San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation

02/18/2025

Erin Denny’s journey proves that it’s never too late to chase a dream. After an early career in tech, she returned to school at Skyline College to pursue her passion for science—leading her to groundbreaking research at NASA Ames Research Center.

With the support of dedicated faculty, mentorship programs, and scholarships through the SMCCC Foundation, Erin found a thriving academic community that empowered her to succeed. Now, she’s paying it forward, using science to make a real-world impact.

Read Erin’s inspiring story:

After a early career in the tech sector, Erin Denny had retired to a quiet life in Sonoma County. With the free time to pursue different artistic interests, she was busy, but also described herself as, “a little bored.’ One day, she happened to strike up a conversation with a fellow commuter whi...

02/11/2025

Meet Thuc Nguyen, an Education & Community Leadership major at the College of San Mateo. Her dream is to create equitable access to education by working in legislation and policy, ensuring that students of all backgrounds have the support they need to succeed.

Thanks to scholarships and campus support services, Thuc was able to overcome housing insecurity and health challenges while pursuing her education. Financial aid helped her stay in school and focus on her studies, rather than worrying about rent or bills.

“There are students struggling with homelessness who have been able to stay off the streets because of donor support. The generosity of those who invest in students’ futures makes all the difference.”

Your support doesn’t just help students like Thuc succeed in the classroom—it gives them the stability and opportunity they need to transform their futures and serve their communities.

Invest in the next generation of changemakers today.
https://smcccd.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1300

02/10/2025

Thank you, Melissa!

After nearly six years of dedicated service as Alumni Relations & Development Manager at the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation, Melissa Rohlfs is beginning a new chapter with KCSM Jazz 91.

During her time at the Foundation, Melissa led alumni fundraising and engagement in partnership with the three colleges. She strengthened both young alumni outreach, international alumni programming, and increased alumni donations to the Foundation. She was also the brains behind the beloved commencement activities like the Grad Cap Decorating Activity, which brought joy to so many graduates.

Her contributions have made a lasting difference, and while we’ll miss her, we’re excited to see her continue her journey doing what she loves.

Please join us in celebrating Melissa and wishing her all the best in this next adventure.

02/08/2025

Paying It Forward: How Mentorship and Scholarships Shape Student Success

As a former scholarship recipient, Warren Shelby knows firsthand the impact of financial support and mentorship. Now, as a Retention Specialist at College of San Mateo, he is ensuring students have the resources and guidance they need to achieve their goals—just as he once did.

Read how Warren is transforming lives and how students like Favian Rivera are thriving through programs like Promise Scholars, Brothers Empowering Brothers, and the George Floyd Scholarship.

Read more:

Rather than feeling bitter about his difficult upbringing, Warren Shelby channels his experiences into guiding today’s students. He credits the financial support he received from the SMCCC Foundation, particularly the Big Smile Scholarship, which he was awarded during the Fall 2018-Spring 2019 aca...

02/07/2025

Warren Shelby’s journey from student to mentor is a testament to the power of education, opportunity, and community. Once a scholarship recipient at College of San Mateo, he now dedicates his career to supporting students—many facing the same challenges he once did.

Read about Warren’s inspiring story and how donor support helps students turn adversity into success.

Read more:

Currently a Retention Specialist for the Promise Scholars Program at the College of San Mateo (CSM), he credits his faith, the scholarships he earned, as well as the community he found at CSM, for a lot of the good that’s come into his life. He can even trace his marriage, to his becoming a CSM Bu...

01/28/2025

Meet Jair Lopez-Rodriguez, a Biology major at the College of San Mateo, whose dream is to become a physician and give back to his hometown of San Mateo.

Thanks to scholarships, Jair has been able to focus on his education and internships, including a transformative experience with the Stanford Community College Outreach Program. These opportunities not only brought him closer to his career goals but also allowed him to give back—mentoring peers, helping students through financial aid, and advocating for those from underrepresented communities.

“Without scholarships, I wouldn’t have had the transportation I needed to pursue my internship or attend school. The support has lifted a huge weight off my family and made my goals possible.”

Your generosity doesn’t just help students like Jair succeed in the classroom—it empowers them to transform their futures and serve their communities.

Invest in the next generation of changemakers today.
Donate at https://smcccd.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1300.

12/10/2024

Meet Mele Petelo, a proud member of the MANA learning community at College of San Mateo.

Originally from Tonga, Mele moved to the U.S. in 2022 and has embraced the opportunities provided by scholarships, allowing her to excel in her studies and track and field. As a Business Administration major, Mele dreams of earning her degree, pursuing a career in human resources, and inspiring the next generation of Pacific Islanders to achieve higher education.

"The support I’ve received helps me stay focused on my education and makes my goals feel within reach."

Join us in helping students like Mele achieve their dreams.
Donate today at https://smcccd.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1300.

12/09/2024

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact

Adrian Orozco, CSM's first bilingual counselor and co-founder of the EOPS program, left a lasting legacy of servant leadership. Today, his contributions continue to inspire through the endowed transfer scholarship managed by our Foundation.

Thank you, Modesta Garcia, for sharing this story and reminding us of the incredible power of mentorship and education.

Read more on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7268863777251434497-_xrW

12/06/2024

Meet Favian Rivera, a determined Economics major at College of San Mateo. Despite juggling work, school, and financial pressures, Favian is steadfast in his goal of becoming the first in his family to graduate college. With the support of the Finish Line Fund, he’s able to focus on his education without the constant worry of making ends meet.

The Finish Line Fund helps students like Favian overcome barriers to success by providing essential support. Together, we can help more students cross the finish line to a brighter future.

Join us in making a difference:
Donate today at https://smcccd.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1300.