Liesel Reinhart Forensics Team Scholarship

Donor: Friends and former students of Dr. Reinhart

Dr. Liesel Reinhart is a force in the realm of community college education, advocacy, and allyship. She dedicated her forensic career to giving underrepresented students a voice and a home on campus, and she continues to be a fierce advocate for equity in everything she does With nearly three decades of teaching experience, including 26 years dedicated specifically to the California Community College system, Dr. Reinhart has left an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues alike.

At Mt. San Antonio College, Dr. Reinhart's creative coaching, commitment to excellence and mentorship, and her ability to see the potential in every student, propelled multiple national championship teams in speech and debate. Beyond forensics, she has fostered inclusivity and allyship through serving on Mt. SAC’s first campus equity team, advising the undocumented students club, and helping to open one of the first community college Pride centers in the nation, and the first at Mt. SAC. In 2013, Dr. Reinhart's advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion earned her statewide recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Regina Stanback-Stroud Award.

Beyond her contributions to higher education, Dr. Reinhart's diverse background extends to television and podcast development and, more recently, parenthood as she and her partner Steve welcomed Madison and Johnny, two remarkable foster children, into their family during the pandemic.

The Liesel Reinhart Forensics Team Scholarship was established as a way for forensics alumni to celebrate Dr. Reinhart's enduring legacy by supporting promising students on the forensics team who embody a desire to create change through the power of performance. Through this scholarship, we honor her profound impact on the forensics community, knowing her impact will continue to inspire and uplift students for generations to come.