Las Positas College Foundation Receives Major Bequest

From Las Positas College:

Livermore, CA - The Las Positas College Foundation in Livermore has announced its largest bequest to date from the estate of Drs. David and Barbara Mertes, two long-time benefactors and champions of the campus. 

The initial gift from the estate is valued at $450,000 and will establish two endowed scholarships: the Barbara Fracisco Mertes Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to an LPC student or students majoring in a performing arts discipline transferring to a four-year institution to obtain an undergraduate degree in a performing arts discipline, and the Barbara and David Mertes Memorial Scholarship which will be awarded to an LPC student or students transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain an undergraduate degree. 

"The incredible legacy of Dr. Barbara Fracisco Mertes and Dr. David Mertes continues at Las Positas College with this remarkable gift from their estate," said LPC Foundation Executive Director Kenneth Cooper. "The students of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District were always at the forefront of their many efforts to improve and elevate both campuses. These scholarships will continue the Mertes' spirit of stewardship through the student beneficiaries who will advance their college education through this gift."

Dr. David Mertes was a founding member of the LPC Foundation and served on its board of directors for 11 years following a distinguished career in the field of education. He served as chancellor of the California Community College system from 1988 to 1996, and was the chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District, superintendent/president of Santa Barbara City College, and president of the College of San Mateo.

Dr. Barbara Fracisco Mertes had an equally illustrious career in the field of higher education with a special focus on Las Positas College, where she was a founding member who served as the District Vice-Chancellor and secured more than $100 million in competitive grants and allocations for the early growth and development of facilities and programs at Chabot and Las Positas Colleges. Upon her retirement, Dr. Mertes served on the Chabot-Las Positas Community College Board of Trustees for 14 years.

About Las Positas College    
 Las Positas College currently enrolls 18,000 students and offers curriculum for students seeking transfer to a four-year college or university, career preparation, or basic skills education. The College provides university transfer classes, retraining classes for those in need of employment or career advancement, a first-time educational opportunity for many adults, enrichment classes for those seeking a broader perspective, and career and technical training for those entering the technical and paraprofessional workforce.  

Las Positas College is a learning-centered institution focused on excellence and student success. It is fully committed to supporting Tri-Valley residents in their quest for education and advancement. Las Positas College faculty and staff are distinguished by their energy, creativity, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the students they serve and the future of the Tri-Valley region.

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