2024 2025
Think of what our community can achieve when passion meets purpose. 2
TABLE OF
CONTENTS A Letter From Our President & CEO
5
Who We Are 6 About the Foundation
7
Foundation Team 8 Financial Summary 10 Season Sponsors 11 Annual Campaigns 12 Making an Impact
14
Transformational Gifts 17 Support Groups 18 Special Events 22 Gratitude for Grants 26 Alumni Engagement 27 Campus Improvements
28
Community Outreach 30
Disclaimer: This 2024-2025 Annual Report includes gifts received between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. All donor lists are reflective of how they were originally published throughout the 2024-2025 school year and/or donor preference. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inadvertent omissions or errors. 3
Our students embrace new opportunities and continuously set new standards for artistic and academic achievement.
4
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO Dear Friends, With the close of the 2024-2025 school year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary journey we’ve taken together with immense pride and gratitude. This past year at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) has been filled with inspiring moments, bold creativity, unique challenges, and a shared commitment to excellence in both the arts and academics. It is my privilege to present the OCSA Foundation’s 2024-2025 Annual Report – a snapshot of what our community can achieve when passion meets purpose. Our students continue to amaze us with their talents, resilience, and drive. They not only embrace new opportunities but continuously set new standards for artistic and academic achievement. These accomplishments are a direct result of the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of our families and friends, and the generosity of donors like those listed throughout this report. Your belief in our mission ensures that every student at OCSA has access to an educational experience that is both transformational and empowering. As you explore the pages of this report, you’ll see the real-world impact of your support – how it fuels innovation in the classroom, sustains our conservatories, strengthens our community partnerships, and opens doors for aspiring young artists from all backgrounds. I am especially grateful that even during times of uncertainty or challenge, our community stands strong. Your unwavering support enables us to navigate obstacles with confidence and continue delivering on our promise to students and families. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. With your partnership, we will keep advancing our mission to provide exceptional arts and academic education while expanding access and opportunity. Thank you for being such an important part of our OCSA family and for helping to shape the future of our students, our school, and the arts community at large. With heartfelt appreciation and excitement for what’s next,
Teren Shaffer President & CEO Orange County School of the Arts 5
WHO WE ARE Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), a public charter school located in the heart of Santa Ana, California, provides a six-year comprehensive academic and arts conservatory program to students in grades 7-12. Established in 1987, OCSA is one of the premier arts schools in the nation, where aspiring young artists have the opportunity to refine their skills and flourish in one of 17 preprofessional arts conservatories. OCSA provides a rigorous collegepreparatory academic program that produces high-achieving, motivated scholars. For nearly four decades, the school has impacted thousands of students, molding generations of creative thinkers, leaders, artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
MISSION STATEMENT We provide an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment to a diverse group of students who are passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ARTS EDUCATION SCHOOL OF APPLIED ARTS Arts & Enterprise Conservatory The Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory Ballet Folklórico Dance Conservatory Ballroom Dance Conservatory Commercial Dance Conservatory
AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OCSA has been recognized for innovation and excellence in arts and academic education locally, regionally, and nationally. • Exemplary School (Arts Schools Network, 2023-2028) • #1 Best Charter High School in California (Niche, 2025) • Exceptional Charter School in Special Education (NASET, 2017-2025) • Best High Schools in America (U.S. News & World Report, 2008-2025) • California Exemplary Arts Education Award (California Department of Education, 2021) • Recognized ASCA Model Program (American School Counselor Association, 2019-2021)
6
SCHOOL OF FINE & MEDIA ARTS Creative Writing Conservatory Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media Conservatory Film & Television Conservatory Integrated Arts Conservatory Visual Arts Conservatory SCHOOL OF MUSIC Classical Voice Conservatory Instrumental Music Conservatory Popular Music Conservatory SCHOOL OF THEATRE The El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory Hal Struck Musical Theatre Conservatory Production & Design Conservatory
ABOUT THE OCSA FOUNDATION Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is a donationdependent public charter school. No student is offered or denied admission based upon their family’s financial capacity. While the State of California provides funding for the academic instructional program offered at OCSA, approximately $15 million must be raised on an annual basis to fund the arts conservatory programs. The OCSA Foundation is dedicated to the financial support of the school’s arts programs, relying on the generosity of individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. The OCSA Foundation is responsible for leading annual fundraising and capital campaigns, special events, alumni engagement, community outreach initiatives, marketing, public relations, and graphic design, helping to provide the transformational OCSA experience for all students.
Your belief in our mission ensures that every student at OCSA has access to an educational experience that is both transformational and empowering.
