COLLEGE DISTRICT BIDS FAREWELL TO CHANCELOR

Dr. Omero Suarez' 11-year legacy transformed district March 2, 2009 (EL CAJON)--After more than a decade at the helm of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, Dr. Omero Suarez turned off the lights in his office a final time Friday, ready to embark on a new chapter in his life. He will be replaced by Dr. Cindy Miles, who begins her job today. The past few days have been punctuated by a succession of farewell presentations and gatherings, as governing board members, faculty, staff and students paid tribute to the retiring chancellor's contributions to the district. His ccomplishments have been highlighted by Governing Board President Bill Garrett and others at the Feb. 17 board meeting, where Suarez was presented with a crystal trophy. Uder his leadership, the district has broadened its scope and significance to the region. More than 29,000 students now turn to Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges each semester to better their lives and fulfill dreams, 36 percent more than when Suarez first arrived. The Chancellor's reign was not without controversy, notably over his removal of a buy-out clause in his contract without board permission. But on the occasion of his retirement, bard members offered only praise. Proposition R, the $207 million facilities bond measure that has been "such a transformational force to the district" and the chancellor's leadership in ensuring more equitable state funding for community colleges top a long list of Suarez'district achievements, said Garrett. Governing Board member Deanna Weeks noted the alignment of courses within the district so that students' credits earned at one college would be recognized by the other. It was not always so, the trustee pointed out. And no longer do students have to submit separate applications at each college. "You've done wonderful things for this district," said Governing Board member Rick Alexander. "You should be extremely proud of your accomplishments." Academic Senate Presidents Chris Hill and Michael Wangler thanked Suarez "for all you have done." Classified Senate President Debi Miller and the classified senate executive board presented him with a plaque on behalf of the classified senate, a group representing non-teaching staff. On Thursday, headed to what he thought was a business meeting at Cuyamaca College, Suarez was the guest of honor at a surprise farewell gathering, where he was presented a framed collage of familiar scenes around the campus. "At our informal farewell event, we wanted to celebrate the many ways Chancellor Suarez has supported the entire district and particularly our students," said Dr. Cristina Chiriboga, interim president. "Certainly the building out of college facilities via Proposition R has made it possible offer students state-of-the-art learning venues. As well, his leadership in ensuring equalization provided much-needed funding that ultimately benefited students and helps us accomplish our educational mission." One final tribute open to the community is planned for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at the Sycuan Resort Garden Room, 3007 Dehesa Road in El Cajon.