Merced College to Honor Anderson Family, Celebrate Los Banos Campus Eleventh Annual State of the College Address & Luncheon—the first in Los Banos—will recognize family who donated land for a permanent Westside campus
Merced College’s 11th annual State of the College Address & Luncheon will be the first held in Los Banos, in recognition of the Los Banos Campus’s remarkable growth and in honor of the family whose land donation led to the creation of a permanent home for the district in western Merced County.
Scheduled for April 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Los Banos Campus (22240 Highway 152, Los Banos), the event will include President Chris Vitelli’s annual address and the awarding of the President’s Medallion Award—given each year to the district’s greatest supporters—to Larry and Georgeann Anderson of Anderson Homes.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT DETAILS AND PURCHASE TICKETS/SPONSORSHIPS<https://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/external-relations/foundation/merced-state-of-the-college/>
“The Anderson family’s generosity in donating the land for our Los Banos Campus has had a profound and lasting impact on the community,” Vitelli said. “Their vision and commitment to education have provided local students with a stable, high-quality learning environment right in their hometown. Thanks to their support, the campus has grown into a vital resource for students pursuing their academic and career goals, and we are proud to honor their contributions with the President’s Medallion Award.”
Merced College’s presence in Los Banos dates back more than 50 years, but it wasn’t until the donation of 125 acres by the Anderson family that a permanent campus could be constructed. The land donation was followed by the passage of a bond measure in 2002 to fund construction. The new Los Banos Campus opened in 2007 and has since grown to provide more programs, classes and opportunities to students in Los Banos and surrounding communities.
Since its inception in 1971, the campus operated from several temporary locations, limiting its ability to expand and provide comprehensive educational opportunities. The land donation allowed Merced College to establish a dedicated campus, creating a lasting foundation for student success in Los Banos and beyond.
“The donation of 125 acres for the Los Banos Campus was a game-changer for our city, providing a permanent home for higher education and opening doors for students who might not have otherwise had access,” said Merced College Trustee Joe Gutierrez, who represents the Los Banos area. “The impact of the Anderson family’s gift will be felt for generations to come.”
The Los Banos Campus has grown into a thriving educational hub, offering a broad range of academic programs and support services. The campus continues to expand its offerings, serving more than 4,000 students each semester with diverse programs that include general education as well as career technical education (CTE) programs like welding and a new EMT program. Additionally, the campus supports adult learners with noncredit programs such as GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), and citizenship classes.
That growth is poised to continue in a big way, thanks to the passage in November 2024 of Measure P, a $46 million bond that will fund critical campus improvements without raising local tax rates. These funds will support the expansion and modernization of educational facilities, ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art resources for hands-on learning and career training.
One of the most anticipated projects funded by Measure P is a new Career Technical Education (CTE) Building, which will house cutting-edge programs in healthcare, agriculture, computer information systems, and welding, preparing students for in-demand careers.
“The Los Banos Campus is experiencing incredible growth and momentum, and that wouldn’t be possible without the support of both the Anderson family and our local community,” said Jessica Moran, Dean of Instruction for the Los Banos Campus. “It’s an exciting time for Merced College and for Los Banos, and we’re grateful for the community’s investment in our shared future.”
The Anderson family’s deep-rooted commitment to Los Banos<https://anderson-homes.com/aboutus/community-involvement/> extends beyond education, as they have been dedicated supporters of numerous local initiatives. Through their “Giving Back Starts at Home” initiative, they have contributed to organizations such as the Friends of the Los Banos Public Library, the Police Activities League, and the Los Banos Volunteer Firefighters, strengthening vital community services and programs.
For more details or to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit https://mercedcollegefoundation.org/
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Media Contact: James Leonard, [email protected], 209-681-1061