UKIAH, Calif. – A little over a year ago, when Mike Mari, director of Student Life and Athletics, was asked what he needed to help students succeed at Mendocino College, he quickly replied “A way to quickly communicate with a large number of our student body.”

That discussion led to the purchase of text messaging software. The cost was $2,400, which was funded by the Mendocino College Foundation and the Associated Students of Mendocino College (ASMC).

This new and innovative tool is used to keep students informed about campus events and important reminders about the college.

During a typical week, a student who has voluntarily opted into the program could receive anywhere from three to 10 messages. Messages vary from enrollment and financial aid deadlines to campus activities and events.

The other benefit of the program is that by receiving text messages about their college, students feel more connected to campus activities and are more informed.

According to Mari, many students have said that being informed about activities and events taking place around campus, and particularly in the newly opened Student Center and Library Learning Center Building, makes them realize they are on a real college campus.

The text messages just add to their feelings of belonging to a community within the college.

For the past two semesters, Schat’s Bakeries and Café has generously provided over 50 gift cards as an incentive to get more students to enroll in the text messaging system.

At least once a week students receive a text message which simply states “The first person to show this text to Mike Mari will win a free $10 gift card to Schat’s.” Mari chooses a variety of locations on campus for students to search him out to win the gift card.

The college is incredibly grateful to Schat’s Bakeries and Café for generously supporting the program and doing their part to keep students in school and feeling connected to both their college and community.

For more information about the texting program, Mike Mari can be reached at 707-468-3165 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .