By Mandy Feder —
Wines with elevation, Lake County is well known for that.
It seems an ideal time now for minds with elevation, too.
The Castle in Lucerne offers a royal venue for golden opportunities in education.
Marymount College has its sights set on the majestic property and the historic hotel, perched atop a 7.2-acre parcel, for a four-year college.
“This is a perfect fit for Lake County,” Kelly Cox, county administrative officer (CAO), said. “It is an incredible opportunity for everyone in the county.”
Kelly is indisputably the most respected man in Lake County, and deservedly so.
Kelly thinks this is a good idea for the county and I am 100-percent with him.
Actually, I cannot think of a better investment than this which promotes higher education and provides exciting new possibilities for Lake County youth.
Deputy CAO for Lake County Economic Development, Debra Sommerfield, said “I”m excited by the educational opportunities this project will provide and by the long-term benefits to our community — a more educated workforce will draw more employment opportunities to our area, and that will positively impact so many families. What”s so exciting about this project is that it will provide educational opportunities not only for our youth but also for our adult learners.”
When I was a child living in Amherst, Mass., I was surrounded by not one, but five colleges.
The impact of academia spilled over to each and every member of the community with a free flow of cultural and historical experiences. Emerging ideas, technology, resources and researchers” findings were at our disposal.
Education was everywhere. We all benefited.
As youth we were privy to witnessing great minds and realizing the possibilities and potential for ourselves. We were exposed to multitudes of fields of study and a seemingly endless array of career possibilities.
An article in Amber Waves, a publication of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, titled “Education as a Rural Development Strategy,” states: “Ultimately, the strength of the tie between education and economic outcomes is influenced in part by the extent to which small rural counties lose young adults through outmigration. The loss of potential workers from rural areas, as young adults leave for college and work opportunities in urban areas, has concerned rural observers for many decades. This rural ?brain drain” not only deprives rural employers of an educated workforce, but also depletes local resources because communities that have invested in these workers” education reap little return on that investment.”
A four-year college would make it possible for our brilliant youth of Lake County to realize educational goals and fulfill their higher education plans right here at home. Others will relocate here to attend the school, improving the economy.
Jobs will be created. County businesses will be frequented and contractors will be used.
Higher education facilities simply strengthen the social fabric of the communities those facilities inhabit.
The need to practice complex thought processes and critical thinking skills are constant for students and become part of conversation. These conversations become part of the region”s identity and character.
Partnerships can be forged between the college and area businesses, as well as civic and government institutions. Collaborations would certainly be mutually beneficial.
Higher education can be a catalyst for civic leadership role models, promoting the importance of avid involvement in the county”s well-being, therefore improving the quality of life for all residents.
“I”m really encouraged that Marymount is interested in having a satellite campus here,” Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook, said. “I”m very excited that this creative and forward-thinking institution will increase pathways for students to transition from high schools or community colleges. It creates the opportunity for students to stay in Lake County for higher education.” Holbrook was involved with the Lucerne Hotel Education Task Force. Additionally, Holbrook said Marymount has an interest in community and economic development, which he said would allow students to have hands-on experience.
I toured the Castle, a 55,000-square-foot structure, and could easily imagine students studying in the sunlit big room while sprawled along bench seats with books in hand, discussing philosophy over a game of horseshoes in the back below the trees, or playing chess at a table by the fireplace under the giant natural wood beams.
The former hotel rooms, rich with history, would be transformed into dorm rooms.
Marymount College, a private liberal arts university with three campuses in Southern California, sought to expand into a rural area and representatives are enthusiastic about Lake County.
Michael Brophy, president of Marymount, contacted both Mendocino College and Yuba College Clear Lake Campus representatives to coordinate a curriculum to properly serve Lake County college students.
Brophy, Ph.D, MFA, said, “This location will serve students interested in community development and renewal, Native American communities, veteran”s issues, agricultural studies, environmental rehabilitation, travel and tourism and recreational innovation.”
This area is evolving thanks to the collective vision of people who love this county.
Mandy Feder is the Record-Bee, Lake County Publishing managing editor. She can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or 263-5636 ext. 32.
