Chabot College
Office of Development and the Foundation
Nurturing Learning, Creating Change
Newsletter • Spring 2015
Snapshots of Successes
What a dazzling first year of achievements this has been for
the Office of Development and the Foundation. We have so
many people–––members of the Chabot College campus and
people who reside and work in the communities we serve–––
to thank for our many successes during our inaugural year.
The Board of Directors for The Friends of Chabot College
continues to mark their presence with wise counsel, hard work,
and a commitment to supporting the students and programs
that make our campus thrive.
We could never have predicted the generous, tender recollection
penned by Chabot College alumnus Tom Hanks, which
appeared this past January in The New York Times. Testimony
to his time spent in the classroom company of faculty who
inspired, informed, and ignited the love of learning, the op-ed
piece captured in snapshot style the ways in which a community
college, this community college, our community college, Chabot
College, changed him for the better, and forever.
While Tom Hanks is, no doubt, the most well known of our
alumni, he is not alone in the success that comes from being a Chabot College student. More than 175,000 people have
attended Chabot since it first opened its doors in 1961, and so many alumni have stepped up to support the Office of
Development and the Foundation in its formative stage.
As we begin the year 2015, we note its special significance as the 50th year that Chabot has served local students at its
Hesperian Boulevard campus in Hayward. We look forward to celebrating with a series of activities, and we will share
their details over the next months. We hope that you enjoy reading about our successes, future endeavors, and the many
ways in which you can support Chabot College and its students.
––– María Ochoa, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Office of Development and the Foundation
Inside This Issue
Dr. Reed L. Buffington
Superintendent-President
(1961-1981)
Visionary • Educator
Leader
See page 9 for more
information regarding a
celebration of his work
2 Newly endowed scholarships
4 Meet the Friends of Chabot
College Board of Directors
7 Went to Chabot: Alumni Profile
8 Legacy gifts
Photo by Nathaniel Rice
9 Chabot College pictorial
history book
Newly Endowed Scholarships
Support Students’ Successes
Chabot College students like so many today, who are enrolled in public colleges and universities, juggle multiple
and sometimes competing responsibilities–––attending classes and labs, conducting research, studying for exams,
raising families, working several jobs, finding occasional time for recreation. Receiving a scholarship goes a long
way in reminding students that they are not alone in their efforts to achieve successful outcomes from their
learning experiences at Chabot. We are appreciative of the many contributions to the various scholarship funds.
We are proud, too, that in less than a year, we have established six new endowed scholarships for Chabot College
students. Should you be moved to establish a scholarship in your name or that of a loved one, contact us at
mochoa@chabotcollege.edu. In the meantime, take a short read of the new scholarships that Chabot College now
offers thanks to the generosity of its supporters.
Berty Nebenzahl-Ruth Talley Scholarship
After retiring from successful careers as public school teachers, Berty
Nebenzahl and Ruth Talley decided to attend classes at Chabot. They
greatly enjoyed and excelled in their lessons. Ruth passed away in 2011, but
her legacy lives on thanks to a generous gift made by Berty in both their
names. Their gift provides for a $500 endowed scholarship to be issued
every year into the future to a Chabot student in need. (See the article
“Legacy gifts provide bright outcomes” on page 8 for details about Berty
and Ruth’s other significant contribution.)
Edward E. and Donna L. Martins Scholarship
In 1963, distinguished local attorney Edward E. Martins was elected to the
Board of Trustees for the South County Community College District, as
it was then called. After service of one term, he relinquished his position
because he believed that elective service ought to be circulated among the
citizenry. However his commitment to Chabot College and the District
has never ceased. This year the college will award the first of the $500
scholarships munificently endowed by Ed and Donna Martins.
Mark Eisenberg Memorial Scholarship
Mark Eisenberg was a Chabot alumnus, now deceased, who overcame
considerable personal hardship–––including the loss of leg mobility due to
polio–––to become an attorney and judge in Hayward. His friends, including
mathematics Professor Keith Mehl, endowed two $500 scholarships to
honor Mark and to assist people completing their Chabot education in
high skill, high demand technical fields.
