Spring is just around the corner, and March is here to pave the way with its sunny disposition and blooming optimism! Let’s kickstart this month with a burst of energy and a dash of outdoor adventure. Picture this: a day filled with laughter, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Whether you’re strolling through the park, pedaling down a scenic trail, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun, there’s magic in every moment. So, grab your favorite hiking buddy, pack a picnic, and make this March a whirlwind of joy and unforgettable experiences!

With appreciation,
Jacqueline and Kristine

Twenty years ago, David Jones, 68, joined the custodian team at Hartnell College. He has loved coming to work daily and spending time on campus, even on his days off.

“I like what I do – I interact with the students and everyone who comes through the doors,” he said. “I am a resource to those needing assistance on any given day.”

Now a lead custodian, he makes a difference in students’ lives. Jones is a President Circle Member now and, as such, is committed to student success.

“If I can’t help others physically, I can help financially,” he said. “We all have the opportunity to help in any way we can.”

Jones joined the Hartnell College Foundation’s Employee Giving many years ago. He could give $10 – $15 per month towards scholarships. But two years ago, he decided he could make a more significant impact and raised his monthly donation to $100 – landing him in the President’s Circle category for those who give annual contributions of $1,000 or more.

“This sends a powerful message to our students that we believe in them and are willing to support them above and beyond our everyday work,” said Jackie Cruz, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director for the Hartnell College Foundation. “What David is doing is admirable – he is a source of inspiration.”

During the first two months of 2024, the campaign has raised $130,952.98, including 79 President Circle Members for 162 employee donors.

“I have talked to some scholarship recipients, and they appreciate the help,” he said. “They are going through hardships, and the scholarships help them in different areas of their lives.”

Jones was born in Washington State and raised in Colorado. His dad was in the military, and the family made it to Monterey (Fort Ord) and settled here. He has two sisters and two brothers. His dad passed away, but his mom lives in Seaside, and he gets to visit her often.

“I was never given anything, so I have the opportunity to put this donation to good use – as a contributor and role model,” he said.

The Men’s Institute for Leadership and Education

Hartnell College introduced the Men’s Institute for Leadership and Education (MILE) Program in 2015, aiming to recognize and support men’s contributions to their families and communities while addressing the unique challenges they face in academic and personal spheres. Despite men comprising 50% of Hartnell students, only 30% of degrees are earned by males, prompting the establishment of MILE to foster academic success and leadership among male scholars. The program offers a comprehensive package including intensive leadership training, access to campus resources, mentorship from community leaders, and a $2,500 financial award per student, empowering MILE scholars to overcome obstacles and thrive inside and outside the classroom. With 20 scholars awarded and several community leaders volunteering their mentorship, MILE has proven to be a transformative experience for participants, shaping their paths toward personal, academic, and professional success.

Driven by a mission to elevate graduation rates and empower male students in the Salinas Valley, MILE is dedicated to guiding scholars to realize their full potential through leadership development, mentorship, and financial assistance. The program envisions a future where MILE Scholars at Hartnell College emerge as community leaders with the skills and support necessary to achieve their academic and professional goals. With a focus on fostering leadership potential and facilitating holistic success, MILE aspires to make a lasting impact on the lives of its scholars, contributing to a culture of achievement and empowerment within the college and beyond.
Learn More Here.

Complete Your Will or Living Trust
by Attending Our Next Estate Planning Seminar on
April 17, 2024, Beginning at 5:30 PM

Please consider attending this complimentary seminar and start your way to creating your legacy. To RSVP for your spot, please email Jackie Cruz at jcruz@hartnell.edu or Kristine Edmunds at kedmunds@hartnell.edu.

What Happens to Your IRA When You Are Done Using It?

By design, Congress wishes for you to exhaust your traditional IRA during your lifetime. After all, it is based on your pre-taxed retirement savings. Should your IRA outlast you, your beneficiaries who inherit your IRA will pay ordinary income tax on any withdrawals they make. Your beneficiaries must then empty the IRA within ten years, which could be a significant tax burden.

