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Hello! At El Camino College, the new semester started on August 27th. On campus, we are working diligently to prepare for an exciting fall semester, welcoming new and returning members of the Warrior community. Welcome back, Warriors! Happy Fall!

Andrea Sala Executive Director

Foundation Spotlight: Les Thomas Sculpture Dedication Ceremony

Les Thomas worked in El Camino's Fine Arts Division in the Theater Department as a technical director, designer and part-time instructor in the early years from the 1950s-1960s. Upon his death, his wife set up an endowed scholarship for students who plan to study technical theater at ECC. A portion of the funds were directed to create an art sculpture dedicated to Les Thomas, celebrating his dedication to the arts at El Camino. "Triumph of Knowledge" was designed by artist Yumi Kiyose. After many years and some setbacks, including the COVID-19 global pandemic, the sculpture was installed in spring 2022. Earlier this month, the El Camino College Foundation held an intimate sculpture dedication reception for the Thomas family. The entire project, including the sculpture installation, was funded through the ECC Foundation.

The Thomas Family with ECC Superintendent/President Brenda Thames and Foundation Executive Director Andrea Sala.

The Thomas Family hearing a welcome from President Thames.

Program Spotlight: MESA|STEM Students Participate in UCLA Summer Research Program

This summer, three El Camino MESA|STEM students, Delsin Carbonell, Melissa Cruz, and Bilal Malik, participated in the highly selective UCLA Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) where they had the opportunity to showcase their research findings. Students were paired with a UCLA Samueli faculty member based on project needs, skills, and interest. The El Camino College Foundation fully funded one student and UCLA supported the other two El Camino students. Students and their research projects are pictured below.

Delsin Carbonell

Melissa Cruz (left)

Bilal Malik

Donor Spotlight: Thank You to All Our 2021-2022 Supporters

Thank you to all our 2021-2022 donors who supported the Foundation with a generous gift! Nearly $2.2 million in contributions were received in support of many student success programs and initiatives. Because of you, we were able to award a record $880,000 in scholarships to over 650 students, which was a 43% increase over last year! View our full donor listing HERE.

Department Spotlight: Center for the Arts Releases Fall Performance Schedule

The show must go on! Join El Camino's Center for the Arts this fall as they welcome back their Discovery Film Series, Guest Artist and Resident Artist performances, in addition to exciting performances featuring El Camino's talented students and faculty. View the CFA's fall performance calendar and to purchase tickets.

Community Partners Spotlight: Keenan & Associates

As a valued Community Partner, we would like to acknowledge one of our most generous community partners -- Keenan & Associates -- who has supported the Foundation for over 22 years for a total of $160,000! Located in Torrance, Keenan is a privately held insurance consulting and brokerage firm that was founded in 1972 by John Keenan. It is the largest independent broker in California, and works with schools and other organizations for employee benefits, workers' compensation, health benefit management services, risk management, and property and liability insurance. The company has grown to include nine offices across the state, employing over 750 people. Thank you for your many years of continued generosity and support of our students!

Community Giving: Give Now for Back to School

There's no better time to give than at the beginning of the new academic year! Please give to support student success programs at El Camino College. Every gift helps our students in their educational journey. Donate Today!

The El Camino College Foundation (EIN 95-3874302) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to fund and support student success programs at El Camino College.