San Marcos, CA \u2013 The Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) has awarded Palomar College Superintendent\/President Robert P. Deegan with the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award at their 36th annual conference held in San Francisco, CA on Thursday,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 February 25.\u00a0 ACCCA presented Deegan with the notable award in recognition for his commitment and support for student success. ACCCA represents the administrative professionals of California\u2019s 112 community colleges.<\/p>\n
First presented in 1986, the \u201cButtimer\u201d award is the Association\u2019s oldest and most prestigious recognition. \u00a0Named for the late Harry Buttimer, a founding member of ACCCA, the award symbolizes the qualities that he was known for–integrity; principle; compassion; strength in leadership; contributions to colleagues, their profession and their college district and community.<\/p>\n
Deegan has served as Palomar College President since 2005. His more than 35-year history in higher education started in 1980 at Irvine Valley College, but also included serving for six years at Santiago Canyon College as their Vice President of Student Services.<\/p>\n
At Palomar College, he has focused his presidency on addressing the changing educational needs of students and the community. He has worked extensively with campus leaders to develop a collaborative environment to support the college\u2019s mission of student access and success. Under his leadership in his early years at Palomar College, Deegan successfully secured Proposition M, a $694-million general obligation facilities bond measure, one of the largest at any single-college district in the state.\u00a0 Funds from the bond have been providing a renaissance to the previously outdated campus facilities, providing a bright future for San Diego North County residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis recognition from my peers means so much to me and I am honored to receive this prestigious award,\u201d Deegan said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhen I look through the list of all the previous Buttimer recipients, I am deeply touched by having my name added to that distinguished group.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis award is well-deserved,\u201d stated Dr. John Halc\u03ccn, Palomar Community College District Governing Board President.\u00a0 \u201cBob has contributed so much to the students, the college and the whole community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to Deegan\u2019s Buttimer award, ACCCA also honored Palomar College Student Affairs Director Sherry Titus with the Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence.\u00a0 ACCCA presents four awards at their annual conference and this is one of the first times in the organization\u2019s 40-year conference history that two administrators from one college have been honored.<\/p>\n
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Media contacts:<\/p>\n
Laura Gropen, Director, Public Affairs, 760-744-1150 x2152
\nMelinda Finn, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150 x<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"