Our Students & Your Generosity Create a Better Community

ALUMNA ON THE MOVE

BRENDA SHOWS MEANING OF GRIT

It was two years ago that Brenda Ace Arreola, 32, began her journey at Hartnell College as a psychology major. Not many knew it then, but she had just given birth to her daughter, and her family of four was homeless.

“I am so thankful to everyone here at Hartnell College for so many resources I had access to while I navigated the personal challenges with being back in school,” Brenda said. “I was really nervous at first, but then I felt a sense of comfort.”

It was her calm and jovial personality that allowed her to navigate her academics. She enjoyed the classes, although most of them online, but had to worry about where her family would sleep daily. Services in the county helped temporarily.  

Brenda has two younger brothers who look up to her. Her parents divorced when she was 16, but they have always been supportive and encouraging of higher education. She married Mario 11 years ago and had their first son, Andre. Her daughter Nichole is two and was recently diagnosed with autism.

She received her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) education and worked at Eden Valley in Soledad for a little while, but she felt called to go back to school. She received her Health Information and Patient Service Certification from a trade college. She landed a job at a surgeon’s office and found it interesting to work with patients and to inform them about the services they were about to experience. She showed care and kindness.

“I learned I like the psychological aspect of nursing – I have seen both sides,” she said. “My daughter’s condition has motivated me even more because what I am learning in the classroom, I am able to use to help her now – I want to do the same for others too.”

During her two years at Hartnell, she has been homeless. Along with her husband, son, and daughter, they have gone from hotels, to car, to shelters, to friends’ couches. All this, while navigating college.

Her struggles exemplify the challenges with affordable housing in the area. Although her husband is working, they have not been able to secure a new rental.

It was the Hartnell College Foundation, EOPS, Office of Basic Needs, and a part-time job in Human Resources that kept her family fed and sheltered. She was a scholar for WELI (Women Empowerment Leadership Institute) and received multiple scholarships, plus support with books, food, and transportation.

She had a goal to finish her associates and transfer to the university, and with her support system at home and at Hartnell, she was able to accomplish that.

In May, Brenda graduated from Hartnell College with an associate’s degree in psychology. She is transferring to CSU Monterey Bay to continue with her studies. She is hoping to get student family housing there.

“The scholarships saved me,” she said. “I want to thank the Foundation for thinking about all of us students – you have no idea of the impact you have on students, and for that I am forever grateful.”

ASPEN RISING PRESIDENTS FELLOWS

Congratulations Dr. Cruz and Dr. Pitman!

The Hartnell College Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Jackie Cruz, Vice President of Advancement at Hartnell College and Executive Director of the Hartnell College Foundation, and Dr. Gayle Pitman, Vice President of Research, Effectiveness, and Success at Hartnell have been selected to be two of 40 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows this year.

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be selected as an Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow, joining 39 remarkable leaders from community colleges across the country,” said Dr. Cruz. “This prestigious program is not just an opportunity for leadership growth — it’s a collective commitment to driving reforms that improve student completion, degree attainment, and postsecondary success for the communities we serve.”

This national fellowship brings together leaders from community colleges who are committed to advancing student success and equity across the country.

“This fellowship offers a unique space to reflect on what it means to lead a college through innovation and change, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside a national network of leaders and changemakers,” said Dr. Pitman. “I look forward to strengthening the leadership skills needed to create meaningful, lasting impact, and to advance social and economic mobility for our students and community.”

Dr. Pitman and Dr. Cruz are proud to represent Hartnell College, an institution that holds itself accountable to the students and the community through innovation, access, momentum, and post-graduation success. 

Remembering Jerri Nemiro

April 27, 1954 – June 7, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our former colleague, Jerri Louise Nemiro who served as an art instructor at Hartnell College from 1986 to 2017. Over her 31-year tenure, she helped shape the college’s art education and was a key contributor to the development of the digital arts program, where she taught for several years before retiring. Many will remember Jerri for her creative talents, kind spirit, and deep love for the arts, her students, colleagues, and the community.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Jerri’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time.