The Columbia College Foundation is excited to launch the Columbia College Alumni Association—a
new way for alumni to stay connected with the college, one another, and future generations
of students.
Who Can Join?
The Columbia College Alumni Association welcomes all current and former students who
have successfully completed at least one credit course at Columbia College. We encourage
everyone to stay connected and become part of our growing community of alumni.
Why should I join the Columbia College Alumni Association?
The Columbia College Alumni Association connects alumni, current students, community
members and the college. As a member, you'll have opportunities to reconnect with
classmates and faculty, stay engaged with campus events, expand your professional
network, mentor current students, and help create internships and career opportunities
for future graduates. Together, we are building a strong alumni community that supports
student success and the future of Columbia College.
How can I get involved?
The Columbia College Alumni Association offers many ways to stay engaged with Columbia
College while building connections through events, mentorship, volunteer opportunities,
and community partnerships. Complete the form below to tell us a little about yourself
and become part of our growing alumni community.
Learn more about our Alumni Association
Stay connected with Columbia College and learn about the exciting things that are
happening on campus.
Meet the columbia college Alumni Association Founding members
Alison bonfantine
For Columbia College alumna Ali, following her passion meant taking a leap of faith,
and a big change of direction.
After more than 15 years in corporate management in San Francisco, Ali found herself
longing for a more creative and hands-on career. With the encouragement of her partner,
Bruce, she left her corporate job, moved to Columbia, and enrolled at Columbia College
where she earned her Certificate of Achievement in Culinary Arts.
Her time at Columbia College gave Ali the opportunity to turn her longtime passion
for food into a new career. While completing her culinary studies, she gained valuable
hands-on experience working with local wineries and catering companies throughout
the Gold Country.
In 2018 Ali launched her own personal chef and catering business. Today, she operates
her own commercial kitchen in Murphys, creating customized meals, desserts, and culinary
experiences inspired by the people, cultures, and places she has encountered throughout
her life.
What began as a "crazy pipe dream" became a thriving business, and Ali credits Columbia
College as an important part of the journey.
As a proud Columbia College alum, Ali continues to be inspired by the creativity,
community, and opportunities that helped her turn a longtime dream into a life she
loves.
Alison Lincoln
Allie is a Sonora High School graduate and continued her education at Columbia College
before transferring to California State University, Sacramento. She fell in love with
the campus, especially its beautiful natural surroundings and convenient location.
Currently, she is a high school teacher, a career that allows her to continue her
passion for education and working with young people. Outside of the classroom, her
three kids keep her busy with their many activities. She is excited to be a founding
member of the Alumni Association and to help build a community that celebrates the
connections and experiences that bring our alumni together.
Doralyn Foletti
For Doralyn, Columbia College is more than a place where she earned her education,
it is a community she has devoted years of her life to serving.
Throughout her many years at Columbia College, Doralyn has been admired for her dedication
to students and her commitment to ensuring they have the greatest possible access
to educational opportunities. Her passion for the college and the people it serves
has made a lasting impact on the campus community.
Although Doralyn has retired, her commitment to Columbia College continues. She has
returned to the college to help build the foundation of the Columbia College Alumni
Association, bringing with her a deep understanding of the institution and a genuine
belief in the importance of staying connected to its alumni.
For Doralyn, coming back to Columbia College is another way to give back to the community
that has meant so much to her. Through her continued service, she is helping create
opportunities for alumni to reconnect, support current students, and strengthen the
college community for generations to come.
Faviola Garcia
For Faviola, her time at Columbia college sparked a passion that continues to shape
her educational and professional journey.
While attending Columbia College, Faviola discovered a love for early childhood education and
was inspired by the program and the opportunities it provided. She went on to further
her education at Arizona State University and is currently working toward her teaching
credential through UC Merced.
Even as she continues her own educational journey, Faviola remains connected to Columbia
College. She mentors students through the Child Development Future Educators Club
and the Early Childhood Education program, sharing her experiences and encouraging
the next generation of educators to pursue their own goals.
Faviola's story is a wonderful example of the lasting impact of a Columbia College
education, and how our alumni continue to give back, inspire others, and strengthen
the community they came from.
