By Ruby Elbogen
Dr. Martha Kanter’s Farewell Program and Reception. Donna and I recently had the pleasure of attending a program and reception at De Anza College to wish former Chancellor Martha Kanter a fond “so-long” as she prepares for her new position as Under-Secretary of Education, in Pres. Barack Obama’s administration.
The Program: We were reminded by speaker after speaker that her move to D.C. is a natural progression for Martha Kanter, who has provided great opportunities for countless numbers of students to attend college; to the point where as one speaker noted, she even recruited young Barista’s at Starbuck’s. Bringing the gift of higher education into the lives of students who might not have gone to college is what she has done in Cupertino, and we have no doubt it is what she will bring to students across the country.
Opportunity is Kanter’s middle name. As Cupertino residents, and the publisher and editor of The C—who know her, we were filled with pride that someone from our community who is so gifted was chosen for this most important position. It will mean hard work, countless hours of thankless effort, as well as pleading and prodding on behalf of millions of students in the US.
For a mere mortal, this would be a daunting effort. For Martha Kanter, it’s just another line to tick-off on her “to-do” list. As one person after another eloquently recounted their personal stories of being influenced by Kanter, and how she makes it her mission to bring the best to students, we are confident that she will reach her goal of making higher education a major priority all over the nation, and make it attainable and affordable for all.
To the Naysayers in Washington, D.C.—all we here in Cupertino can say is—take cover, folks because Hurricane Martha is about to enter your atmosphere. And, if you aren’t with her just step aside or prepare to be bowled over, and don’t be fooled by that broad smile. Behind it is the tenacity of a major over-achiever with an important goal, who settles for nothing less than total success.
So, from the staff at The C, your hometown magazine, farewell, Martha–Aloha, Shalom, Salaam, so long, we look forward to seeing you when you visit Cupertino. Let’s “do” coffee. There are still a couple of barista’s at Peet’s and The Roasted Coffee Bean we think you missed.
The Reception: A few from Cupertino adding their hugs and good wishes were: Jim Walker, who was MC of the event (he’s MC of almost every event in Cupertino) and is a member of the Board; De Anza College Pres., Brian Murphy along with retiring Vice-Pres. Robert Griffin. City Manger, Dave (and Kay) Knapp; Vice-Mayor, Kris Wang; Former Mayor, Sandy James—Barbara Nunes, Nadine Grant, Linda Walker, Polly Bove, Council Member Dolly Sandoval, as well as many faculty members, V.I.P.’s from all over California; and F.O.M.’s (friends of Martha). It was a proper send-off, indeed-for an extra ordinary woman.