7
2024-2025 FOUNDATION TEAM COMMUNICATIONS
DEVELOPMENT / SPECIAL EVENTS
Vice President of Communications Kelly Andrews
Vice President of Development Elizabeth Ton (MT, ‘95)
Director of Marketing Amanda Blazey
Senior Director of Special Events Jamie Schofield
Director of Public Relations Julia Gutierrez
Director of Special Event Productions Michael Von Hoffman
Senior Graphic Designer Ricardo Mesina
Director of Individual Giving Anna Belmer Jackson (MT, ‘13)
Graphic Designers Matthew Cadiz and Anel Cantu
Director of Corporate & Business Relations Gregory McCollum
Public Relations Manager Shelby Joncas (CMD, ‘08)
Development Manager Katie Perry Page (MT, ‘11)
Marketing Associate Staci Berrey
Special Events Associate Julia Rudge (CMD, ‘16)
Marketing & Development Junior Associate Darren Bautista
Grant Consultant Andrew Pilger
CREATIVE
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Creative Director Cindy Peca-Dolan
Director of Community Engagement Brian Stevens
Musical Director Melissa Wackerman
Community Engagement Associate Cindy Gutierrez
Foundation & Creative Team Associate Jacob Piattoni (CMD, ‘18)
Community Engagement Coordinator Kaitlyn Tice
Foundation & Creative Team Junior Associate Quinn Olesiuk Vocal Director Gavin Thrasher Band Director Marc Wein
Production Coordinator Carissa Lazatin 8
9
FINANCIAL SUMMARY FYE June 30, 2025, unaudited
OPERATING REVENUES: $6,374,776 Special Events - $2,247,924 Annual Campaigns - $1,568,222 Community Programs - $1,451,947 Support Groups - $445,124 Other - $661,559 7%
+
10% 35%
23% 25%
OPERATING EXPENSES: $4,576,938 Payroll & Benefits - $1,675,691 Special Events - $1,323,139 Community Programs - $1,025,596 General & Administrative - $192,741 Support Groups - $80,264
Facilities - $58,068 Donor Cultivation - $49,223 Contract Services - $24,018 Other - $148,198
1% 1% 1% 3% 2% 4% 37% 22%
29%
OCSA Foundation Net Revenue (excluding CFA): $1,797,838 OCSA Foundation Contribution to the School’s 501(c)(3): $1,150,957 10
$9,830,171 The OCSA Foundation team, in partnership with conservatory directors and the Business Office, is also responsible for the annual Conservatory Funding Agreement (CFA) campaign. These funds were allocated directly to the school’s 501(c)(3).
$16,204,947 This amount represents the combined total raised in support of OCSA’s programs.
SEASON SPONSORS Thank you to our 2024-2025 Season Sponsors! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous Season Sponsors, whose invaluable support empowers the OCSA Foundation to provide transformative arts and academic programs. Their partnership plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.
11
ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS ARTIST SCHOLAR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Raised $640,640
The Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program supports more than 200 economically disadvantaged students who attend OCSA and whose families are living below the national poverty level. This campaign not only helps fund the arts conservatory portion of their school day, but also ensures they have access to the full OCSA experience, including school dances, yearbooks, technology, and school supplies. Thank you to our 2024-2025 Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program donors! The Albertsons Companies Foundation Tristan Alva Memorial Scholarship Julie and Joe Carrabino Stacie Cruz DevTo Support Foundation The Dhanidina Family Dragon Kim Foundation Farmers & Merchants Bank
Courtney and Harald Herrmann Jessica and Jason Herthel Dr. Kimberley Lakes and Dr. James Kay The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation Cheryl and Michael Laven The Sharon D. Lund Foundation Rosemarie Paguirigan-Steiner and Don Steiner Melissa and Jeff Ruderman
Samueli Foundation Paul Satkin and Karen Duprey Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Jerome and Stacey Schneider Laureen and Brian Stone Jennifer and Ty Thaiyananthan
The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more, as of June 30, 2025, not inclusive of those who participated in the Pick Your Passion Holiday Campaign.
HEARTS FOR THE ARTS
Raised $751,591
The Hearts for the Arts campaign provides additional support for arts conservatory needs beyond annual budgets, by purchasing special equipment and supplies, taking student artists on field trips to professional arts venues, and presenting student performances. Support helps OCSA students compete in and perform at regional, statewide, and national festivals in the theatre, culinary, and music fields, among others. It also enables student groups to travel internationally for performances at the invitation of arts presenters. Thank you to our 2024-2025 Hearts for the Arts donors! Soyoung Ahn Dr. Alyson and Mr. Alfredo Cartagena Johnny Carson Foundation Emma Chen Class of 2025 Patrick and Mary Dirk Reuben H. Fleet Foundation Fund Geoffrey Garth Courtney and Harald Herrmann Dr. Maria and Mr. Gennady Imeshev Jenii and Scott Jacobson JCTEES.COM Brent Johnson Shelly Kim
Andrew J. Kuehn, Jr. Foundation Dr. Michael Le and Mrs. Tita Nguyen Xuan Liu The M Foundation Dr. Sal Maya and Mrs. Jennie Johanson-Maya Murdy Foundation Carol Normandin and Ken Parker / Emily Normandin-Parker Fund Orange County Community Foundation Rosemarie Paguirigan-Steiner and Don Steiner Patrick’s Purpose Foundation Pax Prakarsa Dr. Michael Rasminsky Drs. Douglas Sakurai and Tiffany Lee
Samueli Foundation David Sands Paul Satkin and Karen Duprey Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Jennifer and Brad Smith Harold Struck Charitable Fund Janet and Ray Sun, Sr. Surf City Insurance Services, Inc Tsao Family Foundation On behalf of UVNV - Jeff Braunstein Suzanne Xiros Yanjuan Wang Qi Yang Aidi Yu
The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more, as of June 30, 2025, not inclusive of those who participated in the Pick Your Passion Holiday Campaign. Additional revenue was received through conservatory guilds and performance honorariums. 12
Thank you to all of the families and donors who contributed to the
which collectively raised $525,233, including an anonymous matching gift of $250,000.
