Impact Report: Year-End 2020

Tom Mohr

Tom Mohr: In Memoriam

In honor of her beloved husband, Tom, Sandy Mohr generously established the Thomas C. Mohr Memorial Scholarship to support students throughout the San Mateo County Community College District. The scholarship is a touching memorial to Tom’s long relationship with the District and its three colleges. It will be awarded to students who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their educational goals, particularly those in the Guardian Scholars and Project Change programs.

A former educator herself, Sandy, like Tom, recognizes that so many young people don’t receive the start in life that can propel them to success. “When Tom became part of the SMCCCD, he realized that the young people attending Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College really needed additional support to complete college, begin their careers, and look forward to their lives ahead. This scholarship is focused on students who might not otherwise receive financial aid, such as those with a low grade point average. He would be delighted that these young people will receive the help they need to succeed in college. We often forgot that there are many outside influences which affect whether students need financial assistance and I’m thrilled to be able help in this way, in his name.”

Tom’s life was filled with family and friends who loved and cherished him and who he loved and supported. He was a mentor to countless teachers and educational professionals throughout this District and the county, an advocate for equity, diversity, fairness, and social justice, and a man of deep integrity and compassion. He was a true humanitarian.

Over the course of his life, Tom served as President of Cañada College for six years, an SMCCCD Trustee for four years, and a member of the SMCCCF Board of Directors for three years. Tom had unwavering principles in protecting and promoting the needs of underserved, disadvantaged, and marginalized people throughout the community and he never lost sight of the need to have tough conversations and make difficult decisions in order to do the right thing to help people. Always a perpetual student, Tom was a voracious reader and consumer of information and he was learning until his last day. In those rare moments of quiet time, Tom enjoyed watching Cal football, hiking, exploring the coast, fishing, playing with his dog, connecting with friends and, of course, consuming any desserts or sweet foods that he could get his hands on.

Tom is greatly missed by all who knew him at the Foundation and throughout the District.

Tom's obituary may be found here.

To donate to the Thomas C. Mohr Memorial Scholarship, click the "Donate" button in the top, right-hand corner of this page (foundation.smccd.edu/donate), click “Other” in the “Designation” drop box, and write “Thomas C. Mohr Memorial Scholarship” in the “other designation” box.