President's Announcement

Interim President Robert G. Isomoto presents a package
containing an ELAC sweatshirt to Nancy Pearlman, member
of the Los Angeles Community College District Board
of Trustees, during her recent visit to the campus.

Interim President Robert G. Isomoto presents a package containing an ELAC sweatshirt to Nancy Pearlman, member of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees, during her recent visit to the campus. As I begin my second semester guiding the largest college in the largest community college district in the world, I am confident that East Los Angeles College will continue to be the educational center of our community. Our excellent faculty and staff have stepped up to assist me in assuring a quality educational experience for our students. Every segment of our campus community has responded with dedication and loyalty for which I am very grateful. I am confident that the East team will continue to answer the educational needs of those in our service area.

Some good news for all potential students; tuition has been lowered to $20 per unit! In addition, our Financial Aid Office offers a myriad of scholarship, grant and loan packages which allow any community member to begin their educational journey. That path may be vocational, remedial or transfer. Whatever the goal for any perspective student, ELAC is the gateway to a secure future.

Unfortunately there is some sad news to report concerning the leadership of the Los Angeles Community College District. Chancellor Darroch “Rocky” Young will retire from his position in August. His guiding hand will be missed. In addition, LACCD Board of Trustees president, Michael Waxman resigned his post in February. A Board member for six years, Waxman will accept a position in Washington D.C. During his six year tenure on the Board, he introduced many fresh ideas to the governance of the district. His energy and enthusiasm will be difficult to replace. I wish both of our departing leaders much success in their new endeavors.

The spring is a time of renewal. Here at ELAC the new semester holds promise of many changes. We will be offering a variety of classes for the first time at our ROSEMEAD EDUCATIONAL CENTER. Near the intersection of Del Mar and Graves avenues in Rosemead, the center encompasses 5 1/2 acres and has 19 classrooms, parking, food services, an auditorium and an exercise track. It also will be the new home of the Administration of Justice Department and several other disciplines will begin offering classes immediately. We hope to expand offerings next fall to create a more convenient location for community members. We have instituted many upgrades to make this a first-class facility. These include expansion of parking lots, conversions of rest rooms, and making the buildings Internet ready. We will begin a shuttle service between our main campus in Monterey Park and the Center that will run every quarter hour. This new Center is another example of the commitment of the college to “reach into the community” to bring education to our population where needed.

Hopefully, the spring semester will also bring many changes to our main campus. A number of bungalows on the eastern edge of the campus are slated for demolition in March. This space will be used temporarily to ease parking difficulties for faculty and staff. Once we receive approval to begin construction on our Performing and Fine Arts Complex, all of the bungalows will be removed. We have completed site preparation for our major multi-level parking structure on the south side of campus next to the E-1 building. As soon as the state of California approves our construction plans, work will begin. In addition, I am very pleased to report that bond measures were approved in last November’s election which will provide funding for the replacement of our E-3 and E-5 classroom buildings. Initial planning has begun for the development of these new structures.

Those returning for the new semester will also see the completion of our state-of-the-art baseball facility. Many alumni, staff and current players gathered for the opening ceremony on Jan. 20. Improvements to the facility include the construction of a new permanent building that houses team dressing rooms, trainer’s room, coaches’ offices, storage rooms, announcer’s booth, snack bar and public restrooms. There are also new dugouts, stands and fencing surrounding most of the field. The festivities were highlighted by excellent performances by our marching band and cheerleaders. Six current and past baseball coaches participated in ribbon-cutting ceremonies. It was a great day for athletics at East, for Athletic Director Al Cone and current baseball coach James Hines. All are invited to attend a game this year at our outstanding facility to watch our highly-touted team.

Besides athletics, East has activities scheduled for every week during the semester. From the arts (dance, theater, music) to poetry reading, to department presentations to campus speakers, something is always going on at East. All are invited to participate and be a part of the college experience. One particularly significant and rewarding experience is our annual scholarship banquet. Sponsored by our ELAC Foundation, the banquet recognizes the best academic achievements by our students. I am proud to be a part of this annual event and cordially invite all to attend. This year’s event will be held on May 17 at Steven’s Steak and Seafood House.

As you can see, the spring promises to be an exciting time on campus. I hope that you will be part of it.