Retain Proven Leadership for Student Success at SAC

Ben Hager

In the years I have known Dr. Maria Dela Cruz, I have only known her to be professional, kind, helpful and laser focused on supporting faculty and students. Though not my dean, she made me feel welcome and supported, and I have leaned on her support multiple times in my career. This is a big loss for faculty and SAC students; I’m incredibly disappointed in this decision.

Arjun Nair

I am a faculty member at Santa Ana College.

Reyna Cummings

Dr. De La Cruz, is an amazing Dean. Student centered. Supported by faculty. She receives my strongest support. Reyna Cummings Co-Chair Communication Studies Department

Trudy Naman

I have personally worked with Maria for many years. She is always professional and has been and remains to have major impact on students and faculty! We need her at SAC!

Justin Tolentino

As a faculty for over 10 years, Maria De La Cruz to be such a respected collaborator with faculty and important

Kathy Nguyen

In support of Dr. De La Cruz.

Mimi Ly

Counseling

Kim Smith

Dr. Dela Cruz has consistently been a pleasure to work with at SAC. She’s competent, available, pragmatic, and respected. We have spent time building connections between our departments, to the benefit of students. I would like to request the BOT and our leadership reconsider their decision.

Maria Zamudio

I have been working under Maria’s supervision since 2017. I respectfully ask the college administration to reconsider and reverse this decision. I believe Dr. Dela Cruz’s continued leadership is in the best interests of our students and our college community.

Gilberto Cardenas

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Maria in the past, and most recently through the Enrollment Management Academy. She is genuine, passionate, hardworking, and truly cares about students. She knows SAC, understands what our students need, and has worked hard to create pathways and opportunities that help them succeed. She has always been great to work with, and I strongly support her continued leadership at SAC.

Deepa Tharani

Maria Dela Cruz has demonstrated strong leadership, compassion and deep commitment to students, faculty and staff. Her experience, integrity, and collaborative approach have made a positive impact on our Counseling division and the college community.

Dawn McKenna-Sallade

I have worked closely with Maria since 2019 in supporting students in my department's programs through the college’s counseling services. Maria has been supportive, responsive, and student-centered in her work and in our efforts to address student needs. She partners with me to address student challenges and find meaningful solutions. Given her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to student success, the decision not to renew her contract is difficult to understand and dissappointing.

Student Student

I get a lot of help from the people that work directly with her. They are all doing a great job and wish to continue to keep getting the same type of support. - student

Tomas Ruvalcaba

Genuine people like Dr. Dela Cruz are rare. Her love and passion for her students and those she works with is clearly evident. It would be a shame not to renew her contract and keep her at Santa Ana College. Words should not be needed, as her actions and leading by example over the last 10 years have shown the reality of who she is and what she brings to the table for Santa Ana College. We need to be better and not lose sight of a gem when it’s right in front of us.

Katie Spellman

Our University of Alaska Fairbanks runs a student research intensive program with Maria through MESA. Maria has been a tremendous partner supporting this transformative, high impact research experience for students from both of our institutions. We are waiting to hear back from the National Science Foundation for news on a $5 million proposal we wrote together to build the program and create stronger transfer options for students to Alaska. Maria will be a PI on the grant and irreplaceable.

CatCat Hua

Maria has been an incredibly supportive supervisor who leads with genuine care, vision, and dedication to student success. She consistently ensures that our counseling programs are responsive to students’ needs. Maria is always present for her team, offering guidance, encouragement, and support when needed. Her leadership has made a meaningful impact on both our team and the students we serve. Her continued leadership would be a valuable asset to our community.

Supporter

Counseling

Dylan Rivera

She’s helped many students throughout the years. She made a huge impact on me as well when I was completely lost in the beginning of of my college years, she recommended me to a counselor name, Karen Bravo, and from there on she put me on the road to success.

Javier Garcia

Classified Staff

Adriana Moreno

Dr. Dela Cruz has been an amazing dean and mentor here at Santa Ana College.