Volume I, First Edition

President's Greeting

Dear Faculty, Staff and Administrators:

Welcome to the first edition of the President’s Gaucho Gazette!  This bi-monthly newsletter will be sent to all of you to provide my personal updates on recent news and events surrounding our college.  I hope you find it interesting, informative and entertaining.

My first two months at Saddleback College have been wonderful.  From in-service week to the 40th Anniversary to the recently-signed Accreditation Progress Report, the faculty, staff and administrators have shown to me that they are strongly committed to student success and to making Saddleback College the best that it can be.  As I make my way around campus, I am continually impressed by the wonderful programs and services Saddleback College offers to our students and community.  The work we do is so important, and every day I’m reminded how our efforts are making positive differences in the lives of thousands.  I am honored and privileged to be a part of this impressive team.

I chose to work at Saddleback College because of its solid reputation throughout the state, and my high expectations have not only been met, but exceeded.  I am here to help you be effective in increasing student success and I look forward to meeting more students, faculty and staff as I continue to make my rounds on campus.  As always, please do not hesitate to stop by my office and say hello, send me a note or invite me to visit your classroom or office. 

Enjoy the remainder of the semester and go Gauchos!

Sincerely,

Tod Burnett, Ed.D.
President

Pictured right: Dr. Burnett talks with new students at Welcome Fest during In-Service Week.

After much hard work, Saddleback College’s Accreditation Team completed a progress report as mandated by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which required that Saddleback College complete a report by October 15th that demonstrates the college’s resolution of three recommendations regarding campus-wide implementation of Student Learning Outcomes and relations and the decision–making process among the college, district and board of trustees. 

The response to Recommendation 3, which recommends that the college develop and implement student learning outcomes across the college, was written by a task force consisting of members of the Institution Effectiveness (IE) Committee, including Professor of Environmental Studies Dr. Morgan Barrows (Chair), Automotive Technology Professor Cliff Meyer, Associate Professor of Sociology Rachel Ridnor, Curriculum Specialist Linda Bashor, District Director of Research and Planning Denice Inciong, Research Specialist Shouka Torabi, Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Patti Flanigan, Nursing Professor Diane Pestolesi, Student Development Senior Administrative Assistant Connie McClain, Community & Contract Education Specialist Brooke Lange, Research and Planning Analyst Nicole Ortega, and EMT Professor/Curriculum Chair Howard Adams. In a matter of months, our faculty wrote [1,490] student learning outcomes for as many courses for a 100% college completion rate.  The IE Committee was instrumental in guiding this major accomplishment and we owe them a great deal of gratitude along with all faculty.   

Recommendation 5, which stated that the Board of Trustees cease its involvement in college and district operations and delegate all non-policy issues, including policy implementation, at the district level to the chancellor and at the college level to the president, and Recommendation 6, which recommended that all formally recognized constituent groups come together and take measures to reduce the hostility, cynicism, despair and fear that continue to plague the college, were handled by a task force consisting of Trustee David Lang, English Professor Dr. Bob Cosgrove, Music Professor Dr. Carmen Dominguez, Vice President of Instruction Dr. Rajen Vurdien, Educational Program Director Dr. Don Busche, Dean of Math, Science, and Engineering Dr. Jim Wright, Political Science Professor and Faculty Association President Lee Haggerty, Director of Fiscal Services Carol Hilton and Grants Analyst and Classified Senate President Mary Williams.  These college leaders delved into many sensitive issues surrounding our college and district and we all will be much better off due to their honest, thoughtful and productive work. 

Congratulations to our Saddleback College Accreditation Team for their first-rate work and team spirit, both of which contributed to the successful completion of the progress report.  All of us at the college appreciate their efforts in helping maintain Saddleback College’s accreditation that is of the utmost importance to all.

Click here to read the Accreditation Progress Report.

Photo: From left, Dr. Jim Wright, Classified Senate President Mary Williams, Fiscal Services Director Carol Hilton, Dr. Rajen Vurdien, Dr. Bob Cosgrove, Dr. Tod Burnett, Dr. Morgan Barrows, Professor Lee Haggerty, Dr. Carmen Dominguez, and Trustee David Lang sign the Accreditation Progress Report.

