Moorpark College’s Interim President Bernard Luskin was presented with the Dean Scholar’s award at UCLA on Thursday, Nov. 14.

The Dean Scholar’s Dinner took place at the Covel Commons building at UCLA to celebrate his achievement, as well as the achievements of UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies student fellowship recipients.

Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, the Dean of the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, commended Luskin on his work in the community college and university system in California.

“Thank you for your generosity, thank you for your vision, thank you for your contribution,” said Suarez-Orozco.

Luskin, who graduated from UCLA in 1970, was honored with the award for his “outstanding contributions to higher education.” Such contributions include him directing the W.K Kellogg Foundation Community College Leadership Legacy Project, being the president of Coastline Community College and Orange Coast College, and teaching at several universities across the Califonia, such as UCLA, USC, Pepperdine University, Claremont Graduate University, and at the California State University system.

Dinner was served around 6:30. Associated Students [AS] President Andrew Brown, as well as Director of External Affairs Ignatius Petilla, Director of Student Services Melvin Kim, and Director of Academic Affairs Jesse Alcala, were present at the event.

Brown expressed how Luskin is a unique person to work with.

“I’ve never met someone like Bernie,” said Brown.

The dinner opened with an introduction from Suarez-Orozco, and then he spoke to Luskin about why he was given this award.

“I want to say how personally inspired I am by your ongoing commitment to strengthening the community college system, which is the most unique system in the world,” said Suarez-Orozco.

Suarez-Orozco then presented the award to Luskin, who then expressed his gratitude to the attendees.

“It’s better to be not forgotten than to be forgotten and gone,” said Luskin.

Luskin then expressed his pride in Moorpark College.

“It’s a formidable place,” said Luskin. “It’s a wonderful place.”

Luskin commended the members of AS too and asked them to stand up during his speech.

He then explained what they, as well as all Moorpark College students, mean to him.

“They’re really special,” said Luskin. They’re just like the students at UCLA.”

The dinner concluded with a closing speech by Suarez-Orozco commending the fellowship recipients and Luskin.

“Thank you again for being the bright sparks in our community, state, and nation,” said Suarez-Orozco.