MASTER ARTIST SERIES
Raised $68,714
An important instructional strategy at OCSA is to bring master artists and industry leaders to share their gifts, career stories, and expertise with students through residencies, master classes, lectures, and performances. The Master Artist Series supports highprofile visiting artists who create meaningful and often life-changing experiences for our student artists. This year, esteemed guest artists included Broadway veteran and OCSA alumna Stephanie J. Block (MT, ‘90); jazz legend Wynton Marsalis; Broadway musician and radio host Seth Rudetsky; special effects artist Randal Dutra; Oscar Awardwinning American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor Spike Jonze; world dance icon Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez; jazz trumpeter and composer Summer Camargo; and casting director Rick Messina (MT, ‘95). Thank you to our 2024-2025 Master Artist Series donors! Tina and Eoin Kreditor SMART Jazz Execs / SMART Foundation Fund Trilby and Michael Robinson-Dorn Lee and Dave Runnels Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Harold Struck Charitable Fund Yamaha Ling and Charlie Zhang The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more, as of June 30, 2025.
13
MAKING AN IMPACT With support from individuals, foundations, and businesses, the OCSA Foundation directly funded the following programs, projects, and initiatives throughout the 2024-2025 school year. PICK YOUR PASSION HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
IN-KIND DONATION
CORPORATE SUPPORT
GRANT FUNDING
ALL SCHOOL • Secured Conservatory Funding Agreement underwriting for 140 students who qualified for the Federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program • Secured $1,012,500 in funding for Students First: A Capital Campaign • Secured underwriting for 75 students in need to participate in CSArts Academy summer classes • Produced the 2nd Annual OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival • Supported the Gluck Community Service Arts Fellowship Program • Funded OCSA Jumpstart for new students • Funded the Freshman Retreat • Updated sound system with new speakers in Margaret A. Webb Theatre • Supported dual enrollment expansion • Supported Career Technical Education faculty training
ACTING • Supported costs to perform Erabus and the Fall of Sparrow at The Hollywood Fringe Festival in June 2025 14
ARTS & ENTERPRISE • Purchased portable sound system for conservatory events both on and off campus • Secured underwriting for upcoming makerspace • Secured underwriting for internship program
BALLET & CONTEMPORARY DANCE • Secured three artists-in-residence during the spring semester
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DANCE • Funded guest master artist residency with Viviana Basanta Hernández of Ballet Folklórico de Mexico • Purchased costumes to present new piece choreographed by Viviana Basanta Hernández
BALLROOM DANCE • Purchased new costumes • Sponsored costs for students to compete in Hot Ballroom DanceSport Challenge and California Open
CLASSICAL VOICE • Hired professional orchestra musicians for the spring opera production • Funded Patrick & Mary Dirk Voice Scholarships for 14 students • Secured underwriting for the Classical Voice Concert Season
CREATIVE WRITING • Funded field trip to the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference in Los Angeles • Provided support for Beyond Borders performance • Provided support for Inkblot Literary Magazine
CULINARY ARTS & HOSPITALITY • Secured initial funding for creation of a food science lab • Secured electric ovens and stovetops for the food science lab • Funded senior scholarships for high-achieving students pursuing culinary programs after graduation
DESIGN & MEDIA • Purchased five 13-inch iPad Pros and Apple Pencils • Purchased five photo printers • Secured underwriting to fully upgrade the computer lab
FILM & TELEVISION • Purchased equipment to renovate editing suites into full sound and coloring suites • Secured donation of wired handheld intercoms • Upgraded computer graphics and titling software for live productions
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – JAZZ STUDIES • Secured underwriting for master class with Wynton Marsalis • Offered master class with Jeremy Siskin • Restored piano in The Garn Family Cabaret Lounge • Secured underwriting for the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival
15
MAKING AN IMPACT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – PIANIST • Funded field trip to Thornton School Piano Concerto Competition at USC
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – STRINGS & ORCHESTRA • Offered audio and video recordings of all concerts in the spring semester • Funded field trip to LA Philharmonic Orchestra for open rehearsals and a performance • Offered master class with Tina Guo
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC – WIND STUDIES • Purchased bass clarinet • Secured funding for contrabass clarinet
INTEGRATED ARTS • Purchased film and television equipment for Video Production & Advanced Filmmaking class • Purchased wireless lavalier microphones for all productions
MUSICAL THEATRE • Purchased additional speakers for the Scott & Charlotte Egan Studio Theatre • Purchased portable sound system to allow for increased performance opportunities in unconventional spaces • Secured field trip for 60 students to see final tech rehearsal of Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts • Secured underwriting for master class with Broadway veteran Stephanie J. Block
POPULAR MUSIC • Purchased five-piece shell pack for show kit • Purchased main monitor speakers for the recording studio • Secured master class with Anatomy of Sound’s international guitarists from Greece and Japan • Secured funding for a recording studio computer • Secured underwriting for Popular Music productions
PRODUCTION & DESIGN • Offered puppetry seminar with the cast of Life of Pi at Segerstrom Center for the Arts • Funded field trip to a professional theatre for the full conservatory • Secured master class with Pioneer DJ • Secured funding for the Let’s Put on a Play program
VISUAL ARTS • Purchased three color printers for The Newkirk Family Visual Arts Center • Secured paint donations for new campus murals
16
TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFTS HAL STRUCK MUSICAL THEATRE CONSERVATORY In recognition of Hal Struck’s extraordinary multi-year pledge of $1 million, we proudly named the Hal Struck Musical Theatre Conservatory this year. Since joining the OCSA community in 2022, Hal and his sister, Sharon, have become passionate supporters of our students, attending performances and events with heartfelt enthusiasm. This naming honors Hal’s multiyear pledge to Students First: A Capital Campaign and his continued support of Musical Theatre programming – ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come.
