Donor Spotlights: Meet the individuals and companies who make a difference in the lives of RTC students

Donor Spotlights: Meet the individuals and companies who make a difference in the lives of RTC students Photo of Jenny Wesson.

05/31/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Angie Mar impresses guests at Celebrity Chef Dinner Celebrity chef dinner guests applaud Angie Mar and RTC students

03/11/2020 12:00:00 A.M.2020Thai village has special connection to RTC Photo of RTC alumnus, Supunnee Pargul, helps one of her students tackle a craft project.

Photo of RTC alumnus, Supunnee Pargul, helps one of her students tackle a craft project.

11/16/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Foundation announces 61 recipients for fall scholarships Photo of three student scholars.

09/07/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Fund a DreamYour gift to Fund A Dream includes a dollar-for-dollar match. That means your impact doubles and more students can access great careers through the McCarthy Bridge Grant. RTC student Rosa Ocegueda wearing a hardhat on campus

RTC student Rosa Ocegueda wearing a hardhat on campus

02/27/2025 12:18:00 A.M.2025Puget Sound Energy’s workforce of the futureThe RTC Foundation sat down with Rachel Benner, the Executive Director of the PSE Foundation, for an interview. A PSE employee monitoring energy meters

Foundation05/15/2026 09:55:00 A.M.Foundation2026Congratulations to RTC’s Spring 2025 Scholarship RecipientsPlease join us in recognizing the excellence and perseverance of our scholars for Spring 2025. Two RTC students sitting at an outdoor table while two others walk by

Two RTC students sitting at an outdoor table while two others walk by

Foundation05/01/2025 12:56:00 A.M.Foundation2025RTC student receives top national honors Photo of RTC student Carl Harris.

05/31/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018Student Success breakfast raises more than $70,000 Photo of Kiwi Ijiomah at the podium.

05/31/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016RTC Foundation awards $244,900 in fall scholarshipsWe’re proud to announce that the RTC Foundation and Scholarship Committee awarded $244,900 in scholarships for the Fall quarter. Two RTC students sitting at an outdoor table while two others walk by

Foundation09/15/2025 01:16:00 P.M.Foundation2025Community comes out for a grand opening worth $20 million! Photo one of Automotive grand opening.

06/14/2017 12:00:00 A.M.2017Dochnahls honored for a lifetime-and-more of giving Phot of Bernie and Denny Dochnahl.

03/08/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018Foundation hits new highs at Student Success Breakfast Photo of Kevin McCarthy with RTC students.

03/01/2017 12:00:00 A.M.20172025 Thanksgiving Pie Event – Sold Out! Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser | You make the turkey & we'll bake the pies! Pecan, pumpkin, apple, $25

Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser | You make the turkey & we'll bake the pies! Pecan, pumpkin, apple, $25

11/01/2025 01:00:00 P.M.2025Q&A with Concrete Tech around strategies to address the manufacturing skills gap An airplane getting towed across a bridge

An airplane getting towed across a bridge

Foundation02/19/2026 11:08:00 A.M.Foundation2026Nursing student sets sights on being first in her family to earn degree Nursing student Angelina Onishchenko in her student scrubs

Nursing student Angelina Onishchenko in her student scrubs

06/19/2020 12:00:00 A.M.20202017 marks inaugural Lifetime of Giving Award Photo of Andee and Rich Wagner.

Foundation02/28/2017 12:00:00 A.M.Foundation2017A family steps up to improve women’s lives Photo of Michele Lesmeister and Sarra Ghezzaz, former ESL student who is about to graduate as a dental assistant.

Photo of Michele Lesmeister and Sarra Ghezzaz, former ESL student who is about to graduate as a dental assistant.

