The 12th Annual President’s Breakfast hosted by President Regina Stanback Stroud and the Skyline President’s Council will be held this coming March. Skyline College has taken an active leading role to raise money for the President’s Innovation Fund.

Each year teachers are able to apply for the funding of new programs for students in each of the San Mateo County Colleges. The President’s Innovation Fund allows for the faculty, staff and students the push they need to grow and achieve their educational and professional goals. Over the years it has provided resources for a variety of different programs. Thanks to local community members and leaders, teachers and students are able to “dream out loud.”

“Indeed, we ask them to dream out loud,” says President Stroud, “the result has been the creation of some of our most exciting and effective programs and services.”

Funding has also helped fuel a study, led by Skyline’s Professor Sheri Bookstaff and Coach Chip Chandler, about the effectiveness of the Nintendo Wii and how it helps improve physical skills. Biology students have been working with Adaptive Physical Education classes rehabilitating those who have become physically challenged after stroke.

“The President’s Innovation Fund granted us the necessary equipment to begin our program” says Coach Chandler, “now our students in rehabilitation who choose to remain in the program have been making huge progress.”

“In essence, the breakfast raises President’s innovative Fund, a resource that encourages faculty and staff to present their creative ideas helping the college realize its mission,” says President Stroud.

Up to 400 local leaders, business and other supporters of higher education are given a chance to see how their money has been used. Student volunteers are also invited so that investors are also able to see who attends the school and hear first-hand how their donations have made a difference.

The program includes speeches from the president of Skyline College, a featured student and a short video montage. Each contributes to highlighting the developments of school programs and their accomplishments. Recently, President Regina Stanback Stroud introduced the idea of interviewing students for the montage to give them an opportunity to express how school is helping them and what life on campus is like from a student’s perspective.

“At the end of the day, community colleges really offer an opportunity for people of any age,” says Bryan Kingston who has been part of the video’s production team since 2000. “Skyline is not only affordable but the teachers and advisers really do have the student first approach. Everything is about the students in terms of what is in their best interest.”

The President’s Breakfast offers the community a chance to see the difference their investments have made within the past year as well as the opportunity to support future programs. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”