2
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
Machine Tool Technology Scholarship
Woody Phillips received his welding technology degree from Chabot in
2007. He joined Tesla Motors as an early employee, and now applies his
education working at Google. Appreciative of his college experience here,
Mr. Phillips has endowed a $1,000 scholarship for machine tool students.
His gift is matched dollar for dollar by his employer, which has increased
the amount of scholarship money available to our students.
Peter Sategna Veterans Scholarship
Longtime Chabot donor, the Peter Sategna Educational Foundation has
contributed funds in 2015 to a $5,000 scholarship for student combat
veterans. Sategna for whom the foundation is named served in World War
II and used the GI bill to purchase a home in the East Bay upon his return
from duty. He understood firsthand the challenges faced by returning
veterans. Although Sategna passed away in 2007, his benefaction continues
through his foundation and its numerous scholarships for students.
Gerald Shimada Memorial Scholarship
For more than 20 years Vice President for Student Services Gerald
Shimada was a towering figure on the Chabot campus. His untimely
passing in March 2014 occasioned a gift from family member Marilyn
Gee and his daughters Alisha and Jordan Shimada. This past fall two
$2,500 scholarships were awarded to Greer Kleber and Sabrina Head,
members of the Chabot women’s basketball team who transferred to
four-year institutions.
Left Top: Berty Nebenzahl
Left Middle: Edward E. and
Donna L. Martins
Left Bottom: Mark Eisenberg
Right Top: Woody Phillips
Right Middle: Peter Sategna
Right Bottom: Dr. Susan Sperling,
Greer Kleber,
Marilyn Gee,
Sabrina Head,
Coach Mark Anger
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
3
The Friends of Chabot College
Board of Directors 2013-2015
The Friends of Chabot College (#46-3708462) is designated as a tax-exempt organization under Sections 170(b)
(1)(A), 501(c)(3), and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and Government Code 12580. A volunteer
Board of Directors consisting of seven voting members and three non-voting members governs The Friends of
Chabot College. Three of the members represent the highest levels of executive leadership from the ChabotLas Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) and the college: a Trustee from the CLPCCD Board, the
President of Chabot College, and the Chabot College Vice President for Administrative Services.
After spending 28
years
with
the
Hayward
Police
Department Sheryl
Boykins
joined
the California State
University East Bay
Police Department
as its Chief in
April 2013. In that
capacity, she has
begun
building
relationships
with the campus
community
and
is encouraging the department to go out and
meet students, faculty, and staff on a more
personal level. One of her most notable local
contributions was negotiating for Junior Giants,
a kids training opportunity sponsored by the
San Francisco Giants baseball team. This event,
now in its fifteenth year, is an annual summer
camp for girls and boys of the area to learn the
basics of baseball playing and to acquire the
personal skills necessary to team play. Chief
Boykins earned an associate of arts degree in
administration of justice from Chabot College
and a master’s degree in adult education from
the University of Phoenix.
A Fairview District
resident for over
30 years, Marita
Cheng is co-founder
of the HaywardYixing Sister City
Committee
and
Asian
Business
Alliance. She is a
member of the Asian
Pacific
Islander
American
Public
Affairs Association,
Hayward Chamber
of Commerce, and
Hayward Rotary. She is the highly successful
owner of two businesses, Caesar’s Chicken and
Elite Catering, and is the food service operator
at SkyWest Golf Course and Mission Hills
Golf Course in Hayward. Marita gives back to
the community by volunteering her time and
services to local non-profit organizations.
The Friends of Chabot College Vision Statement
Be the community support through philanthropic activities for Chabot College.
Board Member photographs by Russell Foote. http://www.footephoto.com
4
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
The
Honorable
Pat D. Gacoscos
is a Union City
Council Member.
Previously, she held
two other elective
positions: Trustee
for the New Haven
Unified
School
District
(19922000) and Director
of
the
Union
Sanitary
District
(2004-2010).
