Editor-in-Chief
We are failing to take that principle of community engagement to heart at Ohlone.
For example, last week the Monitor published candidate statements from each person seeking an executive position on the ASOC.
I feel like a broken record for saying time and again that when an individual is running unopposed – as are the current crop of ASOC candidates, it ceases to be a race or at least even appear to be a competi- tive one.
Looking at that, it’s easier to throw up your hands and believe that each of those races have already been won despite the election to be held April 30.
The idea is that it’s over before it even begins.
I think the apathy of the situation is just one more reflective attribute of what this campus is feeling as a general sentiment.
We are apathetic to the process that it takes to get things done, not just as stu- dents or faculty members, but as individuals who are collectively apart of the Ohlone community.
Those of us who have been here for a while can acknowledge that we have been on a downward slide the past few years.
Compared to other community colleges, we have managed to keep our head above the water.
However, that’s not to say that we aren’t trying to plug holes in our system to stay afloat.
The lack of trust rose incrementally with instances such as President Browning’s 14 percent raise amidst difficult economic times and with voter fraud charges brought against former Ohlone Board Nick Nardolillo.
It is no wonder why we have massive trust issues with those who are in charge.
We are also compromising ourselves and our principles with each passing day for the sake of saving money.
These things are all little steps, but they amount to giant leaps of faith against what we supposedly stand for.
In the last midterm election, voters overwhelmingly passed the Measure G initiative to help support changes in our infrastructure. This was a vote of confidence in us and our future.
We need to realize that we have an image to repair as well.

Keith Lockhart conducts the Boston Pops – Photo credit: Stu Rosner

Keeneland, UK, and Maker’s Mark leaders announced today a collaboration concert between the two orchestras in Rupp Arena set for Oct. 15, 2011, 75 years from the exact day that Keeneland officially opened.  The concert will be a tribute to the historic racetrack.  Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and UK Symphony Orchestra conductor John Nardolillo will lead the orchestras, and the concert will culminate in the two orchestras playing side by side.

“It is a tremendous honor to have the Boston Pops tribute as the cornerstone of our 75th Anniversary celebration,” said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson. “We plan to have celebrations commemorating our anniversary all year long, but the anniversary will culminate with this remarkable collaboration between the Boston Pops and the University of Kentucky. We give a special thanks to our goods friends at Maker’s Mark, especially Bill Samuels, for helping make this possible.”

The concert proceeds will benefit the UK Symphony Orchestra Outreach Endowment.  The endowment is part of a three-year commitment by Maker’s Mark and Keeneland to help bring arts and music to Kentucky elementary schools.  Since the endowment began, the UK Symphony Orchestra has played concerts for thousands of school children in the Commonwealth.

“The performances around Kentucky funded by this outreach program are tremendous for our students in the UK Orchestra, the children who participate in the programs, and the communities who hear the concerts,” said Nardolillo. “The money raised by our concert with the Boston Pops will help continue the valuable work the outreach program is doing and will have a lasting impact on the state.”