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Tom Garey (left); Kirsten McLaughlin, Judy Garey, and Scott Garey

The Garey family’s dedication and generosity are inspiring

Charles Thomson Garey, lovingly known as Tom, served as the Director of Design and Technology for the SBCC Theatre Department from 1975–2011. He also taught a number of theatre courses, served for many years as department chair and on the board of the faculty association, and was academic senate president. Tom was active in all aspects of campus life.

Judy Garey says she and Tom both spent their careers teaching at community colleges. She taught as an adjunct faculty member for the SBCC Theatre Department between 1975–1990 and then served as a full-time theatre department faculty member at Ventura College for 22 years. Judy strongly believes in the importance of community colleges and generously supports the SBCC Foundation’s work.

“Tom and I supported countless students through community college programs and watched them flourish in this environment,” Judy said.

Recently, a new sign was installed above the door of the Tom Garey Scene Studio Office, located in the Garvin Theatre.

“Tom’s first office was in the scene shop,” Judy said. “It’s meaningful that the office should be named in his honor and commemorate his many years of dedication and service to the SBCC theatre department.”

Kirsten McLaughlin, Tom and Judy’s daughter, agrees. “SBCC has always been a part of my life, and holds a special place in my heart,” Kirsten said. “It’s a privilege to honor my dad’s legacy by supporting SBCC and the Foundation, and the incredible work they do.”

A full house of families and friends showed up for SBCC’s 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 23 at La Playa Stadium. The College conferred more than 3,833 degrees to around 1,535 graduates, including many SBCC Promise students, across a wide range of disciplines. They were recognized for their academic accomplishments and resilience.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for and supported the 6^th annual Spring Forward! Gala — 300 guests gathered from near and far for a beautiful evening celebrating Santa Barbara City College and raising nearly $400,000 for the SBCC Promise, student support programs, scholarships, emergency grants, and more.

Guests arrived dressed in their best “Bond Style” and enjoyed a James Bond-themed cocktail reception with curated signature drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a delectable multi-course dinner, breathtaking views and dancing under the stars.

The event featured music by award-winning DJ Darla Bea (an SBCC alumna), wines by event sponsor Margerum Wine Company, and Milpas Motors Bond-themed vintage vehicles.

We are grateful to all of the generous sponsors, donors, and guests who made the gala a success!

Guests at the annual Rotary Club of Montecito Scholarship Luncheon at SBCC

Congrats to all of the SBCC students who received scholarships from the Montecito Rotary Club in partnership with the SBCC Foundation!

The eleven standout students, who each received a $1,250 scholarship and are pursuing their studies in a career technical education program, were honored at a luncheon in the SBCC John Dunn Gourmet Dining Room this spring. Their fields of study include early childhood education, construction technology, nursing, radiography, cosmetology, and graphic design.

Students were selected from among SBCC’s more than 60 Career Technical Education programs. Faculty nominated students who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and service to their classroom, campus, or community.
We are thankful to the Rotary Club of Montecito for their commitment to SBCC students. The Club has generously supported scholarships to SBCC’s Career Technical Education students for nearly 30 years!

Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients: Liza Breitenstein, Letty Castro, Jacki Dickson, Jordin Fry, Ashley Gonzalez, Kathryn Lape, Victor Hernandez Martinez, Ivette Muñoz, Sylvia Stewart, Francesca Todarello, and Martin Tiernan.

Scholarship recipient Liza Breitenstein (middle) recognized at the Rotary Club of Montecito Scholarship Luncheon, with Rotary Club President Kim Stone and
SBCC Medical Imaging Sciences Department Chair/Director Bruce Oda

Liza Breitenstein is an outstanding student in the SBCC Radiologic Technology program at SBCC. She is also a wife, a mom of four, and a grandmother. Having waited until her youngest child started high school to apply for the radiology program, she found herself on the waitlist for four years before getting into the program. This was actually good timing she says, because her youngest is now 19 years old and a sophomore at UC Irvine.

“I have been interested in radiology for around 15 years,” Liza said. “But I focused on my family and told myself that one day, when the time is right, I would go back to school.” Now is the time, and she is thrilled to be halfway through the two-year program! She’s learned a lot, and has been interning at Cottage Hospital over the past year.

Liza had to resign from her full-time job to enter the program and pursue her dream of becoming a radiologic technologist. Thankfully, she was recently awarded two scholarships through the SBCC Foundation, one in partnership with the Rotary Club of Montecito. She’s excited to earn her associate in science degree next year.

Liza says her family has been very supportive of her decision to come back to school. “I appreciate them so much,” she said. “My kids say I inspire them, and that means the world to me.”

Liza shared her story at this year’s Spring Forward! Gala on May 17.