PATRICK & MARY DIRK CLASSICAL VOICE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT A transformative gift from longtime OCSA supporters Patrick and Mary Dirk led to the creation of the Patrick & Mary Dirk Classical Voice Scholarship Endowment. This endowment will provide annual scholarships to 14 Classical Voice students, ensuring access to high-level vocal training regardless of financial need. Since 2010, the Dirks have supported more than 200 voice students, and this lasting gift secures their legacy of empowering young artists well into the future.
FOOD SCIENCE LAB With special funding from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation and inkind contributions from Imperial Ovens, OCSA’s Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory was able to retrofit and upgrade an existing classroom to serve as an industry-standard Food Science Lab. This new space will allow the conservatory to include more advanced food science and nutrition coursework, support experiential learning and ingredient testing, and enhance student preparedness for future careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
17
SUPPORT GROUPS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Raised $183,000 Officers Jason Herthel, Board Chair Teren Shaffer, President & Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Sternshein, Secretary Michael Laven, Treasurer Christine Walker-Bowman, Vice Chair, Finance Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.), Board of Trustees Representative Kimberley Lakes, Ph.D., Vice Chair, Human Capital Jennie Johanson-Maya, Vice Chair, PR & Marketing Eoin L. Kreditor, J.D., Vice Chair, Legacy Giving
Directors Lisa Argyros Jim Bergman Lisa Brennan Miaad Bushala Bruce E. Chapman Jim Conroy Julia Feldman Lamia Gabal, M.D.
Julie Garn Jason Gwin Gillian Hayes, Ph.D. Steven Ho Martin Howard Michael Le Lee Runnels Don Steiner
Total Income From Support Groups: $444,327 18
EMERITUS BOARD Julia Argyros John Daniels Sandy Segerstrom Daniels Mohamed El-Erian Brad Ellis, J.D. Maria Newkirk Fong John Gates Carol Green Jerry Mandel Michal Mekjian, Jr. James “Walkie” Ray Judy Sabbagh Susan Samueli, Ph.D. Janice Frey Smith Kate St. Clair Russell Stern John Vestri Scott Woolsey
In Memoriam Paul Folino Doug Garn Sebastian Paul Musco Lew Webb
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Raised $167,327 Armi and Ron Abiera Cheryl Alderson and Charles Dominguez Courtney and James Banaag Autumn and Frank Bignami Alyson and Alfredo Cartagena Kara and Rob Casola Kathy and William Chang Joy Chao and Jason Lee Arpi and Bobby Charlu Julia and Lewis Cho Gretchen and Jim Conroy Michelle and Tim Danaher Neeti and Sandeep Dang Saranya and Halim Dhanidina Malisa and Kanwal Duggal Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Sally and Dan Fleet Laura Forbes and Mike Huntley Betsy and Luke Freiler Lamia Gabal and Charlie Wilcoxson Stacy and Jason Gwin
Sameena and Ali Habib Allison and Brian Herman Jason and Jessica Herthel Jennie Johanson-Maya and Sal Maya Karen Kim and Spencer Ho Annu Khemka and Maneesh Goyal Cheryl and Michael Laven Debbie and Bonaparte Liu Sherry and Paul Main Greg McCollum and Jeff Van Hoosear Matt and Diana McCutchen Maeesha Merchant and Gaurav Diwan Jessica Miley and Alejandro Brubaker Tita Nguyen and Michael Le Rose Paguirian-Steiner and Don Steiner Allison and Jim Panetta Amy Parekh and Jay Shah Brad Pivar and Rod Escobedo Ami and Rakesh Puvvada Alexis and Julian Recana Catey and Chris Reese
Trilby and Michael Robinson-Dorn Melissa and Jeffrey Ruderman Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Jennifer and Brad Smith Karen Smith and Jay Jerrier Mohini and Vip Soni Jeannette and John Soumbasakis Lisa Stevens Wegner and Jed Stevens Rina Stinson Kim and Bert Tavares Mei Tsang and Steve Brown Ivy Wang and Patryk Symchych Courtney and Andrew Wittkop Manuella and Michael Yassa Michelle and Gary Yoshino Sandy and David Young Jinny and Ed Yun
19
SUPPORT GROUPS ENCORE Raised $94,000 Virtuoso | $5,000 Lisa and Jack Brennan Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy Vincent and Karla Chung Mala and Neeraj Gupta Ivie-Valle Family - In This House Love Rules Kevin and Louise Lloyd Melissa and Jeff Ruderman Karen Smith and Jay Jerrier Courtney and Andrew Wittkop