"Making a Difference" Honorees Named at Homecoming Game

The Saddleback College Homecoming Game on Saturday, October 4th was highlighted with the crowning of Saddleback College's royalty and the acknowledgement of our "Making a Difference" Honorees. Honorees included Saddleback College's Alumnus of the Year Clark Jarrett (pictured with Dr. Burnett); Nursing Professor and alumna Julie Bright; Football Coach Don "Butch" Butcher; 1985 Homecoming Queen, former SC cheerleader, and current SC Pep Squad Coach Denise Harris; First SC Athletic Director and Football Coach George Hartman; Former Assistant Football Coach Vince McCullough; First SC Athletic Trainer and Men's Tennis Coach Bill Otta; SC Alumni Association President, 1977 Graduate and Former Football Player Jim Poettgen; Former Men's Basketball and Men's Golf Coach Roy Stevens; Former Assistant Football and Assistant Baseball Coach Dick Stuetz; and First Faculty Member, Former Vice President of Student Services, and Counselor Jack Swartzbaugh.

Saddleback College's Alumnus of the Year, Clark Jarrett, is a filmmaker, actor, professor, and historian. After touring the globe to capture stories about the lives of World War I veterans, Jarrett has written and produced a documentary entitled “The Return of Paul Jarrett,” a film that follows Clark Jarrett’s 93-year-old grandfather, a decorated World War I veteran, as he returns to France.  The documentary has received a number of awards.  

While at Saddleback College, Jarrett played on the 1973-74 Gaucho football team and graduated in 1974 with an Associate of Arts degree in social science. He transferred to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He then earned a teaching credential and a Master of Arts degree in humanities at California State University Dominguez Hills in 1995.

Jarrett has been a working actor for the past 20 years and has appeared in film, television, and theater. Jarrett was in the film “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius,” where he is featured as Chick Evans. He has had recurring roles on daytime television dramas including “Santa Barbara,” “General Hospital,” and “Days of our Lives.”

Saddleback College's 40th Anniversary Celebration began on September 22nd at the Board of Trustees meeting, where Video Production Specalist Mark Kruhmin's outstanding 40th Anniversary Video Retrospective was presented, past presidents including Dr. Jack Roper (1968), Dr. Bill Jay (1981-1983), Dixie Bullock (1998-2004), and Dr. Richard McCullough (2004-2008),were introduced, and Physics Professor Bob Parsons (pictured left with Board of Trustees President Donald Wagner, Chancellor Raghu Mathur, and President Tod Burnett) was presented with a resolution honoring his 40 years of continuous service at Saddleback College. Various proclamations were presented by the Offices of Congressman Gary Miller, Senator Dick Ackerman, Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, and Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates. Also presenting proclamations were Mission Viejo Mayor Trish Kelley, San Juan Capistrano Mayor Joe Soto, Laguna Niguel Mayor Pro Tem Robert Ming, and Dana Hills Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Bartlett. Proclamations also arrived from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senator Dianne Feinstein, California Community Colleges Chancellor Diane Woodruff, and the Cities of Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Lake Forest, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Hills.

On September 23rd, students, faculty and staff enjoyed a day of celebration that began with the distribution of 2,500 cupcakes at various outdoor locations on campus. At noon, the college community enjoyed a free barbecue and a celebration with music from 1968. However, the day's highlight was the Groovy Gaucho Game Show, hosted by Dean of Fine Arts Rocky Cifone (aka Johnny Saddleback), with Mark Kruhmin (aka Johnny K.) announcing. The game show quizzed contestants on Saddleback College's history and pop culture from 1968. The winning team was The Monkees, comprised of Counseling Professors Jack Swartzbaugh (who is also a first faculty member), Bob Jacobson, and Doug Barr. The winners received a trophy and Turtle Wax, which was also given to the second place team, The Avengers, which included Saddleback College student Aaron Gilliam, Outreach Specialist Leslie Humphrey, and Network System Technician Russ Hamilton (pictured right).

Thank you to Saddleback College's Associated Student Government, who donated the funds for the barbecue, which was provided by S & B Foods.

