The Melsheimer Family have been named the recipients of the 2026 Hancock. Photos courtesy of Allan Hancock College Foundation.
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SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Hancock Honors, presented by CoastHills Credit Union. The annual celebration, set for Sept. 12, recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy and service have made a lasting impact on the college and the communities it serves.
This year’s honorees are educator and Allan Hancock College?alumna?Dr. Nicolasa “Niki” Sandoval, pioneering Santa Barbara County winemaker and philanthropist Fred Brander and the Melsheimer Family, longtime supporters of education and workforce development on the Central Coast.
“Each of this year’s honorees has made an extraordinary difference through their commitment to education, opportunity and community service,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their work reflects the values that define Allan Hancock College, and we are proud to celebrate the lasting impact they continue to have throughout our region.”
Dr. Nicolasa “Niki” Sandoval.
Sandoval, a first-generation college graduate, began her higher education journey at Hancock before earning advanced degrees from Pepperdine University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, and eventually becoming the first Chumash tribal member to earn a doctorate degree in education. During her time as education director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Sandoval helped dramatically improve graduation and college completion rates for Native students while creating pathways for educational success across generations. Today, she serves as program director at WestEd and previously served on the California State Board of Education.
Fred Brander.
Brander, founder and proprietor of Brander Vineyard in Los Olivos, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Santa Barbara County’s wine industry. Since establishing Brander Vineyard in 1975, he has played a key role in elevating the region’s reputation for world-class wine production, Beyond his contributions to viticulture, Brander has been a strong supporter of the Allan Hancock College Foundation, supporting scholarships as well as the college’s Viticulture and Enology Program.
The Melsheimer Family, owners of Santa Maria-based manufacturing company Melfred Borzall, are being recognized for decades of support for workforce development and the arts. Through philanthropy, industry partnerships, scholarships and leadership in career technical education initiatives, the family has helped strengthen opportunities for students throughout northern Santa Barbara County. Family members have also supported Hancock through scholarship giving, partnerships with the college’s manufacturing technology programs and longtime involvement in local education efforts.
The 2026 Hancock Honors celebration will take place Sept. 12 at the Fine Arts Complex on the college’s Santa Maria campus. CoastHills Credit Union is the presenting sponsor for the event.
To learn more about sponsoring the Hancock Honors or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/honors.