Ovation | $2,500 The Bullock Family Brandi and Javier Gutierrez Rosemarie and Michael Le Coz The Oh Family Molly Ortwein The Pennor Family Michael and Nicole Vicioso Brian Yan’s Family
Maestro | $1,000 Armi and Ron Abiera Anonymous Justin Aragon and Laura Boysen-Aragon James and Courtney Banaag Team Bignami Dr. Alyson and Alfredo Cartagena The Casola Family Arpi and Bobby Charlu Joy Chao and Jason Lee Julia and Lewis Cho Kathy and William Chang Tim and Michelle Danaher Neeti and Sandeep Dang The Dhanidina Family The Dominguez Family Kyle and Courtney Duff Malisa and Kanwal Duggal Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Sally and Dan Fleet
20
Laura Forbes and Mike Huntley Luke and Betsy Freiler Lamia Gabal and Charlie Wilcoxson Jason and Stacy Gwin Sameena and Ali Habib The Herman Family Jason and Jessica Herthel Stacey and Justin Hill Scott Holty and Emilie Albert Angela Huang Cindy Hughes and Paul Schmidhauser Jennie Johanson-Maya and Sal Maya David and Sara Kerrane Anuradha Khemka and Maneesh Goyal Karen Kim and Spencer Ho Cheryl and Michael Laven The Lee Family Scott and Susan Lee Debbie and Bonaparte Liu The Ly-Pang Family Molly Mahoney and John Dominguez Paul and Sherry Main Greg McCollum and Jeff Van Hoosear Maeesha Merchant and Gaurav Diwan Jessica Miley and Alejandro Brubaker Tita Nguyen and Michael Le Rosemarie Paguirigan-Steiner and Don Steiner Jim and Allison Panetta The Parekh Shah Family The Pivar-Escobedo Family Rakesh and Ami Puvvada The Ransford Family Hon. Julian and Alexis Recana Chris and Catey Reese Savalai and Brent Ridley Trilby and Michael Robinson-Dorn Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Brad and Jennifer Smith Mo and Vip Soni John and Jeannette Soumbasakis Lisa Stevens Wegner and Jed Wegner
Rina Stinson Patryk Symchych Kim and Bert Tavares Mei Tsang and Steve Brown Brooks and Kelly Wackerman Michael and Manuella Yassa Michelle and Gary Yoshino Sandy and David Young Drs. Edward and Jinny Yun
Bravo | $500 Acting Conservatory Mom Ms. Jyothi Atluri The Bailey Family Edgar and Julie Barajas The Bittel Family Ronald and Dawne Both Cogswell Design Inc. Kristy Crownover CV programs The Dale Family Ramit and Rakhi Dayal
Joe and Jessica DiPenta DM Isabel Dong The Elder Family Dr. and Mrs. Gregory and Lisa Endelman The Engle Family Kim Gangnes Byron and Raquel Gillen The Goodemote Family The Gourley Family Apra and Rahul Gupta Andy and Gracie Hinton The Idriss Family Kevin and Kelly Kelley Angela Kent Andrew and Chinyee Keyoung Jason and Susan Lai My Lee Jay and Danielle Madison Paul Mendoza Val and Larry Miles The Mitra’s
Moon’s Family Yvonne Naranjo The Ortiz Family Oscar and Jessica Parra The Passalacqua Family Peters Architecture Inc. Logan and Carol Ross The Rossfeld Family The Schultz Family Bandana and Jolly Singh Elliot Tong The Vik Family The Villanueva Family Foundation The Vitta Kama Family The Voros Family The Weaver Family Parents of David Wong (CW-2026) Brenda Wooding and Eric Adler The Zazik Family
21
SPECIAL EVENTS SEASON PREMIERE 2024 Raised $328,570 Thank you to everyone who supported Season Premiere 2024! Honorary Producer Carole Pickup
$7,500 Table Sponsors Chapman University Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman $5,000 Table Sponsors Tim and Michelle Danaher Cheryl and Michael Laven The Malis Family $3,500 Table Sponsors The Abiera, Dormitorio, Kantelis, McCollum-Van Hoosear, and Reese Families Ann Burge Gillian Hayes The Herman Family The Herrmann Family Jennie Johanson-Maya and Sal Maya M|W|A’s Marcy Weinstein Tita Nguyen and Michael Le Orange County Credit Union Kim and Bert Tavares Russell and Liz Turner Performance Underwriters Albert and Miaad Bushala Jackie Daytona, Regular Human Bartender Cherie and Scott Emigh Mike Gu at Santa Ana Wheel The Herthel Family Law Offices of Margaret A. Chidester & Associates OnCall IT, Inc. Samueli Foundation Teren and Brianna Shaffer Sheppard Mullin Ling and Charlie Zhang
22
SOUTH COAST PLAZA TREE LIGHTING 2024 Thank you to everyone who supported the South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony!
