Alumni

One of the many Alumni who attended Mount Tamalpais College, Antoine “Aziz” Brown, is eager to share how the college inspired him to inspire others. 

Aziz arrived at San Quentin in 2010, the same period when Governor Arnold Swartznegger added Rehabilitation to the name of the California Department of Corrections. Aziz was surprised to see that there was an on-grounds college campus at San Quentin, free of charge, and it was not one of the many opportunities that got cut in the budget that year.

While at San Quentin, Aziz completed many college courses and self-help groups before he earned his release on August 17, 2018. After he joined the outside world after 23 years of incarceration, Aziz wanted to continue his juvenile advocacy work, similar to what he did while incarcerated. He joined Re:Store Justice, a Los Angeles-based organization that addresses many issues including the harm caused by criminal justice systems. 

Navigating public transportation to get back and forth to work proved one of the most challenging aspects of Aziz’s transition. His fear of encountering ex-rival gang members in his changed state added an extra layer of difficulty to his parole conditions. 

He also stated that those situations are similar to his college courses, recalling scenarios where he had to use critical thinking skills. “We learned to turn challenges into opportunities while sitting in a classroom,” Aziz said. “I wanted to use this to help my community, even if they are my ex-rival gang members.”  

That inspiration to help others led Aziz to graduate from The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), who was then hired to serve as a wildland firefighter with The Urban Association of Forestry and Fire Professionals, a non-profit Fire Department. In his role, Aziz actively trains individuals to become professional wildland firefighters. The FFRP is stationed in various locations throughout California and is currently promoting a pilot program in Calabasas where they partnered with LA County to start training in Camp Gonzalez. 

There is a chapter in Oakland for those interested in connecting with Aziz and the organization. They welcome individuals who share their passion and commitment to making a positive impact through firefighting. Watch their trailer here.

Aly Tamboura, a distinguished 2015 graduate of Mount Tamalpais College, has proven to be a leading figure in the criminal justice reform space. After his release from San Quentin, Aly took on a pivotal role as the Criminal Justice Reform Program Manager at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), a Philanthropic foundation started by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, who both toured San Quentin in 2014.

Graduating from Mount Tamalpais College marked a crucial turning point in his life, providing him with more tools and knowledge to fuel his passion for criminal justice reform. Mount Tamalpais College, known for its commitment to educating incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, played a pivotal role in shaping Aly’s commitment to social justice.

Aly’s firsthand experience with the criminal justice system ignited a genuine determination to advocate for change. After graduating from Mount Tamalpais College, Aly transitioned into a career dedicated to transforming criminal justice from punitive to centering on healing and reconciliation. As a Criminal Justice Reform Program Manager at CZI, he was a crucial voice in building non-profit coalitions and supporting reform initiatives across the United States. 

Aly collaborated with prominent organizations and leaders, like the Formerly Incarcerated Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM), The Last Mile, and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, and served on MTC’s board of directors for three years.

Aly’s collaboration with FICPFM has been instrumental to its ability to achieve significant milestones in criminal justice reform. Notably, the coalition contributed to the success of Louisiana’s Amendment 2, overturning a Jim Crow-era law on non-unanimous juries. Additionally, CZI’s support led to reinstating federal Pell Grants for incarcerated students, opening doors to education and opportunity.

After his work at CZI, Aly joined the Anti-Recidivism Coalition as their Director of Strategic Partnerships. His continued dedication to dismantling barriers and supporting individuals with criminal convictions underscores his commitment to creating a more just and inclusive society.

Aly’s continued contributions to the reform movement testify to his belief that everyone has the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity. To have gone from Mount Tamalpais College graduate to a key player in criminal justice reform exemplifies the transformative power of education and advocacy. His unwavering commitment to change, fueled by personal experience and a solid educational foundation, inspires others to pursue justice and equity.

Photo courtesy of Aly Tamboura and Phoeun You. Aly is in Cambodia with alumni Phoeun.

Mount Tamalpais College, known for its commitment to providing quality education to incarcerated individuals at San Quentin, played a crucial role in shaping Jesse Vasquez’s perspective and fueling his desire for positive change and growth.

