Quick FACTS
STUDENTS SERVED
WHERE ARE OUR STUDENTS FROM?
CLIFF CAMPUS
GREAT PLACE TO WORK
To Our COMMUNITY
As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the future, it is with great pride that we present the 2023-24 Annual Report for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), a nationally top-ranked community college. This year’s theme — stability, strength, and leadership — captures the essence of what SBCC stands for and the direction in which we are heading.
A YEAR OF STABILITY
In a time when change seems to be the only constant, SBCC has remained a pillar of stability for our students, faculty, staff and the broader community. We have navigated the challenges of recent years with resilience, ensuring that the college remains a steadfast source of high-quality education and support. This stability is not merely a matter of maintaining the status quo but also a reflection of our commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation in an ever-evolving world.
Our stability is underpinned by the SBCC Foundation and the success of initiatives like the SBCC Promise, which relies entirely on generous donors. The SBCC Promise continues to thrive, offering every recent local high school graduate the opportunity to attend SBCC with all costs covered. The SBCC Promise embodies our commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable, ensuring that every student has the chance to pursue their dreams.
SBCC: STRONG AND HERE TO STAY
The strength of SBCC lies in its people: our dedicated team, determined students and supportive community partners. Over the past year, we have seen remarkable achievements that underscore this strength. Our commitment to leadership in education is unwavering. We are here to stay, and we are here to lead. This leadership is evident in the
ways we have adapted to new educational landscapes, embraced technology, and fostered a culture of inclusivity and diversity. SBCC is not just a place of learning; it is a place where future leaders are shaped and where the seeds of innovation are planted.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: ENHANCING OUR FACILITIES
While we have much to be proud of, we also recognize that there is room for growth. One of the key areas on which we must focus our efforts is in the enhancement of our facilities. Our current infrastructure has served us well, but as we look to the future, it is clear that we need state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to fully realize our potential and to help our students reach theirs. And to that end, we need to expand our capacity to be a resiliency hub for South Santa Barbara County in preparation for the inevitable next natural disaster.
The SBCC Promise has demonstrated what is possible when we invest in our students. Now, we must make similar investments in our physical infrastructure. Fixing our facilities is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about providing our students with the environment and tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. Whether it’s modernizing classrooms, advancing our solar energy support or simply paving our roads, our students deserve the best — and we are committed to making that a reality.
LEADERSHIP: GUIDING US FORWARD
As we move forward, the leadership at SBCC and the SBCC Foundation remain dedicated to guiding our institutions with vision and purpose. We want to thank each and every member of our community for their hard work, passion and commitment from which we achieved so much. Together, we will continue to build on our stability, strength and leadership, ensuring that SBCC remains a place where dreams are realized and futures are forged.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to Santa Barbara City College.
In Community,
Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. Bobbi Abram Superintendent/President Chief Executive Officer Santa Barbara City College SBCC Foundation
Highlights & MILESTONES
50 YEARS OF STUDY ABROAD
In October, SBCC and the SBCC Foundation hosted a celebration commemorating the 50-year anniversary of its Study Abroad program, which has afforded over 6,000 college students (since its inception) the invaluable opportunity to visit and learn in countries outside of the U.S. Close to 100 SBCC faculty members have served as program directors for the trips and have developed curriculum and agendas for the excursions.
SBCC NURSES TAKE CARE IN THE WORKFORCE
SBCC School of Nursing programs are top ranked in the nation and graduates achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) this past March. The variety of nursing programs and skilled faculty and staff help produce our region’s nurses as Cottage Health and Sansum Clinic, now part of Sutter Health, hire 80 percent of SBCC Nursing Program graduates — creating a stronger, local workforce pipeline caring for those in need. Thank you, to the incredible students, faculty and staff, in addition to our community partners.
NEW MURAL OFFERS HISTORIC PERSPECTIVES OF THE GREATER AAPI+ COMMUNITY
In October, SBCC unveiled a newly-painted mural at the Campus Center, dedicated to Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (AAPI+) heritage in the U.S. The project was conceived, designed and painted via a partnership between SBCC’s Asian American, Pacific lslander-plus (AAPI+) staff and faculty group; the SBCC Asian Student Union; and Twin Walls Mural Company. The mural serves as a visual reminder of the importance of the AAPI+ community on and off campus.
