Throwing out names | Marla Novo named interim executive director of Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History – Santa Cruz Sentinel

SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History recently named Marla Novo interim executive director.

The announcement comes after chief executive Robb Woulfe announced in May that he would be stepping down from the role after four years in the coming months because his family needed to relocate.

The Museum of Art and History says Novo has dedicated her career to growing the local cultural scene. “I love this county and downtown Santa Cruz. For decades, I have walked to work thinking about the hidden stories MAH could reveal and the creative projects we could support. I look forward to continuing to work with my amazing colleagues to advance the vision of MAH as we search for a permanent executive director,” she said in a statement.

Woulfe was hired in early 2020 after Nina Simon left in 2019 to start a global nonprofit.

“I am proud of where MAH is today,” Woulfe said in a statement in May. “The board, staff and I have worked hard to improve programs and build financial resilience during an incredibly challenging period. I am confident the board can now facilitate a smooth succession process.”

According to the Museum of Art & History, Novo has 30 years of curatorial experience and a deep commitment to the mission of the MAH. He added that Novo has been a Santa Cruz resident since he was 2 years old.

The Museum of Art & History is actively seeking a long-term executive director, a process facilitated by Fortress and Flourish. The museum said it values ​​community engagement and considered feedback from over 200 surveys to define the criteria for this important role. The search is aimed at finding a leader who aligns with the community’s vision and aspirations for the MAH.

Jorian Wilkins, MAH board chairman, said in a statement: “We are committed to finding a visionary leader who will continue to deliver on our mission and values. Community input has been invaluable in shaping the profile of our next executive director.”

Central Coast Impact Scholarship winners announced

The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation recently announced the first recipients of the Central Coast Impact Scholarship.

This year’s honorees include Gina Guzman, a dedicated CNA who discovered her passion in geriatrics. Her volunteer work with ROTAcare, helping underserved populations in Monterey County, inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. Despite her educational setbacks, Gina is currently pursuing a nursing degree at Cabrillo College.

“I am incredibly excited to announce the Central Coast Impact Scholarship recipients,” Assemblywoman Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), chair of the Central Coast Caucus, said in a statement. “These students have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their education and their communities. They will make significant contributions to the Central Coast and beyond. Supporting their academic journeys is an investment in their future and the future of our entire region.”

The initiative awarded scholarships to 20 students from five counties on the Central Coast of California: Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

In addition to Guzman, the other winners were Giovanni Aguirre, Avilene Bautista, Azalea M Corral, Mia Aileen Dean, Nicholas Harper Dean, Sophia Rene Emens, Rosalva Lilly Farias, Camilo Arturo Garcia, Bijan Ali Ghiasi, Zoe Gonzalez, Hayden Patrick Henry, Kaleolani Isaiah Ilac, Patrick Kelly, Irene Isabel Moreno Gutierrez, Magaly Ogarrio Munoz, Aneliz Ortega, Christopher Reyes Quiroz, Agle Rosales and Daniel Thomas Wellman IV.

SJSU Santa Cruz Alumni Chapter Selects Scholarship Recipients

The Santa Cruz Chapter of the San Jose State University Alumni Association has selected seven local students to receive renewable scholarships to attend San Jose State University in the fall.

The award recipients are Valerie Cortez-Baez, a Watsonville High School graduate who will major in public health, and Natalya Hammond, a Aptos High School graduate who will major in computer science and data analysis.

Also receiving scholarships were the following transfer students from Cabrillo College: Christina Haslam, who will major in sociology; Jacqueline Mendoza, who will major in civil engineering; James Olivo-Salguero, who will major in psychology; Sriman Ujhanthachhen, who will major in computer science; and Paola Vizcarra, who will major in computer science and data analysis.

The local SJSU Alumni Chapter awards up to $20,000 annually in renewable scholarships to new and continuing high school students in Santa Cruz County and Cabrillo College. Scholarships are funded through individual donations and an annual holiday luncheon and auction. Donations are always welcome. For more information about scholarship eligibility and to learn how to join the chapter and/or make a donation, visit www.sjsualumnisantacruz.org.

Got a story to tell, an event to report, an award to announce? Tell Name Dropping. Send an email to [email protected]. Name Dropping is published Sundays and Mondays in the Sentinel.