Legacy

In 2025-26, EVC celebrated 50 years as a college. Many faculty and staff spoke about the legacy they wanted to leave to future EVC students.

Bianca Lopez, SSAKA
Ultimately, I want to be remembered for investing in people and systems that uplift others. If those who follow feel inspired to step into leadership, to advocate for equity, and to believe that their voices matter, then I will know my time at EVC has left a lasting mark.

Esperanza Oueterino-Feijoo, Language Arts
I hope to be remembered as a professor who cared deeply about students –someone who helped them believe in their potential and understand the power of education to transform their lives and the lives of others. I want my students to remember feeling valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, and to use their education to make a positive difference in their communities. I also want to be remembered as a colleague others could rely on, working hard as part of a team to support one another, strengthen our institution, and ensure the success of our students.

Grace Estrada, Psychology
I hope my legacy will be helping to build a stronger foundation for our students through the implementation of a two-year course offering plan. I believe this effort will make a lasting difference by giving students the consistency and clarity they need to reach their goals and graduate on time.

Ingrid Rottman, Outreach
My legacy will be one of igniting belief in those who doubt their potential. My message is simple: Education is possible. Dreams are possible. You are possible.

John Kaufmann. Theatre Arts
There are so many students that have had an opportunity to express themselves and find community through collaboration on EVC's stages and classrooms.  Most of them will not go on to work in professional theatre, but whatever they do will benefit from the "soft skills" they gained in classes and productions.   I want my legacy to be a thriving theatre program that serves students, the campus and the community. 

Mark Bernbeck, Automotive 
My legacy will be measured by the caliber of the people that the Automotive Program produced, not just the machines they fixed. I want students to feel that we created a culture that welcomed every beginner and challenged every expert, fostering a generation of technicians who view every diagnostic hurdle as an invitation to lifelong growth and professional success.

Nasreen Rahim, Instructional Technology
My legacy at EVC is one of perseverance and innovation in making technology accessible for all. From being the first Instructional Technology Faculty in 2000 to developing the district's first online course, I've dedicated myself to ensuring our college stays at the forefront of educational technology. Through economic shifts, the COVID pandemic, and now the AI revolution, my team and I have consistently opened doors—training faculty, creating three robust programs, and always asking: How can technology serve our diverse students better? I'm most proud that we've built a foundation where innovation isn't just about tools, but about equity, access, and empowering every learner. As I prepare to teach our first AI Basics course this spring, I know this legacy of breaking barriers and embracing change will continue long after me.

Preeti Srinivasan, Chemistry
I want my legacy to be that I helped students believe they belonged in science—even when chemistry felt intimidating. More than formulas or exams, I hope I’m remembered for opening doors and helping students see what was possible for themselves.

Ron Cabanayan, Paralegal
My legacy at Evergreen Valley College is to be remembered for supporting and mentoring paralegal studies students, helping them gain the skills, confidence, and ethical foundation needed to succeed in the legal profession.

Sam Morgan, Admissions & Records
I want my legacy to be tied to my work ethic, sense of humor, and leaving the college in a better state than when I arrived. 

Sean Dickerson, Student Life
I move forward with the intention to be supportive and motivational for students that pass through my doors. Whether that means offering a kind word, providing space for them to vent, connecting them to resources/networks, telling them they are wrong when they are wrong (difficult truths), or in some cases metaphorically kicking them in the butt when they are not holding up their end of the bargain, I want my legacy to be that they knew they had someone in their corner throughout their journey.

Shaneel Pratap, Sociology
My hope is that my legacy at EVC will be giving every student a voice in my classroom and beyond.

Tejal Nakik, Distance Education Coordinator
I hope to leave a legacy where digital innovation and equity are inseparable. To make online learning empowering and accessible through OER/ZTC, AI literacy, and a human-centered approach to technology that supports both faculty and students.