GALA 2025 Raised $1,312,054 Thank you to everyone who supported Gala 2025: House of Muse! Gold Sponsors Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Sandy Segerstrom Daniels The Jerrier Family (2) Ruby Sponsors Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy Tina and Eoin Kreditor / Cleo A. Bluth Charitable Foundation Dr. Michael Le and Mrs. Tita Nguyen The Sternshein Family Sapphire Sponsors Lisa and Jack Brennan Albert and Miaad Bushala CHOC Foundation City National Bank The Dhanidina Family Farmers & Merchants Bank Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Lamia Gabal (Shehab), MD, FPMRS / Prestige Medical Group The McCollum / Van Hoosear, Panetta, and Reese Families The Herrmann Family (2) Steve and Shelley Ho The Kao Family Cheryl and Michael Laven The Mahoney Dominguez Family Sal & Jennie Maya Family Foundation The Padilla, Prizzia, Recana, and Soumbasakis Families The Pennor Family Lee and Dave Runnels Don Steiner and Rose Paguirigan-Steiner Harold Struck Charitable Fund The Ton / Gonzalez Family The Young Family Performance Underwriters Lisa Argyros Bobby and Arpi Charlu Kathleen and Curtis Cover Michelle and Tim Danaher Linda and Vince Foley The Garn Family Martin and Cynthia Howard OnCall IT, Inc. 23
SPECIAL EVENTS GALA 2025 (cont.) Performance Underwriters (cont.) Sandra Rabins Teren and Brianna Shaffer Sheppard Mullin Specialty Sponsors Arlington Financial Prestige Medical Group ROVE Volvo OC Fund-A-Dream Donors Melinda and Sergio Andonian Elyas Balta and Janine Golino Dr. Kimberly Barraza Lyons and Paul Lyons Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Autumn and Frank Bignami Stephanie J. Block-Arcelus and Sebastian Arcelus Dawne Archeta Both and Ronald Both David Bowman and Christine Walker-Bowman Jack and Lisa Brennan Alejandro Brubaker and Jessica Miley Ann Burge Albert and Miaad Bushala Julia Cai Joy Chao and Jason Lee Karla and Vincent Chung Michelle and Michael Ciecek Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy Ruth Daly and Glenn Ramos Ashley and Jessica Daniel Matthew and Vickie DeArmey Molly Mahoney and John Dominquez Neil and Vina D’Souza Dianne and Rob Duva Teri and Mark Fellman Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Lamia Gabal and Charlie Wilcoxson Marc and Tamara Ghoukassian Bryan and Erin Giglia Kevin Gray and Tal Peles-Gray Dr. Yigit and Mrs. Stoja Guner Tony Guo and Jenny Zhang Jason and Stacy Gwin Spencer and Karen Ho 24
Becky and Alex Intfen Dr. Sal Maya and Mrs. Jennie Johanson-Maya Dr. Amita Kalra and Dr. Daniel Nahl Dr. Luke and Catherine Kao Dr. Andrew and Chinyee Keyoung Natalie and Rush Khoddam Jay and Jodi Kollar Eoin and Tina Kreditor Cheryl and Michael Laven Angela Lee Jenny and Jose Leon Ann and Matt Marquis Andrea and Mark McCardle Diana and Matt McCutchen Catherine Michaels Vien Nguyen and Tom Courtney Rosalind Ong and John Tran Vincenzo Paglia Allison and Jim Panetta Karla Pena-Pennor and Andrew Pennor Frances Prizzia Hon. Julian and Alexis Recana Catey and Chris Reese Carlos and Nancy Reyes Laura Rosenwinkel and Timothy Gentry Jeff and Melissa Ruderman Dave and Lee Runnels Cheryl and Gary Sanders Eva Casas-Sarmiento and Vicente Sarmiento Paul Satkin and Karen Duprey Dr. Minajoy Sebastian-Lee Nancy and Stan Shcharber Andrea and Larry Shurtz Jeannette and John Soumbasakis Daniel Spain and Hayley Stangland-Spain Don Steiner and Rose Paguirigan-Steiner Patricia and Charles Steinmann Jennifer and Ray Sun, Jr. Bert and Kimberly Tavares Elizabeth and Ali Ton Bob and Melissa Wackerman Gianna and Scott Warner Russell Wetanson Sandy and David Young The listing above represents donors who gave $500 or more as part of the Gala 2025 Fund-A-Dream Campaign, as of June 30, 2025.
Auction Donors 4th Street Market Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club Angels Baseball Shivani Atluri (VA, ‘27) Randy Au Balboa Bay Resort Balloons Over Paso James and Courtney Banaag Benchmark Boisset Collection | Cindy Martin Larry Boodman | School of Rock Huntington Beach California Pizza Kitchen Santa Ana Missy and Chris Callero Dr. Alyson and Mr. Alfredo Cartegena Casas de Santa Fe Robert and Kara Casola Castillion, LLC Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Gamze and Serdar Celik Arpi and Bobby Charlu Julia and Lewis Cho Chloé Aileen Chun (VA, ‘26) Club Studio Andrew Cortez Creative College Journey | Scott Barnhardt Quiemas D’Ovaia Tim and Michelle Danaher Danza Del Sol Vickie and Matt DeArmey Detention 2.0 Farmers & Merchants Bank Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone Teri and Mark Fellman Fender Musical Instruments Company Forge To Table Knives | Noah Rosen Formaglini Vineyards Eloise Fu (VA, ‘28) Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen Gallagher Insurance GARYS Men’s Clothing Lauren Gee (VA, ‘27) Glen Ivy Hot Springs Graff Stacy and Jason Gwin Barbara Hallman Happy Jewelers Gillian Hayes and Steve Hosaflook
Jessica and Jason Herthel Shelley and Steve Ho Spencer Ho and Karen Kim Honda Center Preferred Hotels & Resorts Martin and Cynthia Howard Mike Huntley and Laura Forbes Hyatt Regency Irvine Joe Bananas Kendall Jones Nalika Kavia (VA, ‘25) The Kidder Family Ashley Kim (VA, ‘25) Caroline Kim (VA, ‘25) Haylin (Hyunyi) Kim (VA, ‘26) Jennifer Kim (VA, ‘25) Ziah Kim (VA, ‘27) Kimberly M. Wang Photography | Eardog Productions L’Aventure Lawry’s Restaurant Michael Le and Tita Ngyuen Jason Lee and Joy Chao Le Renew Dermatology | Dr. John Le and Thuy Nguyen Xinyu (Ariel) Liang (VA, ‘27) Lorimar Winery Los Angeles Angels Baseball Sherry and Paul Main Debbie and Aaron Malo Maeesha Marchant and Gaurav Diwan Matt and Ann Marquis Greg McCollum and Jeff Van Hoosear McLean Meyer LLC | Eric Meyer