Jesse has become a driving force in the nonprofit sector. As the Executive Director of Friends of San Quentin News and Pollen Initiative, he spearheads initiatives that empower incarcerated individuals through multimedia programs, including San Quentin News and ForwardThis Productions. These initiatives, not only provide avenues for self-expression but also contribute to breaking down societal barriers and stereotypes associated with incarceration.

As a juvenile, Jesse Vasquez spent almost two decades within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. However, former Governor Jerry Brown commuted his sentence, offering him a second chance outside prison walls.

One of Jesse’s accomplishments out of many is his graduation from college. “Having the opportunity to graduate from college underscores the power of education, showcasing how learning becomes a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment,” Jesse said.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesse’s commitment to community service shone brightly as he worked with the Alameda County Community Food Bank. His efforts in distributing resources to thousands of families showcased his dedication to addressing immediate needs during challenging times, exemplifying the values of compassion and solidarity.

Jesse’s impact extends far beyond the confines of Arsola’s Distribution Center and the reentry resource centers he has helped establish in East Oakland, CA. His unwavering commitment to providing tangible support for formerly incarcerated individuals is a demonstration of his dedication to social change. Through his adept coordination of housing and resources, Jesse actively engages in the reintegration process, acknowledging the myriad challenges faced by those transitioning back into society.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Jesse Vasquez generously dedicates his time to volunteer work in local high schools. Drawing upon his own lived experiences and the wisdom acquired on his journey, Jesse becomes a leader of inspiration for teenagers navigating adversities. His invaluable insights and guidance serve as a source of empowerment, enabling young individuals to recognize and seize the array of options and opportunities available to them. In doing so, Jesse plays a pivotal role in fostering resilience and determination among these teens, empowering them to overcome challenges and construct brighter futures, regardless of their environmental circumstances.

Furthermore, Jesse’s advocacy extends into the realm of societal norms within the criminal justice space. His tireless efforts to encourage transformative changes have positioned him as a true inspiration, challenging established norms and promoting a more compassionate and just system. Jesse Vasquez stands as an example of the profound impact one individual can have on both the lives of those directly affected by incarceration and the broader transformation of societal attitudes toward growth and change.

MTC alumni Javier Jimenez was released to the small town of Tracy, CA on March 16th, 2020. Despite not being able to walk the stage that year with his classmates because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he recalls saying,“ I’m just glad to be free.” However, on March 18, Javier found that Tracy had closed operating buildings with businesses at half capacity. “I did not have the opportunity to apply for a job, get a license or a social security card because most government buildings closed down two days after I was released from prison,” Javier said.

He was searching for employment and housing upon reentering society but soon realized that his support network group could not help him either, as the programs they were working with had shut down.

Javier stated that he visited 15 different apartments and eventually ended up buying a trailer to live in because nobody would rent him an apartment or a hotel room. “I went to one of those hourly hotels on Wilson Way in Stockton and they asked if I had a felony and refused to rent me a hotel,” said Javier, explaining that the person at the hotel started to question him because he had no identification to show them at that time.

“My parole officer tried to get me a job and help, I guess, but I didn’t receive any,” said Javier. He started selling bicycles on the marketplaceFacebook – and that’s what sustained him for eight months until he finally got a job through his friend. “If it wasn’t for my mom finding an old washed-up social security card, I don’t know what I would’ve done.

”He printed a copy of his social security card, which was so old it was barely legible, and placed it in Photoshop like he has done many times as the photographer for San Quentin News and darkened the numbers. He told his friend what he had done.

He said that his friend knew that he couldn’t use a copy of his social security card to hire Javier, but he hired Javier as an Operating EngineerWater Tender anyway.

Javier stated that he acquired the skills he used to fix his social security card in Photoshop from his passion: photography. Javier graduated from high school in 1995 and started college in 1998 where he took a photography class in college.

“I never really paid attention in college to photography, but I knew I liked it,” Javier said. He said he finds taking pictures peaceful. “It’s my Zen and I want to make memories and capture them. I’m trying to leave my memories behind.”

Javier said that his interest in photography peaked again when he became the photographer for San Quentin News. “When R.J. Mickelson from the San Francisco Chronicle came inside the San Quentinnewsroom, I was amazed at all the information that he taught us.”

