Transfer Center: Transfer Hall of Fame

The Transfer Hall of Fame honors former West Valley College students who have gone on to achieve outstanding educational and career success. WVC is very proud of our inductees and we wish them continued success. Their journeys have been remarkable. May they continue to inspire current West Valley College students on their educational journey!

Victoria A. Hindes
Vice President, Student Services

 

Spring 2012

Sergeant Todd Trayer

San Jose Police Department

Sgt. Todd Trayer attended West Valley College from 1992 – 1995. He transferred to San Jose State University and completed his Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminology in 2004.  During his studies at West Valley College, he participated in the West Valley Police Cadet Program.  At 21 year of age, Sgt. Trayer was selected for the San Jose Police Officer position and since 1995 he has worked as an officer in patrol, the Field Training Program, Sexual Assaults Investigations, Internal Affairs, Patrol Administrative unit, and is currently assigned as the sergeant in the Vice Unit.  He has been with the San Jose Police Department for 17 years. In 2001 he received the Crime Stopper Award. He recently has been featured on CreaTV for his role in the Internal Affairs Unit.  He gives credit to West Valley College for building his criminal justice foundation through excellent instruction and developing a network of resources that helped him obtain his career.

 

Spring 2011

Faun Maddux

West Valley College Math Instructor

Faun Maddux's passion for helping students succeed in math began at West Valley College when she was voted as the Most Patient Tutor by the students in the Tutorial Center. Faun transferred to San Jose State University in 1999 and received a BA and MS in Mathematics. In 1999, she received an AA in Mathematics and an AS in Physics from West Valley College and was the class Valedictorian. In 2002, she was selected as one of two Outstanding Graduating Seniors at San Jose State University. She received numerous awards as a student at both campuses, including the West Valley College Emeritus Scholarship, AAUW Scholarship, Loly Award (through Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society), and the Golden Key Scholar Award and International Student Leader Award through Golden Key International Honor Society. Other honors include the Outstanding TA of the Year Award at San Jose State University (2005), the President's Medal for Distinctive Contributions (Foothill College), and the League of Innovations Award for her participation in the Math My Way program in 2007. Faun is extremely honored to be "back home," teaching math full time at West Valley College.

 

Spring 2010

Dr. Lucha Ortega

Vice President of Student Services, Shasta College

Dr. Lucha Ortega transferred to Santa Clara University in 1981. She has a B.S. in Political Science, a Masters in Education Degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne. While at West Valley, her study of emphasis was Court Reporting. She served as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at CSU Monterey Bay, was a past board member to the San Benito High School Board of Trustee in Hollister, a former Board of Trustee at Gavilan Joint Community College, and is currently the Vice President of Student Services at Shasta College.

 

Ralph Schardt

Executive Director, Michael Lee Environmental Foundation

Ralph Schardt transferred to San Jose State University in 1999 and received a BA in Environmental Studies and a Masters Degree in Non-profit Business Management from the University of San Francisco. He is a published photographer. While at West Valley, his study of emphasis was Park Management. He is currently the Executive Director of Michael Lee Environmental Foundation.