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The MC Alumni Association (MCAA) facilitates giving back and paying it forward. Here are two ways that graduates can give back to ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ:

Community Connections

The MCAA knows the value ofÌýconnecting our community members with one another and seeks to create opportunities for our graduates to share their time, knowledge, and experience with our students. Please contact MCAlumni@vcccd.edu orÌýlet us hear from youÌýonline to see how we can capitalize on your talents and experience to benefit our broader campus community.

Donation Opportunities

The MCAA offers numerous opportunities for our graduates to help offset the cost of higher education for a current student, such as:

• To Establish a new scholarship please contact the ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Foundation Office at 805-553-4760.

¾«¶«Ó°Òµ is dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for graduates, current and future students. The ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Alumni Association (MCAA) Advisory Committee helpsÌýstrengthen ties among alumni, students, the college and the community by:

• PromotingÌýthe value of a ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ education;
• Attending events of interest for Alumni;
• Fundraising for student scholarships; and
• Partnering with the board of directors of the ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Foundation to advance strategic goals of the college.Ìý

Want to join the Advisory Committee and help shape the MC Alumni Association? Contact MCAlumni@vcccd.edu for more details.Ìý

Dear Graduates;

I wanted to add my personal congratulations and once again recognize your significant accomplishment.Ìý

You attended and, most importantly, completed your work at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ during a very trying time in our history. As together we faced the global pandemic head-on, I’m sure you experienced the challenges of the mundane and yet surreal reality of our day-to-day existence during the COVID-19 shutdown.Ìý We put our heads down and we completed the tasks at hand to wake up the next day only to meet new and unique challenges and circumstances.Ìý

Yet, you all persevered and completed your work at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ.Ìý

As you view your diploma on your walls in the days, weeks and years to come, I hope that you remember your time with us and acknowledge what an amazing accomplishment you have achieved under difficult circumstances.Ìý I hope that your experience at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ will serve as a reminder of a time when you accomplished more than you thought you could and inspire you to even greater heights in the future.Ìý

Thank you for spending this time at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ and we hope that you will come back to visit us in the near future.Ìý We can’t wait to hear about your next adventures!

Dr. Julius Sokenu
¾«¶«Ó°Òµ President

Ìý

Mara Rodriguez - From ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Graduate to Zoo Development Coordinator

In 1992, Mara Rodriguez embarked on a life-changing journey as she graduated from ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ's Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) program. Little did she know that this milestone would set the stage for a remarkable career at her alma mater, ultimately leading her to become the Zoo Development Coordinator at the Teaching Zoo at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ.

Mara's time at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ was more than just an educational experience; it was a transformative adventure that prepared her for a life dedicated to the well-being of animals and the enrichment of her community. The college instilled in her a unique blend of animal care skills and essential soft skills that enabled her to become a proficient communicator and a devoted servant of her community. Every day, she expresses gratitude for the education that laid the foundation for her fulfilling career.

What sets Mara apart is her unwavering commitment to seizing every opportunity that came her way during her time at Moorpark. She's proud not only of the friends she made and the animals she cared for but also of her continued service to the college. Her journey has come full circle, as she now plays a pivotal role in the Teaching Zoo's development, ensuring its growth and continued success.

When asked what advice she would offer prospective students, Mara's response is a testament to her own experience. She encourages them to explore their passions and discover what truly brings them happiness. Her life is a living testament to the fact that you can turn your passion into a career if you're willing to put in the effort and follow your dreams.

While at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ, Mara ventured into unfamiliar territory by running for office with the Associated Students of ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ (ASMC), even though she was one of the only EATM students to do so. Though she faced a setback with a loss, she understood that sometimes success takes time and persistence.

In a testament to her dedication and achievements, last year, Mara was awarded Classified Employee of the Year for the State of California, a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering commitment to her work.

Mara Rodriguez's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and seizing every opportunity. From her humble beginnings as a college student, she has become an integral part of ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ's legacy, making a lasting impact on the lives of both animals and students. Her journey is a reminder that with dedication and the right education, dreams can become reality, no matter how long it takes.