The West Los Angeles College Foundation announced the receipt of an extraordinary $500,000 anonymous bequest commitment that will support the community college’s Dental Hygiene Department for generations to come.
The legacy gift will establish a permanent endowment to provide enduring support for one of the college’s most respected academic programs. The funds can be used to enhance scholarships, modernize facilities and equipment, implement updated digital learning software, and expand hands-on clinical training and simulation resources.
“Giving is a human instinct, donate today,” the anonymous donor said in a statement.
The West Los Angeles College dental hygiene program has a 50-year history of outstanding performance and student outcomes. It is also one of only seven in the 116-campus California Community College system that offers a bachelor’s degree in the subject.
“This extraordinary gift is a remarkable investment in our students and the future of our Dental Hygiene program,” said Matthew Jordan, interim president of WLAC. “We are deeply grateful for this generous commitment, which will create opportunities for West students for generations to come.”
“I am thrilled that this gift will allow us to support our outstanding faculty and stay current with our facilities and equipment to help students achieve their goals for the next 50 years and more,” said Jeff Archibald, WLAC vice president of academic affairs.
Because the gift is structured as an endowment, the principal will remain invested while the generated returns provide long-term operational and academic stability. The funding will also assist with professional development and licensure support for faculty and staff.
“Legacy gifts like these are not only a testament to the quality of our existing programs but a vote of confidence in the well-being and continued excellence of West as a whole,” said Caroline Kelly, WLAC Foundation president. “We are beyond grateful to this donor for honoring West and demonstrating a love and belief in the power of education.”
“This generosity will help prepare future dental hygienists to care for patients with skill, confidence, and compassion,” said Lisa Kamibayashi, dental hygiene program co-director. “While we may not be able to recognize this donor by name, we are honored to celebrate the difference this gift will make. Their kindness will touch the lives of our future students and patients, and our community for many years to come.”
Individuals interested in including the West Los Angeles College Foundation in their estate plans, establishing scholarships, or contributing to specific academic departments can contact Executive Director Jerry De Felice at DEFELIJS@WLAC.EDU.
Michelle Long Coffee/WLAC
Photo – Hein Tran (alumnae)
