Summer Update from the
AVC Foundation | In this edition of our newsletter, we will share with you the latest developments within the Foundation and the college and highlight some of the upcoming events, projects, and campaigns that we are excited about. | Your continued support and generosity have played a crucial role in making these initiatives possible. | |
Cheers to Success!
Wine Walk Reaches New Fundraising Milestone
| | This year's 9th Wine Walk reached a remarkable milestone, raising a record-breaking $50,000 - the highest net amount ever achieved. This achievement reflects the incredible generosity and commitment of our donors, sponsors, and attendees, whose support continues to make a meaning difference for our students and programs. | The Wine Walk, held on April 25 in the Student Services Building, brought together community for an unforgettable evening of wine and beer, delicious food, a silent auction, and a wine pull. As a one-of-a-kind event held once each year, the Wine Walk continues to strengthen connections throughout our community while supporting student success. | | A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to see firsthand the impact of our Faculty Grant Program, which is partially funded with proceeds raised from the event. The college's EMT and Fire Technology crew showcased equipment purchased through grant funding, giving guests a unique look at how donor support enhances hands-on learning opportunities and prepares students for successful careers. | We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our donors and sponsors for their incredible support. Reaching this historic fundraising goal would not have been possible without your generosity, partnership, and belief in our mission. | | From Ideas to Impact: Faculty Grants Expand
Learning Opportunities for Students | | |
During the Fall semester, the Foundation reviewed applications for the annual Faculty Grants Program and awarded $194,641 to support student success.
These grants are awarded from the Antelope Valley Community Students' Endowment, which is partially funded from our annual Wine Walk fundraiser.
The various programs and departments on campus which benefitted from the grants this year are the Paramedic Program, a newly accredited program recently approved for enrollment this summer; Theatre Department; Engineering; Automotive Welding; and Music and Animation programs. The grants program is available for faculty to apply once per academic year.
| | GIVING THANKS - AVC Theater students pose with their newly arrived props purchased through the grant program. | | The Impact of Giving:
Scholarship Recipients and Donors Connect | |
The Annual Scholarship Meet and Greet Breakfast, which marked the end of the academic year, was another incredible success this year. | The highlight of the event, held on May 15, was students having the opportunity to meet and personally thank the donors who helped make their educational journey possible. The donors, in turn, were able to learn about the students' academic pursuits, career aspirations, and the impact of their scholarship award on their lives. | This year was particularly special for the Foundation, as we awarded 356 scholarships to 203 students, totaling $361,925. It is thanks to the generosity of our donors that we can empower so many promising minds to achieve the education they deserve. | If you are interested in starting or contributing to a scholarship, please contact Emily Moulton at emily.moulton@avc.edu or (661)722-6300 ext. 6996. | | | | AVC Commencement Celebrates Over 2,200 Graduates and
Exceptional Achievements | | We are delighted to share that our college commencement on June 5 was a momentous celebration, honoring the commitment, hard work, and success of our graduates. | | A total of 2,204 students received a degree or certificate, representing their dedication to academic excellence and the extraordinary effort invested in their pursuits. Notably, 27 Bachelor's degrees were awarded this year, highlighting the culmination of years of rigorous study for many of our students. | | Impressively, 1,010 students graduated with honors, signifying a GPA of 3.25 or higher, and we are thrilled to announce that 60 students received perfect 4.0 GPAs, reflecting their unwavering dedication and exceptional academic performance. | | In addition, 132 students graduated from SOAR (Students on Academic Rise) High School and managed to earn both their associate's and a high school diploma, an incredible testament to their dedication and perseverance. | | |
Additional Graduation Office Statistics:
- Total Degrees and Certificates - 4,978
- Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer - 476
- Associate in Arts Degree - 1,147
- Associate in Science Degree for Transfer - 502
- Associate in Science Degree - 809
- Bachelor in Science AFMT - 14
- Bachelor in Science RSP - 13
- Certificates - 1,619
- Local Certificates - 172
- AVC Local Certificates - 155
- Non-credit Certificates - 71
| | AVC Foundation Awards Distinguished Alumni at
Commencement Ceremony | |
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We are proud to announce that two of our alumni were recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award at the ceremony June 5. This award is the highest honor the Foundation bestows upon alumni who have achieved outstanding success in their professional careers, contributed significantly to their community, and have been an exemplary representation of the mission and values of the college.
The first awardee, Marvin Crist, has served the Lancaster community since joining the City Council in 2010 and being appointed Vice Mayor in 2012. A lifelong Antelope Valley resident, Marvin studied business at Antelope Valley College and has dedicated his career to public service, from firefighting to operating his own insurance brokerage.
His commitment to the community extends well beyond City Hall through leadership, volunteerism, and support of local causes including the AV Sheriff Boosters, Animal House, Lancaster's Love Your City cleanup efforts.
The second awardee, David Vierra, is a seasoned educational leader and consultant with more than four decades of experience across K-12 education, higher education, and community leadership. He currently serves as an education consultant advising boards and superintendents on governance, policy, leadership development, and organizational alignment.
Dr. Vierra previously served as Superintendent of the AVUHSD from 2002 to 2021. In addition, he has contributed to higher education as an adjunct instructor, mentoring doctoral students and teaching educational leadership.
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Completion of New Building Scheduled for 2027
The new Commons building, located just west of the Student Services building, is projected for completion in March 2027. Stay tuned for more updates.
| | Contributions Given Through the Foundation | |
| | The Antelope Valley College Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 corporation. | All donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Tax letters are sent to donors at the end of January each year. | |
Ways you can continue to give:
- AVC Fund
- President's Circle
- Campus Funds or Endowments
| | | | Interested in Joining the Foundation Board? | | |
The AVC Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors, most of whom live and work in the communities served by the Antelope Valley Community College District.
Our mission in partnership with the board is to increase resources, raise funds, and create friends and partnerships in support of education at Antelope Valley College.
| | | If you are interested in serving on the Foundation Board or would like more
information, please contact Dianne Knippel at dianne.knippel@avc.edu or (661) 722-6598. | | Additional Ways to Directly Help Our Students | | |
We are always in need of donors to provide scholarships to our students. Over the years, we have had great success in awarding our students and it's because of our generous donors.
If you are interested in establishing a scholarship or contributing to an existing scholarship, please contact Emily Moulton, Foundation Scholarship Coordinator at 661-722-6300, ext. 6996 or emily.moulton@avc.edu.
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An endowment is established with a minimum of a $10,000 gift to the Foundation by a donor for either a scholarship or other student and/or college support. This initial gift stays in perpetuity and the interest generated is used to support the donor’s request.
For more information on establishing your endowment, visit our website or contact our office.
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Leave a legacy. By naming Antelope Valley College in a will, trust or insurance arrangement, you can leave a sustaining legacy at the college – providing you the opportunity to receive recognition for supporting the college both now and in the future.
For more information on designating your planned giving, visit our website or contact our office.
| | Hours of Operation: Mon - Thurs. 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. | | | | |
