Gavilan College Foundation Awards 115 Scholarships

by Public Information Office on Aug 18, 2026

Gilroy, Calif. – The Gavilan College Foundation celebrated student achievement on August 6, 2026, with the theme 'From Gratitude to Greatness' as 83 students received a total of 115 scholarships in a banquet for them and their families at the Student Center.

A group of scholarship recipients and college staff pose for a photo in front of a Gavilan College backdrop. Several students hold scholarship certificates.

"At Gavilan, we are committed to providing every student with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals, and our celebration shows exactly what makes that possible: the power of community," said Gavilan College Superintendent/President Dr. Pedro Avila. "We thank our donors whose generosity opens doors, changes trajectories, and tells each of these students to achieve academic excellence and to become the leaders of tomorrow."

Two students stand on either side of Superintendent President, Dr. Pedro Avila, each holding a framed scholarship certificate, with a blue scholarship event backdrop behind them.

Thanks to the support of donors and community partners, 115 scholarships were awarded to 83 students, representing $103,000 in scholarship support. In addition, two students received the UC Santa Cruz Karl S. Pister Scholarship totaling $40,000, and three students received partner awards. In total, $145,300 in scholarship awards were distributed to support 88 continuing and transfer students this year.

Five scholarship recipients pose for a photo in front of a Gavilan College backdrop, each holding a scholarship certificate.

More than 250 guests, including family, friends, Gavilan College trustees, and Gavilan College Foundation board members, attended the event. Guest speakers included alumna Madison Ramirez and current student Steven Ramsey, who both spoke about the support they received from counselors and faculty. Ramsey also shared the impact scholarships have had on his life.

A large group of people gathers for a scholarship awards dinner in a spacious hall, seated at long tables decorated with blue tablecloths, greenery, and place settings.

"The students we are honoring are the future leaders of our community and their success becomes our success," said Director of the Gavilan College Foundation, Anna Quinones. "These scholarships do more than ease the cost of higher education – they affirm that hard work is seen and there is a community behind every student."

To learn more about the scholarship program at Gavilan College or to become a donor, contact Anna Quinones at aquinones@gavilan.edu

ABOUT THE GAVILAN COLLEGE FOUNDATION

The Gavilan College 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.