Javier said that R.J. taught him about shutter speed and apertures. “He was our Internet at that time, and he brought me all the information I needed to become a professional photographer and I still have his material today. I just started an Instagram and a Facebook page so I can show my work. I would love to become a photographer and leave my digital Imprint on this world.”

In a world where second chances are hard to come by, Randy Akins’ story is a testament to the power of redemption and personal growth. Once imprisoned and serving a life sentence, he has emerged as more than an alumnus of Mount Tamalpais College. He now lives in San Francisco and dedicates his life to saving lives as a Medical Transportation driver. Randy’s incredible journey of transformation and his impact on the lives of those in need is remarkable.

Randy’s tragic turn of events found him involved in a regrettable incident that led to prison. This event forced him to confront the consequences of his actions, sparking a deep sense of remorse and the urgent need for change. Randy accepted his sentence and knew he had to make amends by transforming himself into a better person.

Randy committed himself to personal growth and self-improvement behind the prison walls. “I took advantage of as many educational programs as were available, one being Mount Tamalpais College,” said Randy.  “I studied extensively to earn knowledge and subsequently enrolling in college courses.” Randy was determined to demonstrate change for the better and was committed to creating a positive impact. 

Upon his release, Randy knew that he wanted to dedicate his life to positive growth. He found inspiration in the selfless actions of emergency medical services personnel and decided to pursue his career as an ambulance truck driver. Despite many challenges, he persevered, obtaining the necessary certifications and training to be considered for this critical role. Now working as a Medical Transportation driver, Randy Akins brings hope and healing to those in need. His past experiences have persevered, obtaining the necessary certifications and training to be considered for this critical role. 

Now working as a Medical Transportation driver, Randy Akins brings hope and healing to those in need. His past experiences have given him a unique perspective on life, propelling him to go above and beyond to make a difference. Randy passionately serves his community, responding to emergency calls, and providing vital medical assistance to those in distress.

Randy’s journey from life behind bars to becoming a college graduate and a lifesaver serves as an inspiration to countless individuals who believe in the power of personal growth and opportunities after incarceration. Randy uses his life story as a tool to engage with at-risk youth, speaking at schools and correctional facilities to highlight the importance of making positive choices and taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Randy Akins has transformed from a troubled past to a beacon of hope and redemption. His commitment to personal growth and dedication to saving lives through his role as a Medical Transportation driver exemplify the power of human resilience and the potential for change. Randy’s story reminds us that while redemption may be a long and challenging road, it is possible for anyone willing to embrace personal growth and work towards a brighter future.

Many of our former students remain committed to a life of service upon paroling and are often strong advocates for those still inside. We’re proud to share the following reflection from our alumni community.

I joined what later became the Prison University Project for the chance to earn some more college credits and because it provided both a challenge and a positive program. It’s much better to challenge the mind, and perhaps improve it, rather than spend one’s time watching TV or lounging in the yard.

I cannot locate my diploma, but I must have graduated around 2000, or just before. I was released in October of 2004, completing parole in 2009.

I think the most significant impact the Prison University Project had on myself, and most of my fellow students, was bolstering our self-esteem and personal confidence. That, and the competition against ourselves. It gave me a feeling of self-accomplishment—not to mention improved communications skills.

I enjoyed the instructors and the exposure to people from the community and not just the prison system.

There were some great classes and other activities. One volunteer weekend class was called “The Sunflower”. Not a class for credit, but a great experience.

Since paroling, I initially held self-help classes at the local half-way house for a few years and spent a lot of time just recovering social and technical skills that I lost during 22 years of incarceration. I am now eighty and after numerous medical problems do very little other than day-to-day existence.

In summary, the college program was the most enjoyable and helpful program I experienced during my incarceration. I think that the more inmates that take classes, then lower the inside violence and return to the insanity of drugs and crime.

Please note that the Prison University Project became Mount Tamalpais College in September 2020.

Many of our former students remain committed to a life of service upon paroling and are often strong advocates for those still inside. We’re proud to share the following reflection from our alumni community.

The Prison University Project works towards the incarcerated in fighting for them to achieve higher education. I’m inspired by the dedication of the volunteers and how they are passionate about volunteering their own time.

