This year’s theme, The Queen Travels to Japan, will be celebrating Japanese art, music, and culture.

The Renaissance Feast of Scholars is set to take place Mar. 10th at 6 p.m in the Fresno City College Library.  The Renaissance Feast is an annual benefit for scholarships and programs throughout the State Center Community College District.

Guests enjoy festive social interaction, gourmet food and an exciting auction.  As well as Authentic Renaissance royalty and court performances throughout the evening.

This year’s theme, The Queen Travels to Japan, will be celebrating Japanese art, music, and culture.  In 2011, the queen traveled to India, where guests were treated to traditional Indian entertainment and raised over $100,000 in scholarships.

Sponsorship and ticket information is available here or by calling (559) 244-5991.

Mark your calendars for the 8th annual Renaissance Feast for Scholars!  A voyage you don’t want to miss! Amazing food, wine and entertainment.

The foundation’s three newest board members bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the organization that’s sure to be a benefit as it pursues its mission.

Pamela Fobbs

Pamela Freeman Fobbs is an attorney who joined the SCCC Foundation board last year. She is a former deputy district attorney for Fresno County and has served as a board member for many local organizations, including Valley Public Television, Community Hospitals of Central California, The Fresno Philharmonic, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Her passion is in healthcare and quality-of-life issues for women and children. For 26 years, she has been getting the word out about heart disease, obesity, and breast cancer in the local and national community. She has been invited to serve on many health-related government panels. Last year, Fobbs was appointed by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to a three-member panel that evaluates various county agencies and their effects on the lives of children in the Department of Family and Children Services system.

Terance Frazier

Terance Frazier is owner and CEO of Frazier Realty and TFS Investments, LLC. After graduating from California State University, Fresno, Frazier played professional baseball for the Oakland A’s and the St. Paul Saints of Minnesota. After a four-year baseball career, he returned to Fresno where he has built his businesses over the last 20 years.

Frazier teaches real estate investment at Fresno City College and has received numerous community awards. He founded the Central California Baseball Academy, a unique organization for students that focuses on academics and community service.

Last year he joined the SCCC Foundation board. “I’ve been having a great time working with the board members and learning how the SCCCD system works,” Frazier said. “I’ve met a lot of friends and, as I learn more, I look forward to being able to contribute more.”

Jeff Tatsumura

Having joined this year, Jeff Tatsumura is the board’s newest member. He is a certified public account with over 19 years of experience in tax compliance, planning, research, and consulting. He is partner with Stoughton Davidson Accountancy Corporation. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Fresno.

Tatsumura has also worked with non-profit organizations. He currently serves as treasurer on the board of CURE (Coalition for Urban Renewal Excellence). He has served as treasurer, and currently serves on the finance committee, of Habitat for Humanity Fresno.

To contribute the SCCC Foundation online, visit the website.

Mary Bitterman, president of The Bernard Osher Foundation, speaks about the Osher Foundation’s commitment to California Community College students.

In May 2008, the Bernard Osher Foundation made a historic gift of $25 million to the California community college system to fund scholarships throughout the state. California’s 110 community colleges were challenged to raise $50 million in matching funds by June 2011. When accomplished, the Osher Foundation will provide an additional $25 million, bringing the total for endowed scholarships to $100 million.

“The Bernard Osher Foundation’s intention in creating this $50 million endowment was to provide scholarship support to California community college students with the greatest need who have also demonstrated a commitment to their education,” said Mary Bitterman, president of the Osher Foundation. “An investment in our students is an investment in our future.”

“An investment in our students is an investment in our future.”- Mary Bitterman
President, Osher Foundation

The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment is a permanent fund that provides scholarships of up to $1,000 annually to students who have already completed 24 units of study, are enrolled in at least six units for the current semester, and who qualify for a Board of Governors fee waiver. Awards will be adjusted based on enrolled status. Additional criteria could be student hardships or special circumstances.

State Center Community College District has been challenged to raise over $1.1 million by June 30, 2011 towards this largest scholarship program in community college history. This is your opportunity to invest in California by supporting an educated workforce and helping create a permanent fund of scholarships for students who need the most help. You’ll also be participating in a historic fundraising campaign that is changing the way community colleges support students. Your contribution can be applied to any SCCCD campus of your choice. Students attending Fresno City College, Reedley College, and the North Centers—Madera Center, Willow International Center and the Oakhurst Center—can apply for the Bernard Osher Foundation Scholarship online through the respective scholarship websites at the beginning of each award year. For more information, and to donate online, visit the Foundation for California Community Colleges

For every dollar you contribute to the endowment, the Osher Foundation will contribute 50 cents, increasing the impact your contribution has on the lives of California Community College students. For example, a contribution of $13,500, with the Osher Foundation’s match of $6,750, will result in a $1,000 scholarship each year, forever. 
The best part is, 100 percent of your donation directly funds scholarships, ensuring the greatest possible support for students.

Photo Credit: Sharpe Photography

Besides raising funds, the Chancellor’s Circle facilitates important communication between the District and Valley businesses.

The Chancellor’s Circle continues to play an integral roll in the advancement of the District. Besides raising funds, the group facilitates important communication between the District and Valley businesses. Members interact directly with the chancellor to ensure the partnership between education, business, and community is fully realized.

On October 10, 2009, the Chancellor’s Circle Dinner will recognize current members for their invaluable contributions to the ongoing work of SCCCD and the Foundation.

If you would like more information on becoming a member of the Chancellor’s Circle, or the many other ways to give, contact the State Center Community College Foundation at (559) 244-5991 or online.

Chancellor’s Circle members*

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* As of September 15, 2009.

This is the final phase of the OAB: A Legacy Renewed Campaign and your last chance to help finish this extraordinary project. We challenge you to share the legacy of Fresno City College and the Old Administration Building.

For more information, contact the SCCC Foundation Office at 559-244-5991 or visit: www.oabalegacyrenewed.com.

The unique and exciting donation drew attention from other donors, students, staff and the media. Before the home was put up for bid, additional donors provided new carpet installation and paint for the home improvements. The wallpaper removal and painting was done by volunteer students and staff. Horticulture students volunteered their time and did a beautiful job sprucing up the front and back yards. The house was featured on Channel 30 during primetime with a video tour.

SCCCF Executive Director Gurdeep Sihota He’Bert explained that the donors wanted to challenge the community to “pay it forward.” A bid was accepted by the District earlier this month, and escrow is due to close at the end of March 2009.

With the Employer to Employee Scholarship, the SCCC Foundation opens the door for flexibility and creativity in corporate giving. Foundations are typically responsible for determining the criteria, amount, and recipient of the scholarships they manage, but with this innovative new model the employer company defines it, funds it, and invests it in its own people. Interested companies work in partnership with SCCC Foundation to establish the scholarship.

Local auto association gives big

Fresno Clovis New Car Dealers Association gave $50,000 to Fresno City College, creating a partnership with the FCC Automotive Technician Training Program. This educational partnership is part of the SCCC Foundation’s new Employer to Employee Scholarship model. The Fresno Clovis New Car Dealers Association chose to provide scholarships for future automotive technicians by helping students receive the skills needed for employment in the industry. The FCC Automotive Technician Training Program is the proven method for learning the skills needed for long-term employment in the industry. The curriculum was created by FCC and local automotive service facilities. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from Fresno, Clovis and Central Unified School Districts entering the FCC Automotive