She
also served on the
Human Relations Commissions for the County
of Alameda and for Union City. Council Member
Gacoscos chairs the Union City Sister Cities
program and is an active member of various
community organizations. In 2011 she was
named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipino
Women in United States. She taught in Manila
public schools and was a research analyst for the
California Department of Public Health. She is
retired and happily at work in her new role of
grandmother.
In
her
fortyyear career at
Chabot College,
Melinda Matsuda
held increasingly
responsible
positions. Personally
committed to student
access and equity,
she culminated her
time at the college
as Vice President
for
Student
Services, a position
she held for 12
years. Melinda grew up in the Hayward,
attended local public schools, and went
on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s
degrees from California State University
Hayward, as it was then called. She served
as a commissioner for the City of Hayward,
and was a board member for numerous
community groups including Sun Gallery,
SAVE, and Tri-CED Community Recycling.
Longtime
San
Lorenzo
resident
Dr.
Hal
Gin
brings more than
40 years of higher
education leadership
and administrative
experience including
over 30 years service
as an administrator
with California State
University East Bay.
Since retirement in
2005, he has been
a trustee with the
Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.
Dr. Gin’s community service includes active
membership in West County Board of Zoning
Adjustments, Lions Clubs International, Asian
Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, Asian
Business Alliance, Wa Sung Community Service
Club. He is also involved in leadership positions
with his own family association, the Gin Sun
Hall Benevolent Association, Hoy-Sun Ning
Yung, and Chinese Consolidated Benevolent
Associations. He earned his bachelor’s degree
in sociology/social services, master’s degree
in public administration, and doctorate in
organization and leadership.
Dr. Maria Ochoa
is the Executive
Director for the
Office of Development
and the Foundation.
Her previous work
includes
service
as
director
of
development for a
regional foundation,
executive director
of a visual arts
nonprofit,
and
chairperson of a
national consortium
of women’s funds. She is author of several
books, and her essays and poems are found in
numerous collections. Dr. Ochoa earned her
doctorate in History of Consciousness at the
University of California Santa Cruz.
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
5
Mark Salinas is
a Hayward native.
After graduating
from
Hayward
High School, he
attended Chabot
Colleg e,
and
transfer red
to
San
Fr a n c i s c o
State University,
where he earned
a bachelor’s degree
in
La
Raza
studies, as well as
a master’s degree
in educational administration and public
policy. Mark works for California State
University East Bay as the Community
Resident Engagement Specialist for the
Hayward Promise Neighborhood initiative.
He teaches history and ethnic studies at
Chabot, and is Executive Director of The
Kids’ Breakfast Club. Mark served on the
Hayward City Council from 2010 to 2014.
Dr. Susan Sperling
serves as the ninth
President of Chabot
College.
During
her 29 years at the
campus, she has been
a faculty member,
labor
lea d er,
administrator, and
community liaison.
She is the recipient
of numerous awards
including the Reed
L. Buffington Award
for Excellence in
Teaching and research grants from the
National Institutes of Health and the
National Endowment for the Humanities
Dr. Sperling earned her bachelor’s degree
and doctorate in anthropology from the
University of California Berkeley. She
has researched, published, and presented
on animal rights, history of evolutionary
science, and gender and race.
Obray Van Buren
grew up in south
Hayward
where
h e l i v e s t o d a y.
A graduate of
Tennys on Hig h
School, Mr. Van
Buren has spent a
lifetime in organized
labor improving
w o r k p l a c e
conditions for
people. He is a
more than 30-year
member of the
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 342, and works
as their Community Enhancement Officer. The
Alameda Central Labor Council named him
Unionist of the Year in 2013 for his tireless
service on behalf of others. Obray is a member of
the board of directors for Tri-CED Community
Recycling, Cypress Mandela Training Center,
and Oakland Workforce Investment Board. He
was honored at last year’s foundation gala with
the “Best Friends Forever” Award for service
above and beyond.
