What do a Police Chief, two Educators, and a Major League Baseball Player have in Common?
They all got their start at Golden West College.
On Thursday October 25, the Golden West College Foundation held its annual Courtyard of Honor Ceremony to thank donors and recognize successful alumni.
When President Wes Bryan opened the ceremony, he stated that this is his favorite event because, “This event is where it all comes full circle. It celebrates what individuals did with their education and thanks those who help make it possible.”
This year, four alumni received an Alumni Pillar of Achievement. The honorees were Kevin Elster, Major League Baseball Player (retired), Rick Lara, educator and coach, Chief Todd Mattern, Chief of Police, City of Los Alamitos, and Brandee Williams, educator. All four alumni attributed their success to a great start at Golden West, naming faculty and coaches who made a difference in their lives.
Two Pillars of Support were added this year– The Coast Community College District Foundation Pillar, and The Wells Fargo Pillar. A Pillar of Support represents a cash gift from an individual or business of $25,000 or more.
The Premier Pillar of Support, is a new donor category, introduced last March at the GWC Gala, for individuals and businesses which have donated $100,000 or more to Golden West College. Seven Premier donors were recognized at the ceremony– Elmore Toyota, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, McBeth Foundation, Robert and Kathy Smith, Southern California Edison, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., and Union Bank. They are designated on campus with a “Premier Bronze Seal” on their existing Pillar of Support and a bronze plate on the donor wall.
The California New Car Dealers Association, Huntington Beach Art League, and Southland Industries were also acknowledged for moving up to the level of Golden Society ($10,000 to $24,999) on the Courtyard Donor Wall.
President Bryan closed the ceremony by saying, “Remember – at the start I told you this was my favorite event – now I am guessing you know why. It is a true celebration of the best work we do together.”