The 40th Anniversary Celebration Committee worked hard to roll out these events. Thank you to Foundation Director Michelle Anstadt, Environmental Studies Professor Dr. Morgan Barrows, Marketing Project Specialist Taryn Carson, Dean Rocky Cifone, Student Development Director Audra DiPadova, Assistant Athletics Director Jerry Hannula, Outreach Specialist Leslie Humphrey, Video Production Specialist Mark Kruhmin, Marketing Director Jennie McCue, Executive Assistant to the President Sophie Miller, Senior Graphic Designer Donna Pribyl, and Fine Arts Public Information Officer Nina Welch for planning, preparing, and implementing the celebration. And thank you to Executive Assistant Kathleen Schlick, EOPS Specialist Lori Parra, Senior Graphic Designer Diane Smith, Graphic Designer Karen Fong, Publications Specialist Linda Davies, Applications Specialist II Kathy Constance, Child Development Administrative Assistant Nick Schmidt, Transportation Administrative Assistant Gabrielle Landingham, Community Education Director Estella Garrison, Community Education Program Specialist Linda Wood, Emeritus Institute Director Sandy Marzilli, Foundation Project Specialist Nancy Cho, Foundation Project Specialist Toni Fuentes, Foundation Specialist Trish Fain, Student Development Office Assistant Erin Maremont, Student Development Senior Administrative Assistant Connie McClain, College Information Operator Sandra Malagon, and Computer Information Management Professor Joyce Quade for the sticky job of handing out cupcakes.

The game show visionaries were Dean Rocky Cifone, Technical Director/Scenic Designer Mark McQuown, and Theatre Arts Professor Kent McFann, who worked tirelessly with Theatre Production Manager Chuck Rogers, Lighting and Sound Designer Tim Swiss, Costume and Makeup Designer Diane Lewis, Multimedia Technicians Dana Manley and Rick Founds, and a talented bevy of Entertainment and Theatre Technical Arts students, to make the vision a reality.

The staff of Facilities and Maintenance did a wonderful job and deserve much kudos for their hard work and patience, and thank you to the Audio and Visual staff for providing all the necessary tools so that we could hear what was going on during the game show.

9/11 Ceremony Honors First Responders

The Saddleback College community came together on Thursday,September 11th to remember those who perished in the terrorist attacks seven years earlier, and to pay their respects to the first responders who sacrificed their own lives so that others might live.

Paramedic Program students were in attendance, including Adam Miller, son of Sophie Miller, who offered a moving speech about his experiences in Iraq and the freedoms we are fortunate to have. Campus Policy Chief Harry Parmer led the festivities, and Police Officers Santos Garcia, Beau Arbuthnot, and Jim Pyle led the color detail (pictured right). Joining in the presentation of the memorial wreath were Chancellor Raghu P. Mathur, Ed.D., Dr. Burnett, Saddleback College’s Academic Senate President Bob Cosgrove, Ph.D., and Classified Senate President Mary Williams.  South Orange County Community College District Trustee David Lang was in attendance.  Erin Maremont, Student Development Office Assistant, closed the ceremony by singing an a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

Awards & Recognition

Dean of Liberal Arts & Learning Resources Kevin O'Connor, Ph.D., (pictured right) was named District Administrator of the Year on Wednesday, September 10th. Dr. O’Connor has worked at Saddleback College for nine years, all of which he served as Dean of Liberal Arts and Learning Resources.  He earned a doctorate in English from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from San Diego State University. He has worked in education since 1973, when he accepted a teaching position in the English department at San Diego State University.

Chancellor Raghu Mathur read the following statement when he presented Kevin with the award:

"This administrator has an incredibly lengthy list of accomplishments above and beyond the basic job responsibilities.  Extensive committee involvement (exhaustive might be a better word), support for faculty, advocacy for technology, participation in extra and co-curricular activities, support for student organizations, and mentorship to students and colleagues. One of our managers called this administrator, “the Olympic Champion of Education.”   

Fellow administrators count on this individual for insight, a positive nature, articulate turn of a phrase, and honesty.  This administrator is a gifted facilitator, actively participates in professional organizations such as the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA), and shares the knowledge gained with others.

