Engineering Curriculum Saved by $160,000 Grant
After a week of controversy following the announcement that a $2-million budget deficit would force Mission College in Sylmar to cut nearly 200 classes, eliminate its athletic program and limit hours at its new library, the head of one academic department was able to announce some good news.
Lee Risemberg, chairman of Mission’s engineering department, said corporate fund-raising will allow his department to offer a complete selection of courses this fall.
Risemberg also said the department was recently able to purchase computers and update other laboratory equipment because of a $160,000 grant from the Ralph Parsons Foundation.
On Wednesday, hundreds of Mission College supporters--including several elected officials--packed the meeting of the Los Angeles Community College to urge that fewer Mission classes be cut.
Last year’s budget for the college was $9.8 million, and next year’s allotment will be $10.2 million. But last year, the campus was allowed to borrow an additional $2 million, bringing the total spent to $11.8 million.
Without that extra money, said Mission College President William Norlund, dramatic cuts cannot be avoided.
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