A Season of Celebration

As I mark almost two years of serving as president and CEO of Mt. San Antonio College,  I feel tremendous pride in leading California's fourth largest community college. This past academic year, we served 70,000 students, more than half of those noncredit, and continued work on a new Education and Facilities Plan called Mt. SAC 2035. This strategic blueprint will drive efforts to serve our students for the next 10 years.  Crafted through a DEISA+ and healing-centered lens, it leads to the accomplishment of the College's vision, mission and values through long-term goals and shared measures of success. 

While I definitely enjoy the excitement of the start of the school year in the Fall,  Spring is one of my favorite times. The season brings with it a feeling of renewal and hope as well as the opportunity to reflect on past year's achievements and look ahead to the future. One of the most joyful parts for me is when we celebrate the many accomplishments of our Mt. SAC students. Whether it is earning a high school diploma as an adult learner, transferring to a four-year university, or completing a career technical education certificate, our students continue to inspire us with their determination and drive.

This season of celebration reaches its peak with Commencement—an incredibly special day for our students, their families, and the Mt. SAC. It is a time when we proudly recognize the hard work, resilience, and personal triumphs that have led our students to this milestone moment.

I am especially moved by the stories of perseverance that remind us of the transformative power of education. One such story is that of Uriel Castro, a student who, at the age of 32, will be receiving his high school diploma this June. Uriel’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the opportunities that Mt. SAC provides to those who dare to dream of a better future.

As you explore this issue of Trailblazer, I invite you to learn more about Uriel and the Adult Diploma Program that helped open new doors in his life. You will also meet our inspiring 2025 Alumnus of the Year, Urel Martinez, who is living his dream as a leader in the professional sports world with the L.A. Galaxy.

This issue also highlights how Mt. SAC continues to lead the way in career technical education. From launching our very own Bachelor of Science degree in Histotechnology this Fall to the growing success of our Wildland Fire Technology program, we are proud to create life-changing opportunities for our students and serve the evolving needs of our region.

Thank you for being part of the Mt. SAC community. I hope you enjoy reading about the remarkable people and programs that make our college such a vibrant and empowering place.

With gratitude,
Dr. Martha Garcia
President/CEO

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Mt. SAC's Own Bachelor's Degree