Lisa Maloff University Center at LTCC opens in August

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Local philanthropist Lisa Maloff, the "Angel of Tahoe," donated $5.8 million to Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) back in November of 2014 for the creation of a University Center that would make four-year degrees a reality on the South Shore. The first shovels hit the dirt one year ago, in June 2017.

On August 16, 2018, the Lisa Maloff University Center will open its doors, making it the hub for access to higher education, offering associate to master’s degree programs to Lake Tahoe’s South Shore. Through LTCC’s partnerships with Sierra Nevada College and Brandman University, students can earn degrees on LTCC’s campus in global business management, psychology, liberal studies, applied studies, a master’s degree in education, and a teaching credential.

LTCC Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco said the college is in talks with other potential partners including Washington State University, which may offer hospitality management courses at the center.

There will be two open house tours of the 7,000-square-foot University Center, one on Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. and the other on Thursday, Aug. 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sierra Nevada College classes in the new center start Aug. 20, and Brandman University classes begin Sept. 4. Students will learn in four flexible classrooms that are fully equipped with the latest technology, including interactive displays, laser projectors, and motion sensing cameras for distance education and lecture capture. The classrooms can also be combined into two larger rooms for bigger classes or events.

The design of the Lisa Maloff University Center weaves mountain modern elements and upscale touches with an abundance of natural light to create bright and airy spaces for students to gather. In addition to the classrooms, the building also has a fully integrated conference room, breakout rooms, offices, and an outdoor courtyard that can serve as a hosting area for special events. The University Center will be available for meetings and event reservations offering a new venue for meeting organizers on the South Shore.

“Lisa Maloff’s support has allowed us to open up a new world of opportunities for our students and community that will just continue to grow as we add partnerships with other institutions,” said DeFranco.

Lake Tahoe Community College piloted bachelor’s degree programs through Sierra Nevada College beginning in 2016. Brandman University came on board as a partner in March 2018. Both institutions are offering generous tuition discounts for all LTCC students and alums.

Through Brandman University students can earn a bachelor’s degree in applied or liberal studies, which prepares students to enter a teaching credential program if they so choose. Tuition for upper-division courses taken through Brandman University may be a low as $15,000 and up to $25,000 depending upon the number of transferable courses they earn through LTCC.

Sierra Nevada College’s degree programs at LTCC offer pathways for students to complete all of their upper-level classes for as low as $17,190. Before applying any possible financial aid or scholarships, the cost of a bachelor’s degree through Sierra Nevada College is $26,000. Students also enjoy access to all the resources available to students at Sierra Nevada College’s Incline Village campus.