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Category: News

Hartnell Students Find Art, Culture, and Mentorship

Dear donors and supporters,

If you are like me, you are taking advantage of the summer months to enjoy quick getaways with family and friends. For some of you, it’s time to make up for those trips put on hold due to the pandemic. Good for you!

Here at the Hartnell College Foundation, we continue to work diligently for our students and for our community. We are delivering top-notch programming that supports students year-round, providing them with the support they need to continue with their educational pursuits.

Below, read about two programs that are enhancing the educational experience of our students. With your support, we can reach more students and together, change more lives for the better.

Be well,


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

THE BORONDA SCHOLARS 2023
Finding Art and Culture in Hawaii

It was an exciting time for seven Hartnell Students selected as the 2023 Boronda Scholars. From May 28 thru June 11, they traveled to Hawaii, where they visited the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu.

“For six of the students, it was their first time in Hawaii,” said Dr. Lee Ritscher, faculty in charge. “They were blown away by this experience.”

Dr. Ritscher and the scholars were accompanied by Professor Dan Peterson as the second coordinator of the trip.

Their search for culture and the arts began on the Big Island. The group visited Hilo, Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Kona, and more. Then they continued to Maui, where they experienced the Road to Hana, with many stops along the way, went up to Haleakala, and visited artsy Lahaina. Next was Oahu, where arts and culture followed them everywhere they went – a walking tour in Chinatown, Pearl Harbor, the Honolulu Museum of Art, The Actors’ Group Uncle Vanya performance, snorkeling, and of course, a luau (pictured). They found the islands were rich in dance, song, culture, the arts, and history.

The Sylvano and Maria Boronda International Study Program was established in 1985 and has taken students to South America, Central America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, as well as various locations in the United States. In his will, Lester D. Boronda specified that the recipients were to be students of unusual promise in the arts, namely painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, drama, music, or dance.

Students selected for the Boronda Program study and travel under the direction of a Hartnell College instructor. The scholarship includes paid expenses for air and ground transportation, lodging, meal allowance, and accident insurance.

Dr. Lee, a four-time Boronda trip coordinator, shared that all the scholars showed gratitude for this experience. “They enjoyed this trip so much. They said that although Hawaii is part of the United States, it felt like a completely foreign place. They agree it was a life-changing opportunity they will never forget.”

The scholars learned a lot about current and past cultures and civilizations. They enjoyed their time on the three islands and in the end, most of them purchased a Ukulele to play and to remind them of this amazing experience.

In photo – Back L to R: Dan Petersen, Jose Hernandez, Mauro Medrano, and Ivan Ramirez. Front L to R: Amanda Hernandez, Lee Ritscher, Montserrat Ayala, Rubicela Barrios, and Noelle Proud.

INTENTIONAL MENTORSHIP
50 WELI Scholars Selected for Life-Changing Mentorship

The Hartnell College Foundation is proud to announce that 50 scholars have been selected as part of this year’s Women’s Education & Leadership Institute (WELI) at Hartnell College. This is possible thanks to a grant from The Peggy & Jack Baskin Foundation and supporters in the community.

The WELI scholars are current Hartnell students who will participate in three workshops and receive a scholarship of $2,500. In addition, this program has a mentorship component. Each scholar will be matched with a mentor with whom they will interact for an entire year.

“This is a great opportunity for these women to receive professional mentorship from other women in our community,” said Dr. Gabriela Lopez, Director of Student Affairs, Office of Equity Programs. “They will learn to have a sense of belonging, a sense of empowerment, a sense of agency that will propel them to the next level.”

Dr. Lopez, pictured, is excited to have Nena Anguiano as this year’s workshop facilitator. She comes with over 30 years of experience working in education and shows a strong sense of familiarity with the challenges and struggles college students experience.

WELI was founded in early 2011 by community leaders who saw a need to advance the education and economic status of women and families in Monterey County. The WELI program consists of summer leadership training, an on-campus, student-led WELI Club, powerful mentorship with community leaders, and a $2,500 financial award per student, making this a life-changing experience. Since its inception, the WELI program has graduated more than 250 scholars and granted approximately $500,000 in scholarships. 

“WELI provided me with a supportive environment where I connected with other
women who shared similar experiences and aspirations as me,” said WELI scholar Maricarmen Gonzalez. “WELI was not just a financial support, but a community where I found comfort and friendship in facing challenges and seeking personal growth.” 

WE NEED WELI MENTORS!

Empower and inspire the next generation of women leaders as a WELI Mentor in 2023! WELI believes in nurturing and supporting the growth and success of our students through life skills training, financial support, and mentorship.