Connie Willis
serves
as
the
Chabot College
Vice President for
Administrative
Services. She is
an educator and
b u s i n e s s wo m a n ,
who earned a
b a ch e l o r
of
science in business
administration
and
m a s t e r ’s
degree in education.
Vice
President
Willis serves on the board of directors
of various local organizations including
the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. In
2013, the civic organization Black Women
Organized for Political Action honored
her for service to the community.
6
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
W
T TO
EN
CHABOT
Alumni Profile
Patterson Mayor Luis Molina was born in Fremont and raised in Union City’s Decoto neighborhood. He served
active duty as a U.S. Marine and participated in the first Gulf War – Desert Shield/Storm. After his military
service, Mayor Molina returned to the Bay Area and earned an Associate of Arts Degree in General Education
from Chabot College in 1995. He continued his education by transferring to California State University Hayward,
where in 1999, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Chicano Studies.
He was recognized as a Templeton Fellow for Community Service & Service Learning.
Mayor Molina has placed the expansion of educational opportunities for young people as the centerpiece of his
public service. His work ranges from assisting children prepare for kindergarten to providing mentoring and
guidance for the successful access and completion of a college education as they mature. He was elected Mayor
of Patterson in 2010, and reelected in 2012 and 2014. When not busy with his civic responsibilities, Mayor Molina
enjoys helping at his church, working with youth in the community, and developing new ideas to improve the quality
of life for all. He is married to Graciela Molina, and they live happily in the Central Valley town of Patterson.
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
7
Legacy Gifts Provide Bright Outcomes
A planned gift is a rewarding way to make a major impact
on the lives of students and in sustaining the innovative
programming offered at Chabot College. Planned gifts
are designed to unite your personal philanthropic and
financial goals. Some planned gifts, such as bequests,
require no outright funds at all. Other planned gifts,
including the charitable gift annuity, make it possible to
support Chabot College students, enjoy a tax deduction,
and receive a lifetime income at the same time.
With a legacy gift, you have the opportunity to invest
in a college experience like no other. Our exceptional
learning community has been sustained by the support
of community members, alumni, parents, faculty, staff,
and friends–––people like you.
We accept cash gifts, property other than cash such as
appreciated securities or real estate, collections of value
such as works of art, and life insurance. You can also
make a gift to Chabot College while retaining needed
income. All gifts are tax deductible, and subject to
current tax accounting limitations. Prospective donors
are encouraged to consult a qualified tax consultant
8
for more detailed information. Please contact us at
510-723-7091 or mochoa@chabotcollege.edu for more
information about planned giving opportunities.
One such legacy gift comes to us from Bertha “Berty”
Nebenzahl and her life partner Ruth Talley. Berty
and Ruth were longtime high school teachers in the
area. Their principal, when they first began teaching,
was Dr. Arthur Larson, who would go on to become
the Assistant Dean of Instruction at Chabot. Thus
began their relationship with the college. Over the
years, while they taught, they saved and invested a
portion of their salaries. Upon retirement, they enrolled
in classes at Chabot where the college endeared itself
to them. Ruth passed away in 2011, and Berty wanted
to commemorate their warm regard for the college in
a meaningful way that provided for students’ future
needs while studying at Chabot. She contacted the
college with the announcement of their $100,000 gift,
and we were able to create the necessary provisions for
Berty and Ruth’s legacy contribution to endure and to
enable Chabot students for decades into the future.
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
Honoring Dr. Reed L. Buffington
Celebrating the educational legacy of
Dr. Reed L. Buffington
Superintendent-President
South County Community College District
Sunday, April 12, 2015
1:30 p.m.
Reception to follow service

Chabot College
Reed L. Buffington Performing Art Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

For twenty years (1961-81), Dr. Reed L. Buffington was the
educational leader of the South County Community College
District, which later became the Chabot-Las Positas
Community College District. His vision and commitment to
community college education established the innovative
learning environments that exist on our campuses today.
