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Foundation to promote High Desert university plans May 2008

High Desert University Foundation
QUOTE: “I anticipate many exciting months ahead.” — Dr. Mary Retterer, Cerro Coso College
SPECIAL TO THE DESERT NEWS
EAST KERN — Even the continuing State budget crisis and dismal view of the state's future finances have not dissuaded High Desert leaders from the quest of bringing a comprehensive four-year university to the region. The High Desert University Foundation, a new nonprofit organization formed to advance the cause of a university in the region, announced its board of directors and commenced efforts to create a unified regional voice.  Since a future university cannot depend solely on state money, this organization and the public-private partnerships it seeks to cultivate will be vital to success.
After years of hard work by elected officials, business leaders, and community activists, the High Desert region of Los Angeles, Kern and San Bernardino Counties have moved closer to realizing the dream of their own comprehensive four-year university. The only site offered so far for the university is located between California City and Mojave.
With major employers like Edwards Air Force Base, Southern California Logistics Airport, China Lake Naval Weapons Center, Mojave Airport/Spaceport, and numerous energy, mining, and healthcare industries underlining the Tri-County High Desert economy, a four-year university is vital to the area's long term economic success.
"A comprehensive four-year university will provide high paying jobs, help protect the local aerospace and defense industries, and support the local economy.  While we have all wanted a four-year university for some time, the High Desert University Foundation will help our region speak with a unified voice." High Desert University Board President Mike Dispenza said. "If we think creatively, we can advance the goal of a university without relying on traditional funding models."
Nine-member board
The High Desert University governing board is composed of nine members, with three from each County.  The board members of the High Desert University Foundation are community leaders from across the Tri-County region sharing a common objective; to bring the vision of a comprehensive university in the High Desert to life. The founding members of the High Desert University Foundation Board of Directors include:
President,  Palmdale City Councilman Mike Dispenza; Vice President, Joseph W. Brady, Senior VP, High Desert Colliers International, Victorville; Secretary, Bob Johnstone, Founder and Director of the Aerospace Office Inc., Lancaster; Treasurer: California City Mayor David Evans.
Directors include J. Edward Duggan, Executive Vice President, Oak Creek Energy Systems, Mojave; Gail Knight, Antelope Valley community leader, Palmdale;  Apple Valley Town Councilmember Scott Massif,  Victor Valley Community College District Trustee Joseph Range of Victorville, and Cerro Coso Community College President Dr. Mary Retterer of Ridgecrest.
Meeting two needs
The High Desert University Foundation was organized to tackle two primary needs. The organization will strive to increase community awareness and focus community efforts toward the ultimate goal of securing the approval of a comprehensive four-year university in the High Desert. The Foundation will also raise money from foundations, companies, and individuals to support the promotion of a four-year university and provide funding for physical improvements, programs and endowments for the future High Desert University.
"The goal of bringing a comprehensive four year university to the region will only succeed through a combination of public and private efforts. The High Desert University Foundation will help facilitate these efforts and bring the dream of a university to a reality.  I anticipate many exciting months ahead," said Dr. Retterer.
Over the coming months, the Foundation leadership will meet with area elected officials, community leaders and organizations to begin fostering a region-wide coalition.  It will also begin fundraising efforts to make the effort financially viable in tight economic times.
"The more resources that the Foundation brings to the table, the less emphasis will need to be placed on seeking taxpayer money to build and operate the university.  There have already been generous offers of land and cash donations. We intend to build off of this seed funding and build something that will help bring the dream to life," said Dispenza.
For More Information on the High Desert University Foundation, visit them on the Web at http://www.HDUF.org or by calling them at 877.859.0130.
 

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