This administrator is known for personal commitment and loyalty to all division faculty, staff and students.  One of the nominators said, “When his students graduate from four year colleges, he always makes time to attend their commencement.”  Essentially, he does whatever it takes to help students succeed.

This administrator is the dean for one of Saddleback College’s largest divisions and one which is going through a wave of change in its facilities, technology and services to meet the needs of students. 

Wednesday, October 29th
Principals' Breakfast
7:30 to 9: 30 a.m.
SSC 212

Red Ribbon Week Celebration
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Student Services Quad

Saturday, November 1st
40th Anniversary Foundation Gala at the Mission Viejo Country Club
6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
For more information click here.

Monday, November 10th
Veterans Appreciation Day
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Student Services Quad
For more information click here.

Thursday, November 13th
The Great Shake Out
The Saddleback College community will participate in a campus-wide emergency earthquake drill. More information will be forthcoming.

Thursday, December 10th
Saddleback College Holiday Party
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Student Services Lounge

Presidential Highlights

The following is a quick overview of Dr. Burnett's first two months at Saddleback College:

August

Greeted by the college community at a welcome reception in SSC 212...Attended the Counseling & Special Services Luncheon...Met with the Marketing Committee...Toured BGS Building...Attended SLO Workshop...Met with Academic Senate President Dr. Bob Cosgrove...visited with Director of Admissions & Records Jane Rosenkrans and staff...Met with Dean Don Taylor and Tuttle-Click Parts and Service Director Dave Best, who delivered a $50,000 donation from Tuttle-Click Automotive Group that will go toward scholarships to students in Saddleback College's Automotive Technology Program...Lunch meeting with Vice President of Instruction Dr. Rajen Vurdien and all of the Division Deans...Interviewed with KSBR radio...Attended SOCCCDFA Luncheon with Professor Lee Haggerty...Attended New Faculty Orientation (pictured right)...Hosted Faculty and Classified In-Service Breakfasts...Welcomed students at Welcome Fest...Attended Dean Patti Flanigan's Social & Behavioral Science Division's Open House...Attended EOPS Advisory Board Welcome Tea hosted by Spanish Professor Carmenmara Hernandez-Bravo...Met with Dean Rocky Cifone and toured the Fine Arts Division's facilities...Attended Football Kick-Off Barbecue and Scrimmage.

September

Interviewed live on KOCE's "Real Orange" with Ed Arnold and Maria Hall-Brown at KOCE's studio at Goldenwest College...attended football game vs. Gold West College...Attended Black Chamber of Orange County gala...Met with Dean Jim Wright and toured Science/Math Building...Attended 9/11 Ceremony...Attended 9/11 Documentary hosted by the Saddleback College Democratic and Republican Student Clubs...Visited the Mission Viejo City Council on September 15th and received a Proclamation from Mayor Trish Kelley and the Mission Viejo City Council marking Saddleback College's 40th Anniversary...Received a Proclamation for Saddleback College's 40th Anniversary from Mayor Paul Glaab and the Laguna Niguel City Council at the City Council meeting on September 16th...Attended welcome reception at Tijeras Creek Golf Club hosted by Chancellor Raghu P. Mathur and the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees...Interviewed by Chancellor Mathur on Laguna Woods television... Attended the ASG Leadership Workshop and Dinner Retreat hosted by Vice President of Student Services Lise Telson...Attended the Angels for the Arts Appreciation Luncheon on the McKinney Theatre stage.

Throughout the two previous months, President Burnett enjoyed meeting with Dean Don Taylor, Dean Jim Wright, Ph.D., Dean Jerilyn Chuman, Dean Tammy Rice, Dean Ken Patton, Dean Kevin O'Connor, Ph.D., Dean Patti Flanigan, Ph.D., Dean Rocky Cifone, and Dean Tony Lipold. District administrators President Burnett met with include Vice Chancellor of Human Resources David Bugay, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor of Technology and Learning Services Bob Bramucci, Ph.D., Director of Facilities and Purchasing Brandye D'Lena, and Irvine Valley College President Glenn Roquemore, Ph.D.