Below are the current campaigns for specific needs or interests that benefit our students. If you are interested in starting your own campaign, please contact our office to get started.
Sharon Millen Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Sharon Millen was a California educator for almost four decades. After many years teaching kindergarten, 6th grade, then 8th grade math she became an administrator. She quickly progressed from assistant principal to principal and was highly regarded at the local, state, and national levels. She has been described as a “force of nature” who “worked relentlessly on behalf of children.” One highlight of her career was being named Principal of the Year in the state of California. Sharon believed in paying it forward and making a difference in the lives of children. She served as a mentor to countless teachers and administrators. Students valued her as a favorite due to the amount of learning and the amount of fun. Sharon had many passions including travel, fitness, and hiking. She was active in the local United Methodist Church. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sharon was born in Oklahoma in 1943, moving to California in 1965 where she resided until her death on 12/15/23. Sharon passed away after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer's. She believed in living life to the fullest. It is hoped that this memorial scholarship will encourage recipients to pursue their passion and improve the lives of others.
Allan Gold's Commemorative Bench
We invite you to contribute to a truly special gift for Allan Gold, who is retiring from Antelope Valley College after an astounding 18 years of service. To honor Allan’s unwavering dedication, we are excited to undertake a fundraising initiative to purchase a beautiful commemorative bench that will find a permanent place on our campus. This bench will be a cherished symbol of gratitude and will not only commemorate Allan’s contributions to AVC but also leave a legacy for future generations to appreciate.
The Christina Loukatos Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship endowment is formed in memory of Christina Loukatos. Christina was not only an amazing sister, caretaker, and friend but she was also an award-winning school counselor. As a school counselor, she designed and implemented a recognized model school program that highlighted access and equity for all students. She had a passion for helping others and touched many lives, especially the students she served at SAGE Magnet School and the Palmdale Academy Charter School. She leaves behind not only her friends inside and outside of the Palmdale School District but also her beloved younger siblings whom she has cared for since she was 18 years old.
Kenneth S. Lee Memorial Scholarship
Kenneth S. Lee was a brilliant, funny, and kind individual. He taught for the Communication Studies Department in the Language and Communication Arts Division and served the AVC community for 15 years (2007-2022). A rhetoric scholar, Ken taught Intro to Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Process of Communication, and Small Group Communication, which he developed with Tina McDermott.
Ken graduated from Harvard-Westlake School, University of La Verne (B.A. in English), and Cal State L.A. (M.A. in Communication Studies). Recognized for his excellent debating skills, Ken and his college debate partner, Ken Sherwood, consistently won top honors while competing for Cal Poly Pomona. Ken’s distinguished debate background led him to coach successful debate teams at Los Angeles City College, Cal State L.A., Brentwood School, and Geffen Academy at UCLA.
We want to remember Ken with this scholarship for his commitment to teaching and extensive service to the AVC community and beyond.
Judy Vaccaro-Fry’s Scholarship Endowment for Single Parents
Judy understands how hard it can be to raise a child while simultaneously trying to improve her life. After raising her children, she later took the time to pursue her education so that she could make a better life for herself and her kids and be a positive role model. Judy wanted to raise good, productive, educated, and contributing members of society. Being educated contributed to the foundation she provided for her children. This is why she established this endowment to help other single parents pursue their educational goals.
Vern Lawson Memorial Scholarship
Vern was a veteran of World War II. As a cadet in the Army Air Corps, he was training to serve with the flight crew on B-24 Liberators, heavy bombers that helped win the war. The G.I. Bill put Vern, an Idaho farm boy, through the University of Southern California and he has been a steadfast Trojan ever since.
Vern came to the Antelope Valley and worked as a reporter during the heyday of “The Right Stuff” test pilot programs and preparation for the United States to send astronauts into orbit, and on their way from the Earth to the moon.
Through the decades, Vern has written thousands of editorials and news stories and readers have enjoyed his “In the Vernacular” humor column in the Antelope Valley Press.
He retired 15 years ago but he never really retired. He passed away on October 19, 2021.
Chris Simmons Memorial Scholarship
The Chris Simmons Memorial Scholarship at AVC will be awarded in memory of one of the most contagiously joyful individuals. This scholarship will support AVC students who create and nurture genuine relationships, live life with excitement and passion, and find ways to express creativity in everyday life.
Employees at the Palmdale Chick-fil-A had the honor of working with Chris for two years where he served as a Restaurant Trainer. Chris passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2020, at the age of 22. The goal is to raise at least $10,000 to endow a scholarship fund at Antelope Valley College to honor Chris for many years to come.
AVC Hearts & Hands Food Pantry
The ASO Hearts & Hands Pantry was created to encourage campus pride and unity in a dignified manner. The pantry has been designed to assist current AVC students who are making forward progress in their academic pursuits and are housing insecure and/or hungry in circumstances where supplemental nutritional food will benefit their academic success.
With COVID-19 affecting our students and their families, the demand for healthy food has increased. This is especially true for our students who are completing their studies remotely which has increased the need for meals to be prepared from home.
Paula Sour Memorial Scholarship
This memorial scholarship honors Mrs. Paula Sour, the former Westside District principal and teacher. She served as principal at Cottonwood, Rancho Vista and Anaverde Hills Elementary schools and as a teacher, coached the Science Olympiad Team, proudly winning state awards. She was named ACSA AV Chapter Administrator of the Year and was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She was an ardent volunteer for the American Cancer Society and worked tirelessly to support the Relay for Life fundraiser. She was inspirational and uplifting and strived for excellence, encouraging faculty, staff and students to do the same. Administrators across the Antelope Valley endow this scholarship in honor of our friends and colleague Paula Sour.
Tim Klein Endowment
This scholarship is given in remembrance of Palmdale High School teacher Tim Klein who perished while climbing El Capitan, June of 2018. He was twice selected as Antelope Valley Union High School District Teacher of the Year (2014 and 2018) and served as co-director of the Health Careers Academy, a program that nurtures students’ interests in the medical field. In addition to teaching at Palmdale High School, Tim was adjunct faculty at AVC teaching in the EMT program and was instrumental in bringing the EMT program to the high school district. Tim’s interest in medicine began at San Diego State University, where he graduated and later at Loma Linda University where he earned a master’s degree in Public Health. Tim cared deeply about his students, friends, and family and encouraged everyone to strive to achieve their dreams, forge into any collegiate level of education, and love their chosen career....as to Tim, education, and career are more than a paycheck, it's your passion.
Adan Onofre Memorial Fundraiser for Bench and Nursing Scholarship
In memory of Adan Onofre, former AVC Custodial Supervisor, donations are being accepted to establish a nursing scholarship endowment. This endowment is a way to honor him and his accomplishments at AVC.