Dear Chaffey Alumni and Community Members,

It is truly an honor to return to Chaffey College as Interim Director of the Chaffey College Foundation. Chaffey is where my educational journey began, and it played a defining role in shaping both my career and my belief in the power of education to change lives. As a proud Puente student at Chaffey, I experienced firsthand the power of mentorship, community, and high expectations, an experience that inspired me to pursue a career in education. Coming back to serve the institution that opened so many doors for me feels deeply meaningful and, in many ways, like coming home.

Throughout my career, I have remained committed to advancing educational access, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting students as they work toward their goals. From my earliest days as a Chaffey student to the professional opportunities that followed, I have carried forward the lessons, values, and encouragement I received here. Each step of my journey has reinforced my belief in community colleges as engines of opportunity and hope.

Serving Chaffey College in this capacity is a role I have long aspired to, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I look forward to working alongside our alumni, donors, and community partners to continue expanding opportunities for students and ensuring Chaffey’s legacy of impact remains strong for generations to come. Thank you for being an essential part of this community and for doing all you do to support our students.

Warm regards,

Denise Gutierrez

Interim Director

Chaffey College Foundation