Press Releases 2008

CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu

April 24, 2008

ENTREPRENEUR AND PHILANTHROPIST BARBARA SAMPER
DONATES $1,026,266 TO SUPPORT CABRILLO COLLEGE STUDENTS
Largest Donation Received in Cabrillo College’s History

APTOS, CA--Told by her teachers that she wasn't college material and that she'd never be able to learn a foreign language, Barbara Samper spent her life proving those teachers they were wrong. Severely dyslexic, she often studied until 3 a.m. to maintain a B average. She pursued her education taking courses all over the world becoming fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. She even penned a syndicated newspaper column on diet and nutrition and researched, wrote and published a history book.

A successful entrepreneur, Samper started her own business at the age of 47 when her children left for college. Retired, she has become a passionate philanthropist, giving back and encouraging students to get a college education no matter the obstacles that stand in their way.

In 2006 Samper became interested in the Cabrillo Advancement Program (CAP) --a scholarship and enrichment program for low-income students at the middle school and secondary level to prepare for college. Speaking fluently in Spanish, she recently told a group of CAP students that they should not listen to anyone who discourages them from going to college. "You can do more than I ever did," Samper stated.

Impressed with the results of CAP's accomplishments, Samper has come forward to donate $1,026,266--the largest donation Cabrillo has received in its 50-year history. Because of Samper's donation, CAP will be able to offer a second-year Cabrillo College scholarship to CAP students for the first time. The funds will also establish the Barbara Samper CAP Endowment and add to the Cabrillo Endowment for Excellence.

In gratitude for her philanthropic support of education and the galvanizing effect she has had on the community to support Cabrillo students, the college named the new Student Activities Center in her honor.

"Barbara is an amazing person," added Cabrillo President Brian King, "Her hard work and persistence is an inspiration to everyone. She gives more than money, she gives her heart because she cares about the future of our youth. We are so grateful for her support. It is donors such as Barbara that help make Cabrillo the wonderful college it is."

Samper declared, "We've seen the nationwide statistics that show one-third of our children do not finish high school. Cabrillo College, through CAP, identifies at-risk children at the sixth grade level. CAP not only prepares them to complete high school, it sends them on to college. I have seen how the lives of these students have changed for the better through this extraordinary program. Cabrillo and CAP are exceptional in so many ways. I am thrilled to be in the position to support the youth in our community so they achieve their dream of attending college."

The dedication and grand opening of the Barbara Samper Student Activities Center took place on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. on the center's plaza.

About Cabrillo College

Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.

About the Cabrillo College Foundation

The Cabrillo College Foundation was established in 1962 as a private, non-profit organization; its sole mission is to provide support for Cabrillo College, its students and faculty. For more information about the Cabrillo College Foundation, contact Executive Director Melinda Silverstein at 831-479-6338 or mesilverstein [at] cabrillo.edu.

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