Foothill inspires a passion for engineering

As a student at Foothill College, he arrived on campus in need of basic skills. Through the caring support of his math and science instructors he found direction and passion for learning. Cole received financial aid, book vouchers and jobs on campus that helped him to stay in school. After graduating from Foothill, he earned not one, but two bachelor degrees - in Computational Mathematics and Engineering Physics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Setting a Vision of Academic Innovation in Motion

Having established themselves nationally as education philanthropists, Gay and Bill Krause are again sharing their generosity close to home with a commitment from their family foundation to give $3.5 million to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. When combined with $1.8 million in gifts during the past decade, the total contribution makes the Silicon Valley couple the largest donor to the Foothill-De Anza Foundation.

Alum Spreads the Wealth

At 16, Olivia Sadlwoski looked like anything but a promising future academic. Home life was abusive so she left to find a better life on her own. She supported herself during high school and despite many challenges, graduated with her high school class. With a difficult academic and personal history, Olivia was astonished by the support she received at De Anza. She realized that, up until De Anza, support was scarce.