Delta College hosted its third annual Foundation Gala on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Danner Hall.
The Delta College Foundation Board of Directors holds the gala to showcase students’ work in hopes of “cultivating relationships, building partnerships, and developing vital resources and funds that promote equitable access to higher education and ensure quality experiences for all students,” according to the Delta College website.
Delta College Foundation Executive Director Joseph Feneck began planning for the gala as soon as a budget was established.
“The budget is funded by the foundation, with support from the president’s office … The foundation also has funding to put on events like this…but we’re always budget conscious,” said Feneck.
Feneck also said the theme ‘Black and Gold Gala’, which was established last year, was to keep the event as “simple, timeless and represents the color of the college,” he said. “But we always want to make each event unique…every year we want to switch it up with what programs we’re showcasing, so that we’re able to give all programs on campus to showcase their work.”
The night began with guests checking in with the ASDC students, who spoke with attendees about the benefits the donations can have for students on campus.
”It’s an opportunity for the ASDC student to network and volunteer for the college,” said Layla Alaswad, student vice president of ASDC. ”ASDC wants to do a lot of greater things in the Stockton community, not just at Delta.”
From there, guests were ushered in where they could take a tour of the campus with the Outreach of Student Programs assistants Mia Prieto and Xavier Saldivar-Lopez.
“We stand in front of each building and talk about the history of each building. And also what can be found in each building. And then we are trying to highlight, our best, the CTE programs here,” said Saldivar-Lopez.
The Career Technical Education (CTE) programs such as the POST-Academy, Registered Nursing, Automotive, and Business administration that train students to become skilled workers. By the end of their training students can expect to gain employment through a job, internship or more learning opportunities at local businesses after college.
For the guests that did not partake in the tours, a photo booth was set up for guests to take photos, as well as hors d’oeuvres, a chance to network and listen to Delta College students and alumni of the college perform in the Mike Belasco Jazz Quartet.
Many guests were excited to see and hear the stories of former students and the impact Delta College has had on them. Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson and Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln were among the attendees who expressed their eagerness to hear the success of Delta College students and alumni.
“I’m excited because anytime we have members of the public here who get to hear about the great work we’re doing and our health care programs, the POST Academy and all of the programs, I love for our programs to get up there and show what we’re doing here at Delta College,” said Aguilera-Lawrenson.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln was excited.
“To celebrate, be in great company. Stockton is one of the most culturally diverse in the entire nation. Delta College is at the center of that, what we have here is a beautiful representation this evening, of our city and not only that but San Joaquin County and the valley as a whole,” said Lincoln.
By 7 p.m., dinner was served to attendees from De Vega Brothers, along with opening remarks and thank you speeches by Feneck, Aguilera-Lawrenson, Delta College Foundation President Harman Ratia, Delta College Board of Trustees President Dr. Charles Jennings, and Delta College Board of Trustee Student Representative Dylan Myers.
During the dinner, presentations were held by POST-Academy Coordinator Jeffery Coon and former student Harmanpreet Singh about the POST-Academy and video on how the academy prepares each student emotionally and physically to perform the duties of a peace officer.
“Without your support, and without your donations this program isn’t possible. This is the foundation of the police officers and the same deputy sheriffs that serve this county, so I give this to you,” said Singh.
The Nursing and HOPE Program presented next, showcasing how the HOPE program started right before COVID-19 and the impact the program has made and wants to continue to make. The presentation also included former alumnus and first students of the HOPE program Chaz McCoy, LaCoya Harrison, and Chon Jones who spoke of how impactful the classes were.
Harrison said the program has had a great impact on her life.
“I have been able to become registered nurse and get my degree, have a great career, make great money, and also help the people in my community. And people that look like me…Sometimes I see people in the hospital that I know, personally, and to be able to educate them in a way that another nurse isn’t able to is a blessing,” said Harrison.
By the end of the night, attendees spoke to Feneck about how impressed they were by the event and programming. Feneck also commented on how much bigger the guest list was this year and hopes the list grows longer to showcase more programs.
“They have just said how much they have enjoyed themselves and just how great the program was. Like, just the information they have heard and the stories that were told…Everyone loves seeing the students and the alumni in action … If we want to continue the event next year on campus, we are going to have to find a new space. It’s a good problem to have. One of the main reasons we do it (the gala) on campus is to bring people back to the campus and students back here,” said Feneck.
