Together We Climb: 30th Anniversary Gala
April 18, 2026 • 5:00pm • The Conservatory at One Sansome, San Francisco, CA
This spring, Mount Tamalpais College will celebrate 30 years of teaching, learning, and transformation at San Quentin. Join alumni, faculty, staff, partners, and friends for a meaningful evening of connection and reflection. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available!
Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to learn more about alumni and faculty discounts, payment information, and more. For inquiries, contact us at events@mttamcollege.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do MTC alumni register for the Gala?
If you completed at least one course with Mount Tamalpais College (previously know as Patten College, Patten University, and Prison University Project), you are eligible to attend the Together We Climb Gala for free. Alumni will receive direct communication via email with registration details. If you have not received these details and are interested in attending, please contact Bonaru Richardson at rrichardson@mttamcollege.edu.
How do MTC volunteer faculty members register for the Gala?
If you have served as volunteer faculty member with Mount Tamalpais College (previously know as Patten College, Patten University, and Prison University Project) at any point over the past 30 years, you may be eligible to attend the Together We Climb Gala at a discounted price. Faculty will receive direct communication via email with registration details. If you have not received these details and are interested in attending, please contact us at events@mttamcollege.edu.
How much are tickets, and how can I purchase them?
Individual tickets are $250 per person. Guests may purchase up to two tickets directly through our Gala Registration Form. If you are interested in purchasing more than two tickets, please contact events@mttamcollege.edu for assistance.
What sponsorship opportunities are available, and how can I secure a sponsorship?
Prospective sponsors can view a range of opportunities and registration details through our Gala Registration Form. For questions or additional support, please reach out to events@mttamcollege.edu.
Can I purchase my ticket or sponsorship using my donor-advised fund (DAF)?
To comply with donor-advised fund (DAF) guidelines, Gala tickets cannot be purchased using a DAF. Sponsorships may be paid for using a DAF; however, any sponsorship funded through a DAF will not include Gala tickets (tickets will need to be purchased separately). If you have questions or would like help exploring your options, please contact events@mttamcollege.edu.
Is my ticket purchase or sponsorship tax-deductible?
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, minus the fair market value (FMV) of goods and services received. Please see additional details below. If you have questions about payment methods or tax documentation, please contact events@mttamcollege.edu.
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General Ticket ($250): The tax-deductible portion is $75. The remaining $175 reflects the FMV of benefits received.
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Sponsorships: Mount Tamalpais College is a registered 501(c)(3). Our Federal Tax ID # is 20-5606926. Your sponsorship contribution is tax-deductible less $175 per ticket.
Reflecting on 30 Years of Transformation
Explore Mount Tamalpais College's Then & Now series, reflecting on three decades of higher education inside San Quentin—and look ahead to what comes next.
A Letter from the President
In her recent Letter from the President, Dr. Jody Lewen reflects on Mount Tamalpais College’s earliest days inside San Quentin—honoring the students, faculty, and supporters whose leadership made the College possible from the very beginning.
Part I: A Witness to History
Alumnus Raphael Calix (Class of 2008), who spent more than 20 years inside, reflects on how Mount Tamalpais College helped to reshape his life—and shift the social and cultural landscape of San Quentin.