As a WELI Mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by sharing your experience, expertise, and passion for lifelong learning with a WELI scholar. By being a role model and guiding force, you’ll empower and encourage your scholar to reach their full potential and overcome challenges along the way.

Mentor matches are carefully crafted based on the unique career aspirations and personal characteristics of both mentors and scholars. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have years of experience to share, we welcome your involvement in this empowering movement.

If you’re interested in making a difference as a WELI Mentor, please FILL THIS FORM TODAY! Help us cultivate the future of strong and successful women!

IRS NEWS!
The AFR is increasing to 5% in August

The IRS has released the Applicable Federal Rate for the month of August 2023. 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 August is 5.0%. The AFR will update automatically in your Crescendo software. 

When calculating the tax deduction for a charitable gift, the IRS permits the 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 the most favorable.

Contact 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 help you create a blended gift strategy to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. 

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/ 

Together in Community for a Bigger Impact!

STEPPING UP TO SAVE FAMILIES

ERAP was more than a rental assistance program

GIFT AND BEQUEST
Finding the Perfect Blend of Giving

Have you ever heard the phrase “blended gift” and wondered what that meant?  A blended gift is a combination of a current gift and a planned gift. It is a way to support the causes that you care about and make your giving go further.

A giving strategy that may appeal to you is a blended gift that consists of a current gift and a charitable bequest made in your will or trust. A “gift and bequest” can help you achieve your goals. You can provide for your family, establish a financial plan and support the causes that matter most to you.

What Are Your Goals?

  • If your charitable goals include seeing how your gifts are making an impact while also leaving a lasting legacy
  • If your tax planning goals include reducing your income taxes and avoiding capital gains taxes and future estate taxes
  • If your personal and family goals include providing for family with a tax-wise estate plan

Then a current gift combined with a charitable bequest may be right for you.

Let Us Help You 
There are numerous ways to structure blended gifts depending on your unique personal situation. Contact 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 help you create a blended gift strategy to achieve your goals while supporting our mission.

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about naming the Hartnell College Foundation in your estate plans, contact 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/ 

Party In the Library was a success thanks to your support!

PARTY IN THE LIBRARY
Staple Event Raises Over $350,000!

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Take Control of Your Charitable Dollars

If you like controlling the timing of your charitable giving and your income tax deduction, then a Donor Advised Fund makes sense. It’s generally easy to establish and is a hassle-free way of giving to your favorite causes. Benefits include:

• Get an income tax deduction now, and give to charity later
• Easily make contributions anonymously
• Maximize your tax deductions
• Control the timing of your deduction and donation
• Effortlessly give anonymously to the charity
• Pass ownership to children or friends to create a legacy

If any of these benefits appeal to you, then a Donor Advised Fund may be right for you. It allows you more control of your charitable dollars, especially for maximizing your charitable income tax deductions. Your account administrator invests the fund, and you can make gifts to charities from it when you want.

Contact either 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 learn more about a DAF and how you can benefit while supporting our mission.

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about naming the Hartnell College Foundation in your estate plans, contact 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/ 

Cool Mornings, Warm Memories.

Cool Mornings, Warm Memories. Winter days may be cooler, but the memories are warmer. As you spend time with your family and friends this season, think about how important they are to you and how vital you are to them. The people and causes in our lives represent an investment in our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. We would not be the same without them.

Take time to plan your legacy. Write your will or update the one you have. When you do, you will wrap yourself in the warmth of knowing you have taken care of everyone and everything valuable to you.

Planning is not about things. It gives voice to your values and continues the love and care that has exemplified your life.

You may mention others in your plan, but your plan is really for you. It gives you peace of mind, even as it gives a piece of you to others.

We are here to help. There are many ways we can help you fulfill your philanthropic goals. Contact Vice President of Advancement and Development and Executive Director for the Foundation, Jackie Cruz at jcruz@hartnell.edu or call (831) 444-2446.

A Foundation Makes a Splash with 267 Scholarships!

MORGAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Early Childhood Education Students Granted Scholarships

TAXES ON YOUR MIND?
We have some ideas

Often the threat of taxes makes big news, but the ways of lowering them do not. We have tools to help you not only lower your tax burden but also create benefits you may never have considered. Consider:

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY
Fund a gift annuity with us and receive an income tax deduction this year and fixed payments for life.

CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST
Fund a unitrust and receive payments on a schedule and at a rate (within limits) of your choosing. Receive an income tax deduction and provide for you and your spouse.

GIFT OF STOCK
If you have appreciated assets, such as stock, you can reduce capital gains taxes by funding one of the vehicles above, or by simply transferring it to our mission. You must never sell the stock or asset but transfer it directly to us.

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
If the thought of paying income taxes on a required minimum distribution (RMD) is a bad idea for you, consider transferring money from your IRA (up to $100,000) and satisfy your RMD without paying income tax on the transfer.