06/14/2017 12:00:00 A.M.2017Renowned Tom Douglas serves as the 2018 Celebrity Chef Seattle culinary icon Tom Douglas at RTC

12/18/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018RTC grad now heads to Harvard University Don Hawkins with fellow student tutors in the LRCC

09/13/2019 12:00:00 A.M.2019RTC 80th Anniversary kick-off March 4 at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington! Lakeside views from Water's Table dining room at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

Lakeside views from Water's Table dining room at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

03/04/2021 12:00:00 A.M.2021He survived civil war to become computer science scholar at RTC Headshot of computer science student Mustafa Musa wearing a baseball cap

06/19/2020 12:00:00 A.M.20202025 Scholar & Donor ReceptionYour investments create a brighter future for our students and our community. A construction student wearing a hardhat and a neon vest holding a paint brush

A construction student wearing a hardhat and a neon vest holding a paint brush

Foundation04/24/2025 10:48:08 A.M.Foundation2025true2024 Fall Scholarships RecipientsCongratulations RTC’s Fall 2024 Scholar Recipients An RTC medical student inspecting a syringe

An RTC medical student inspecting a syringe

Foundation09/09/2024 03:25:00 P.M.Foundation2024Connell Scholars04/29/2025 09:19:00 A.M.2025Nursing grad benefits from Swedish scholarship Nursing student Tiffiny Thrash smiles in front of the television camera

Nursing student Tiffiny Thrash smiles in front of the television camera

09/25/2020 12:00:00 A.M.2020Foundation awards record number of scholarships in 2017 Photo of two healthcare students.

03/01/2017 12:00:00 A.M.2017Meet Chef Shota Nakajima and Sommelier Bruce Sturgeon Chef Shota headshot in front of wooden background

09/08/2021 12:00:00 A.M.2021How RTC Helped Me Land My Dream Job Photo of Ralph Fortunato, RTC almnus and Business Director of Kent School District.

09/07/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Congratulations to RTC’s Winter 2025 Scholarship RecipientsPlease join us in recognizing the excellence and perseverance of our scholars for Winter 2025. Two RTC students sitting at an outdoor table while two others walk by

Foundation01/13/2025 03:38:58 P.M.Foundation2025You make RTC a place for student successAchievement and resilience were the themes of Renton Technical College’s joyous 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Two graduates smiling

Foundation06/29/2026 11:52:00 A.M.Foundation2026Student Spotlight Photo of RTC student Christian Ramos-Pena.

06/14/2017 12:00:00 A.M.2017Welding student keeps a promise—to herselfFor Lisa Heatherly, returning to Renton Technical College’s welding program after over 25 years, was about keeping a promise to herself. Fourth quarter welding student, Lisa Heatherly, enjoys every day in the lab learning new skills and is grateful for scholarship support and the encouragement of instructors like, Rick Geist.

Fourth quarter welding student, Lisa Heatherly, enjoys every day in the lab learning new skills and is grateful for scholarship support and the encouragement of instructors like, Rick Geist.

Foundation05/15/2026 01:34:00 P.M.Foundation2026Ari Allen – Anesthesia Technician Photo of Ari Allen, former Army veteran and homeless teen.

11/16/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016RTC Foundation awards $235,000 in spring scholarshipThanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the Foundation and Scholarship Committee awarded $235,000 in scholarships for spring quarter. Thank you for investing in our students and their success! Three Running Start students smiling in the C building hallway. They are wearing scrubs, a chef's coat, and RTC gear.

Three Running Start students smiling in the C building hallway. They are wearing scrubs, a chef's coat, and RTC gear.

Foundation04/13/2026 10:05:00 A.M.Foundation2026Pushing through to the finish lineFor Curtis Riggins, the internal “stirring” around continuing his education began in his job as a Safety Officer for the Renton School District. Curtis Riggins, Contemporary Business Administration, recipient of the Jay Covington Scholarship and Robert Burke Memorial Scholarships

Curtis Riggins, Contemporary Business Administration, recipient of the Jay Covington Scholarship and Robert Burke Memorial Scholarships

Foundation05/15/2025 09:27:00 A.M.Foundation2025Meet sommelier and mixologist RJ Minard III

Sommelier and mixologist RJ Minard at his Aldarra bar

03/10/2022 12:00:00 A.M.2022An interview with Bob Watt Photo of three RTC students.

11/17/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Inspiring success stories from 2018 RTC graduates Photo of Devin Woods.

