Gavilan College Foundation welcomes two new Board Members
by Public Information Office on Jun 11, 2026Gilroy, Calif. – The Gavilan Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of business leader Manny Bhandal and philanthropist Evelia Morales Rosso as board members to serve for the next three years.
“On behalf of the Gavilan College Foundation Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome our newest board members,” said Foundation Board Chair Tony Marandos. “Their leadership, experience, and community connections will help strengthen the Foundation’s ability to support students, steward donor generosity, and advance Gavilan College’s mission across our region.”
Manny Bhandal
Manny Bhandal brings a strong record of community leadership, civic engagement, and commitment to the Gilroy region to the Gavilan College Foundation Board of Directors. A Gilroy resident since 2007, Manny earned his degree in Finance from San José State University and is a graduate of Leadership Gilroy’s Class of 2022. He currently serves as Chair of the Gilroy Planning Commission and is a past Chair and board member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.
As a Foundation Board member, Manny will help strengthen community connections, support philanthropic engagement, and advance opportunities for Gavilan College students and programs.
Evelia Morales Rosso
Evelia Morales Rosso brings decades of experience in education, business, philanthropy, and community service to the Gavilan College Foundation Board of Directors. She spent 30 years as an elementary school teacher in the Morgan Hill and Gilroy Unified School Districts, where she advocated for students and families, including Spanish-speaking students. She and her husband, Jaime, owned the famous Rosso Furniture Stores, a family business that served the region for 45 years and supported many local nonprofit organizations. Evelia is also active with AAUW, the Gilroy Exchange Club, Parents Helping Parents, the Latino Family Fund, and Youth & Philanthropy through the Gilroy Family Fund. As a Foundation Board member, Evelia will help strengthen community connections and support student opportunities at Gavilan College.
The nine members of the board fundraise to help fill the gaps to provide scholarships, financial assistance to educators and programs, and to ensure resources are available to those seeking opportunities in higher education. The Board collaborates with donors, generous supporters, and community partners to assure student success.
“The Gavilan College Foundation plays an essential role in connecting community generosity with student opportunity,” said Gavilan College Superintendent/President Dr. Pedro Avila. “I am grateful to our Foundation Board members for their service and leadership, and I look forward to working with them to expand resources that help students achieve their educational and career goals.”
In addition to Rosso and Bhandal, board members include Tony Marandos (President), Frank Angelino (Treasurer), Nita Edde-Mitchell (Secretary), Denise Besson, Kim Benjamin, Tom Breen, and Jeff Orth. Board members can serve for two consecutive terms before stepping down for at least one year before being eligible for re-election. Terms begin July 1 and end June 30.
ABOUT THE GAVILAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
The Gavilan College Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to raise donations in support of Gavilan College programs. Monetary support is used for student scholarships, research and educational programs, faculty and departmental support, facilities, and equipment. For more information, visit gavilan.edu/about/foundation