FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Maureen Stokes, PIO
760.252.2411, ext. 7350
Barstow, Calif. – Nov. 3, 2006 Barstow Community College Board of Trustees member, Dr. Ted Baca, was honored by his alma mater, New Mexico Highlands University, as a Distinguished Alumni of the Year. The award was presented to Dr. Baca at the university’s homecoming festivities on October 20. Dr. Baca was one of six alumni of the university to receive the award.
Born in New Mexico and raised in Barstow, Dr. Baca excelled in academics and sports, and graduated from Barstow High. At New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), Dr. Baca earned his bachelors of art and masters of science degrees as a double major in biology and physical education (known today as kinesiology). He was also a stating short stop for the varsity baseball team as a freshman and an outstanding track athlete, holding the long jump record of 23’, 4”. It was at NMHU that Baca met his wife of 38 years, Erlinda, who is a teacher.
Dr. Baca continued his education at NMHU as a graduate teaching assistant in biology while a National Science Foundation Fellow. He later went on to the University of Oregon as a National Institute of Health (NIH) Teaching Fellow, earning his Ph.D. in health sciences with emphasis in human biology and environmental biology.
“I feel very fortunate to have come through educational opportunities presented to me,” states Dr. Baca. “Each class, teacher and mentor had a cumulative effort. Others saw in me what I could not, at the time, see in myself.”
Dr. Baca was also one of 15 national Ford Foundation recipients, studying community college leadership. This enabled Baca to meet and confer with college leadership, presidents and educational administrators of community colleges in Florida (Miami-Dade County), from which he grew professionally. Today, Dr. Baca is a higher education consultant and serves as consultant to the president of Riverside Community College.
Dr. Baca returned to Barstow following his formal education and taught at Barstow Community College. His career highlights while at BCC include Assistant Football Coach, Division Chair, Assistant Dean, Dean, Executive Vice President - Instruction and Student Services. Dr. Baca also taught in anatomy, general biology, human biology, physical education, physiology and zoology.
Dr. Baca now serves the college as a member of the Board of Trustees, an elected position by the residents of the college’s service area, which includes Yermo, Hinkley, Ft. Irwin, Newberry Springs, Lenwood, and Baker, since Dec. 2005.
An advocate for volunteerism, Dr. Baca serves on the Desert Manna Homeless Shelter, San Bernardino Co. Air Pollution Control Board and former member of the Commission of the Park and Recreation District in Barstow. He also gives his time to the national Cancer Society, Toys for Tots and the American Heart Association.
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Posted – October 13, 2006
Barstow Community College, one of the 109 California community colleges, will soon be able to offer courses at the reduced unit cost of $20. The state legislature has signed a bill that reduces enrollment fees by close to 25 percent for current and prospective California community college students. Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with bipartisan legislative support, Assembly Bill 1802 decreases fees from $26 per unit to $20 per unit for courses beginning after January 1, 2007. The bill will ensure that all 72 community college districts in California receive equal funding per student and the investment to increase programs offered on those campuses. The reduction in unit fees will allow community members in Barstow to better afford an education and allow wider access to the college’s services and increase the number of students attaining a higher education.
In the last several years there has been a steady increase in tuition fees for California community college students. These fee increases have made it difficult for potential students to afford to attend college. A renewed focus has been placed on the California Community college system as it is an important tool in educating Californians. With the decrease of per unit fees, potential students in Barstow and throughout California will be able to better afford college and reach their educational goals.
“The increases in California community college enrollment fees have made it difficult for many potential students to afford an education,” said Clifford Brock, president of Barstow Community College. “Reducing fees to $20 allows more people to attend college and helps them prepare for good, high paying jobs”.
Potential students of Barstow Community College can take solace in knowing that financial aid is available - and within reach – to help cover the fees, cost of books and other necessary tools for a successful college experience.
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POSTED: October 4, 2006
BARSTOW – The Barstow Community College Performing Arts Department will perform the comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest” the weekends of Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 in the college’s Performing Arts Center.
A classic comedy of manners, “The Importance of Being Earnest” entails a delightful story of two couples’ struggles to find love in a conflict of deception and false identities. Through a series of hilarious situations, the characters all learn the importance of being earnest with each other.
BCC veteran Patt Barrett marks a return as Miss Prism in this production. She's a community member who's been in several productions at BCC. Her roles at BCC include Aunt March in Little Women, Miss Lynch in Grease, Lizzie Flynn in The Uninvited, and the Godmother in Cinderella. She also has an extensive resume as a professional actor.
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