Donor Spotlights

The Biella Foundation

The Biella Foundation was created by Mart Bert, an Italian immigrant born in Italy in 1914 and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents as a youngster. Mart grew up in West Seattle and earned a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Washington. He worked in Aero Engineering during WW II in Southern California. Mart returned to Seattle after the war and started in the real estate business. He eventually built and acquired numerous apartment buildings throughout the City of Seattle.

Jerry and Linda Hermanson

Jerry and Linda Hermanson have lived in the West Seattle Community for many decades, migrating from parts a little further south. Linda grew up in the Shelton area, while Jerry grew up in Silverdale. Together they have five sons, one of whom continues to run the Mechanical Construction business that Jerry built from scratch starting in 1979.

Gary Oertli

Gary’s first involvement with South Seattle College began in 2007 when, after serving in executive leadership positions at Edmonds Community College, Seattle Central College, and Shoreline Community College, he became the Vice President of Instruction of South Seattle College.

Gary then spent nearly 10 years as President of South Seattle College and is now the college’s president emeritus. He also spent many years on the Board of the South Seattle College Foundation and now serves as a board member emeritus.