TCS Education System hosted an inaugural board conference Feb. 19-20 that brought together trustees, presidents, and leaders from our across the system and institutions. The vision was to build community with trustees and learn about relevant issues affecting the sector, particularly our colleges and universities. One segment of the conference featured alumni from all five institutions coming together to share their stories in “I Am TCS Ed.” Here is what some had to say:

“How did my education at The Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law (www.collegesoflaw.edu)  impact my life?” said alumna Jana Johnston, who practices probate and real property law and is also now a COL trustee. “Well, it’s responsible for an extraordinary part of who I am and what makes me happy.”

Jayanti Tambe, executive director of early care and education at UCLA, credits her time at Pacific Oaks College (www.pacificoaks.edu) to the person she is today.

“Thanks to my Pacific Oaks education, I am an emerging leader,” said Tambe, who received a M.A. in human development from POC. “I am who I am. I am independent. I am innovative. I’m energetic.”

One thing was clear. We’ve got a lot to be proud of, and much to look forward to.­

“They are inspirational,” said Rev. Mary Tudela, a trustee of both Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School in Pasadena and of TCS Ed. “That was a very inspirational experience. From a leader’s perspective, it makes palpable how our work impacts the world.”

She said each alumni brought to mind a phrase—“ripples of intention”­—used by Dr. Michael Horowitz, president of TCS Ed, in describing how trustees can affect change, and the world around them.

“Each one of these is a pebble, and think about the ripples they touch, the lives they touch,” Rev. Tudela added. “When you do the math, that’s pretty awesome. It was very enlightening and very affirming.”

Dr. Horowitz said the panel surpassed his expectations.

“To hear their achievements, their commitment to their professions, their communities, it makes me feel great about the work that we’re doing,” he said. “It’s going to inspire the trustees to work even harder to create opportunities for students to make connections, to create opportunities for students to work with our communities, to get jobs for our alumni. I think this is the energy that they will harness.”