Alumni Updates

Thank you VCLA alumni Claudia Wilroy (Cohort XXIV) for assisting and supporting over 140 students, from 20 nations, in VCCCD’s rapidly growing International Student Program (ISP) at Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges. Read more about Claudia’s work here

Congratulations to VCLA Alumna Claire Grasty (Cohort XIX), on her recent promotion to public director at Ventura County Transportation Commission. We love seeing our alumni continue to change our community for the better. Read more about Claire’s promotion at here.

Arthur Valenzuela Jr (VCLA Cohort XXII) was recently promoted to a Class B Longshoreman after 6 years of working on call day & night as a Casual Longshoreman. The average for such a promotion at the Port of Hueneme has traditionally been more than 10 years, but Arthur’s work ethic and personal sacrifice combined with…

Congratulations to VCLA Alumni Jeff Chism (VCLA Cohort XXVI) on his new position as Chief of Staff for Global Supply Chain at Amgen. After retiring in October of 2021 as Commanding Officer of Naval Base Ventura County, Jeff and his family decided to stay in Ventura County and put down roots. Congratulations Jeff, and thank…

Congratulations to VCLA alum (Cohort XXVII) Susan Santangelo, who not only serves as vice-mayor for the City of Camarillo Government, but recently started a new position with Wellpath, working in the Ventura County jails with deputies and custody staff, helping care for those in custody. Best wishes and thank you for your good work, Susan.

Congratulations to VCLA Alumni Dustin Gardner (Cohort XXI) for being appointed as the next Fire Chief for the County of Ventura – Government. After a nationwide recruitment, Gardner will become the 12th Fire Chief in Ventura County Fire Department’s 94-year history. “I am deeply honored to be appointed as the next Ventura County Fire Chief.…

Congratulations to VCLA’s Executive Director Pattie Braga, for being accepted to the 2022 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Housing Policy Leadership Academy. This 10 session program brings together a diverse group of community leaders to dig into the different facets of the CA housing supply and affordability crisis.