40th Anniversary

Your Oxnard College Foundation celebrated its 40th birthday on January 7th. We marked the occasion by distributing the initial issue of the OC Foundation Bulletin.

Since then, we've distributed a bulletin on the first Friday of every month. Each issue contains Foundation-related news, updates, and spotlights. The responses received from donors, community leaders, alumni, and campus personnel have been remarkable. The bulletin is just one way we celebrate Foundation Fridays.

Seven new Foundation board members

We take great pride in the Foundation's committed leadership. Seven incredible community leaders joined the OC Foundation Board of Directors in 2023. They include:

Mari Estrada

Rachel Jones

Antonio Rodriguez

Gabriela Rodriguez

Vincent Stewart

Maria Thayer

Austin Yang

Increased Donor Support

The Foundation received financial support from an increasing number of donors in 2023. In fact, the number of new donors increased by 224%, while the number of total donors increased by 146%. These charitable dollars opened doors of opportunity for students pursuing their educational dreams.

Athletics Drive Exceeded 2022

For the second year, the OC Foundation managed a fundraising drive for the OC Athletic Department. Donors were given the opportunity to financially support the team of their choice. The campaign surpassed last year's total and each of the eight teams have been positively impacted by donor generosity. A big thanks goes to the outstanding supporters of Condor Athletics!

Record Number of Scholarship Applications

A new approach to the scholarship program resulted in a 242% increase in the number of completed scholarship applications in advance of the 2023/2024 school year. A new scholarship policy, revised scholarship application, extended deadlines, and weekly coaching workshops are credited for the submission of 424 applications. This far-exceeded our expectations!

Oxnard College students are deserving of financial support and the OC Foundation is doing all it can to become a greater resource and inspiration for student success.

OC Alumni Network Growth

With Oxnard College's 50th birthday approaching, it's a great time to connect with all Condor alumni. The OC Alumni Network is actively recruiting past students to reconnect with their alma mater. Two campus organizations are actively assisting by managing their own alumni associations.

All past student-athletes are encouraged to enlist with the OC Athletic Alumni Association. The OCAAA is planning its third annual Hall of Fame Banquet, where it will recognize past student-athletes. Nominations are being accepted. Visit www.oxnardcollegefoundation.org/athletic-alumni for details and to submit a nomination.

The OC STEM Alumni Association continues to connect alumni with students through mentorship activities, career conversations, and more. Learn the latest news at www.oxnardcollegefoundation.org/stem-alumni.

All Oxnard College past students are invited to join the OC Alumni Network. There's no membership fee and our plans for the future are quite exciting. Learn more at www.oxnardcollegefoundation.org/alumni.

MARKETPLACE

Spreading Vendor Appreciation

November 19 was a very special day at the Community Marketplace. Fifteen students teamed with six Foundation board members to spread cheer to each vendor. The teams hand-delivered breakfast boxes, containing fruit cups from long-time vendors Raul and Adriana Ramos, conchas from Panaderia Las Palmas, and more. Adding to the fun, each vendor participating at the Swap Meet Justice citizenship fair also received the same token of appreciation.

The Community Marketplace is open every Sunday in December, with exception of December 24. The entire community is invited to visit our incredible vendors. For details, go to www.OxnardCollegeFoundation.org/Marketplace.

STEM ALUMNI

OC STEM Alumni Association's

Alum of the Month

Justin Nam '18

He transferred from Oxnard College in 2018 to attend UC Santa Barbara.

He works for NAVSEA Port Hueneme and provide engineering support in the Integrated Logistics support for surface warfare combat and weapon systems. He also works with LiDAR to support the Navy in wartime readiness.

His favorite memory of Oxnard College was getting food with friends at the Condor Cafe after morning physics class. Food tastes so much better after lecture and lab.

He wants to help navigate others as they transition from community college/university to working full-time. He knows how formidable the transition can be.

Read Justin's full story, including his tips for transfer students, bios of other STEM Stars, and all about the OC STEM Alumni Association at www.oxnardcollegefoundation.org/STEM-alumni.

LEADERSHIP

Foundation Board Member Spotlight - Rachel Jones

Rachel currently works for Community West Bank as an AVP, Information System Security Administrator. She holds a BS in Fine Art, MEd. in Secondary Education, a MS in Computer Science, and is currently pursuing her MBA. Rachel has worked previously as a public school elementary teacher in DC before career switching and moving to California. She is still driven with a desire to bring resources and opportunities to the communities in which she lives. 

She has served on Oxnard College Foundation Board since July 2023. Her goals while serving on the board are to help to forge new connections, resources, and opportunities for the student body here at Oxnard College. It is her belief that education is pivotal in a community's success and it takes a village to come together to support and foster that success. Rachel hopes to be a conduit in which to aid in this collaboration initiative.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Key Events

Community Marketplace Holiday Extravaganza - December 17

Upcoming OC Foundation board meetings:

OC Foundation Finance Committee Meeting - December 4

OC Foundation Scholarship Committee Meeting - December 4

OC Foundation Executive Committee Meeting - December 11

OC Foundation Full Board Meeting - December 18

Details for these events can be found at: www.oxnardcollegefoundation.org/ocevents

ACTION ITEMS

Nominate an exceptional past student-athlete for the OC Athletic Alumni Association Hall of Fame - CLICK TO NOMINATE

Sign up to review scholarship applications next spring - CLICK TO SIGN UP

Provide an alumni update - CLICK TO UPDATE

Enjoy your Holidays!