Three Cheers for the Old Administration Building (or Whatever You Want to Call It)

There have been some legitimate questions raised recently by Bill McEwen in his Fresno Bee column, as well as from other quarters on both the financial status of the Old Administration Building (OAB) at Fresno City College and whether OAB is the best name for it. Permit me to weigh in on these questions.

The OAB is almost a century old. It is the site of the former Fresno Normal School, former Fresno State and, for many years, Fresno City College. It was shuttered more than 30 years ago due to new earthquake standards and the high cost of bringing it up to modern educational standards.

A group made up of predominately City College faculty, of which I was a part, began a campaign almost ten years ago to bring the OAB "back to life." We were, I admit, pretty much dreamers as we did our best to clean up the building, schedule tours and even sell t-shirts promoting its potential classroom viability. To the credit of then State Center Chancellor Judith Redwine and the District Board of Trustees a few years ago, voters were given the option to support funding a rehabilitation of the OAB through Measure E. The voters generously supported the Measure, and following years of extensive improvements the "new" OAB will open for classes a little over a year from now.

Measure E, unfortunately, could not fund the entire OAB rehabilitation. Therefore, the "OAB family" has been digging deep into their pockets for additional funding. Generous donations have come from near and far. My own donation of $2,300 is not at all unusual. Other faculty members, classified staff and administrators have given as much or more. Former students, many no longer even living in the area, have donated. Corporations and foundations have been generous, particularly with matching gifts. Yes, it will be a challenge to raise every last dollar needed as the Fall 2010 opening rapidly approaches. I am confident, however, that a true Valley jewel will soon greet a new generation of students thanks to many, many generous individuals.

And regarding the OAB name. Mr. McEwen raises an interesting point. Is the OAB title boring and/or passe? Does it embody the spirit of a dynamic building, particularly its past history and future potential? Good question. I am probably a poor judge of the name since the OAB has been an ever-present part of my life since I came to Fresno City College from Chicago in 1988. My only concern, and it may be overblown, is to the former students of the OAB, the "old-timers" that may feel that the nostalgia associated with the OAB name should not be lost.

So, thanks to everyone for their generosity. Thanks to Bill McEwen and others for asking questions about the building. And a special thanks to all of you for providing me with the opportunity to meet my Fall 2010 students in a building housing the ghosts of the past and the hopes of the future.

Coming Soon. . .

1). City taxpayers guarantee another business loan?
2). What's behind the city/county lawsuit over freed inmates.

Your comments are always welcome. Just click on "Comments" below.