Nonprofits, however, will not pay taxes on any gift from your IRA. Furthermore, there are better ways to provide for your heirs without the tax burden. If you want to learn more about the various ways and tax advantages of leaving the Hartnell College Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA, please click here or contact us.

Your Planning Gives Your Loved Ones Hope

If you want a free estate planning guide, please click here.

Our very best!

Dear Hartnell College supporters,

Hello, December! As winter wraps us in its cozy embrace, our newsletter is here to spread the warmth of the holiday season. Dive into a mix of festive fun and December delights as we navigate this magical time together. Let the joyous vibes commence!

With appreciation,
Jacqueline and Kristine

2023 has been a year of progress for Hartnell College. Reflecting on the good work inaugurated this past spring, with gratitude we celebrate with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Nursing and Health Sciences building in Salinas, California. The 2,500-square-foot building encompasses classrooms, study rooms, a clinic, multiple simulation rooms, and an artificial reality room.

This development aligns with the heightened interest in healthcare careers driven by the pandemic’s impact. The new facility enables the college to accept 10% more students in health sciences programs, addressing the demand after receiving 300 nursing applications but being able to admit only 40 students last year. The centralized space promotes collaboration among students and staff, offering cutting-edge simulation and artificial reality rooms to enhance hands-on learning experiences.

The Dean of Academic Affairs for Nursing and Health Sciences, Debra Kazcmar, highlights the community-centric approach of the programs, with plans for a community clinic within the building and a program catering to individuals seeking to re-enter the healthcare field.

Additionally, the college aims to strengthen ties with the local community, as most graduates choose to work on the Central Coast after completing their programs. The new building represents a significant enhancement, providing students like Cecilia Ruano, a vocational nursing program participant, with ample space, advanced simulation resources, and real-life scenarios to prepare for their medical careers.

Make your season brighter!
Three ways to reduce your tax bill by giving to the Hartnell College Foundation.

If you are thinking about giving the Hartnell College Foundation an estate gift from your will or trust, please contact us or learn more on our website.

If you want a free estate planning guide, please click here.

To make an immediate gift in support of Hartnell students, please click here.

Our very best!

Dear Hartnell College supporters,

November brings the joys of Thanksgiving and the spirit of gratitude. This beautiful season invites us to recenter and reconnect with our families and friends through pickup football games, long walks in the crisp morning air, and hand turkeys drawn by children with love. Embrace the cozy vibes and join us in reflecting on life’s blessings. Hartnell College Foundation will share insights on gratitude and we can celebrate together. Let’s make November a month of thanks!

With appreciation,
Jacqueline and Kristine

OUR STUDENTS, OUR INSPIRATION

Napolean’s dream is to be an educator. Hartnell is here to make his dream possible.

Napoleon Navarro cannot believe he is getting an all-paid trip to Chicago to attend the HACU Conference this year! The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) provides a unique forum for the sharing of information and ideas for the best and most promising practices in the education of Hispanics.

“It is such a blessing,” he said. “I can’t describe how I feel – but I know it takes hard work to be chosen by such opportunities.”

Navarro, 19, was one of the speakers at the Achieving the Dream Conference at Hartnell College in August. He is in his second year as an agricultural science and education major. His goal is to become a teacher.

“Ever since I was in sixth grade, I wanted to help in the classroom,” he said. “Now, I want to teach agriculture at the high school level.”

He plans to get this goal in motion by first transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for his bachelor’s degree. He wants to go even further by acquiring his master’s degree in education and later his doctorate.

Navarro is thankful for all the opportunities bestowed upon him at Hartnell College.

“It’s like a second family for me,” he said. “Staff like Belen Gonzalez and Clint Cowden, they have my back. There is always someone to talk to.”

He is an active student and loves to learn. He is a student worker for the Career Center. He takes every opportunity for summer work in the fields, plus internships that provide hands-on experience.

“I interned at Green Rubber Kennedy Ag in Salinas, and every day was unique,” he said.

Napoleon is a member of the Maestros Program, MESA, and is president of the Ag Ambassadors.

“I am always about helping and lifting people up,” he said.

With a full load and a packed schedule, Navarro keeps a 3.8 GPA. He is an inspiration to his little sister and says that his family is proud of his accomplishments.