Even though I never graduated from the Prison University Project, I have been to many graduation ceremonies and see how the graduates themselves are more confident and have a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. I’ve also seen how proud their families feel from siblings, parents, kids, and relatives. The hard work and dedication to achieving a college degree goes beyond a piece of paper.

For former students, giving back to those incarcerated is a must. We were all given a second chance. There are still our brothers inside that need our support in any way possible, whether helping them achieve their freedom or a higher sense of purpose.

I left prison on May 1, 2020. I am not ashamed of who I am, a formerly incarcerated citizen and my past is a part of who I am. If we can’t accept other people for who they are, then the meaning of life itself will never be revealed.

College taught me to always sit in the back of the class when you want to get other work done. 🙂

Education overall provides opportunity to the incarcerated. When you walk into any prison classroom, the majority of students are people of color and that is a systemic issue. The fact that Prison University Project offers a free education to the disenfranchised and system impacted, it lets them see a future without bars both physically and mentally.

I am passionate about comedy, community service, and social justice.

Since paroling this spring, I’ve been reconnecting with society in general, formerly incarcerated friends, and hoping to find work, love, and a winning lotto ticket.

Please note that the Prison University Project became Mount Tamalpais College in September 2020.

Many of our former students remain committed to a life of service upon paroling and are often strong advocates for those still inside. We’re proud to share the following reflection from our alumni community.

I joined the Prison University Project because I wanted to continue learning.

Whenever I’m not learning something, I feel like I start drowning.

I wanted to accomplish a personal goal besides getting out of prison on time; the Prison University Project was helping me do that by offering a degree.

While I was in college, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger’s disorder). This opened up a whole new facet of my life and learnings. The Prison University Project helped me to better understand my learning needs and helped me learn in fields that I believed I couldn’t because of my condition.

It also helped me communicate and advocate to the San Quentin’s administration for seriously needed things like eyeglasses.

Prison University Project staff also treated me like a person, like a real human rather than a third-rate animal that most of the custody staff treated all of us like in the prison system; something to be tolerated and not treated humanely.

I paroled on December 4, 2019. I got to hug all my favorite Prison University Project staff members that day. it was a great day for me. Since then, I’ve worked side by side with them to make care packages for the inmate population of San Quentin. I’ve kept in touch and made fast friends.

Even now Prison University Project staff members are helping me find stable work and hopefully housing here in the city of San Francisco.

I didn’t graduate inside, but I got to take my learnings with me and now I am transferring to San Francisco State; with credits that I earned, I only have to take one class before I can focus solely on a double major in the arts.

Thank you, Prison University Project, for always.

Please note that the Prison University Project became Mount Tamalpais College in September 2020.

During the summer of 2020, we’re celebrating the fathers, grandfathers, and other parental figures in our community. We are proud to share their reflections on what it means to be a parent and how their lives have been enriched by the experience.

I never met my biological father. I did have a stepfather for many years of my youth. I loved him like he was my biological father. He was the one who introduced me to my love of fishing. We fished all the time when I was young. We had bets on who was going to catch the biggest fish, the most fish and the first fish. I was good and can say that I won a lot of those bets.

I aim to be the father that learned from his childhood and is intentional in my son’s life. I want to be that person Kai, my son, can come to with anything. Not because I’m his father, more so because we have that connection and bond. I want to be a father that teaches and shows my son emotions and how to work through them and sit in them. I would like for my son to know that crying and emotions are all about being human. I want to help guide him into anything that he wants to do in life. I want to only introduce him to many different things in life, yet give him space to choose his own path.

My life has changed so much since becoming a father. I have an honor and great responsibility in raising a child. I see the bigger picture more now in life. His life supports me in taking a pause and making the right decision. I often said, “this is my lil dude.” He loves unconditionally and he is my role model.

I just want a world that see the innocence in each other and treats all with love and compassion.

During the summer of 2020, we’re celebrating the fathers, grandfathers, and other parental figures in our community. We are proud to share their reflections on what it means to be a parent and how their lives have been enriched by the experience.

