For Sue Saign, the journey to becoming a respected family law attorney began with a single, life-changing opportunity: the Robert Chang Scholarship at San José City College.
While many students face the daunting prospect of student loans, the Chang Scholarship allowed Sue to transfer to San José State University and earn her degree in Cultural Anthropology entirely debt-free. It also opened her eyes to the world, funding a transformative archaeology course in the West Indies that sparked a lifelong passion for Caribbean culture.
“My college experience was amazing, and I will never forget it,” Sue said. “I had not traveled much before that trip; it was an introduction to so much for me.”
That foundation of exploration and academic freedom paved the way for Sue’s next chapter. While raising her young son and working, she attended law school and graduated as valedictorian of her class. Today, she leads a successful legal practice specializing in sensitive custody and domestic violence cases, driven by a commitment to high standards and community service.
Sue’s impact extends beyond the courtroom. As a former professor at Lincoln Law School, she has mentored the next generation of legal professionals, ensuring that the support she received at SJCC continues to ripple through the community. Whether she is coordinating cultural events for local schools or serving in leadership roles, Sue remains a testament to the power of a community college education.