“Hartnell sets a strong foundation for you to have all you need to succeed,” he said.

HARTNELL NEWS

Join us on November 18th for the 2023 Hartnell College Black and White Gala for the Arts. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening filled with incredible food and beverages, a silent auction, and a program honoring current students and alums for their outstanding work in the arts. Guests will be allowed to attend The Western Stage production of It’s a Wonderful Life Live Radio Show Full Length Version on the Mainstage after the event. If you want to support our students and the arts programs, please consider donating to the Fund for the Arts at Hartnell College. To learn more and RSVP, please click here.

DID YOU KNOW?

Give from appreciated stock or your IRA instead of your checkbook.

Giving from stock offers two tax benefits instead of one.

The first benefit is an income tax deduction for the gift made. Like a gift from your checkbook, you can use the income tax benefit if you itemize your giving.

The second benefit comes from bypassing the capital gains tax that would otherwise occur upon the sale of your stock. If you support the Hartnell College Foundation you may give directly from your stock portfolio instead of your checkbook and take advantage of the significant tax savings that go with a long-term appreciated stock gift.

Want to keep your existing portfolio? Immediately following the gift of appreciated stock, you can write a check and reinvest into the same stock, which resets the capital gains at a new level and will reduce the tax burden if you wish to sell it later.

Making a gift from your investment portfolio is an easy process. Please click here to learn more about giving from appreciated stocks or bonds.

Giving from your IRA is giving from pre-taxed assets.

Instead of withdrawing income from your IRA, you can give and not pay income tax on the gifted amount, up to $100,000 per year. If you do not need a part or any of the income, giving from your IRA might be a helpful solution on many fronts. Eligibility for making this charitable gift directly from your IRA (the Qualified Charitable Distribution) begins at age 70 1/2.

Your direct gift from your IRA will also help or fully satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution for the year, which is good news for those who do not need all of their IRA income and wish to redirect their RMD to a nonprofit like the Hartnell College Foundation.

To learn more about giving directly from your IRA, please click here.

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about giving the Hartnell College Foundation an estate gift from your will or trust, please contact us or learn more on our website.

If you want a free estate planning guide, please click here.

To make an immediate gift in support of Hartnell students, please click here.

Our very best!

Dear Hartnell College supporters,

Throughout the year, we invite students and alumni to share their Hartnell story. Those moments are always special to me because I too have a Hartnell story as an alumna and now as a doctorate student about to defend my dissertation at USC. Just like you, I strive to motivate and inspire men and women to follow their dreams. It is also okay to ask for help in the process and to take advantage of the support system built for student success. 

We want to highlight Anabel Guzman, a Hartnell student whose story has inspired us so much that we felt we had to share it with you. Please read her story below.

Our Students, Our Inspiration

Things are looking up for Anabel Guzman!

At age 29, Anabel is a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) student entering her second year in the program at Hartnell College. She plans to continue and earn a bachelor’s in science. She previously earned an associate’s degree in Natural Sciences.

“I was looking into different areas in the medical field and found RCP,” she said. “I knew it would be difficult and scary, but I was determined to do something big for me and my family.”

She has two young children (five and six) whom she wants to guide and inspire. Her sentiment is reflected in her work for Monterey County Caregivers Resource Family Homes based on the main campus.

“I am motivated, a go-getter, responsible, outgoing person who has goals that will help me take care of my kids and provide a safe environment for them,” she said. “I am looking out for me, my children, and those who are counting on me to save lives.”

She relies on student scholarships, the Guardians’ Scholar program, CatCard Vouchers, rent support program, and basic needs scholarships to navigate life and academics. The RCP program is demanding, and she cannot work more than a part-time job to keep up with the load.

Guzman spoke at the Achieving the Dream Rally at Hartnell College in August. Her story is one of challenges and overcoming obstacles. She felt it was time to share her story.

“It’s time to let others know that there are resources available and people willing to help you navigate life and school,” she said.