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I had a very brief relationship with my father. He and my mother split up before I was born, I was the youngest of three. My mother came to California, from Georgia in 1963 with me and my older brother. I distinctly remember my father being referred to in derogatory terms by my mother. It was always, “You aren’t going to be shit just like your father,” or “You lazy as hell, like your nothing ass father.” After getting in some trouble in the summer of 1976, I was sent back to Georgia to stay with my grandmother. While I was there she asked if I wanted to meet my father. I jumped at the opportunity to meet this guy that I so much did not want to be like. He arrived with what later turned out to be my younger step brothers. He had another family, with three boys and two daughters, and he was a deputy sheriff of the county that he lived in. He told me that the reason he and my mom broke up was because while he was off to the Korean War, he sent his money home. When he came home his money had been spent, and he got upset. I stayed with them for two weeks. He and I hugged, and I told him I loved him. I came back to Georgia again in 1978 while in the Marine Corps. Spent a few days with my father. He passed away in 1986, I believe it was a heart attack. I was in the California prison system at the time on a fire. I was in the fire camps. I was taken off the fire line and taken to the local county jail in Eureka, and transported back to Susanville. That was the extent of the relationship I had with my father.

I just wanted to be a part of my children’s lives. I did not want them to learn about me from others. Just before my last term in prison, I was riding with my mom and my son, and I asked my mother to always let me be a part of my son’s life. I knew I was coming back to prison, because of my drug use. I mentioned to my mom how negative she had always been about my father, and it turns out he was a good guy. I said if I would have listened to her I would have thought my dad wasn’t shit. He was a dignified man, who was respected, and he took care of his family. I begged her not to let my son find out about me from others. A year or so later I started my last prison sentence, and shortly after that my mom passed away. Mom’s son was left in the guardianship of others, who chose not to allow me to visit, call, or write my son. With the help of people like Jody Lewen who told me to continue to write to him even if he doesn’t get the letters. After six years my son wrote me, and we have been in touch since then. It has been rocky at times. He has recently moved out of his adoption home, and he speaks with me regularly. I have the relationship I wanted with my son today.

Prior to having my son, I did have a daughter in 1980, and her mother didn’t want to have anything to do with me. I located her in 1982 after getting released from prison the first time. It was the height of the crack era, and I was a full blown addict. I wanted to be a father, but when offered the opportunity to walk away I did. I later regretted that decision. You see so many of my friends were having children and settling down. I was coming home from prison for the second time and I wasn’t even 30. I tried to find her again, in 1988, but the people who knew them, had no way of contacting them. I returned to prison again in 1992 and upon my release I put in a good effort to locate her. No one knew how to find her or her mother. In the meantime, I had two women tell me that the baby they were having was mine. In both cases they were lying, and playing on my desire to be a father. Well during my last term in prison a relative of hers saw me and gave me her address. I wrote to her in 2014. The person she knew of as her dad had just passed away on fathers day. She was 34 years old with 4 kids, about to move to Berkeley along with her mom. Upon my release in 2015 I met with her and my three granddaughters. My grandson, her oldest, was in prison. A year later I got a place in Berkeley, In 2017 I took my daughter to Georgia to meet some of her other uncles and aunts. We have a great relationship to this day, and I am the father I want to be.

Having children had a profound impact on my life. I wanted to be better, and do better for them. Not being in their lives for so long has had a negative effect. Me and my children have made a deal to just move forward from here. We realize the past was not the best, we could try and place blame, and waste energy on something that could never be fixed. So I try to keep us in the here and now. Although every time I have a drink with my daughter, she will revert back to wanting to know. Why? It clears up in the morning.

Some things I implement into the relationships with my kids is I ask them, “How am I doing?” Here is an example of the last time my youngest granddaughter and I had that conversation. “So, how have I been doing as a grandfather?” “You, okay, I guess.” “As a granddaughter. You suck. You don’t call, or come by. I only stay up the street. Only time I see you is if you want a ride somewhere.” “Okay old man, I will call you.” She does now that I have moved to Arizona. All my grandkids call me regularly. I learned in group [therapy] that you can’t take it for granted that you are doing alright. You have to ask, that way there is no room for misunderstandings. I ask how I am doing?

I really wish this world would allow my kids the opportunity to be self expressive without censorship. I wish they could go through this life and not be judged by their skin color. I want them to have the same opportunity to earn and learn as the most privileged kids in the world. I wish they never have to see the inside of a prison.