UKIAH – The Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) Club of Mendocino College will be hosting their fifth annual wine and food pairing entitled, “Vine and Dine” on May 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Jepson Winery.

The dinner will consist of a four course meal planned and prepared by Ukiah Valley restaurants. Each of these courses will be paired with a wine chosen by local wine makers. The wine and food pairings will be discussed by the chefs and winemakers.

“Last year’s Vine and Dine was the most memorable moment in my first year in MESA at Mendocino College,” said MESA Club President Sandra Arellano. “From writing a donation letter to preparing auction items and serving food, it was all one big learning experience for both new and continuing students.”

Arellano said they worked together building strong bonds and learned how to communicate with each other effectively in order to make this event a success. She said the community at large has always been very supportive; whether it is through some sort of donation, volunteering their time, or attending the event itself and bidding at the live and silent auction. She said it's all appreciated.

“I love the community we live in and I am sure that with the continuous support from the community and the tremendous group effort from both MESA students and staff we can together makes this year’s event a successful one and for many years to come as well. The support that we receive shows us that we can succeed,” she said.

Michel Paniagua, MESA Club vice president, said he participated in the event for the first time last year.

“From that experience I can tell that if you find good people in your community who are able to help others, you can do great things,” he said. “You can help students become microbiologists, engineers, mathematicians and doctors. The MESA students have the courage but not the financial support that they need. This event helps to give scholarships for these amazing people. Vine-Dine is a great, fun experience that needs time, team work and a good preparation.”

More than $9,000 was raised to provide 20 incoming, continuing and transferring students with scholarships. The suggested donation amount for this event is $50 per person and $90 per couple.

The ticket donation includes a sit-down four course meal, wine, beer and standup appetizers. This event will include a silent and live auction. Tickets are available at the MESA Center, room 403 at Mendocino College or by calling 468-3023. Please visit www2.mendocino.com/mesa/vinedine for more details.

Student success and transfer rates

The MESA Program works to increase the number of financially and educationally disadvantaged students who transfer to four-year universities and earn degrees in mathematics, science or engineering. This program provides academic support programs and creates a community of learners based on academic achievement.

The Mendocino College MESA students are part of a remarkable statewide transfer rate.

The California Community Colleges and MESA began working together in 1993 to bolster community college transfer rates in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Of the 110 California Community Colleges, 31 have MESA programs.

The collaboration has yielded phenomenal success. Of the MESA students who transfer, 98 percent go to four-year institutions as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) majors.

Mendocino College’s MESA Program enrolls about two percent of the school’s population, but produces 14 percent of its transfers.

California’s Community Colleges are projected to grow significantly and some school officials expect a 10 percent enrollment increase. This makes the two-year college’s role in education the state’s work force increasingly important.

Information about Mendocino College’s MESA Program can be found by visiting www.mendocino.edu or contacting Mendocino College MESA Director Margaret Sanchez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

With tutoring and mentoring, extra study sessions, transfer counseling and study centers, MESA provides an environment that allows students to succeed in math and science and navigate the transfer system more easily.

MESA students transfer to University Of California and California State Universities as well as private colleges in fields that are key to California maintaining itself as a technological leader.

For further information about MESA, individuals can visit www.mesa.ucop.edu or contact MESA Statewide Communications Coordinator Danielle McNamara at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..