Process for Honoring a Deceased Individual Connected to SBCC

When a currently enrolled SBCC student or current SBCC employee passes away, their family and friends may request a flag-lowering ceremony hosted by SBCC.

Steps:

1. Contact SBCC Office of Communications:
   • The family or designated representative should contact the Office of Communications (see contact information below) to express their interest in a flag-lowering ceremony.
     
     
2. Coordinate Ceremony Details:
   • SBCC Office of Communications will work with the family/friends to determine the date, time, and any additional ceremony components, such as a moment of silence or remarks. The ceremony always includes words from SBCC Superintendent/President — and may include remarks from others who knew the deceased, including professors, family and friends.
     
     
3. Execution of the Ceremony:
   • SBCC Office of Communications will oversee the lowering of the flag on the agreed date and ensure that the ceremony is carried out respectfully.

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For honoring a deceased individual connected to SBCC (students, alumni, faculty, staff, or supporters), the family or friends can work with the SBCC Foundation to establish a meaningful honor.

Steps:

1. Initiate Contact with the SBCC Foundation:
   • The family or representative should reach out to the SBCC Foundation to discuss their intent to honor the deceased individual.
     
     
2. Define the Type of Honor:
   • Work with the SBCC Foundation and relevant SBCC staff to identify the specific type of honor. Options may include:
     • Naming opportunities (e.g., a scholarship fund, a program, or campus facility).
     • Memorial plaques or other dedications.
     • Contributions to existing college initiatives.
       
       
3. Make a Donation:
   • A donation to the SBCC Foundation is required to facilitate the honor. (SBCC and the SBCC Foundation do not cover the cost of establishing an honor.) The donation amount and type will be determined based on the nature of the honor.
     
     
4. Approval and Coordination:
   • SBCC Foundation and college staff will review and the SBCC Board of Trustees will need to approve the proposed honor to ensure alignment with institutional values and policies.
     
     
5. Implementation of the Honor:
   • Upon approval, the SBCC Foundation will coordinate with college departments to implement the honor, ensuring it is properly communicated and publicly recognized if desired.

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• Campus Department/Program Celebration:  
  • If any SBCC department or program is interested in organizing an event to honor a current or former employee or student of that department, they are welcome to do so. Department/program leads should work directly with Facilities/Special Events to coordinate. The College and SBCC Foundation as a whole do not organize individual celebrations.
  • If family and/or friends would like to use SBCC to host a  celebration or gathering to commemorate the individual’s life, we welcome the opportunity. These events must be organized independently by the family or friends in coordination with the SBCC Special Events Department.
    
    Please note: Facility Rental locations will depend on availability. At least two weeks' notice is requested for all rental requests. Rental fees to be waived as a client courtesy. Any IT or AV equipment requests (depending on time and date of event) will be the requestors' responsibility. If an event is scheduled after business hours or during the weekend the requestor may be required to reach out to an outside vendor to source all AV equipment/IT support needs. This is the same for all rental requests. SBCC Community Events will do its best to accommodate all requests.

Steps:

1. Contact SBCC Special Events Department:
   • The family or representative should reach out to SBCC Special Events (see contact information below) to discuss potential venue availability, event logistics, and associated costs.
     
     
2. Plan and Execute the Event:
   • SBCC staff will assist in scheduling and facilitating the event while the family/friends take the lead in planning and covering expenses.

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