FIRST-EVER GAYPRIL ON CAMPUS CELEBRATES PRIDE AND THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
The new SBCC Pride Programs hosted the first ever GAYpril on campus, with events centered on LGBTQ+ Vaqueros. Spanning from community collaborations, a state of the community discussion titled “Conversation about Wellbeing,” the raising of the first ever PRIDE Progress Flag on campus, and several other impactful events — the Pride Programs brought LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion to the campus. Because the academic year ends before June — the national Pride Month — SBCC organizes GAYpril events and activities during the month of April for all students to celebrate.
MORE THAN 550 LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS REGISTER AT SBCC PROMISE RALLY
The Family Engagement Resource Fairs in April provided free family-focused events filled with delicious food, activities and resources for families in greater Santa Barbara. As a preventative measure led by County of Santa Barbara (COSB) Probation, events happened county-wide at Allan Hancock campuses as well as Santa Barbara City College. Community partners included the COSB, COSB Probation Department, COSB Social Services, COSB Public Health, COSB Behavioral Wellness, Allan Hancock College, SBCC and many others.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT RESOURCE FAIR PROVIDES COMMUNITY FUN FOR ALL
The Family Engagement Resource Fairs in April provided free family-focused events filled with delicious food, activities, and resources for families in greater Santa Barbara. As a preventative measure led by County of Santa Barbara (COSB) Probation, events happened county-wide at Allan Hancock campuses and Santa Barbara City College. Community partners included the COSB, COSB Probation Department, COSB Social Services, COSB Public Health, COSB Behavioral Wellness, Allan Hancock College, SBCC and many others.
Highlights & MILESTONES
NEW CHUMASH SIGNAGE INSTALLATION EDUCATES AND INFORMS CAMPUS COMMUNITY
In May, SBCC and the Chumash Signage Project committee unveiled the Chumash Signage Project, a new installation added to the West Cliff Campus bluffs. The series of educational signs cover a wide range of topics from history, language, and art as well as more recent history of colonization and the ways Chumash people continue to resist and thrive.
MELISSA MENENDEZ, PH.D., RECEIVES HAYWARD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
English professor and founder of the ¡Raíces: First Year and Beyond! program at SBCC, Melissa Menendez, Ph.D, was awarded the prestigious Hayward Award for “Excellence in Education” by the Academic Senate of California Community Colleges (ASCCC) in March and is the 11th SBCC Faculty and first latina at SBCC to receive the prestigious award. Menendez was selected along with only three other community college faculty members statewide.
Menendez, who has taught English at SBCC since 2006, was chosen for her commitment to the campus community through her leadership within the Raíces program, for which she is a mentor to both students and staff. Raíces was developed by a Title V HSI Grant awarded to SBCC in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Education, and serves SBCC’s current Hispanic student population of 41.6 percent.
Through her work in the classroom as well as creating programs to support Latiné students through Raíces and its student support initiatives, Menendez has worked to create an environment where minority groups on campus can thrive and succeed.
“It comes from those experiences that I had growing up and from wanting to change what higher education can be,” Menendez said. “So that it truly is more inclusive and not just a word that’s used but an actual space that provides institutional support so that all students can thrive and not just survive.” — Melissa Menendez, Ph.d.
SBCC
PROMISE
In 2016, the Foundation launched the SBCC Promise, offering all recent, local high school graduates the opportunity to attend SBCC full-time at no cost. The SBCC Promise relies entirely on private support and covers all required fees, books and supplies for up to two years. By removing financial barriers, the SBCC Promise ensures that SBCC’s life-changing educational programs are fully accessible to all local students.
Brisa Alonso Perez got a head start at SBCC by attending as a Dual Enrollment student while she was at San Marcos High School. She started full-time in 2022 as an SBCC Promise student.
“During my two years at SBCC, I was able to earn four associate degrees,” Brisa said. “The SBCC Promise provided me with a big advantage, as I received an outstanding college education without having to worry about how I would afford it. By covering all of the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, the program took a huge weight off of me and my parents’ shoulders.”
Brisa says she had amazing professors and counselors at SBCC who guided and supported her throughout her college journey so far. She was able to build relationships and enjoy support from people she knows will always be there for her.
“I truly enjoyed my time at SBCC,” she said. “Not only because of the beautiful campus, but also because of the community. I had great professors who care about their students, and I was surrounded by knowledgeable and supportive staff who helped me get into amazing universities.” Brisa transferred to UC Santa Barbara this fall.
7,000
$1,073,900
Amount the SBCC Foundation awarded in scholarships to more than 800 SBCC students for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Number of students who have participated in SBCC Promise since it was launched in 2016.
2,000
Record number of students enrolled in SBCC Promise for Fall 2024.