07/11/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018Culinary scholar rebuilds life with help of grants and scholarships Culinary student Sandra Hebert smiling

07/08/2020 12:00:00 A.M.2020Memorial scholarship honors graduate's passion for helping others Ben Phelps sitting in his red Miata convertible car

03/23/2021 12:00:00 A.M.2021How an emergency grant restored hope for this single mom Photo of Rachelle Mendoza studying in class.

01/04/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018New scholarship launches welding careerShelsy Mondragon’s love of learning and interest in the trades started by watching her automotive mechanic father. Shelsy smiling with welding torch in hand

Shelsy smiling with welding torch in hand

12/02/2025 08:08:58 P.M.2025Student Connections: RTC scholars express gratitude Renton College

05/31/2016 12:00:00 A.M.20162018 Foundation Student Success Video - Jasmine and David RTC Student Jasmine Holman

02/14/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018RTC is a part of Be-Asia's family Be-Asia McKerracher’s commitment to lifelong learning is a family affair. Be-Asia and Daryl Connell smiling

10/30/2025 08:08:58 P.M.2025Hands and heart come together for Massage Therapy student with career resetIt doesn’t take long to understand that Marina Sadovnikova is energized by a good challenge – even the mountainous ones – having ascended to the top of Mt. Baker not once, but twice in the past few years. RTC Foundation scholarship recipient, Marina Sadovnikova prepares her hot stones for therapeutic massage practice in RTC’s massage therapy lab.

RTC Foundation scholarship recipient, Marina Sadovnikova prepares her hot stones for therapeutic massage practice in RTC’s massage therapy lab.

Foundation05/15/2026 01:40:00 P.M.Foundation2026RTC Faculty Takes Reading to National Stage Photo of Michele Lesmeister, RTC faculty member.

11/16/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Impressive Career Journey Started at RTC More Than 30 Years Ago Photo of Tami Rable – Workforce Education Manager.

09/08/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Scholarship honors a young life of kindness and passion for carsFor the family, co-workers, and friends of Renton resident, Kody Wiltse, the most frequently shared endearment has been, “he was the most selfless person I have known.” Kody sitting pose next to the front of his vehicle outside

Kody sitting pose next to the front of his vehicle outside

Kody's passion for cars started early and included the purchase of a sought-after 1973 Plymouth Duster at age 14 which he refurbished.Foundation04/24/2024 08:08:58 P.M.Foundation2024Your 2021 year-in-review Two female welding students program the welding robot

Two female welding students program the welding robot

12/20/2021 12:00:00 A.M.20212024 Winter Scholarship Recipients

03/25/2024 12:00:00 P.M.2024Unico Launches New Scholarship to Inspire Future Engineers Photo of Darrin Williams, Vice President of Real Estate Services - Unico Properties.

Photo of Darrin Williams, Vice President of Real Estate Services - Unico Properties.

09/08/2016 12:00:00 A.M.2016Diners say bravo to Chef Shota Nakajima Chef Shota talks with dinner guests during his food demonstration

12/20/2021 12:00:00 A.M.2021A dream deferred comes true at RTC Smiling Land Surveying student with glasses

05/05/2022 12:00:00 A.M.2022The doctor will see you now – RTC grad realizes dream job in ophthalmology Photo of RTC student Christine Nabatanzi at commencement.

Photo of RTC student Christine Nabatanzi at commencement.

07/09/2019 12:00:00 A.M.2019Construction student inspires others to succeed Leilanna Barrientes operating a backhoe with hardhat

10/14/2021 12:00:00 A.M.2021Jacquelyn Terrell memorial scholarship to benefit phlebotomy students Photo of senior day with the RTC phlebotomy students

Photo of senior day with the RTC phlebotomy students

07/28/2021 12:00:00 A.M.2021Chef Larry's passion for food was about serving others Executive Chef Larry Carter smiling in his uniform

10/12/2022 12:00:00 A.M.2022Grand opening of automotive complex set for May 2017 Photo of RTC new Automotive Complex.

