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Summer Update from the AVC Foundation
As we continue our summer session, we want to take a moment to reach out and update you with some college-related information.
Wine Walk Fundraiser Results
We sipped and strolled on through
With wines aplenty and good company, too
From Chardonnay to deep red Malbec
We tasted them all, no flavor to neglect

The vineyards were many, the fun was grand
With each glass raised, we took a stand
To support our students, the dreams they pursue
And we're happy to share, we raised nearly $35k too!

Thanks to all who walked and sipped
Your generosity hasn't slipped
On behalf of our college, we extend our thanks
For this fabulous event was a success, no question, in rank
Changing Lives Through Education
We are thrilled to announce that our annual scholarship breakfast was a resounding success this year, as students and donors alike came together for a morning of bonding, inspiration, and gratitude. The event took place on April 21 and was attended by students who had received scholarships and donors who had generously funded them.

One of the highlights of the event was students having the opportunity to personally thank the donors who made their education possible. The donors, in turn, were able to learn about the students' academic pursuits, career aspirations, and the impact of their scholarship award on their lives.

This year was particularly special for the Foundation, as we awarded scholarships to 150 students, totaling $220,770. It is thanks to the generosity of our donors that we can empower so many promising minds to achieve the education they deserve.

Once again, we thank each of you for your support of the Foundation and look forward to transforming further deserving lives through education.
AVC Commencement: Celebrating Over 1,700 Graduates and Exceptional Achievements
We are delighted to share that our recent college commencement ceremony was a momentous celebration, honoring the commitment, hard work, and success of our graduates.

A total of 1,707 students received a degree or certificate, representing their dedication to academic excellence and the extraordinary effort invested in their pursuits. To be specific, 15 Bachelor's degrees were awarded this year, highlighting the culmination of years of rigorous study for many of our students.

What's more impressive is that 661 students graduated with honors, signifying a GPA of 3.25 or higher. We are also thrilled to announce that 50 students received perfect 4.0 GPAs, reflecting their unwavering dedication and exceptional academic performance.

In addition, 78 students graduated from the Students on Academic Rise (SOAR) High School and managed to earn both their associate's and a high school diploma, an incredible testament to their dedication and perseverance.

To these graduates, we say congratulations! Your achievements have been a source of inspiration to your peers, faculty, and staff. We have no doubt that you will go on to excel in your careers and personal lives.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Cedar Hall
Antelope Valley Community College District Board of Trustee Clerk Michael Adams (left), Vice President Michelle Harvey, Steve Buffalo, Michael Rives, Student Trustee Anthony Rivera and Superintendent/President Jennifer Zellet
We are happy to share that the groundbreaking ceremony for Cedar Hall took place where the old Student Services building once stood. This 65,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to be completed in 2025, will include classrooms, faculty offices, and a theater-style lecture room that will also serve as the board of trustee meeting room. Cedar Hall will be constructed entirely with Measure AV bond funds. We will keep you updated on the progress of this exciting project.

AVC Foundation Awards Distinguished Alumni at Commencement Ceremony
Emily Moulton (Foundation Coordinator), David Christopher Spicher (Distinguished Alumni), Lisa O'Leary (Foundation Coordinator), Dr. Stacy Bryant (Distinguished Alumni), Dianne Knippel (Foundation Executive Director)
We are proud to announce that two of our alumni were recently recognized with the distinguished alumni award at our most recent commencement ceremony. The distinguished alumni award is the highest honor the Foundation bestows upon alumni who have achieved outstanding success in their professional careers, contributed significantly to their community, and have been an exemplary representation of the mission and values of our College.

The first awardee, David Christopher Spicher, is a business owner and a long-time resident of our Antelope Valley. After attending Antelope Valley College, he transferred to Vanguard University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Religion. His contributions to the community are numerous, as he actively volunteers his time as past president of AV Edge and Lancaster Rotary. He has served as the chairman of the local Salvation Army Citizens Advisor Board and is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce.

The second awardee, Dr. Stacy Bryant, is a former educator who spent 36 years as a local educator, school counselor, high school principal, and retired Deputy Superintendent of Schools. Her contributions to the community go beyond her education career, as she currently volunteers as a Special Olympics tennis coach, sexual assault response advocate, YMCA Tri Hi Y leader, and president of the Kiwanis Club of Palmdale West. Her passion for fundraising is also remarkable, having raised nearly $7 million in her tenure as Foundation President for the past seven years.
Fundraising Campaign Highlight
The Christina Loukatos
Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship endowment is formed in memory of Christina Loukatos. Christina was not only an amazing sister, caretaker, and friend but she was also an award-winning school counselor. As a school counselor, she designed and implemented a recognized model school program that highlighted access and equity for all students. She had a passion for helping others and touched many lives, especially the students she served at SAGE Magnet School and the Palmdale Academy Charter School. She leaves behind not only her friends inside and outside of the Palmdale School District but also her beloved younger siblings whom she has cared for since she was 18 years old.
  
Current Fundraising Campaigns
Looking to make a difference for a specific cause? Below are the current campaigns for specific needs or interests that benefit our students. If you are interested in starting your own campaign, contact our office to get started.
Kenneth S. Lee Memorial Scholarship
Kenneth S. Lee was a brilliant, funny, and kind individual. He taught for the Communication Studies Department in the Language and Communication Arts Division and served the AVC community for 15 years (2007-2022). A rhetoric scholar, Ken taught Intro to Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Process of Communication, and Small Group Communication, which he developed with Tina McDermott.
Judy Vaccaro-Fry’s Scholarship Endowment for Single Parents
Judy understands how hard it can be to raise a child while simultaneously trying to improve her life. After raising her children, she later took the time to pursue her education so that she could make a better life for herself and her kids and be a positive role model. Judy wanted to raise good, productive, educated, and contributing members of society. Being educated contributed to the foundation she provided for her children. This is why she established this endowment to help other single parents pursue their educational goals.  
Adan Onofre Memorial Fundraiser for Nursing Scholarship
In memory of Adan Onofre, former AVC Custodial Supervisor, donations are being accepted to honor him and his accomplishments by establishing a nursing scholarship.  
Marauder Basic Needs
Having our basic needs met and being safe and secure has been shown to have a direct impact on the mental-emotional-physical
health, wellness, academic performance, professional development, and success of students. Antelope Valley College works with our community partners to increase accessibility to food, housing, hygiene needs, financial resources, mental health, and other basic needs for our students.
Vern Lawson Memorial Scholarship
Vern was a veteran of World War II. As a cadet in the Army Air Corps, he was training to serve with the flight crew on B-24 Liberators, heavy bombers that helped win the war.

He retired 15 years ago but he never really retired. He passed away on October 19, 2021.
Paula Sour Memorial Scholarship Endowment
This memorial scholarship honors Mrs. Paula Sour, the former Westside District principal, and teacher. She served as principal at Cottonwood, Rancho Vista, and Anaverde Hills Elementary schools. She was inspirational and uplifting and strived for excellence, encouraging faculty, staff, and students to do the same. Administrators across the Antelope Valley endow this scholarship in honor of our friends and colleague Paula Sour.
Additional ways to directly help our students