Sonora High Distinguished Graduate Charles Segerstrom Class of 1975
Charles Segerstrom had a 33-year career with PGE and other organizations developing programs, policies, and job training opportunities in multiple fields within Career Technical Education (CTE), all with an emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Along the way, he incorporated new products and methods into existing trades of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general contracting. He was involved with designing and implementing curricula for CTE training in energy efficiency. He worked locally, nationally, and internationally, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions in the field.
In retirement, he has served on several local and regional Boards, including the Columbia College Foundation and the Sierra Business Council, as well as volunteered on committees for the City of Sonora and the Sonora Area Foundation.
Under his leadership, the Columbia College Foundation developed The Promise, a program providing free tuition and fees for regional high school graduates.
Please share the pathway you took that led you to where you are now.
After graduating from Sonora High School with the Class of 1975, I was inspired by a college professor to study “Soft Energy,” focusing on efficiency and renewability. I graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Human Biology and a self-designed minor in Energy and Environmental Policy. Initially, I volunteered on campus and worked as an intern in Palo Alto to help develop energy efficient practices and ordinances.
What are some memories you have of your time at Sonora High School?
I credit Student Activities Director Frank Borrego for helping me reset my perspective after losing the election for ASB President to Darrell Slocum (who is currently the President of the Sonora Area Foundation). At first I thought Darrell and I were opposites, but Mr. Borrego helped me realize that we had common ground. We worked well together then and continue to do so to this day, and we are now the best of friends. It was a great lesson.
I credit my success in CTE classrooms and training sessions to chemistry teacher Max Lemon, who used humor to connect with and keep the attention of his students.
I was also inspired by the AFS Club and the great international students whom I met while they attended Sonora High School. This led to a life-changing experience as an AFS student in Switzerland.
What future goals do you have?
I will continue to support CTE efforts locally through the Columbia College Foundation and The Promise, working to develop new partnerships, CTE programs, scholarships, mini-grants, and community networks.
What advice would you give current and future Sonora High School students?
Keep your grades up. Participate in clubs and volunteer projects. Find your passion and pursue further education or training. Take advantage of dual enrollment and The Promise at Columbia College to find your way without debt. See what the college can offer for CTE and transferable credits, all for free.
Carefully consider technical careers that cannot be outsourced to other countries or replaced by Artificial Intelligence. We will always need people to improve home energy performance, provide health care for children and an aging community, and keep us safe from wildfire. CTE students at Columbia can use the Promise to get training and earn certificates in specialties such as Fire Science, Business, Culinary Arts, Automotive, Health Care, and Child Development.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
My wife and I love to travel with an emphasis on family and friends. I enjoy fishing, playing golf, bird watching, snow skiing, and helping others in our community.
