Dear donors and supporters,
Happy spring! We are still getting a few showers here and there, but the seasons have changed and with this change comes a few exciting events at the Hartnell College Foundation to benefit our Hartnell students and programs.
First, I am thrilled to announce that the The Board of Trustees has unanimously chosen Michael Gutierrez, currently president of Sacramento City College, to be Hartnell College’s Superintendent/President. He comes with significant experience and also with a lot of heart for students, and I eagerly expect to share his start date with you very soon.
Mr. Gutierrez was one of three finalists who presented their candidacy in front of the community on March 11, 2022. If you would like to see his presentation, go to this YouTube link: https://bit.ly/3JmHv3p, or to read about it, click here: https://bit.ly/34NTsjo.
I want to thank all those who are supporting students through the Women’s Education and Leadership Institute Spring Soirée and Party Near the Library events. We appreciate all your love and look forward to breaking bread together, celebrating, and hearing from students and leaders that inspire.
Be well and see you soon!
Jackie Cruz
Vice President,
Advancement and Development
and Executive Director for the
Hartnell College Foundation
LEADERSHIP AWARD TO LOCAL GIANT
John Romans humbled by honor
Each year, the Hartnell College Foundation selects an honoree who exemplifies philanthropy and community to receive their Leadership Award. In 2022, the honor will be bestowed on John Romans – a man who fell in love with Hartnell College years ago and has grown to become a major supporter and donor to the Hartnell College Foundation ever since.
“John Romans was chosen for the Foundation’s Leadership award for his instrumental role in supporting the original campaign to construct Hartnell’s King City campus, joining with Susan Gill among other visionary leaders to help South County students achieve their personal and career goals,” said Jackie Cruz, VP of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director for the Hartnell College Foundation.
Romans, however, was shocked when he heard of this upcoming award. “When I got the call with the news, what went through my mind was that I don’t deserve this,” he said, laughing.
Cruz contends that he is deeply deserving person and added that “his additional support for the expansion of the center in South County, has opened the doors for entire families to attend Hartnell and for STEM degrees to be offered in King City.”
For him, it is all about providing youth with opportunities to thrive through higher education.
“You got to get these kids out there, get them educated, and improve their lives!” He said. “We are getting to the 2nd and 3rd generation now – they need the opportunity to know Hartnell College is there for them.”
Romans grew up in a farm between Soledad and Greenfield. He remembers that as a child, he spent a lot of time with his grandpa in Madera. He has fond memories of his childhood with him.
“I loved to follow him all over the place,” he said. “I wanted to be with him all the time, but for him it was important for me to go to sleep to be ready for school.”
That love for the farm led him to purchase farms in Monterey County.
Romans is married to his bride of over 45 years, Annette; they have two adult sons and five grandchildren. He graduated from King City High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science and Management from UC Davis.
“In the early 70s, I was putting out vineyards,” he said. “I learned a lot and it was a great experience.”
He formed a partnership with his dad in taking over farming land from Spreckles to South County. They grew every type of vegetable. Together, they formed Coastal Ranch, Merrill Ranch, Mission Ranches, and started the organics movement with Earthbound Farms.
“We brought organic to a whole new level,” he said.
Even during a pandemic, he said that they have stayed active and strong thanks to dedicated workers. “We were never short and we always delivered our product in a timely manner.”
Romans joined the Hartnell College Foundation in 2017, right after the passing of Measure T. He was involved in promoting the measure and contributed to its success.
“Anyone can go to Hartnell College,” he said. “They have great faculty, administrators, staff – and they all have the best interest in mind for students who wish to transfer, learn a vocational skill, go into STEM, nursing, athletics, and so much more.”
“He has been a champion for internships through Party in the Library for many years,” said Cruz. “Due to his funding support, dozens of students will have had the opportunity to complete life-changing internships.”
These days, Romans enjoys his time at the ranch. He loves to do cattle runs in the early morning near King City. And when he is not at the ranch, he loves to ski, and do roping. His other passion is to see young men and women become educated and be self-sufficient in life.
“At the Foundation, we make a huge impact on students,” he said. “We change a lot of lives.”
Congratulations to John Romans and thank you for putting students first and changing lives!
PLANNED GIVING
Understanding your options
The goal of planned giving is to help you plan your estate and charitable giving in a way that benefits you, your family and charity. There are several ways you can make these planned gifts to charity and enjoy tax and income benefits.
If you have questions, please contact Director of Philanthropy, Kristine Edmunds at kedmunds@hartnell.edu or call her at (831) 755-6903. We look forward to helping you.
The goal of planned giving is to help you plan your estate and charitable giving in a way that benefits you, your family and charity. There are several ways you can make these planned gifts to charity and enjoy tax and income benefits.
If you have questions, please contact Director of Philanthropy, Kristine Edmunds at kedmunds@hartnell.edu or call her at (831) 755-6903. We look forward to helping you.