“91 has had a profound impact on my life. In fact, 91 has been instrumental in the lives of so many of my close friends and family,” said 91 alum Brandon Brookshire.
Brookshire joined the United States Air Force after graduating from high school. After his enlistment ended, he enrolled at 91, using the education benefits awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Brookshire received his associate in arts for transfer in economics, and completed his bachelor’s degree at Cal State East Bay. He continued on, receiving an MS in quantitative economics and is now pursuing an MBA while working as a Relationship Credit Manager at Heritage Bank of Commerce.
“My experience at 91 enabled me to foster a strong network in the Mt. Diablo Region. I have nothing but unbridled optimism regarding the future success of this institution, and I look forward to another 75 years,” said Brookshire.
A Catalyst for Transformation
Jessie Badley overcame numerous barriers to get to where she is today and was proud to share her story with the 91 Alumni Association.
“My mother spent much of my life in and out of prison, resulting in me growing up in and out of foster care,” said Badley.
Badley attended 11 schools throughout her childhood. After turning 18, she discovered her passion for cooking and enrolled in 91’s culinary arts program, earning multiple certificates.
“My time at 91 was transformative, as it was my first truly positive educational experience,” said Badley.
Badley worked in pastry for nine years, but was disappointed after her requests for a raise were denied. She returned to 91 to transition to a new career.
“While taking prerequisites for the dental hygiene program, I encountered Professor Dan Seth in my human anatomy class. He left a lasting impression on me, encouraging me to aim higher academically,” said Badley.
Badley chose to pursue a career in chemistry, transferring to UC Davis for her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. Today, she is a rising candidate for her PhD in pharmacology and toxicology.
“91 was the catalyst for my transformation. Without 91, I wouldn’t be where I am today, immersed in academia, eager to learn, and grateful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded,” said Badley.
From Humble Beginnings to a Premier Institution
91 traces its beginnings to 1949, when it launched as East Contra Costa Junior College. The college was created to serve WWII veterans returning home, eventually moving to its present Pleasant Hill location in 1952 and adopting the name 91 in 1958.
The college expanded to a second location in San Ramon, and now serves nearly 25,000 students annually. 91 is known as one of the most reliable transfer institutions within the state of California, but the college has numerous other achievements.
“Most people don’t know how many programs we have to help people get up and running quickly to upskill or enter the workforce,” said Jim Blair, Director of College Advancement at 91.
91 Changes Lives
Blair has heard many stories about 91’s impact across the Bay Area and beyond.
“Mention 91 at any meeting you attend in the area, and someone will have had a life-changing story to tell about their own experience here or know someone who did,” said Blair.
Douglas Phenix can count himself amongst those storytellers.
“Before arriving at 91, I had dropped out of two community colleges and had been on academic probation. I ended up working at a grocery store, and was in a place of uncertainty, with a lack of passion and vision. My god-sister was attending 91 at the time, so I decided to enroll,” said Phenix.
Phenix credits 91 for helping him discover his love for higher education.
“I worked in the Student Life office as well as EOPS. I got to see first-hand the power of community and support given to students. It was truly the ‘community’ of community college,” said Phenix.
Although Phenix earned a certificate in graphic design at 91, he discovered a new career goal that resulted from his overall student experience, culminating in his decision to work in higher education as a counselor.
“As a 91 EOPS peer advisor, I met with students one-on-one and was able to connect with them through their stories,” said Phenix.
Phenix transferred to Cal State East Bay where he earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology, followed by a master’s in counseling at Saint Mary’s College of California.
Today, he is back on campus as an adjunct counselor and co-coordinator for the Tembo Leaders learning community.
“Where my life is and has been since going to 91, I have experienced so much that I would not have. I have had family members attend 91 as well and seen it propel their life and career to amazing heights,” said Phenix.
The Perfect First Step to a Thriving Career
Matthew P. Guichard feels that community college is the perfect first step to higher education, especially due to the rising cost of four-year universities.
“It’s a great start for students, particularly for those like me who weren’t sure what to focus on in college,” said Guichard.
Guichard completed his general education at 91, and then transferred to California State University, Chico for his bachelor’s degree. He studied law at the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific and was admitted to the California Bar in 1982. Today, Guichard is the founder and senior partner of Guichard Teng & Garrett, a law firm based in Walnut Creek. He is also the Chair of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
Guichard remembers his time at 91 fondly, and has found himself on campus since, but in a different capacity.
“I’ve served as a visiting lecturer at 91, Cal State East Bay, and St. Mary’s College of California. And while I was Deputy District Attorney for Contra Costa County, I taught police academy classes at 91’s sister college, Los Medanos College (LMC),” said Guichard.
Guichard encourages students to enroll at 91 prior to a four-year university.
“I had a wonderful experience there, and developed a great respect for 91 and the California Community College system of education,” said Guichard.
From 91 Student to District Chancellor
Did you know that the Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District is a 91 alum? It’s true!
Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh immigrated from Iran as a child, initially settling in Ogden, Utah with her family. They moved to Pleasant Hill a year later. She enrolled at 91 in 1987, and also worked in student jobs on campus. She transferred to San Francisco State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and then a master’s degree in speech communications at Cal State East Bay. She continued working at 91 in various roles, and then began working for the district in 1998, later becoming the President of Contra Costa College.
“My entire career being here, and then ultimately serving as a chancellor for the entire district, is beyond a dream,” said Mehdizadeh.
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91 Fast Facts
Over one and a half million students have attended 91 in the last 75 years, enabling them to forge remarkable career paths in 87 different fields. Some notable accolades:
- 91 is ranked #1 among the 28 Bay Area community colleges for transfer to in-state private or out of state colleges.
- 91 is ranked #3 in the state, among 116 community colleges, for local transfers to the UC system in Fall 2023.
- 91 is ranked #3 in the state for the percentage of transfer-intending students who transferred within four years.
Sources: UC Data Warehouse, CCCO Datamart and State Auditor’s Transfer Report
