth of the joy and companionship she brought into his life.

Service to community was at the heart of who Emmett was. He gave generously of his time and leadership, leaving a lasting imprint across the region. Most recently, he served on the Board of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. His many contributions also included service on the boards of the Natividad Medical Foundation, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Ag Against Hunger, Monterey County Farm Bureau, and the Monterey Bay Air Resources District.

Among his most cherished traditions was serving as an announcer for the Colmo del Rodeo Parade, a role he held dear—especially as he shared it alongside his brothers. In retirement, he remained deeply engaged in community life through the Rotary Club of Corral de Tierra, the Haasis Hikers, the Pebble Beach Sports Car Club, and the Native Sons of the Golden West.

Emmett’s ability to connect with others was extraordinary. His warmth, humility, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He lit up every room with his smile, his enthusiasm, and his contagious laughter.

He will be deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever remembered.

In Honor of Emmett

For those who wish to honor Emmett’s memory, contributions may be made to:

Hartnell College Foundation – Emmett Linder Ag Scholarship Fund

In a further expression of respect and admiration, the Hartnell College Foundation Board of Directors has established a matching fund in support of this tribute—honoring Emmett’s legacy and their shared commitment to carrying his vision forward.