After eight years on the Cupertino City Council and earlier service on the Cupertino Union School District Board, I want to continue serving our community in an area where my experience can make a meaningful difference.
Education has been a constant throughout my life. I have been a college professor, taught math circles and computer science, helped design robotics curricula, and I am now a Foothill-De Anza student.
My family’s connection with De Anza began when my sons attended preschool at De Anza’s Child Development Center. Years later, they returned to community college classrooms, taking courses that helped them graduate early and save on tuition. Their experience showed me the value of flexible, affordable, and accessible pathways to higher education.
Now I have come full circle as a Foothill-De Anza student myself. I have been taking classes in business, finance, technology, and filmmaking, and I came to love the community college learning environment. I want more people at every stage of life to benefit from it.
My experience as a student has also reinforced something I have seen throughout nearly three decades in Silicon Valley: technology is rapidly changing the skills people need. I believe community colleges can lead the next transformation in education by adapting quickly and preparing students for a changing world.
I also believe Foothill and De Anza should remain excellent colleges while being strong community anchors — places where residents come not only for classes, but also for lifelong learning, cultural events, workforce programs, and community activities.
Warmly.
Liang ChaoCandidate for Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, Trustee Area 4
From De Anza Day to Day on the Hill
De Anza once hosted an annual De Anza Day that brought tens of thousands of residents to campus for performances, recreation, food, and community activities. Foothill continues a similar spirit today with Day on the Hill, while West Valley and Mission colleges also host public events that bring their communities onto campus.
I wrote a short article about that history and what other local community colleges are doing today.
Read: From De Anza Day to Day on the Hill →
How do you connect with Foothill-De Anza?
I’d also like to hear how you and your family connect with Foothill and De Anza today — and what you would like to see in the future.
Take the short community survey →✉ Sign Up for Updates
Future updates and surveys may go only to part of our contact list. Sign up to be sure you receive them.
Sign Up for Updates →This email address comes from voter registration records.♥ Support the Campaign
We are a low-budget grassroots campaign. Your contribution helps us reach more voters.
Donate →