Chabot College History Book
The Friends of Chabot College in
collaboration with the Hayward
Area Historical Society is working
on a pictorial history book of
our college. Arcadia Publishing,
renowned book press, known for its
emphasis on local history telling is
the book’s publisher, and will launch
the book as part of its College
History series.
If you have a photograph that you
would like considered for inclusion,
please contact us at 510-723-7091
or
mochoa@chabotcollege.edu.
All images which are contributed
for consideration will be scanned
and included in the historical
society’s electronic archive for future
generations to learn about Chabot
College. We look forward to having
the book launch party near the end
of the year.
Pictured here is former Director of
Special Student Services Fred Sims
with his wife Sheila on the occasion
of her graduation from Chabot
College in 1977.
The Chabot College history book
will contribute to the telling of the
campus’ history as well as the role
the community–––educators, public
officials, residents, and students–––
played in the establishment of our
school. Through the use of historical
images and descriptive captions, the
book will celebrate the generations
of students, professors, and events
that defined the founding, early
years, and ongoing successes
of Chabot College.
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
9
Thank You!
We thank you, the many, many generous donors, who made this first year (January 1 – December 31, 2014)
such a resounding success. Your support of Chabot College, its students and learning programs, has made
a huge difference and will ensure our future accomplishments. While we have spent time reviewing this list
of our supporters, should you identify an item that requires correction, please contact us 510-723-7091 or
mochoa@chabotcollege.edu, and we will respond.
Nurturing Learning – Scholarships Fund
AIG Grants Matching Program
Marilyn and Carl Baker-Madsen
Benevity Community Impact Fund
Martha Jo Cazenave
Marita and Frances Cheng
Delmo Della-Dora, Ph.D.
Marilyn Gee
Hon. Barbara Halliday
Annette Hodtwalker, C.P.A.
Arcelia Ledezma and John Garcia
Donna L. and Edward E. Martins
Foundation Inc.
Melinda Matsuda
Keith Harvey Mehls
Hon. Albert Mendall, III and
Kindra Mendall
Bertha “Berty” J. Nebenzahl
Christine V. Ochoa
María Ochoa, Ph.D.
Woody Phillips
Hon. William J. and
Laurel Burkinshaw Quirk
Mark and Leticia Salinas
John Peter Sands
Marion C. and John W. Sands
Katherine McKenney Shea
Alisha Shimada
Jordan Shimada
Rita M. Shue
Michael A. and Susan S. Sisneros
Mike Sweeney for Mayor Committee
U.A. Local Union No. 342 of the United
Association of Journeymen Plumbing
and Steamfitters
Hon. Richard Valle and Barbara Aro-Valle
Carmen Vaughn
Creating Change - Legacy Gifts
Jane D. Church in memory of Trustee Frederick L. Sullivan Jr.
Alison Lewis, Ph.D. in honor of Professor Diane Zuiliani
Ronald S. Moore in memory of Trustee Frederick L. Sullivan Jr.
Bertha “Berty” J. Nebenzahl and Ruth Talley
Charles C. and Norma M. Plummer in honor of Mrs. Robin Wilma
Celebration of Chabot College Firsts Gala
Dan A. Alex, Ph.D.
Ursula Batz
Robert E. and Elisabeth Hart Bathgate
Hon. Rob Bonta for Assembly 2014
Hon. Lisa Molina Brunner
California Bank & Trust
Robert Carlson, Ph.D. and
Linda Carlson
Nancy Cheung
Chapel of the Chimes
Construction and General Laborers
Local Union 304, AFL-CIO
Michael J. Costa
Susan A. Cota, Ph.D.
Hon. Deborah Rusk Cox
Chief Janeith Glenn Davis
Hon. Isobel Dvorsky
Delmo Della-Dora, Ph.D.
Kevin James Dowling
Julia Dozier
Jeanne Alessandra Duarte
Elite Food Services, Inc.
Fry Family Trust
Hon. Pat Gacoscos
Hon. Donald “Dobie” L. Gelles
10
Hon. Hal G. Gin, Ed.D. and
Rose Y. Gin, Pharm.D.
