College Hosts Inaugural President’s Luncheon

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, Cañada College hosted 250 community members at its Inaugural President’s Luncheon at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos on October 23. The President’s Luncheon served as a way to spotlight the Promise Scholars Program to the community and raise funds for future student scholarships. One of Cañada’s main missions is to provide enriching, life-changing opportunities for the residents of San Mateo County. The Promise Scholars Program does exactly that with its comprehensive student support that removes the financial burdens of attending community college for first-year students.

In order to demonstrate the impact this program and others have had on students, multiple departments showcased the hard work that has been created on campus.  Fashion Department student Christine Groom explained how the support of the College was the motivation she needed to pursue a career in Fashion after retirement. Similarly, Digital Art & Animation students Ivy Wooldridge and Elizabeth Birdwell were recognized for their student short film Heroism. The film won awards at the Campus Movie Festival in addition to being featured at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The President’s Luncheon also highlighted testimonials of Promise Scholarship recipients, including Isabella Aguilar and Jhosse Prado who shared how the absence of a parent served as a source of ambition to excel in academics in hopes of seeing the pay-off. Lily Baez and Leonardo Campos expressed how a newfound confidence to pursue their dreams rose upon receiving their first year free at Cañada College. Thanks to the Promise Scholars Program, all of these students (and many like them) have been able to receive an accessible college education.

The success of the President’s Luncheon would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Cañada College employees, generous donations from event sponsors and many others who attended the event to champion student access to an affordable post-secondary education. Cañada College is thankful to receive such immense support from the community.