Carol and Kevin Sharer of The Sharer Foundation were honored by the Network for California Community Colleges Foundation as this year's Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year. They were recognized during El Camino College Foundation's 2026 Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner on May 14. The awardees created The Sharer Foundation to help community college students transfer to four-year universities. To date, 222 Sharer Scholars have been named.

In addition to the Sharers, over 100 scholarship recipients were recognized throughout the evening, celebrating more than $1 million in scholarships will be awarded to El Camino College students for fall 2026.

View the Scholarship Awards Ceremony photo album HERE. Learn more about the impact of The Sharer Foundation HERE.

Photo: Carol and Kevin Sharer of The Sharer Foundation (center) surrounded by their 2026 Sharer Scholars from El Camino College.

A dedication and ribbon-cutting celebration was held in the West Gym at El Camino College on June 18. The naming honors not only Coach Stanich’s unparalleled achievements in athletics and education but also the lasting impact he has made on the El Camino College community and beyond. 

Coach Stanich dedicated 37 years of service to El Camino College from 1955 to 1992, teaching physical education and coaching the men’s basketball team for more than two decades. He is also a bronze medal winner in the 1948 London Olympics, and is the oldest living American Olympic medalist. Known for emphasizing discipline, integrity, academic excellence, and character, Stanich mentored thousands of students both on and off the court.

To honor his legacy, the Valerie and George Stanich Endowed Scholarship for Athletes was created, allowing his dedication to students to continue in perpetuity.

View the Reception and Ribbon-cutting photo album HERE.

View the Ribbon-cutting video HERE.

Donate to the Valerie and George Stanich Endowed Scholarship HERE.

Photo: Coach George Stanich (seated holding scissors) with family, friends, former ECC student-athletes, and ECC President Dr. Brenda Thames and ECC Foundation Executive Director, Andrea Sala (center).

This year, El Camino College held two commencement ceremonies in Murdock Stadium for the class of 2026. The ceremonies took place on Wednesday and Thursday, June 10 and 11, recognizing nearly 1,500 students. Sixty-two of the graduates were North High School students who graduated with an associate's degree through the Early College program.

View the El Camino College Commencement 2026 photo albums. June 10 and June 11.

View the El Camino College Commencement 2026 information page HERE, including Livestream and program information.

The annual Torrance Fire Department Awards Luncheon took place on April 30 and honored exemplary firefighters, paramedics, and civilians for their life-saving actions and community contributions. Hosted by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together business leaders and community members to celebrate local heroes. 

The event was attended and supported by El Camino College faculty, staff, and fire academy students.

Read more about the 2026 Torrance Fire Department Awards Luncheon.

Photo from L to R: ECC Fire Academy representatives Chief Joshua Boies, recent Fire Academy graduates Angel Silva and Jennie Watten; Torrance Fire Chief David Dumais, ECCF Andrea Sala, ECC Ann O'Brien, and ECC Dean, Chief Jeff Baumunk.

El Camino College recently recognized this year's outstanding faculty and staff at the 2026 Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards Reception. Staff member Anna Reynolds (Staff Award) and Faculty members Dr. René Lozano (Full-Time Faculty Award) and Emmanuel Aguiar (Part-Time Faculty Award) were honored.

Each honoree continually demonstrates their commitment to El Camino’s students, the college’s mission, and their colleagues by going above and beyond of what is expected of them in their roles. Congratulations to all deserving recipients!

Read more about each honoree HERE.