Printer FriendlyMiramar College Foundation
The Miramar College Foundation is a group of college staff and local community and business leaders who spearhead and monitor college fundraising initiatives and drives.Through the efforts of this group, scholarships and grants are made available to a wide variety of Miramar students who demonstrate merit and/or need and college innovation projects. If you are interested in joining, please contact the Office of the President.
Foundation Members
Foundation Strategic Plan (PDF) Foundation News & Events
Scholar Fest 2008! May 1, 2008 • 3-5:30 PM
The Miramar College Foundation's 14th Annual Scholarship program was a great success.
Scholar Fest 2008
View a slide show of the event 
here...
Scholar Fest Program
Scholar Fest Insert
Scholar Fest Kudos Program
Scholarship Fest Flyer
Scholar Fest Sponsor Opportunites
For tickets, sponsorship, or event information, contact Sandi Trevisan, strevisa@sdccd.edu, or call (858) 536--7876 or (619) 388-7752.
2008 Distinguished Alum Announced
With a life story that showcases the triumphs of an immigrant seeking the “American dream,” the hard work of a scholarship recipient, and the persistence of a transfer student to reach her goals, Monika Fitsimmons, an RN at Sharp Grossmont Hospital ER, has been selected as the 2008 Miramar College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Fitzsimmons emigrated from Warsaw, Poland to the U.S. in 1989 and spoke no English. She took ESL classes at Miramar College and worked at a dry cleaners. In 1999, she returned to Miramar and enrolled in night classes, while continuing to work during the day.
In Poland, Monika did not have the opportunity for higher education, so as a student at Miramar, she was thirsty for knowledge and passionate about learning. She formed study groups, informally began to tutor and loved the difference she made by sharing her newly acquired knowledge with others. Her hard work paid off. While at Miramar, Monika earned multiple scholarships, maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, and graduated with an Associate Degree in Transfer Studies with High Honors.
Outside the classroom, Monika volunteered at SDCU Thornton Hospital in the Emergency Room and fell in love with the opportunity to make a difference in patients' wellbeing even if with just a smile or minor assistance.
Monika transferred to SDSU in 2004 and graduated Summa Cum Laude as the valedictorian of the School of Nursing's 2007 class. She received the Health Care Nursing Scholarship from SDSU and was on the Dean’s Honor List since 2004.
She will receive the award at the Miramar College 2008 Commencement Exercises, May 21st at 4 p.m. at the La Jolla Marriott. Police Chief William Lansdowne has been announced as the featured speaker for the graduation ceremony.
Distinguished Alumni
In 1995, the College began a tradition of recognizing Distinguished Alumni at annual commencement ceremonies. These individuals are an inspiration for all students.
1995
Jerry Sanders, Mayor, City of San Diego (then SD Chief of Police)
Monica Higgins, Fire Battalion Chief, City of San Diego Fire Department
1996
Junko Yamamoto, International Artist
Tim Cassidy, Attorney/Real Estate Broker
1997
Rose DeMarco, Educator/Business Consultant
Tom Remy, Corporate Marketing Director, Hawthorne Machinery
1998
Lydia Signorelli, Educator
Edward Dacquel, Businessman
1999
Elizabeth Barrington, Professor
Dr. Tuyet Nguyen, Physician
2000
Jan Dehesh, Businesswoman/Consultant
Peter Davis, Statewide ATT Director
2001
Linda Reed, Officer, San Diego County Protective Services
2002
Dr. Iyad Houshan, Physician
2003
Officer Paddy Keovoravongsa, San Diego Police Department
2004
Dr. Rex Vargas, Pharmacist
2005
Dr. Michelle Lamantia, Physician
2006
Sam Phu, Business Owner, Automotive Educator
2007
Tracy Jarman, Chief, City of San Diego Fire-Rescue
2008
Monika Fitzsimmons, ER Nurse, Grossmont Hospital
LEAVE A LEGACY PLAZA
Sponsors of engraved bricks, benches, flags and trees are certain to be pleased with the magnificent $1.1 million Leave a Legacy Plaza, that opened on Sept. 6, 2007. Thanks to the many individuals and corporations who participated in this worthy, fundraising activity that will leave a lifetime legacy and help ensure that Miramar College remain a recognized provider of education and training on the leading edge. The two-acre Plaza is funded by Prop S -- a SDCCD facilities bond measure approved by voters in 2002 and funds raised through the generosity of Miramar College Foundation donors to the Leave a Legacy commemorative campaign.
