Irina Pearson / Roundup
A recent request to name the new science building after former geography proffesor Gail Hobbs, who died recently, follows the tradition that began in 1956 when the school became known as Pierce College in honor of founder Clarence W. Pierce.
“Her work was one of the reasons for development of the geography information system here at Pierce,” said William Russell, geography and meteorology professor. “With the opening of the new science building it’d be appropriate to at least name a room after her.”
The request came soon after an earlier suggestion to name the patio area between the cafeteria and the campus center after the late Helen Krahn, former academic senate president.
The request, according to the resolution, was made in order to recognize Krahn as an outstanding faculty member who served as a college counselor and “pioneered our International Students Program.”
Naming buildings or other campus areas in honor of distinguished scholars and individuals still continues at Pierce.
For example, the pool that is under reconstruction now was named after the late Steven Schofield — who led the Friends of Pierce College Pool from 1995 to 2007 — for his significant dedication and efforts on its behalf.
However, every school has different rules and regulations about the process and Pierce is no exception.
According to Pierce President Robert Garber, the board policy states that you have to make a “significant money contribution” to the development of a building in order to have it named after an individual.
“Although I’m not opposed to the idea of naming the geography building after Gail Hobbs,” said Garber, “this is the first time I’ve heard about it, so it would need a little more discussion.”
Some students agree with the current board policy in regards to naming buildings.
“Just because someone is well respected doesn’t make it enough for a whole building to be named after him or her,” said Elona Brando, 18, who is studying to become a nutritionist. “That person should donate money toward it to help to make it.”
Still others find that the academic and personal investments should outweigh the need to contribute money.
“It’s the teachers who make students the people that they are,” said Sarah Tadayon, 19, majoring in liberal arts. “I think it’s a good idea to name buildings after them. It’s a way of keeping their spirit alive.”
There are several buildings on the Pierce campus named after former faculty members.
The Dow Arena Theater bears the name of its former instructor, the late Eugene Francis Dow, and his wife Ellen Albertini Dow, who many might remember as the hip-hopping granny from the movie “The Wedding Singer.”
The Shepard Stadium is named after John B. Shepard. Through his dedication, Pierce was assured continuous enrollment growth “from a hundred to more than 25,000 at its peak in the early 1980s”, according to the Pierce College Web site.
“Sometimes you can’t verbally show someone how much you appreciate them,” said Melody Bandary, 18, liberal arts major. “It’s the actions that will let you do that.