All these are designed to lower your income and capital gains taxes. In some cases, you will create new tax-advantaged payments! To learn how we can help you and your financial advisor meet your goals and minimize taxes, call or email 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.

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about naming the Hartnell College Foundation in your estate plans, contact 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/ 

Boronda International Study Program

To the Wilderness and Beyond: A Study of Alaskan Culture

A selection of talented Hartnell students engaged in the study of Alaskan art and culture, culminating in a two-week trip to Alaska as part of the Sylvano and Maria Boronda International Study Program. As directed by the will of the donor, Lester D. Boronda, the recipients are to be “Students of Unusual Promise in the Arts, namely, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Literature, Drama, Music or Dance.”  

Dr. Marnie Glazier states, “ Honoring Lester Boronda’s view that ‘travel is one of the great aids in education’, we traveled to a part of the world none of us had experienced before and each of us hope to experience again – visiting such artistic and cultural sites as: the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum, the Music of Denali Dinner Theatre, and the Denali Natural History Tour; as well as having the profound experience of seeing some of the few remaining glaciers of the last ice age, seeing orcas and humpback whales, and witnessing some of the vastest stretches of wilderness yet remaining in the world today.  

“I am walking away with Alaska imprinted on me. I’ve discovered unheard of opportunities as a visual artist which inspired me to create multiple pieces during our visit.  I uncovered parts of myself that only transpired because of the unique and surprising experience of Alaska.” reports Brittany Alaniz, Boranda scholar.

Students are selected based on their commitment and participation in the arts.  Students study and travel under the direction of a Hartnell Community College instructor, and, as part of the program, receive expenses for air and ground transportation, lodging, and a meal allowance.  Students participate in two activities per day covering a range of topics including music, architecture, dance, and art.  “The goal of the program is to give students who may not have extensive travel experience accessibility to travel and study the arts; an opportunity that they may not get otherwise”, states Gary Smith, retired Hartnell faculty.   

This summer’s Boranda Study Program location will include three Hawaian islands. The next application period will take place this fall. Applicants must be Monterey County residents, at least 18 years of age, and demonstrate an active interest in at least one of the arts by serious previous commitment, participation, or study. For more information, contact Dr. Carl Christensen, Boranda Program Coordinator,  at  831-484-5511 or carlc93906@aol.com.

Party IN the Library is sure to delight in 2023!

Dear donors and supporters,

It is my hope that you are well and safe as we continue to navigate the weather patterns. I am proud to announce that we are establishing a separate Hartnell College Emergency Scholarship Fund for those students who have been impacted by the storms. Our hope is to assist as many students as we can and bring a little bit of relief as they continue their education while dealing with stressful life events.

On a lighter note, it is officially spring, although the weather tells us otherwise! But this means that we are gearing up for Party IN the Library. This year, we are returning to the library for an evening full of glam, delicious food, awesome drinks, a beautiful program, and a good time.

In 2023, the Hartnell College Foundation is presenting the Leadership Award to Kurt Gollnick, who has supported Hartnell College through his philanthropy, leadership, and expertise for many years.

I invite you to join us as a sponsor or as a guest on May 13, 2023, at 5:00 PM for an evening you will never forget.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Be well!

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

STORM RELIEF A Scholarship Fund Established for Students

The recent storms and subsequent flooding have been devastating for the community. Our hearts and minds are with those that have been adversely affected.

Hartnell College offers emergency scholarships for those in need. We are establishing a special fund to help students that have been impacted by the recent storms. Students have experienced lost income from lack of work, damage to homes, food insecurity, and difficulty paying rent, utility, and transportation costs. Juggling school and the need to pay rent and provide for families is always difficult, but the storms have exacerbated these financial strains, making the journey to degree completion more challenging. If you would like to help, you can call our office (831-755-6810) or click HERE.

LEADERSHIP AWARD Kurt Gollnick

The Hartnell College Foundation is happy to announce that Party In the Library is back ‘in’ the library! Join us on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for the best party in town.

This year, our theme is Pathways, and it could not be more fitting to also honor one of our community champions, Kurt Gollnick, who will receive the Leadership Award at the event.

“He is a brilliant businessman with a kind and caring heart for the community,” said Hartnell College Foundation Executive Director, Jackie Cruz. “Kurt’s leadership has made a huge difference at Hartnell, and we are forever grateful.”