Order before May 30, 2007!
College graduates, family members and friends can celebrate a special event or memory in a unique and lasting way through bricks, bench and flag sponsorship. Orders received July 1, 2007 through May 30, 2008 will be installed in June, 2008. Click here to order your Legacy sponsorship. (attach sponsor form)
Scholarship Gala 2007
More than 300 festively attired students, guests, faculty, staff, industry partners, and district VIPs attended the Foundation's 12th Annual Scholarship Gala, held on May 19 at the Hyatt Aventine La Jolla. Growth in scholarships in the short 12-year history of the event has been significant . up from 32 recipients awarded $13,000 in financial awards to over 80 recipients receiving more than $53,000. Congratulations to all recipients. Click here to see Gala photos...
Foundation Honors “Mr. Scripps Ranch” as Outstanding Leader 2007
The Miramar College Foundation recognized “Mr. Scripps Ranch,” Colonel Robert E. (Bob) Dingeman with its annual Outstanding Leader’s Award on November 19, 2007 before a distinguished crowd that included educators, politicians and community leaders. The event, held at the University of San Diego, celebrated decades of achievement as a civic leader, decorated military hero, public servant, community volunteer and educator.
Foundation Vacation Packages Announced for 2007
Foundation Packages Announced for 2008-2009
Plan now for incredible ... and amazingly affordable, vacations in 2008!
The Best of Eastern Canada, August 3-11, 2008
Discover Tuscany, November 2-11, 2008
The Miramar College Foundation is sponsoring two exciting vacation packages this year, coordinated by Collette Vacations.
The Best of Eastern Canada, August 3-11 at a price of only $2199 per person, will include round trip air from San Diego, hotel accommodations, hotel transfers, and 12 meals.
Your tour will include visits to Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Kingston, Niagara Falls and Toronto. Cruise the spectacular 1,000 Islands region of picturesque and unspoiled Lake Ontario. You won’t want to miss one of Ottawa’s treasures -- the spectacular Canadian Museum of Civilizations, where exhibitions rich in information, artifacts, and engaging experiences promise hours of exploration and a wealth of knowledge of the regions Aboriginal cultures. Visit the shrine at St. Anne de Beaupre and explore the beautiful grounds surrounding the grand Basilica, and witness the incredible power of Mother Nature at breathtaking Niagara Falls.
Back by popular demand, Discover Tuscany will be offered November 2-11 for only $2749 per person, which includes round trip air from San Diego, hotel accommodations, hotel transfers, and 13 meals.
Highlights include visits to Rome, Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis, Montecatini Terme, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, and a Tuscan feast and Winery Tour. Enjoy a relaxing 6-night stay in the famous Italian region of Tuscany; visit the Academy Gallery and Michelangelo’s famous statue of “David;” tour the amazing Uffizi Museum’s magnificent collection of masterpieces; sample delectable wines during an included winery tour and tasting; visit the historic, medieval cities of Sienna, Pisa and Lucca; and enjoy a guided tour of historic Assisi and the Basilica of St. Francis.
Plan ahead for Beijing City Stay, March 15-23, 2009 for only $1669 per person. Details TBA.
Collette Vacations has been offering exciting vacation packages since 1918. Ten percent of the cost of every trip purchased will be donated to the Miramar College Foundation.
For more information or a vacation flyer, contact Sandi Trevisan, Public Information Officer, (858) 536-7876/(619) 388-7752 or e-mail strevisa@sdccd.edu
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Our mission is to prepare students to succeed in a changing world within an environment that values excellence in learning, teaching, innovation and diversity.