03/01/2017 12:00:00 A.M.2017false2024 Thanksgiving Pie Event - SOLD OUT Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser | You make the turkey & we'll bake the pies! Pecan, pumpkin, apple, $25

09/11/2024 12:00:00 A.M.2024Over $104,000 raised for scholarships during Student Success Week A compilations of photos featuring students and RTC president

A compilations of photos featuring students and RTC president

06/25/2021 12:00:00 A.M.2021RTC culinary students bring home the gold! Photo of RTC culinary students who took the top honors at 2019 Bite of Apprentice.

Photo of RTC culinary students who took the top honors at 2019 Bite of Apprentice.

06/04/2019 12:00:00 A.M.2019Healthcare student proves it’s never too late to reinvent your life and careerThe RTC motto, “Find your place,” has become the daily refrain of, “I belong here!” for Central Service Technician student Melissa Nguyen. Now just one quarter away from earning her degree and graduation, Melissa is extremely proud and hopeful about what the future holds for her and her son, Jack. RTC student Melissa Nguyen in front of RTC's blue sculpture

RTC student Melissa Nguyen in front of RTC's blue sculpture

Foundation02/19/2026 11:32:00 A.M.Foundation2026Cascade Gasket and Manufacturing Company: An All American Success Story Photo of Cascade Gasket Manufacturing Leadership, Terry, Carol, Marsh, Lee and Ted Pilot.

Photo of Cascade Gasket Manufacturing Leadership, Terry, Carol, Marsh, Lee and Ted Pilot.

01/04/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018true2024 Spring Scholarship Recipients

An RTC student operating a machining deviceFoundation05/27/2024 08:08:58 A.M.Foundation2024Scholarship helps Machining student stay in schoolKimani Dennis wanted to pursue his education at Renton Technical College to achieve his goals of finding a career in the high-demand machining field. Kimani Dennis smiling in Building I

Foundation11/12/2025 09:30:00 A.M.Foundation2025Construction management degree provides new discoveries for RTC studentSantiago Regalado believes that good construction management is not just about great buildings, but about creating lasting value for communities. Santiago Regalado in the RTC Library

Foundation02/19/2026 11:17:00 A.M.Foundation2026trueProvidence Swedish 2024 Generosity AwardA transformative partnership interview with M. Trevor Bennett, Associate Vice President Acute Care Operations at Providence Swedish.

M. Trevor Bennett, Associate Vice President Acute Care Operations at Providence SwedishFoundation12/10/2024 09:45:00 A.M.Foundation2024RTC faculty earn top honors for exceptional teaching Photo of Michele Lesmeister holding her 2018 Ahead of the Class trophy.

Photo of Michele Lesmeister holding her 2018 Ahead of the Class trophy.

05/31/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018Emergency grants reduce barriers to education Photo of RTC student Jianhua He.

12/18/2018 12:00:00 A.M.2018RTC Foundation awards $195,500 in winter scholarshipThe RTC Foundation and Scholarship Committee extends our sincere thanks to all of our generous donors and supporters who help make RTC students' dreams become a reality! Join us in recognizing the outstanding Winter 2026 RTC scholars! Two RTC students sitting at an outdoor table while two others walk by

Foundation01/09/2026 09:39:00 A.M.Foundation2026From Somalian refugee to computer science scholar Photo of Mo Abdullahi.

02/28/2017 12:00:00 A.M.2017Former mayor establishes scholarship fund in memory of RTC President Donald Bressler Photo of Dr. Bressler in front of the campus center I building

Photo of Dr. Bressler in front of the campus center I building

08/24/2020 12:00:00 A.M.2020Student Celebration a slammin' successYour generosity created amazing - and to keep the 70's theme going - out of sight moments during the 2024 Student Success Celebration March 2nd! Three tiled photos of students smiling during the event

Three tiled photos of students smiling during the event

Their smiles say it all. Left to right RTC students Abdirizak, Adikadir, Bri, and Flor shared their RTC stories of success and how scholarships help them to pursue their dreams.Foundation04/18/2024 08:08:58 P.M.Foundation20242024 Celebrity Chef Dinner with Kristi Brown Chef Kristi Brown at a booth in a restaurant smiling

Chef Kristi Brown at a booth in a restaurant smiling

10/24/2024 12:00:00 P.M.2024