On August 17, Mount Tamalpais College held its 2nd Annual Alumni gathering at a beautiful park in San Leandro, attracting many alumni, faculty, and their families. As the sun rose, the park, cuddled beside the sparkling waters, was already excited.
Alumni Affairs Associate Corey McNeal and Chief of Staff Bekki Lee-Wendt were among the early arrivals, greeting the increasing crowd with warm welcomes. As the festivities kicked off, I adjusted a few chess pieces, catching the eye of alumnus Raphael Calix, who noticed that one of the pieces had mysteriously moved.
College faculty member Alex Naeve shared her thoughts, saying, “It was incredible to see so many alumni outside the walls of San Quentin. I really enjoyed hearing about what each person is pursuing and hoping to accomplish in their professional life, now that there are so many new possibilities.”
Throughout the day, familiar faces of alumni Larry White, Nghiep ‘Ke’ Lam, Chuck Longley, Louis Calvin, Sam Johnson, Bryan Richie, and many more could be seen around the park. The event was a heartwarming reunion, filled with joyful embraces, laughter, and meaningful conversations. For some, this was their first experience attending such a gathering outside the confines of San Quentin.
The atmosphere blended happiness and disbelief, with some attendees quietly expressing their amazement, saying, “I can’t believe we’re free.” Alumnus Sam Johnson, who graduated from Mount Tamalpais College when it was still the Prison University Project in 2013, reflected, “I was moved at the number of men who were formerly incarcerated with me and graduated.”
“Seeing their smiles and families moved me emotionally,” Sam added. “Because of the prison system and government officials, we had no hope of ever coming home, but here we are with friends and loved ones,” he expressed gratitude to everyone, particularly Jude, who he holds dear for believing in the impossible.
The event also provided a space for reflection. Those recently released and still adapting to life outside found comfort in sharing their experiences with other alumni. Discussions ranged from employment and voting rights to mentorship, safety, and self-care, all underpinned by a strong sense of community that offered a safe space for vulnerability, feelings of uncertainty, and deep connections.
Alumnus and soon-to-be groom Eddie Herena brightened the day with the arrival of his fiancée Jessica and their beautiful daughter Adeline. He shared, “This is considered my college reunion. I wanted to see my fellow alumni brothers and continue to build that bond and support that helped us all out during emotional times.”
This gathering not only celebrated the achievements of the alumni but also underscored the crucial role of community support as we transition back into society after incarceration.
Alex concluded, “The support and encouragement that MTC alumni show each other is remarkable. I do not doubt that this sense of fellowship and belonging will serve them–and the greater community–well for years to come.”
