By Roslin Ojeda
The Academic Senate Committee gave their respects and goodbyes to President Alex Immerblum during their last meeting of the semester.
Immerblum will be retiring this semester after serving on the committee for over 20 years. 14 of which he spent as president
During the meeting the committee took a few minutes to present Immerblum with a framed gavel to thank him for his outstanding leadership, service and dedication. He was also presented with a bag of farewell goodies which included Elac memorabilia, books, scratchers, and a Dodger gift basket.
“I thank the Senate Executive Leadership past and present, the senators past and present, and the faculty past and present for all the support you’ve given me all these years. It’s a teamwork,” said Immerblum with emotion in his eyes.
He received a standing ovation from his fellow peers as he wiped away his tears.
Immerblum was given the nickname “Lion of the Senate” in recognition of his strength, courage, and leadership.
During the meeting the committee also discussed a list of newly approved courses.
Among them are three Chicano Studies classes which will be centered around the LGBTQ community.
A new Water Safety Swimming and Lifesaving Certificate will soon be available for students to obtain.
Degree courses have been changed in the Chicano Studies AA degree, the Engineering Graphics and Design Technology AS degree, and the Music AA degree.
Professor Kevin Booth of the Allied Health Department was voted for the position of second vice president.
The Senators also voted to fill current vacancies on the committee for Cluster C.
Professor Jessica Hansen of the Theatre Arts Department and Professor Sanae E. Jennings of the Modern Languages Department will be serving as senators next semester.
The committee also discussed the problems students are facing when using the new Student Information System.
The first meeting of the fall semester is scheduled for September 12.