Dr. Bernard Luskin has been Moorpark College’s president since 2014, and he is now saying ‘good-bye’ to Moorpark College.

“There have been a lot of highlights,” said Moorpark College Interim President Dr. Bernard Luskin. “There’s just so many things, they’re all highlights.”

Luskin has done much to benefit Moorpark College, from restoring the baseball team, cross country, and women’s golf, to expanding Moorpark’s class offerings by hundreds of sections.

Luskin says he is the one who opened the new parking structure and established a special scholarship for those who struggle to pay for parking permits. Luskin also promoted the performing arts programs, assisting to fill seats for plays, along with, music and dance performances.

“Throwing out the first baseball, when we put baseball back, that was a big thing; and watching the robotics team compete for the world championship in robotics,” said Luskin.

Dr. Jamillah Moore, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District said in an email that the District and Moorpark College have been fortunate to have had Dr. Luskin lead Moorpark College during our search for a permanent President.

“His collaborative approach and connection to students and the community have contributed to strengthening relationships within the college community and beyond,” said Moore.

Vice Chair of the VCCCD Board of Trustees, Larry Kennedy said in an email that he appreciates the time and efforts by Dr. Luskin to improve our students’ lives at Moorpark College.

“Luskin’s commitment to serving students and the community has been very apparent in his contributions at monthly Board meetings,” said Kennedy.

Luskin said he feels he has done many practical things to help Moorpark College, but that bridging the communications with students and faculty is the most important achievement.

“It’s all about the communication,” said Luskin.

Of all the people at Moorpark College, Luskin said he will miss the students most of all.

“I had fun with the students,” said Luskin. “I loved going to the captain’s council meetings. Loved hanging out in the cafeteria. Those are the best things in life. It’s great to get to know everybody. There are wonderful people here.”

Luskin’s office had thank you cards from students from many departments, including a decorated board from the EATM center students. The EATM students had written cards for him to thank him for helping to receive the lion and his support of the department.

Luskin says that driving around, up and down the hill, in a little golf cart and giving students rides is the best way to get to know the student body.

“I drive down the hill and up the hill trying to find students and give them a ride,” said Luskin. “They think I’m giving them a lift, but I mostly get a chance to talk to them. So, I find out what their problems are, what they’re interested in.”

Luskin spoke highly of the faculty at Moorpark as well, mentioning names including Jerry Caplan of the Philosophy department, John Loprieno of the department of Theatre Arts, Joanna Miller of the Journalism department and of Howard Davis of the Kinesiology department.

“They’re fabulous people, you get a chance to spend time with them and you just say ‘Wow!’,” said Luskin about all the faculty.

President Luskin will be staying to help the new president transition into the college after the official change.

“As a professional responsibility and courtesy, will be there to help the new president when he comes in,”said Luskin. “I’ll show him around, go over documents and things, I’ve got a couple of notebooks on my desk collecting things he might like to read. It’s a sort of closing the book.”

Luskin says he plans to do more of the same, as in continue on to the next college, the next project is always his favorite.