Barstow College Foundation

✨ Supporting Student Success. Celebrating Achievement. Strengthening Our Viking Legacy.

The latest edition of the BCC Newsletter highlights several exciting milestones for the Barstow College Foundation and the students we proudly support:

🎓 Congratulations to the 789 graduates celebrated during Barstow Community College's 66th Commencement Ceremony as they begin their next chapter.
💰 We were honored to recognize outstanding scholarship recipients whose academic achievement and determination continue to inspire our community.
🤝 Please join us in welcoming Lisa Kiplinger Kennedy as the new Executive Director of the Barstow College Foundation. We look forward to her leadership as we continue expanding opportunities for students and strengthening community partnerships.
🌟 Meet this month's Alumni Highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of a Viking whose journey demonstrates the lasting impact of a Barstow Community College education.
Together, we are investing in student success, honoring achievement, and building a stronger future for generations of Vikings to come.

📖 Read more in the latest BCC Newsletter: https://www.barstow.edu/newsletter

Tonight, the Barstow College Foundation proudly celebrated the achievements of our outstanding Barstow Community College students during the 2026 Scholarship Ceremony held in the BCC Performing Arts Center. 🎓✨
This year, 345 scholarship applications were submitted for 69 scholarships totaling more than $45,000.00 in awards — a true reflection of the dedication, perseverance, and promise of our Viking students.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous community and college scholarship donors whose continued support makes these opportunities possible. Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients — your hard work and determination continue to inspire us all! 💙

Tomorrow is the day!

Join us for the Barstow Community College's Virtual Alumni Panel & Q&A: Real Career Stories, Lessons & Advice.

Hear from alumni Michael Olguin and Paul Gutierrez as they share their career journeys and advice for students and young professionals.

This virtual event is open to students, alumni, and community members interested in learning from Barstow Community College graduates.

📅 April 22
⏰ 12–1 PM
💻 Virtual Event: www.barstow.edu/alumni-panel

We hope you’ll join the conversation!

Join us for the Virtual Alumni Panel & Q&A: Real Career Stories, Lessons & Advice, Lessons & Advice on April 22. This virtual event will feature two Barstow Community College alumni sharing their career journeys and advice for students.

📅 April 22
⏰ 12–1 PM
💻 Virtual event : https://ow.ly/BwVc50YCxvf

We are looking forward to hearing their experience in the worlds of Sports Media & PR!

Alumni Spotlight: Michael Olguin

Michael Olguin’s career journey started at Barstow Community College and led him to become the Founder and Chairman of Havas Formula, a global communications agency.

With more than 30 years of experience helping organizations build powerful brands and communication strategies, Michael has worked with companies around the world.

During the Panel, he’ll share his story, the lessons he learned along the way, and advice for students thinking about careers in marketing, communications, and business.

We’re excited to feature Michael Olguin, a distinguished panelist for the Virtual Alumni Panel & Q&A: Real Career Stories, Lessons & Advice.

Join us for this live virtual conversation and hear how Barstow alumni built careers across different industries.

📅 April 22
⏰ 12–1 PM
💻 Virtual Event : https://ow.ly/mufj50YCxve

The Barstow College Foundation, in partnership with Barstow Community College, proudly hosted the President’s Circle Luncheon on March 26—and it was truly a full house! With over 80 attendees and standing room only, the energy in the room showed just how much our community cares about student success.
Guests enjoyed an inspiring program featuring college leadership, community partners, and—most importantly—our amazing students. From the incredible success of our first CNA cohort (100% pass rate! 👏) to powerful student and alumni stories, the impact of education and support was on full display.
Highlights included:
✨ A special alumni story from Alicia Aguilar
✨ Student spotlights from MESA participants Ashley Lewis and Irving Cardenas
✨ An exciting drone presentation
✨ A beautiful piano performance by Ed Will
✨ A delicious lunch served by Barstow High School Culinary students
✨ And a magical performance by Red Lamb from The Little Mermaid
This event was a true celebration of partnership, philanthropy, and the bright future ahead for our students.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our incredible sponsors, donors, and community partners—you make this work possible. Together, we are investing in the future of Barstow! 💫

Want to know more about the Barstow College Foundation? Listen in as Executive Director, Elizabeth Hussey, and Board Director, Juan Rivera, talk with Highway Radio about all things Foundation, including the upcoming Golf Tournament:

https://www.barstow.edu/news/highway-station-interview-spotlight-barstow-community-college-foundation

The Highway Station Interview: Spotlight on the Barstow College Foundation | Barstow Community College Barstow College Foundation continues to prioritize student success and community growth through dedicated support and funding. In this interview, Executive Director Elizabeth Hulsey and Board Member Juan Rivera join John "The Van Guy" on The Highway Station to discuss the foundation's vital role and...

February was a meaningful month at Barstow Community College as we celebrated Black History Month under the theme Black Excellence: Everybody’s Business. From engaging discussions and workshops to a library display and a Unity Through Community Cookout hosted by our Black Student Union, our campus community came together to honor culture, history, and the voices that strengthen us all.
This issue also highlights Viking excellence on and off the court. Under first-year Head Coach Nick Hilton, our Men’s Basketball program continues to raise the bar — earning an impressive 3.67 team GPA while competing at a high level. Sophomore Peter Oguama also received All-Conference recognition, reflecting the leadership and dedication defining this season. We’re also proud to spotlight Professor Denise Pasley for nearly 20 years of dedication to our business program and student success.

Plus, read about our $750,000 federal award to expand rural mental health services, upcoming Foundation events, and student leadership opportunities that continue to build bright futures for every Viking.

Check it out and celebrate the incredible work happening across Viking Nation! 💙💛
https://www.barstow.edu/bcc_newsletter