Hon. Barbara J. Halliday
Hayward Area Historical Society
Hayward Chamber of Commerce
Hayward Unified School District
Linda Hendley
Edward E. Horvath
Laurence Kim Huggett
Jannett N. Jackson, Ph.D.
Kathy G. Kelley
Ronald A. Kong, Ph.D.
Matthew Kritscher, Ed.D.
Las Positas College Foundation
Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Melinda Matsuda and Michael Pucci
Hon. Albert P. Mendall, III
New Haven Schools Foundation
Northern California Carpenters
Regional Council
Christine C. Ochoa
Christine V. Ochoa
Paul and Roselyn E. Perazzo
Hon. William J. and
Laurel Burkinshaw Quirk
Raja Sweets & Indian Cuisine
Hon. Doris J. Rodriquez
Stacy L. Rout-Thompson, Ed.D.
Leticia and Mark Salinas
Lori Salinas
Sheet Metal Workers’ International
Association, Local Union No. 104
Rita M. Shue
Laura Diogo Simpson
Susan Sperling, Ph.D. and
Marc Janowitz
Hon. Michael Sweeney
Teamsters’ Joint Council No. 7
Charitable Fund
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, Inc.
Tri-CED Economic Development
Corporation
U.A. Local Union No. 342 of the
United Association of Journeymen
Plumbing and Steamfitters
Carmen Vaughn
Hon. Carlo E. Vecchiarelli, Jr.
Eric and Carla Walter, Ph.D.
R.J. Wright
YCS & Associates
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
Celebration of
Chabot College Firsts
Gala Sponsors
Melinda Matsuda & Michael Pucci
Edward E. & Donna Martins
YCS & Associates • Frances & Marita Cheng
Dr. Hal & Rose Gin • Kim Huggett
Chabot College Office of Development and the Foundation • Newsletter • Spring 2015
11
2015
Contributing, while shopping
AmazonSmile is a simple and
automatic way for you to support
The Friends of Chabot College
every time you shop, at no
cost to you. When you shop at
smile.amazon.com, you’ll find
the exact same low prices, great
selection, and convenient shopping
experience as Amazon.com, with
the added bonus that Amazon will
donate a portion of the purchase
price to The Friends of Chabot
College. On your first visit to smile.
amazon.com, you need to search and
then select The Friends of Chabot
College as your designated charitable
organization to receive donations
from eligible purchases. Amazon
will remember your selection, and
then every eligible purchase you
make on AmazonSmile will result in
a contribution.
Foundation receives GuideStar Exchange
Bronze certification
so people can learn more about
our work on behalf of Chabot
College. The GuideStar Exchange
is an opportunity for The Friends
of Chabot College to show
commitment to transparency
and communicate directly with
stakeholders–––for FREE. Visit
h t t p : / / w w w. g u i d e s t a r. o r g
to learn more.
FR I
E ND
S
F
A
BO
EG
E
E
O
CH
Serving the communities of Hayward, Union
City, San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo,
Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview since 1961
TH
We are proud to report that The
Friends of Chabot College has
been designated as a Bronze
Level
certified
organization
with the highly regard charitable
clearinghouse GuideStar Exchange.
Each nonprofit in GuideStar’s
database has a report–––for
example, we have a web page on the
GuideStar site devoted entirely to
The Friends of Chabot College–––
T C OL
L
Chabot College is a proud member of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD)
whose Board of Trustees include: Dr. Arnulfo Cedillo, Isobel F. Dvorsky, Donald “Dobie” Gelles,
Dr. Hal G. Gin, William Macedo, Dr. Marshall Mitzman, and Carlo Vecchiarelli.
Dr. Jannett N. Jackson serves as CLPCCD Chancellor. Dr. Susan Sperling leads Chabot College as its President.
This newsletter was edited by María Ochoa, designed by Craig Shira, and printed/bound by Mark Richardson.