thecollegian Issue 7 • Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 • deltacollegian.net
INSIDE
SCIENCE & MATH BUILDING READY
One free copy JH
Hart receives Athena Award by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net
On track to be youngest lawyer in California Page 5
Writer speaks about loss of dad impacting holidays Page 2
PHOTOS BY CHRIS HOWZE
Art hidden during World War II discovered Page 5
UPCOMING Textbook buyback and rental returns begins today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Final week study break, free food with ID Dec. 16 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FIND US
READY FOR STUDENTS: Top, faculty and staff were invited to tour the new Science & Math Building on Dec. 5. Departments began moving into the building on Dec. 10. Left, Maintenance workers wash down the entrance to the new building, making the final touches for opening. Right, storerooms on the first floor between the classrooms. Classes will move to the building in the spring.
Dr. Kathy Hart, President/Superintendent of Delta College, received the Athena Award at the Stockton Golf and Country Club on Nov. 21. “The Athena Award was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, and wisdom,” states the awarding organization. It’s not only a prestigious award for women making a difference in their communities, but also, contributing to progress life quality and impact individuals every day. Hart was nominated for the award by the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, women’s organizations and former Athena Award recipi- DR. KATHY HART ents in the Stockton area. Former Athena Award recipients came into her office as a surprise to notify her of the honor. “A group of them came to tell me I’ve been selected so that was great,” said Hart. Receiving the honor for women advancement is an award that is humbling for Hart. Her advice for women or men in our college community was heavy in motivation and seeking help. “One, I think women and men need to identify role models who may be women, and may be men that exemplify people they want to be like, it also relates to finding a role model in the occupation you may want,” said Hart. With heavy work ethic throughout Hart’s life, education came to the forefront.
See ATHENA, Page 8
Trustees asked to consider selling Manteca farm by sonya herrera news@deltacollegian.net
San Joaquin Delta College is considering the possible sell of the 160-acre farm in Manteca. But opponents to the sale have already emerged. Dr. Kathy Hart, Superintendent/President of Delta College, emphasized the need for calm. “I like to say to people when they get all excited about this, ‘If this project is a yardstick, we’re at like one sixteenth of an inch,’” Hart said. The Manteca Center Farm Laboratory lies northwest of the Lathrop Road exit off of Highway 99.
The farm serves animal husbandry, plant science and soil science students and harbors numerous almond varieties as well as sheep, horses and cattle. The property was purchased in 1966 and has been cared for by many faculty members, including former instructor Dean McNeilly, who was hired in 1963. McNeilly spoke before the Board of Trustees on Nov. 19 about the unsuitability of a proposed replacement site for Delta’s Agriculture program. The replacement site is land located on Liberty Road in Galt. “Think about the problems you have getting water, taking care of the sewage, natural gas
and the development of infrastructure,” said McNeilly “It’d take years to resolve, and the development would be extremely expensive.” Hart said studies of the new site, along with information obtained from the state “do not agree with the people who say that it’s not a good site.” Delta Plant Science and Agricultural Business Professor Todd Burnett also opposes the sale. He views such an exchange as yet another concession by the agricultural community to developers and local government fee-collectors. “We’re talking about taking something that’s paid for, that’s a learning laboratory and
converting it to houses,” Burnett stated before the Board of Trustees on Oct. 15. “And I just can’t condone urban sprawl.” Delta’s Academic Senate is also opposed to the sale saying it would be better to preserve the existing lab. At the trustee meeting, Academic Senate President Diane Oran read a resolution calling for current preservation of the lab “instead of starting anew, with costly buildings, classrooms and irrigation systems.” Hart said it’s important to keep an open mind. “What I keep asking people is, don’t just reject this idea out
See FARM, Page 8