Panther Prints - Fall 2025
Alumni Newsletter
Welcome Message from Jessica Falor-Ward, Regional Director of Philanthropy
Hello Panthers,
It’s a busy and beautiful season here at SCC. Our students are working hard, our classrooms are full of possibility, and I’m constantly inspired by what I get to witness every day. What stands out most right now is how SCC is responding — not just with classes and programs, but with real care.
Panther Cares is making sure students have access to food, emergency support, and dignity as they pursue their education. It’s not flashy, but it is life-changing. A bag of groceries, an emergency grant, or even a warm welcome in the pantry can be the difference between staying in school or stepping away. I’ve seen it. Many of you have lived it.
As we head into the holiday season, I invite you to support what matters most to you, whether that’s basic needs, scholarships, transfer support, or a specific program that shaped your path. Your generosity continues to be the bridge that keeps students moving forward.
Thank you for being part of this work. Once a Panther, always a Panther.
Warmly,
Jessica
Panther Cares: Supporting Students When It Matters Most
The Panther Cares Center has been full of activity this semester as the team ramps up emergency food and resource services to meet growing student needs. In just the last two weeks, they’ve more than doubled the usual number of food boxes distributed—ensuring students don’t have to struggle alone.
All enrolled students can access free, confidential support for food, essentials, and resources. Many may also qualify for a Student Emergency Fund grant of up to $500 to help them stay on track when unexpected crises arise.
Alumni can play an important role in this effort. If you’re able to help, consider:
- Dropping off reusable shopping bags
- Contributing to the Student Emergency Fund to directly support students in urgent need
Together, we can keep SCC’s tradition of care strong and ensure every Panther has the support they need to succeed.
Alumni Spotlight: Steve Wittmann
We are proud to feature Sacramento City College alumnus Steve Wittmann, whose remarkable journey spans six decades of learning, activism, public service, and now, returning to SCC as an art student. In a deeply thoughtful Q&A, Steve reflects on arriving at City College in 1967, finding his voice during a period of national change, and carrying those lessons into a lifetime of advocacy and civic engagement.
Steve shares how SCC became part of his family’s story, how the campus community helped shape his early adulthood, and how the values he learned here continue to guide him. Today, he gives back as a supporter of the Student Emergency Fund, driven by a belief that no student should lose their educational path because of an unexpected crisis.
Giving Tuesday is December 2!
Give Students Stability When Crisis Strikes — Support the Student Emergency Fund This Giving Tuesday
Every day, Los Rios students work tirelessly to build a better future for themselves, and their families. But for many, even a single unexpected expense like a medical bill, a car repair, or a rent increase can threaten their ability to stay in school.
As one donor shared, “There will always be crises, emergencies, and setbacks that risk interrupting students’ progress… The Emergency Fund assistance could mean a student doesn’t drop out or even miss a class.”
The Student Emergency Fund provides fast, flexible, one-time support when students need it most. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 20,000 students have received critical support, but with public relief funding now gone, the need for community support is greater than ever.
The reality our Los Rios students face is urgent:
- 45% are low-income or below the poverty line
- 42% struggle to afford food
- 46% have difficulty paying for housing and utilities
- 14% have experienced homelessness
- 27% are single parents
- 100% are facing a financial emergency when they reach out for help
This Giving Tuesday, you can ensure that a single unexpected expense doesn’t become an educational roadblock. Your gift provides stability and the chance to stay on track toward a brighter future.
Give today — and help Los Rios students continue their education, no matter what challenges arise.
SCC Joins Nationwide Institute on AI in Education
Sacramento City College is one of a handful of community colleges selected for a yearlong Institute on AI, Pedagogy and Curriculum. In all, 192 teams from 176 institutions across the U.S. are participating in the program, hosted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).
The fully online institute will help departments, programs, colleges, and universities respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents for courses, curricula, and higher education in general. The institute launched with a kickoff in September and will conclude with a closing capstone event on April 6–7, 2026. Participating teams will engage via virtual events, mentoring, and other interactions as they develop and implement AI action plans for their classrooms, curricula, and campuses.
Once a Panther, Forever a Panther
Join the SCC Alumni Association!
Remember how you felt when you first started college—possibly nervous, shy and a little apprehensive? Assess how you feel now—confident, eager and looking forward to the future? Join others who feel the same way and help those who are still working to get there! As a Sacramento City College alum, you are part of the SCC family and it is our goal to keep you connected once you transition to a career and/or transfer to another educational institution. Your relationship with SCC does not have to end after you leave.
Learn more and join the Alumni Association!
Membership in the Alumni Association is free.
Share your story!
Whether you walked in graduation or just took a few classes that made an impact, we want to hear from you. Share your experience with us and you could be featured in one of our student profiles!