1,547
Number of graduating students in 2023-2024.
2,597
Number of degrees awarded in 2023-2024.
83%
Successful course completion rate.
“SBCC holds a special place in my journey, and I am grateful for the foundation it provided me to pursue my dreams and build a fulfilling life here in Santa Barbara.” — Edgar Alvarez, SBCC Alum
DUAL ENROLLMENT
After graduation, many high school students who participate in Dual Enrollment continue to attend college full-time as SBCC Promise students. The credits they have earned while in high school allow them to maximize their time supported by the SBCC Promise and complete their educational goals.
SBCC’s Dual Enrollment program, in partnership with K-12 districts, provides eligible students with the opportunity to begin their college careers while paying no tuition for college classes. High school students can earn college and high school credits at the same time when they take classes at SBCC, take SBCC classes at their high school and take SBCC classes online.
The work of the SBCC Dual Enrollment Program is rooted in efforts to increase career and college readiness, achieve educational equity and increase access to post-secondary education. As the first point of entry to post-secondary education at SBCC, dual enrollment partnerships ease the transition to college so that high school students can experience empowering, encouraging and transformative experiences of college life. They also have multiple opportunities to successfully earn college and high school credit before completing their high school education.
3,646 3,959 28%
Percentage of growth in Dual Enrollment students since 2019.
BASIC NEEDS
32,933
Number of Food Pantry visits for students, staff, faculty and community members.
112,570
Pounds of food distributed at Cliff Campus.
41,625
Pounds of food distributed at SEL campus.
Donor SPOTLIGHT
SBCC FOUNDATION DONORS
LESLIE MEADOWCROFT-SCHIPPER & FRANK SCHIPPER
Leslie Meadowcroft-Schipper and Frank Schipper are longtime supporters and alumni of SBCC. They’ve also served as leaders in expanding educational opportunities in our community and championing vocational school programs.
In 2000, Leslie founded TRADART Foundation, bringing back the once lauded industrial arts programs to the Santa Barbara public education system. She and fellow board members launched the Tools for Schools Program, which maintains the vitality and direction of six local woodshop classes in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Today the woodshop classes are at capacity, and offer skills-based instruction to junior and senior high school students, including dual enrollment classes through Santa Barbara City College.
Frank contributed much to TRADART over the years. Before he retired, Frank created and ran the largest local open-shop commercial building company called Frank Schipper Construction Co. It is now an employeeowned business. He was also instrumental in starting the Construction Technology Program at SBCC and served on the Board of Directors for the SBCC Foundation until 2019.
“Santa Barbara City College is a vital part of our community, offering people from all walks of life access to educational programs that
help them build their lives and livelihoods,” Leslie said.
Frank agreed, and added that the SBCC Foundation makes it possible for more students to take advantage of the lifechanging opportunities at the college. “Thanks to the SBCC Promise, scholarships, and other critical support programs, many students who don’t see themselves as ready to go to college are able to enroll and pursue their goals,” he said.
Leslie and Frank are committed to ensuring that SBCC remains an extraordinary college that offers opportunity for all, so they are members of the SBCC Foundation President’s Circle, and have also provided for SBCC in their estate plans.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SBCC
By making a gift to the SBCC Foundation, you help ensure that students have access to an outstanding higher education. The generosity of donors goes a long way toward maintaining excellence at SBCC, and provides funding for student success programs, the SBCC Promise, scholarships and books grants, and more.
There are many ways to support SBCC and provide the gift of opportunity to students, now and in the future. Please visit sbccfoundation.org to learn more.
Special Events & FUNDRAISERS
SBCC FOUNDATION SPRING FORWARD! GALA
More than 300 guests came out to celebrate and support Santa Barbara City College at the SBCC Foundation’s 5th Annual Spring Forward! Gala on May 4, on the beautiful Great Meadow of SBCC’s West Campus. Everyone enjoyed the spectacular venue overlooking the ocean and helped raise funds for the SBCC Promise, student success programs, scholarships, emergency grants and more. The outpouring of support was incredible, and shows once again how vital SBCC is to our community.
“It was an inspiring evening, as we gathered to celebrate SBCC and student success,” said Bobbi Abram, CEO of the SBCC Foundation. “We are grateful to all of the generous sponsors, donors and guests for making it a special and memorable event.”
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE FALL RECEPTION
Approximately 75 guests enjoyed a lovely evening on the Garvin Theatre Patio at
the 2023 SBCC Foundation President’s Circle Fall Reception.
