Briefly In Education

Golf Classic event a success

SchoolPower’s Golf Classic recently celebrated its 17th year at a new venue “” the Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club in San Clemente, thanks to El Morro Elementary School parent and Bella Collina co-owner, John Fornaro.

The tournament was followed by a post-golf dance with band Blues Offenders, another new addition to this year’s event.

SchoolPower President Robin Rounaghi credited the event’s success to the new venue and day, the partnership between the Golf Committee and Athletic Boosters as well as donors.

“The enthusiastic group of volunteers, teamed with the Friday night atmosphere, brought a fresh energy that raised more money and made the evening portion even more fun,” she said.

The event raised $60,000, 20% of which will go directly to the High School Athletic Boosters. The remainder will fund SchoolPower-supported programs at all four schools in Laguna.

Liu delivers commencement

Bachelor of fine arts and 12 master of fine arts students from the Laguna College of Art & Design Class of 2010 recently participated in commencement ceremonies, where Hung Liu, a recipient of an honorary doctor of fine arts degree, was the keynote speaker.

Born in Changchun, China, in 1948, Hung grew up under the Maoist regime. She received a bachelor of fine arts degree in art and art education from Beijing Teachers College in 1975 and a graduate degree in mural painting from the Central Academy of Fine Art.

She immigrated to the U.S. in 1984 to attend UC San Diego, where she received her master of fine arts degree. She lives in Oakland and is a tenured professor in the art department at Mills College.

“I first became acquainted with Hung when I was the director of the Oakland Museum of California in the mid 1990s,” said LCAD President Dennis Power. “We are honored to have her address students and their families, and be able to award her an honorary degree, one of only three we have bestowed.”

Ingram releases CD, performs in LA

Jazz pianist Randy Ingram has just released his first CD, “The Road Ahead,” and a release concert will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday at Cafe Metropol, 923 E. Third St., Los Angeles.

Ingram grew up in Laguna Beach and has launched his career in New York City with the Randy Ingram Trio, with Billy Mohler, bass and Matt Mayhall, drums. The CD is from Brooklyn Jaz Underground Records.

Ingram was the recipient of the 2007 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s award, and has received scholarships to USC, and the New England Conservatory, where he received his master’s degree.

Ingram moved to Brooklyn in 2003.

He is the son of Phil and Diane Kams of Laguna Beach.