Guzman and her six siblings ended up in foster care when she was three. Her dad attempted to murder her mom. She survived, and Dad was sent to prison for a 20-year sentence that he is still serving. Her mom was traumatized by the experience, and CPS felt it was in the children’s best interest to have her heal mentally and emotionally from the trauma.

It was six years later that her mom was able to claim her children back. “Mom had to start from zero – to prove herself and get us back,” she said. “I am so proud of her.”

Guzman has never had a relationship with her dad.

She attended North Salinas High School but soon began to hang out with the wrong crowd and ended up on probation. A year later, she was recommended to Rancho Cielo, where she got her second chance. There, she decided to finish high school while receiving support and guidance to move in a positive direction.

She wants to acknowledge the donors and the Hartnell staff who give each year to support students like her.

“Sometimes people go through struggles for long periods, and it is important for a college or institution to have that support system available to students not for a one-time deal but for two, three, or as needed,” she said.

Guzman is determined to achieve her goals. In her spare time, she loves to hike, exercise, cook, go to the beach, or anything to do with the outdoors to spend quality time with her children and family.

“I want my kids to know they can count on and rely on me,” she said. “I want to be their role model and help and guide them.”

Hartnell News

Hartnell Scholarships Make Dreams Possible!

The Hartnell College Foundation annually awards over $800,000 in scholarships to our students due to the generosity of people, businesses, and foundations in the Salinas Valley. These scholarships allow our students to pursue further education without the financial stress it can cause some individuals. Scholarships such as “The Dreamer Fund” support Dreamer students in achieving their educational and personal goals; Hartnell College is a Hispanic-serving institution, and California has the most significant number of undocumented immigrants. This scholarship ensures that this large demographic is uplifted and supported within our campus community.

Killian Scholars, funded by Jack R. and Suzanne W. Killian, comprise a cohort of ten music majors and can include $2,000 of scholarships per semester, private lessons from approved teachers, and funded field trips to universities and concerts.

Our UCSC Pister Scholarship recognizes outstanding Hartnell College transfer students by providing them with $10,000 for each of two years, a robust mentoring program, and work experience opportunities. These scholarships make our campus accessible and a place for students to focus on their personal and educational goals. If you want to become a scholarship donor, please visit our website.

Did you know?

About Your IRA
 

An IRA is a simple tool designed by Congress to help fund your retirement. For years, you have likely deposited pre-tax income into your IRA, 401k, 403b, or 457 government-sponsored plan. Hopefully, the money you have invested has grown so that when you retire, you can withdraw income from your IRA to sustain your lifestyle. Since pre-tax dollars funded your IRA, your withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, whether taken voluntarily or when required by law.
 

At age 73 and every year that follows, the government requires you to take out a percentage from your IRA, regardless of whether you need the income. You will be penalized for the difference you do not claim if you choose not to withdraw the minimum amount required yearly. Your minimum withdrawal percentage also increases each year after that, and for some, this can present a significant tax burden. This mandatory withdrawal is called a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).

Give Directly from Your IRA

In 2015, Congress signed the IRA Rollover (PATH Act) into permanent law, making it possible for you to give directly from your financial custodian to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit like The Hartnell College Foundation. Eligibility for making this charitable gift directly from your IRA (the Qualified Charitable Distribution), and only your IRA, begins at age 70 ½.

Instead of withdrawing income from your IRA, you can give and not pay income tax on the gifted amount, up to $100,000 per year. If you do not need the income, giving from your IRA can benefit you and the 501(c)(3).

Your direct gift from your IRA will also help or fully satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution for the year. This is good news for those who do not need their IRA income and wish to redirect their RMD to a nonprofit like The Hartnell College Foundation. To learn more about giving directly from your IRA, please click here.

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about giving the Hartnell College Foundation an estate gift from your will or trust, please contact us or learn more on our website.

To make an immediate gift in support of Hartnell students, please click here.

Our very best!

Dear donors and supporters,

I hope you are well and thriving. It is already August, and we at the Hartnell College Foundation are gearing up for the start of the fall semester. That means thousands of students are taking the next step in their journeys toward higher education and economic security. This year, more than 1,600 students will participate in the Salinas Valley Promise. In addition to free tuition, these students receive scholarships for computers or books, student success workshops, a peer-group cohort experience, and mentoring, all of which are made possible through your generosity.

