Education Leaders, Mascot Menagerie Take Stand at State Capitol

Chancellor Michael Drake and Peter the Anteater joined leaders of Orange County’s other public higher education institutions and their mascots May 8 at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Their mission: to urge California legislators to consider higher education an investment instead of an expense when they tackle state budget issues this year.

The O.C. contingent was recognized on the senate and assembly floors. Senate Minority Leader Dave Cogdill, Sen. Dick Ackerman, and Paul Navarro, deputy legislative secretary to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, met with the group, which brought letters of support from more than 2,000 students, faculty, staff and community members.

Event participants included President Milton Gordon, Cal State Fullerton; Chancellor Edward Hernandez, Rancho Santiago Community College District; Chancellor Raghu Mathur, South Orange County CCD; Chancellor Ken Yglesias, Coast CCD; and Rudy Hanley, CEO, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. California is facing a budget deficit that currently stands at $14 billion to $16 billion, and cuts are anticipated at public institutions statewide.

Chancellor Drake, O.C. college leaders and mascots rally for higher education on the steps of the State Capitol.

Video News: Peter the Anteater gets political, advocates for UC See video
UC Still Faces Big Budget Challenge
Investing in California’s Future
More community events