Scheidt recalls career, looks forward by Mary Dickinson Dr. Omar Scheidt, new superintendant and president of the Palomar Community College District is a chemistry teacher who has made good in school. Scheidt began his long career out of education as a special assistant chemist for the American Crystal Sugar Company. "I had no plans for education at the time. I was doing my own thing as a supervisor and researcher when I decided to go back to school for my Master's Degree." As a lab assistant in chemistry at $1 an hour, Scheidt entered education with a fullsized college class at USC. With the change in jobs he knew he would be making a change in money. His goal, therefore, was to go where the most money
could be made in a rather low paying field. Kern County was his next stop. "They paid the highest in the state," he said. From there he went on to math and chemistry teacher to dean and finally college president. Scheidt took each job by itself as it came. But unknowingly he prepared himself for the next job. While still a teacher of mathematics at North High School in Bakersfield in 1956 he was elected as facuty association president. "I had to work with administration so I had to get to know the jargon." He studied for an administration credential just to understand administrators. After World War II the country was beginning to recognize the wisdom of opening colleges for lower division (freshman and sophomore) and community
classes. Scheidt fit in well with the growing trend. The Kellogg Foundation found that community colleges were "different" from regular four-year universities. Scheidt was part of the first group to be educated in this difference. He began taking courses at UCLA for his Ed.D. with a major in Community College Leadership. "I still wanted to teach chemistry." But now his education was pushing him more toward administrative work. During the time that he was taking the courses he was approached about starting and heading the new Bakersfield College at Ridgecrest in the Mojave Desert. "I was everything from Dean of Students to man in charge of buying supplies. Plus, I had to drive three hours to Los Angeles (Continued on page 2)
THE TELESCOPE Palomar College
Volume 3 1 No. 1
A Publ ication of the Assoc iated Student s
September 1 6 , 197 7
San Marcos, CA
ASG V. P. resigns; Wild West Week set Rita Martinez has resigned her position as ASG vice-president, for personal reasons, leaving the office open for the coming elections. Her resignation was considered official as of September 9. Among other issues discussed at last week's legislature meeting was a proposal to offer tutorial services for night students. The ASG agreed to support the proposal unanimously. ' Student input determined the support of the legislature's motion which allowed for a committee to be formed that would inform David Chappie, Dean of Student Services, of the wish for the evening tutorial services. Another issue of the meeting was
COLOR BOOKS come in two languages for Tri-City Hospital patients, Pam Carter (left) and Craig Havenstein. The books, a
project of Palomer nursing students, are written in both Spanish and English. (Photo by Randy Mitchell)
Scheidt greets students Dr. Omar Scheidt, new president and superintendant of the Palomar College District greeted a small but enthusiastic audience at the annual convocation held last Friday in the Dome. Scheidt, who received a doctorate in education with special emphasis on junior college education, spoke on th e "small revolution" community colleges are working in America. When community colleges began in 1891, the prediction was for outstanding education on a smaller cost and more practical level for st udents, workers, everyon e housewives, and senior citizens. As Dr. Sch eidt said, Palomar is an excellent example of th e worth of
community colleges . "Community colleges are the great distributing agency for people. When students come h ere with no clear cut line of interest, they can identify a subject that is for them," he said. The adage that people hear about junior colleges being merely an extension of high school was proven untrue by Scheidt. "In a democracy the individual comes first and he should be able to advance as far as his interest or abilities permit." Stressing a desire for open comm unication with students and administration, Scheidt concluded, "Your years in a community college should be the happiest of your life."
ASG president Steven Chappell 's idea to sponsor a "Wild West Week ," October 24 through October 28. The week would consist of fun , games, displays , staged gunfights, auctions, and traditional wagon races. The object ofthis week is "to show the true value and lifestyles of the North County area in the 1800's." The week's main objecive will include being "educational as well as entertaining." Western clothing throughout the week is a must or else . .. , according to Chappell. ASG is not asking students to come decked out in the traditional garb, only to wear some type of Western clothing - shirt, boots, hats, and so on . Many other events are slated for this week and all clubs and organizations are invited to join in. Any clubs interested should see Chappell, ASG office, R-3 . The position of ASG historian was also discussed at the meeting. Karen Ossenfort was appointed to fill the post. Duties of the historian will be to keep accurate records of all associated student activities. It is a separate position from the president's cabinet but affiliated with the executive branch.
D R. OMAR SCHEIDT
Steve Chappell also mentioned that there are several openings in the cabinet and asks that any students wishing to become involved with student government should see him in R-3. The legislature meetings are held every Thursday and are open to all students. Student participation is encouraged.