<strong>East</strong> <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> <strong>College</strong> After spending 22 months as President of <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> Mission <strong>College</strong>, I am very happy to begin my first full year back at <strong>ELAC</strong>. I am proud that the college continued to grow and prosper in my absence. I am sure that you are well aware of the current stalemate in the state of California budgeting process. In spite of some fiscal uncertainties, we are committed to supporting our obligation to provide open access to members of our community seeking higher education. To meet the ever-growing demand for educational services, we are expanding offerings at the Rosemead Educational Center and finalizing plans for opening a new and larger facility in South Gate. In addition, we have expanded our full time faculty roster and hope to add more instructors this year. Finally, we are committed to taking the lead in on-line education. We are looking not only to increase offerings of specific classes, but to develop entire programs that may be completed via online access. <strong>ELAC</strong> is committed to delivering education to members of our community in new and creative ways. During my absence the college began a number of major building projects. At present, the college is undergoing its first major renovation in more than 50 years. This summer we broke ground on our new Performing and Fine Arts Complex. At the dedication, several speakers noted that this complex will serve as the cultural heart of our community for decades to come. This year, we are planning to open our new multi-level parking structure and complete renovation of the E-1 and G-1 buildings. These projects are of significance in that plans call for the E-1 structure to house all student services with easy access to parking in our new structure. During the year we will also be completing several other projects which will enhance both the beauty and serviceability of our campus. All projects on campus will have a “green focus.” <strong>ELAC</strong> is committed to supporting environmental issues in planning and building. This includes everything from design to the selection of building materials. The college has recently been lauded by the local and national media for our new solar power project located in the student parking lot. With the use of solar panels we now produce approximately 70% of power needed to operate the college during daylight hours. This year will be one of growth, change and challenge. Our focus, however, as always will be on providing the best educational experience possible for our students. My goal for this academic year will be to provide the resources needed for <strong>ELAC</strong> to remain the flagship college for the <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> Community <strong>College</strong> District n Ernest H. Moreno President, <strong>East</strong> <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> <strong>College</strong> Graduates Honored at Commencement 2OO8 President Ernest H. Moreno and the <strong>East</strong> <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> <strong>College</strong> administration proudly presented degrees and certificates earned during the 2007-<strong>2008</strong> academic year to more than 700 graduates at <strong>ELAC</strong>’s <strong>2008</strong> Commencement held May 30 before an estimated crowd of 7,000 in the college stadium. Themed “Education Opens Our Eyes to a World We Cannot See,” the Commencement was broadcast live on the World Wide Web and a replay can be viewed on the college web site: www.elac.edu. Dr. Marshall E. Drummond, chancellor of the <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> Community <strong>College</strong> District, was the keynote speaker. The LACCD Board of Trustees was represented by Trustee Georgia L. Mercer. Dr. Armando Rivera-Figueroa, director of the Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program served as master of ceremonies. The welcome was given by Alex Immerblum, president of the faculty academic senate. Graduates were led into the stadium by faculty marshals as the Husky Marching Band/Concert Band played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Rose Bustos, president of the Associated Student Union, led the audience through the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was sung by student soprano Nubia Jimenez. Monica Olguin, ASU treasurer, delivered the student address. Richard Moyer, vice president of academic affairs, and Robert Isomoto, vice president of academic affairs also presented graduates with certificates and degrees. The announcers were Evelyn Escatiola, professor, professional development coordinator, and Othon Olivas, instructor, foreign languages. The commencement ended with the Class of <strong>2008</strong> Graduates exiting through an Honor Guard composed of college faculty, administrators and staff as the concert band played the popular jazz tune “Watermelon Man” n
<strong>Fall</strong> 2OO8