Moorpark College faculty and staff gathered for the dedication of a section of the campus near the flag pole, in honor of a former Moorpark College Student.

“Steve’s Forest” is between the administration building and Fountain Hall. It consists of a bench and walkway, and is dedicated in honor of Steven Conrad Rafter. Rafter was the son of former Moorpark College President, Dr. Eva Conrad, who died at the age of 17 in a automobile accident.

One of the financial contributors to the “Forest” is Ted Goldstein.

“I am very impressed with the bench that my wife and I contributed to, especially the quad in its beauty and its memory to Steve,” said Goldstein. “The entire park-like setting leads itself to a peaceful study area.”

Conrad was the president of Moorpark College for six years. She brought administrative reorganization and a strong dedication to Moorpark College. During her time at the college, Conrad would bring in a live pine tree for the holidays. The maintenance workers would take the trees from the office after the holidays and plant them around the campus grounds. Six new trees around Steve’s Forest are part of Conrad’s contribution.

Louise Christener, administrative assistant to Conrad, and now to Moorpark College President Dr. Pam Eddinger, sees the bench as a step in completing Conrad’s project of having Fountain Hall become the main entrance into the college.

“I think that it’s a fun spot,” said Christener.

Eddinger sees the spot as a testament to the work that Conrad has done for the college.

“I knew Steve through Dr. Conrad,” said Eddinger. “He was part of the campus here and it will be a way for me to remember the work of Dr. Conrad.”