October Newsletter

Welcome to October! Students at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) are settling into their fall schedule and it is a great reminder of all the ways our faculty, board members, and community can make a huge difference for students. This month we are proud to feature the inspiring story of Dr. Leona Zastrow and her lifelong dedication to helping students across the U.S.

We also want to remind you that National DAF Giving Day is coming up on October 9th. It will be a very special opportunity to support students through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)!

Helping Students Thrive Through Education and Belonging

Before joining the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Dr. Leona Zastrow began her career in Phoenix, Arizona, living in the Gila River Indian Community. From there, she traveled across North America as an art teacher, from elementary to college level, highlighting the importance of incorporating Native American traditions and culture into the curriculum.

She has witnessed firsthand how students who feel connected to their culture do better in school, gain confidence, and go on to earn advanced degrees and take on leadership roles.

“The arts help people identify who they are and who their people are, and that gives them a strong sense of identity. When students have that foundation, they thrive academically,” Dr. Zastrow says. 

Dr. Zastrow has supported students from all backgrounds in various ways during her years serving on the board. She played a key role in securing funding for scholarships and other resources that allowed students to pursue their education with confidence.

“Any way we could help students as board members was marvelous,” she says. “Helping them accomplish their goals was the most wonderful thing that I enjoyed being part of.” 

Her dedication to helping students has continued throughout the years. Dr. Zastrow created an endowment for women over the age of 50 returning to college, giving them the opportunity to pivot careers or follow the dream of higher education later in life. 

“I want to help women because I really, really appreciate all the women who have supported their children, who have taken care of their families, and now it is their time to do something for themselves,” she says.

Even at 86, Dr. Zastrow isn’t slowing down. She spends her days appraising Native American art and jewelry and sharing her expertise. She says she has hopes in funding more scholarships and looks for a new way to support the community each year. Her lifelong dedication to learning while helping others succeed is inspiring. We are deeply grateful for everything she has done for our students at Santa Fe Community College. 

Don’t miss DAF Day on October 9th!

Use your DAF to help students along their educational journey. Your gift can help fund student scholarships, the campus cupboard, and other necessities students need to learn, grow, and succeed. Every dollar goes toward creating brighter futures for our students.

When you give on DAF Day, you join people across the country using their DAFs to make a positive impact on their communities. Together, we can open doors for students who are working hard to reach their goals.

Don’t have a DAF?
A Donor Advised Fund is one of the easiest and most effective ways to give. You contribute funds, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to the causes that matter most to you. 

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Thank you for supporting Santa Fe Community College Foundation

Thank you for investing in students at SFCC. Your support, including through your DAF, ensures students have the scholarships and resources they need to succeed. Your generosity directly impacts their ability to reach their academic and professional goals.

Kelly A. Marquez, MBA
Executive Director
kelly.marquez@sfcc.edu