Discover the Lasting Impact of AVID Through 45 Powerful Stories
For 45 years, AVID has transformed lives through one belief: success is built, not by chance. Not By Chance: Stories of Individual Determination embodies the spirit of our belief through authentic stories of 45 alumni who overcame challenges, built resilience, and unlocked the power of possibility propelled by their own resiliency and by teachers who believed in them, invested in their lives, and challenged them. Their journeys demonstrate that AVID is more than just a program—it’s a community, a lifeline, and a pathway to a brighter future.
A Celebration of Resilience, Belief, and the Power of Determination
From one classroom in San Diego, California, to millions of students worldwide, AVID founder Mary Catherine Swanson looks back on 45 years of impact and presents this collection of inspiring stories from lives forever changed by AVID educators.
What You’ll Find Inside
This collection of stories offers an in-depth look at the true meaning of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Through deeply personal narratives, you'll discover how AVID has bridged the gap between where students start and where they can go.
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM–12:40 PM PT
Featuring: Mary Catherine Swanson, AVID Founder and Board Member; and Clarence Fields, AVID Board Chair and one of the first AVID students.
Join us in celebrating the release of Not By Chance: Stories of Individual Determination. Participants who have purchased a copy are invited to have their book signed by AVID’s Founder and by AVID’s Board Chair (one of the first AVID students). This special event honors the people and stories that continue to shape AVID’s mission and impact. Books will be available for purchase on-site. AVID NatCon registration is required.
Tom Hallman Jr. is considered one of the nation's premier narrative writers. He has won every major feature-writing award in the business, including the Pulitzer Price for Feature Writing, and has taught at the University of Southern California and Brown University. After retiring from The Oregonian following a 44-year career, he remains a frequent contributor to Reader's Digest. Tom is married, lives in Portland, and is the father of two daughters. He has two gradchildren.
Steve Silberman has been an education writer, editor, and publisher. He believes telling stories is a powerful way to share perspectives, gain insights, and create understanding. Born to parents who were both educators and authors of books about public education, Steve continues their legacy as Chief Business Officer of AVID Center, where his work impacts millions of students across the country. Married and the father of two children, Steve lives in Oregon.