For many years, Kurt has been an integral part of Hartnell College. As a member of the Hartnell College Foundation Board, he served as Board Chair, Chair of the Investment Committee, Chair of the President’s Task Force Funding Plan, Co-Chair of the Party in the Library Committee, Chair of the Matsui Leadership Gift Committee, and as a member of the Ag Steering Committee. He also co-chaired the Measure T Campaign, along with Susan Gill and Alfred Diaz-Infante. The Foundation is honored to call him a loyal friend, generous supporter, and cherished member of this community.

Kurt is the owner of Rodnick.farm, producing wine grapes that express the distinct minerality of this unique terroir. He has been a Central Coast wine grape grower for 40 years, and recently “semi-retired” as the COO of Scheid Family Wines. He continues to be an integral part of the community and lends his expertise to local non-profit organizations, including his current passion project, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex.

“Working with Kurt is magic,” said Cruz. “His energy is contagious, and he puts all his talents to work for the organizations he cares about.”

ABOUT PARTY IN THE LIBRARY
Join 400+ community leaders and support Hartnell College students with an epic Party IN the Library. Enjoy a spectacular strolling dinner, lively auction, fantastic wines, and specialty drinks. It is an event that raises funds for our students.

Hartnell College students – they are tomorrow’s leaders. More than half are the first in their family to attend college and 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. They need your generous support to reach their full potential!

To sponsor, become a president’s club member, or buy tickets, go to
https://hartnellfoundation.org/party/.

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about naming the Hartnell College Foundation in your estate plans, contact 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/ 

The Lasting Impact of Your Endowments!

Dear donors and supporters,

As rain continues to pour, we are thinking about all those affected, including our students, many of whom are from families that have been deeply impacted by the loss of employment and by housing and food insecurity brought on by the flooding. We are in the process of setting up a fund for these students and their families and will tell you more soon. We are also keeping our friends and supporters in our thoughts and hope you are staying safe.

It is thanks to benefactors like you that we at Hartnell College Foundation can disperse thousands of dollars in scholarships to students each year. In addition, the programs you support provide enriching experiences that students would otherwise not be able to access.

Our feature story is a great example of how you can leave a lasting legacy through an endowment. I hope you get inspired and contact me if you are interested in legacy giving.

We are excited to share with you that Hartnell Student Laura Rivera, who was named Young Adult Philanthropist of the Year for the Central Coast in November, was featured in the Monterey County Weekly. You can read the article HERE.

Be well and be safe,

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

THE LARRY PEDROZA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP A Legacy to Support Student Dreams

“Larry always valued education – he thought it was the best way to get ahead and develop as a person,” said Tina Sohn of her late husband, Larry Pedroza. “He was always interested in learning.”

Pedroza graduated from Hartnell College with an AA Degree in Sociology in 1977. He went on to Sacramento State University and later to the University of Arizona. He acquired his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and started his doctorate in Sociology.

He passed away in early 2022. “He was a wonderful person, husband, and dad,” Tina said. “He was a great friend – always there – I miss him every day.”

Because of his passion for education, Tina established the Larry Pedroza Memorial Scholarship. It will be awarded annually to a current student at Hartnell majoring in Social and Behavioral Sciences and/or Sociology. 

Pedroza grew up in Salinas and had two grown children from his first marriage. His family connection to Hartnell College includes his brother, Michael and a granddaughter, both of whom graduated from Hartnell. He felt that his experience at Hartnell jump-started his educational journey.

Tina and Larry met through a mutual friend at Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she is from. He started work there as Associate Director of the Learning Center. She held various positions, including Director of the Learning Center.  They loved to read, learn, and watch/discuss the daily news. They were married for 20 years.

“I started this endowment in his memory because education was very high in his priorities,” Tina said. “I want to give opportunities to others to have an education and make it a little easier for them.”

Tina is not new to endowments. She lost her mom five years ago and started an endowment in her name to support students in the nursing field. “My mom went back to school in her early 50s to get her nursing degree,” she said. “I admire that so much.”

She hopes that with this scholarship, students will get a head start in their education and learn to appreciate the power of learning just like Larry did.

“Doors will be open thanks to an education,” she said. “My hope is for scholarship recipients to continue on and pass on the opportunities to others.”

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS Give You Control

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is an account you establish with a bank, investment company, or charity to help you organize your giving to the nonprofit organization(s) important to you.

Each time you contribute money or stocks to the fund, you receive an income tax deduction. Your account administrator invests your funds and when the timing is right for you, you tell the administrator to make a distribution. You choose the amount. 

Benefits of a DAF 

  • Time your contributions for maximum tax deductions 
  • Give to charities when you want 
  • Give anonymously through your fund
  • Name children and grandchildren as successor owners to create a legacy

May We Help You? 

To learn more, please contact 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. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions about DAFs and show your possible benefits. 

What will your legacy be?

If you are thinking about naming the Hartnell College Foundation in your estate plans, contact 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/ 

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