Foundation’s Planned Giving Program
Reaches Milestone with Carl Sawyer Bequest

In mid-July, Santa Ana College was honored to learn that alum Carl Sawyer had included a significant bequest in his trust to be given to the college. The bequest marks the largest to-date in the SAC Foundation’s planning giving program. The funds allocated to SAC will be split between the Nealley Library and the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Academic Affairs, headed by Vice President Norm Fujimoto, oversees both the library and the Athletic Department. “The foundation and our Academic Affairs board are working closely with the two departments to ensure that whatever course we take benefits the college in perpetuity,” Fujimoto said. “We want to honor Carl and manage his gift in such a way that SAC students and faculty 10, 20, even 50 years from now will benefit from this generous bequest.”

Sawyer enrolled in classes at Santa Ana College in 1955 after a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, and quickly found a career path that would serve him well for more than 35 years. He served as the sports editor and then the editor of SAC’s student newsletter, el Don. After graduating from SAC, he transferred to USC, where he became the sports editor of the Daily Trojan. Upon graduation, Sawyer joined the staff of The Orange County Register, where he covered sports in Orange County for the next 36 years (1958-1994).

And what an action-packed career it was. During his tenure at The O.C. Register, Sawyer wrote about exciting Rose Bowls, thoroughbred horse racing, NCAA basketball finals and the 1984 Olympics, where he covered water polo, soccer and cycling.

From 1960 to 1992, he wrote the sports column entitled Sawdust. With indefatigable zeal, in 1958 he covered sports at all 12 high schools and the only three junior colleges then in Orange County—SAC, Orange Coast College and Fullerton College. During his time as a sports writer, Sawyer won 18 awards in Press Club competition, more than any other sports writer in the county. His leadership in his profession led to his appointment to the Heisman Trophy Selection Committee every year since 1970, and he had a vote in the All-American Team and Coach of the Year Award.

“I first met Carl Sawyer when I played football for Santa Ana College in 1961,” remembered Ed Arnold, KOCE Managing Editor and News Anchor. “As a Register reader while a Marine at El Toro, I was already familiar with his writing. What I didn't know was how much he cared about seeing that SAC got the kind of sports coverage the college deserved. Carl went far beyond what was required to get the job done. He was one of a kind, and a special man I was proud to call a friend for more than 40 years.”

“We are very grateful to Mr. Sawyer for his participation in the Santa Ana College Foundation’s Planned Giving Program,” observed Executive Director Christina Romero. “During this economically difficult time for the state’s education system, your good will is paramount to the success of the Santa Ana College Foundation. You can play an important role in helping us continue to fund tuition, books, programming and other special needs through participation in our Planned Giving Program, and its numerous options. Please call our office at 714-564-6091 to explore the planned giving approach that works for you.”

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