The President’s Circle provides the core support that makes the Foundation’s work possible through annual gifts of unrestricted funds. Special events for members included an exclusive visit to SBCC’s Atkinson Gallery, a reception and performance by the Theatre Group at SBCC, campus tours, and the fall reception on the Garvin Theatre patio. Members have opportunities to connect with college leaders, students, and faculty and receive regular updates about the college.
Madeleine Jacobson, Bobbi Abram, and Erika Endrijonas at the Spring Forward! Gala.
Looking AHEAD
SBCC AS A RESILIENCY HUB FOR THE COMMUNITY
“Everyone at Montecito Union School thanks the big-hearted SBCC family. They helped our Mustangs stand tall during some challenging times, and we are so appreciative!”
— Anthony Ranii, Superintendent, Montecito Union School District
A resiliency hub at Santa Barbara City College serves as a critical resource for both the college and the greater Santa Barbara community, particularly in the face of increasing natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes and atmospheric rivers that produce floods. A resiliency hub is designed to enhance the community's ability to withstand, respond to, and recover from these events by providing a centralized location for essential services and resources.
For SBCC, a resiliency hub could mean ensuring that the campus is equipped with the infrastructure and systems necessary to support not only its students, faculty and staff, but also the broader community during emergencies. This could include backup power systems, emergency shelters, food and water supplies, medical care and communication tools to keep everyone informed and connected.
For the greater Santa Barbara community, the hub would act as a lifeline, offering a safe haven and a place to coordinate relief efforts. This happened during the January 9, 2018, Debris Flow and Thomas Fire where SBCC supported first responders, and housed the Red Cross shelter and Montecito Union School. In these times of crisis, the hub could facilitate the distribution of supplies, provide shelter for those displaced by disasters, and serve as a command center for first responders and community leaders to strategize and deploy resources efficiently.
The establishment of a resiliency hub at SBCC underscores the college's commitment to not only education but also the wellbeing of the community. It would embody the principles of preparedness, adaptability and community support, ensuring that both the college and Santa Barbara are better equipped to face the challenges posed by an increasingly unpredictable natural environment.
Our LEADERSHIP
SBCC EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. Superintendent/President
Paloma Arnold
Assistant Superintendent/ Vice President, Student Affairs
Brian Fahenstock
Interim - Assistant Superintendent/ Vice President, Business Services
Jordan Killebrew
Executive Director, Public Affairs and Communications
Daniel Le Guen-Schmidt
Assistant Superintendent/ Vice President, Human Resources
Keller Magneau, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Institutional Research and Planning
Dean Nevins, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Information Technology/CISO
Carola Smith
Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, School of Extended Learning
María L. Villagómez, M.A., M.A. Ed.D
Assistant Superintendent/ Vice President, Academic Affairs
Leadership team as of October 1, 2024
SBCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jonathan Abboud (Area 6) President
Dr. Anna Everett (Area 4) Vice President
Marsha Croninger (Area 5)
Veronica Gallardo (Area 3)
Charlotte Gullap-Moore, DNP (Area 1)
Sophia Kofoed (Student Trustee 2023-2024)
Robert K. Miller (Area 2)
Ben Tan (Student Trustee 2023-2025)
SBCC FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Bobbi Abram Chief Executive Officer
Rachel Johnson Chief Program Officer
Jennifer LeMay Director of Marketing and Communications
Zorana Morris Chief Financial Officer
Dawn Sanchez Executive Assistant
Sarah Stretz Chief Development Officer
SBCC FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wendy Read, J.D. President
Paul Menzel President-elect
Laurie Ashton, J.D. Vice President
Michelle Lee Pickett, J.D. Treasurer
Rachel Kaganoff Secretary
Sarah de Tagyos
Roger Durling
Madeleine Jacobson
Carola Nicholson
Susan Silver
Frank Tabar
SBCC FOUNDATION EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS
Paloma Arnold Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D.
Sophia Kofoed, SBCC ASG President
Robert K. Miller
Carola Smith
Joshua Ramirez, Ph.D.
SBCC FOUNDATION EMERITUS MEMBERS
Stan Fishman
Jane Habermann
Perri Harcourt
Len Jarrott
Morrie Jurkowitz
Steve Lew
Peter MacDougall, Ed.D.
John Romo
Suzi Schomer
IN MEMORIAM
Gertrude Calden (1909-2001)
Silvio Di Loreto (1925-2017)
Eli Luria (1919-2006)
Paul Ridley-Tree (1916–2005)
Michael Towbes (1929-2017)
Sam Wake (1915–2008)
