From the President
Message of Thanks
Feb. 29, 2024
Members of the De Anza Family,
It is with a lot of emotion that I write you today to share that I have made the decision to leave De Anza after almost four years. My time here has been filled with highs and lows, but all has been rewarding and seen as a growth opportunity by me.
When I came to De Anza in July 2020, I never imagined we’d have to navigate a pandemic that lasted so long, but we made it through. We’ve had other challenges as an institution, but we made it through those as well. It is because of our strength and resilience as a college that we know we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
I started this journey with listening to so many of you, individually and as groups, and I attempted to lead in a manner that ensured all individuals felt valued and empowered to act in the best interest of our students. Together, we have accomplished so much. It was through each of you that the college continued its legacy of greatness. Since 2020,
- We have been awarded more than $6.85 million in grant funding.
- We were recognized by the Aspen Institute in both 2021 and 2023 as a Top 150 institution, making us eligible to apply for the Aspen Prize.
- We have been recognized multiple times by the Campaign for College Opportunity for our student success outcomes.
- We have consistently been ranked one of the top community colleges in the state for transfer.
- We were able to successfully complete multiple planning documents and reports.
- The college was successful in its application for a Bachelor of Science degree program in Automotive Technology Management and created a new autonomous vehicle pathway with a free tuition option in partnership with Nuro.
- The guided pathways work, including the creation of the Villages, received statewide recognition.
- Even now, we are working to expand our relationship with Apple.
These accomplishments came about as a result of the work of each of you, and I could not be more grateful. So many of you have shown me nothing but love and support throughout my tenure, and I will forever hold on to that.
Though my time at De Anza has come to an end today, know that I wish you nothing but even greater success. In one of my first presentations to the campus, I mentioned that one of my favorite songs has the line, “the best of my story has never been told.” I still believe this lyric holds true for me, and I firmly believe the same for De Anza College.
With deepest appreciation,
Lloyd