The Cerritos College Boardroom was crowded on June 18 as well wishers stopped in to say good-bye to Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Morgan Lynn and Vice President of Business Services Peter Hardash.

Lynn has accepted a position as a vice president at Sierra College, in Rocklin, Calif., which is just outside of Sacramento. Hardash has accepted a position of Vice President of Academic Services at Pasadena Community College.

Dr. Erlinda Martinez, vice president of student services, has no plans on leaving at this time.

Although it has not been confirmed by the Board of Trustees, the Board is expected to approve John Grindel, executive dean of technology, as Lynn ‘s replacement.

Charles Hanson, who is retired from Santa Barbara Community College, is expected to replace Hardash.

Although it would not be confirmed by the president ‘s office, it is being rumored that both positions will be filled on an interim basis until the openings for the positions can be posted and interviews conducted.

The matter is calendared for the closed session portion of the Board of Trustees ‘ meeting scheduled on June 27 at 7 p.m.

Lynn served as interim president of Cerritos College while the Board of Trustees conducted a search for a new president after the departure of Dr. Fred Gaskin last year.

Dr. Jane Harmon was selected as the new president and began her duties officially this month. “I leave behind 11 years worth of friendships, Lynn said.

Lynn started out her career at Cerritos College as the dean of the extended day and weekend college, and then became the dean of humanities and social sciences. After serving as vice president of academic affairs, she was selected as interim president.

“Leaving is hard, because the people here have found a spot in my heart, she said. However Lynn feels that the change is good for her. She is looking forward to working at a smaller, more rural campus.

She has a mountain retreat not far from her new college and looks forward to spending more time there. She also has a daughter who lives in nearby Santa Cruz who needs some help planning her upcoming wedding this September.

The slower lifestyle appeals to Lynn at this point in her life. She has spent the last 23 years as a single working mom while attending school, earning both her master ‘s and doctoral degrees.

Lynn feels she will be an asset to the new school by helping it boost its enrollment, which is something she was successful at here at Cerritos.

“I look forward to the challenge of seeing what I can do at Sierra College to affect their system and help them out,” she added.

Lynn is selling her three bedroom, two bath home in Long Beach and will be living with friends until she finds a new home. Lynn ‘s last day will be next Monday.

While Hardash is not moving out of the area, he will be starting his new position as vice president of administrative services at Pasadena Community College soon.

His position will be similar to his position here at Cerritos, although he will have additional responsibilities, such as supervising computer services and campus police.

He accepted the new position because he felt it was best for his career and because he will be making more money.

He enjoyed working with students at Cerritos College. Some of his favorite projects were the earthquake retrofitting of the Science and Math building, privatization of the bookstore, the installation of the quad, and the selection of Follett Corporation as the new campus book vendor.

He is also very proud of the Senior Project, which will incorporate many of the vocational classes such as cosmetology, nursing, childcare and culinary arts into a real work environment. Students will be able to work with seniors who need minor assistance while learning on the job.

His last day will be either July 5 or 6.

Martinez was one of four finalists during the search for the new president of Cerritos College.

She went through a divorce this year and looks forward to taking off the month of July. Her plans include attending a family reunion, visiting friends, and playing golf.

At this point, Martinez says that she is not looking elsewhere for a presidency and that she likes her job at Cerritos College.

“Am I hell bent on being a college president? The answer is “no,” Martinez stated. “Am I going to consider presidencies? The answer is “yes.” Martinez has told Harmon that she will be the first to know if Martinez is considering another position.