Dean Held honored at reception

by Tim Tevault
Editorial Director

A chilly November night was the setting for a warm reception Nov. 6 honoring Kenneth Held, dean of the University of La Verne's College of Law.

About 50 ULV faculty, staff and students attended the event at the Ontario law school campus.

Held, who announced he was stepping down in April, was honored by university President Stephen Morgan.

Trustee Benjamin Harris, Professor Charles Doskow and Ontario Mayor Gary Ovitt also made speeches honoring Held.

Morgan opened the ceremony on a light and fun note.

"A dean in their right mind only serves for three years," he said. "Ken has done it extremely well."

Morgan also gave Held credit for keeping the College of Law open. At one point Morgan was within 72 hours of closing down the College.

However, Morgan said it was Held who came to him with a new financial plan that kept the institution afloat.

"Ken did so well we gave him a second College of Law," Morgan said, referring to the San Fernando campus.

Held was credited for helping move the San Fernando College to several locations, as well as opening the Ontario campus. He was dean for both campuses between 1987 and 1998.

Held said that as dean, he was responsible for starting the American Bar Association accreditation application process, building up a faculty and maintaining the quality of education.

Doskow picked up on the light hearted mood of the evening.

"It occurred to me (Held) hasn't done much," he said. "He's only built up a law school that meets all standards. We're here almost two years now and it still looks brand new."

Doskow also expressed his excitement for the future, adding that Held will return to the faculty next fall.

Harris, representing the board of trustees, also had nothing but good words for Held.

"What a fabulous job he's done for the board and for the University," Harris said. "We're going to miss him."

Finally, Ovitt expressed his appreciation not only for Held, but also for the university's new addition to his city, presenting him with a certificate of achievement.

"(The College of Law is) a real point of pride," he said. "(It is) a fine institution in our city."

Held responded to the praise.

"I'm not retiring; I'm not dead," he said.

"Old deans never diethey lose their faculty," Held added.

Held said he was grateful for the opportunity the University gave him, thanking Morgan and his faculty and staff.

He also thanked Doskow for being his close friend and associate dean Randy Rubin, to whom he attributed a lot of the behind the scenes work.

"They make La Verne a very special place, indeed," he said. "Whatever I accomplished, I owe it to them."

Morgan closed off the ceremony by presenting Held with an engraved clock and gift certificate to Borders.

"The best part is, he's not going anywhere," Morgan said.

When Held returns in August, he will teach torts, a first year, basic required course at the College of Law.

During his sabbatical, Held will take a trip with his wife to New Zealand and Australia.