Faculty Assembly Spring 2025 Donations: Celebrating and Supporting Student Achievement

By Billy Gunn, Treasurer

This spring, the MiraCosta College Faculty Assembly (FA) was proud to support end-of-year celebrations and programs that enrich the lives of our diverse student body. Thanks to the generosity of our members, FA donations provided essential support for student recognition, creative expression, and academic achievement. Below is a summary of how these funds made a difference.

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Amplifying Student Voices through CLC Expressions

Amount: $750

The FA’s contribution supported Expressions, a student publication showcasing the creative talents of students in Noncredit ESL, Adult High School, Independent Learners, and Lifelong Learning programs. The donation funded publication costs, outreach efforts, and a community reception attended by over 100 students, faculty, staff, and guests.

“This project is about building and celebrating skills, fostering connections, and honoring diverse perspectives. We truly appreciate your support.” - Katrina Tamura, Expressions Committee Coordinator

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Celebrating Academic Excellence: CLC National Adult Education Honor Society

Amount: $1,000

This year, 26 students were inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society, which recognizes adult learners for their dependability, cooperation, and work ethic. The FA's support helped provide refreshments, pins, and printed certificates to celebrate this achievement with students and their families.

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Empowering Veterans through the Warrior-Scholar Project

Amount: $1,000

The FA’s donation helped student-veterans accepted into the prestigious Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) attend academic boot camps across the country. The funds specifically helped cover travel expenses, ensuring that cost was not a barrier to participating in these life-changing, intensive academic experiences.

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Recognition for SAS Students

Amount: $1,000

The second annual SAS Graduation Recognition Ceremony honored 195 students earning 406 degrees and certificates. The FA’s support allowed SAS to provide refreshments and create a welcoming, inclusive celebration for students with disabilities and their families.

“We would not be able to host this event without the generosity and support of the FA! Students feel valued when they see staff and faculty showing their support.” - Michelle Farnam, SAS Counselor

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Honoring Artistic Excellence: Art Student Recognition Awards

Amount: $750

To mark the first Juried Student Exhibition in the new gallery space, the Art Department awarded four $200 cash prizes for outstanding artwork. Special guest judges—including President Sunny Cooke and retiring Gallery Director Diane Adams—selected works that resonated with them personally.

Award Recipients:

● President’s Choice: Matt Ely – “1000 Islands”

● Dean’s Choice: Lilia Cowell – “Nature Species Pot”

● Faculty Choice: Liberty Marchand – “Hula Man”

● Gallery Director’s Choice: Carolyn Lewis – “Waiting for Life”

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Thank You to Our Members

The impact of these donations highlights the Faculty Assembly’s commitment to supporting student success and celebrating the various achievements of the MiraCosta College community. Thank you to all our members for making this possible!