For many students, the additional aid they receive via scholarships is life-changing. It is the way they are able to continue their education at Hartnell and then transfer to a university to fulfill their dreams.

At the Foundation, we are proud to be the stewards of these special funds and are honored to take a front-row seat to the lives of so many who thank us each year for the opportunity of a brighter future. I want to thank you for being a partner with us.

Today, we feature the MILE program and I hope you will consider becoming a mentor.

Be well.

Jacqueline Cruz
Vice President of Advancement and Development
Executive Director, Hartnell College Foundation
(831) 444-2446 mobile

THE MILE PROGRAM
New Cohort for Male Students to Start

The Men’s Institute for Leadership and Education (MILE) is gearing up to start a new cohort of 25 scholars in August.  MILE is a one-year program that combines financial support, leadership development, and mentoring for Hartnell students who identify as male. The facilitator for this group is Dr. Frederick Moore, who has extensive experience working with college students.

“The MILE program will help participants self-reflect and learn how to build community,” said Dr. Gabriela Lopez, director, Office of Equity Programs. “Scholars learn to connect in a genuine way.”

This mentorship program strives to increase college completion rates among male students in the Salinas Valley. The training and support received through the MILE Program contribute to MILE Scholars’ ability to achieve their leadership potential and attain personal, academic, and professional success.

Scholars will participate in three days of leadership training to develop critical life skills, including time management, emotional intelligence, accountability, growth opportunities, career readiness, self-image, self-efficacy, and more.

During the quarterly mentor workshops, industry professionals serve as MILE Mentors and provide guidance, support, and connections to scholars. In addition to the mentorship and workshop components, the scholars will each receive a $2,500 scholarship.

“Being in the MILE program, I have learned that working with others and sharing ideas gets you to more places than working by yourself,” said Joaquin Ortiz, a 2022 MILE Scholar. “I learned this in the workshops and working with my mentor.”

Ortiz (pictured) just graduated in May 2023 from Hartnell College. He is majoring in kinesiology and is on his way to becoming a physical therapist. He added that MILE helped him to become a better listener and to find joy in helping others.

USA Today reported in 2021 that the gender gap for college enrollment is striking, with men now trailing women in higher education at record levels. Last year, women made up 60% of college students while men accounted for only 40%, according to statistics from the National Student Clearinghouse. College enrollment in the United States has declined by 1.5 million students over the past five years, with men accounting for 71% of that drop. One of the reasons the data points to is the lack of a male mentor in the lives of these young men.

The MILE program is funded by private donations and grants in our community with the support of Hartnell College. 

WE NEED MILE MENTORS
The mentor component is crucial for MILE scholars.  We are looking for mentors to guide this new cohort of students through the next year. If you are interested in becoming a MILE mentor, please fill out this MILE MENTOR FORM. Thank you for your commitment to our students.

IRA ALERT!
Know Your IRA Options

For a long time, IRAs had two purposes — deposit money into them, and when retirement comes, take money out. However, in recent years, Congress expanded your opportunities and your ability to save money with your IRA distributions. Know your options before you do anything with your IRA. 

Congress has made many changes to IRA laws recently, giving you new choices, including: 

• Delaying required distributions to age 73 
• Making a one-time gift to form
  a charitable remainder trust or charitable remainder annuity trust 
• Making a one-time gift to a nonprofit to form a charitable gift annuity and get cash back for life 

Turn your IRA’s qualified charitable distribution (QCD) into cash for life through a charitable gift annuity or charitable trust. Both offer you attractive lifetime payments. There are simple restrictions, but we can help you. This is so good you can do it only once. 

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about naming the Hartnell College Foundation in your estate plans, contact either our Vice President of Advancement and Development/Executive Director for the Foundation, Jackie Cruz at jcruz@hartnell.edu or call (831) 444-2446, or our Director of Philanthropy, Kristine Edmunds at kedmunds@hartnell.edu or by phone at (831) 755-6903. To make a gift in support of Hartnell students, go to: https://hartnellfoundation.org/donate-now/