Foundation to raise funds for university

By ALLISON GATLIN
Valley Press Staff Writer
 

MOJAVE - A nonprofit foundation intended to support a future four-year university in the Antelope Valley moved another step forward Monday as organizers discussed establishing its board of directors.

The foundation's creation is being directed by the East Kern Education Resource Network, an organization of various entities within Kern County working on the Valleywide effort to bring a four-year university to the region.

The High Desert University Foundation is intended to provide a fundraising mechanism for such a university. The network's nominating committee presented a framework for the board of directors, listing possible members from community and business representatives in Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, the three areas of the region expected to be involved.

The board also would include lawmakers from each county as emeritus directors.

The foundation, which has nearly completed the required paperwork to be certified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, already has $1,000 in donations and a pledge for $5 million from Strata Equity Group, should that group's donation offer of 640 acres between Mojave and California City be selected for a state university.

The land offer consists of 320 acres for the university, with the remaining 320 acres to be used for a research park owned by the foundation. Revenue generated by the research park, which would be leased to high-tech companies, would provide a revenue stream for the foundation to provide support for university programs.

Organizers determined the board should consist of nine directors, at least during this formative stage, with three from each of the counties.

Stu Witt, general manager of the East Kern Airport District, recommended establishing criteria for the directors to ensure a broad base of experience and connections, as well as ensuring a balanced representation across the three counties.

It was determined that the board should include representatives of regional educational interests - such as school and college districts - as well as the businesses communities.

The nominating committee, aided by representatives for Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, will return at the organization's next monthly meeting with nominations for the nine directors.

Evans also reported on his efforts to have Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visit the area and see the need for higher education in the region in order to support industry here.

He will deliver an invitation for the governor to visit Mojave Air and Space Port sometime in March for an event that will focus on education and the opportunities for the commercial space industry in the region.