Rick and Rebecca Messina Sandy Miller Yuzuki Minematsu (VA, ‘29) Kelly Mogilka Montage Hotels & Resorts Richard Mordesovich and Warren Chase Musco Center for the Arts Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Neiman Marcus Fashion Island Chloe Nguyen (Va, ‘26) Valerie Nguyen (VA, ‘25) Oakley Paige Oden Orange County School of the Arts Orange County School of the Arts Foundation Pacifica Hotels Allison and Jim Panetta The Park Club Pasolivo Olive Oil Pendry Hotels & Resorts Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf Pendy Newport Beach Prestige Medical Group | Lamia Gabal, MD Carole Pickup PRP Wine International The Rand Family Chris and Catey Reese Rockwell’s Bakery & Cafe Roclord Studio Lisa Rubenstein Melissa and Jeff Ruderman
Lee and Dave Runnels Say Huyen Catering Juliet and Doug Schulein Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Rande and Adrienne Shaffer Sheppard Mullin Luke Shin (VA, ‘25) Irene Sirota South Coast Plaza SteelCraft Garden Grove Don Steiner and Rose Paguirigan-Steiner The Sternshein Family Lisa Stevens Wegner and Jed Stevens Rina Stinson Amina Straughn (VA, ‘27) Tablas Creek Vineyard Kevin and Elaine Tiber Timothy Paul Mitchell LLC Total Wine & More Touchstone Jewelry UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts Ubuntu Julia Yang (VA, ‘28) Manuella and Mike Yassa Jinny and Ed Yun Mason Williams Wilson Creek Winery The Wittkop Family Yorba Linda Spotlight Theatre Co. Carol Zaist | Château d’Anvichar
SEASON FINALE 2025 Thank you to everyone who supported Season Finale 2025!
25
GRATITUDE FOR GRANTS The following funders supported a wide variety of initiatives during the 2024-2025 school year, including conservatory enrichment, special events, community programs, facility upgrades, academic programs, master artists, field trip underwriting, assistance for students on the Federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program, and general operating expenses.
Albertsons Companies Foundation Andrew J. Kuehn Foundation California Technical Education Incentive Grant* DevTo Support Foundation Dragon Kim Foundation Ethel Kennedy Foundation Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County Johnny Carson Foundation The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation M Charitable Fund Max H. Gluck Foundation
Murdy Foundation Orange County Community Foundation Pacific Life Foundation Patrick’s Purpose Foundation Reuben H. Fleet Foundation The Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund Rooster Foundation Samueli Foundation Sharon D. Lund Foundation SMART Jazz Execs / SMART Foundation Fund Tsao Family Foundation
*This grant was allocated to OCSA’s 501(c)(3) directly.
Your support is fueling innovation.
26
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT The 2024-2025 school year was a vibrant and impactful season for alumni engagement. With thoughtful programming and increased visibility, OCSA strengthened alumni connections and reinforced its lasting role in the school community.
Alumni Giving
Alumni and their families contributed more than $830,000 across a wide variety of campaigns and events. During the Pick Your Passion Holiday Campaign, approximately 40 alumni families received tickets to Season Finale 2025 as a thank-you for their support.
Alumni Teaching Day
Held on April 17, 2025, this inspiring event welcomed back 10 accomplished alumni who shared professional insights, artistic techniques, and personal stories with current students. OCSA plans to continue this meaningful tradition annually.
Alumni-Led Master Classes
Throughout the year, distinguished alumni returned to campus to lead workshops and discussions.
Alumni on Social Media
We saw enhanced engagement across all alumni social media platforms, most notably on the @ocsaalumni Instagram, including celebrations and takeovers.
Senior Class Engagement
OCSA helped to cultivate a philanthropic spirit and sense of engagement with graduating seniors by introducing the alumni network and encouraging the act of giving back to their school. The Class of 2025 contributed funds to support a future college-prep workshop for the 2025-2026 school year.
27
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS
Total Pledged (Over 5 Years): $6,365,361 Amount Received in 2024-2025: $1,012,500* The goal of Students First: A Capital Campaign is to create an enhanced campus environment that will benefit the entire OCSA community. The 2024-2025 school year saw the completion of Phase 1 of construction. These updates represent just the beginning of a long-term vision to elevate OCSA’s facilities. Some key highlights include: • A new student lounge • A new staircase connecting the Container Lot to the second-floor patio and cafeteria • A renovated second-floor patio and cafeteria interior • A new Culinary Arts Food Science Lab, adjacent to the cafeteria kitchen • A vibrant new mural on the south-facing wall of the Samueli Family Art & Science Center (Annex) • A newly designed Scott & Charlotte Egan Studio Theatre, providing an enhanced performance space for students • A peaceful Serenity Center, dedicated to student wellness, including mental health support and relaxation Phase 2 of our campus transformation is underway and will continue to build on this exciting momentum. Planned updates include: • A new welcome plaza near the Media & Arts Center (Tech Building) • Turf installation, landscaping, and tree planting throughout the Lisa Argyros Commons • Installation of personalized brick pavers • A new basketball court and gathering space in front of the Annex • Shade structures and additional restroom facilities near the Scott & Charlotte Egan Studio Theatre • Enhanced campus lighting and updated student gathering spaces This phase will further elevate the environment where our students thrive, providing more dynamic and functional spaces for them to create and collaborate. We anticipate that all construction will be completed by spring 2026. *Revenue from the capital campaign is not reflected in the financial summary found on page 10.
