A Gift That Changes Lives – The Impact of Donating to the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation

 November 13th, 2024

 

Patricia Siguenza

 

I see young adults that do not have the ability to afford college, even though they have the desire.

- Patricia Siguenza

Reflecting on the early days of the SMCCC Alumni Council,  Patty talks about the joy she found reviewing scholarship applications; how hopeful she felt as she interviewed students, and then how moved she was as they built an alumni network from the ground up. It was rewarding to support the mission of the colleges, and create opportunities for future Bulldogs, Skyline Trojans, and Cañada Colts. Given the demands on her time leading BioAnalytical Sciences for Genentech, it felt like more than enough responsibility for one person.

Still, when she was approached to join the SMCCC Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2019, she immediately accepted.

Patty considers it a privilege to fundraise and steward the Foundation’s resources for today’s students. Establishing the Oscar Siguenza Memorial Scholarship Fund, was a natural outcome of that work. It allowed her to directly impact the lives of students.

Named after Patty’s father, Oscar Siguenza was an educator in their native El Salvador. After emigrating to the United States, both he and her mother worked multiple jobs, to support their young family. Eventually, Oscar joined the San Mato County Community College District’s facilities crew. While some may have been bitter about the change in career due to circumstances, Patty says her father was always proud of the work he did within the district and how it enhanced the learning environment. Patty recalls how proud he was when she enrolled as a student at CSM and began her own academic journey. Then the way he celebrated his wife, when she too enrolled at CSM, taking classes alongside their teenage daughter. Clearly, Oscar’s love of learning influenced all who knew him. Fortunately for San Mateo’s youth, Oscar’s love of teaching never wavered. He eventually returned to teaching – Spanish, at two local schools. Teaching positions he held until his passing.

To date, more than $15,000 has been awarded in scholarships because of Patty’s generosity. If you would like to donate to the Oscar Siguenza Memorial Scholarship Fund, click here.

“If you ever want to see the impact your gift has on a student’s life, join me at the Scholarship Award Ceremony in April. It’s incredibly rewarding. The generosity of the donors is transformative for the students,” said Patty.

While Patty recently retired as the Vice President of Bioanalytical Sciences at Genentech. She has no intention of slowing down.  In fact, she plans to immerse herself even more into her role shaping future generations and continues to look for ways to mentor the next generation of scientists that started their journeys at a community college. Just like her.

I know that education can open doors for students, but mentors light the way forward. It’s why I feel compelled to help others on their path to success.

- Patricia Siguenza

Interested in getting involved like Patty?

Join the Foundation’s Board of Directors

Speak to a class or create an internship

Make a gift to the SMCCC Foundation

Join the SMCCC Alumni Association