28
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who have donated in support of this transformational campaign! Acting Conservatory Families, Class of 2025 Anonymous Julia and George Argyros Lisa Argyros Albert and Miaad Bushala The Cha Family Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy The DeVoe Family DevTo Support Foundation The Dhanidina Family The Dirk Family El-Erian Family Foundation Roberta Estrin Farmers & Merchants Bank The Garn Family Shelley and Steven Ho Martin and Cynthia Howard / Howard CDM Chinyee and Dr. J. Andrew Keyoung N&D Kim Family Tina and Eoin Kreditor / Cleo A Bluth Charitable Foundation
Dr. Kimberley Lakes and Dr. James Kay The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation Cheryl and Michael Laven Hsueh Chun Lo The Malone Family Jennifer and Paul Meyhoefer Mrs. Tita Nguyen, Esq. and Dr. Michael Le Ryan and Jin O’Grady The Park Family Debbie and Joe Rogoff Samueli Foundation Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman Karen Smith and Jay Jerrier The Sternshein Family Harold Struck Charitable Fund Ty and Jen Thaiyananthan The Tioleco-Cheng Malabarba Family Ryan and Nicole Warne-McGraw The Wegner Family Michelle and Gary Yoshino 29
COMMUNITY OUTREACH OCSA CONNECTS COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL
Free arts festival hosted on the school’s campus, serving children ages 5-11 from local and regional communities • Second annual event • 1,200 attendees (more than 600 families) • 18 interactive and immersive arts booths • 14 live performances by OCSA’s talented students and select community groups • Top 3 cities with highest attendance: Irvine, Santa Ana, and Anaheim • Inclusive for children of all abilities and disabilities Presenting Event Sponsor
Event Sponsors 4th Street Market Ben’s Asphalt | Rockwell’s Bakery Block Family Foundation Brown Colonial Mortuary California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach Calnetix Technologies Chapman University CHOC Foundation CJ Segerstrom & Sons Culligan Water Farmers & Merchants Bank Gallagher JCAP Financial Koloa Kai LLC Orange County Community Foundation Prestige Medical Group
30
Pretika MedTech Republic Services Rove Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce Seven Gables Realtors | Sandy DeAngelis Seven Gables Realtors | Lesslie Giacobbi Sonoma Private Wealth South Coast Plaza Sternshein Legal Group Teresa’s Jewelers Top Finish Collision Center University of California, Irvine Umberg Zipser US Bank Wang Symchych Family
El Sol Academy Frida Cinema Heritage Museum of Orange County Holocaust Education Center of Orange County Jennie Johanson-Maya Latino Health Access LBC Hero Squad LibroMobile & Roger Reyes Maple Village Orange County Arts and Disability Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) Pan American Chinese Dance Alliance Philharmonic Society of Orange County Pretend City Radiant Health Center Community Partners Santa Ana Public Library Marleena Barber Santa Ana Zoo Bowers Museum Studio D of Segerstrom Center for the Arts College of Performing Arts (COPA) at Think Together Chapman Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopment Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Center at CHOC CRECE Urban Farms Dragon Kim Foundation
CSARTS ACADEMY
Offers extracurricular, introductory, and enrichment-based arts training to student artists ages 5-15 in a safe and fun learning environment • 88 classes offered throughout the fall, spring, and summer • 1,250 participants • 60+ full scholarships provided for students in need Presenting Event Sponsor
GLUCK COMMUNITY SERVICE ARTS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Provides free arts programs and performances for the surrounding community, bringing the arts to those with little-to-no access, including youth, seniors, homeless, and those affected by disabilities, illness, or abuse • 52 community performances • 18,550 individuals impacted in Santa Ana and the extended Orange County community • Approximately 175 participating OCSA students
DRAGON KIM FOUNDATION MUSIC PROGRAM
Provides instruments and free, high-quality music instruction on OCSA’s campus for children ages 9-11 who do not have the resources for private music lessons • 72 students in the spring program • Participating students from local Santa Ana schools, including Cadence Park School, El Sol, Méndez Fundamental Intermediate School, Mesa View Middle School, OCEAA, Scholarship Prep – Santa Ana, Serrano Elementary School, and Woodbury Elementary School
BRING OCSA TO YOU Raised $443,192 Bring OCSA To You offers a wide range of professional-level performance groups, comprised of talented student artists from all 17 of the school’s arts conservatories • 10 unique performance groups, including MONTAGE!, Ballroom Blitz, Bel Canto Singers, Las Estrellas, and more • 53 Bring OCSA To You performances • 37 MONTAGE! performances ° 14 holiday events, including 8 community tree lighting ceremonies
31
Thank you for supporting the OCSA Foundation throughout the 2024-2025 school year!