MCU in Palos Verdes Says Final Farewell

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — Marymount California University will hold one last hurrah for its students, alumni, staff and faculty, friends and supporters after closing the doors of the Palos Verdes campus for good.

MCU officials announced the closure of the 54-year institution in April, citing declining student enrollment, rising costs and the pandemic as major challenges that left them without the resources needed to support the institution's expenses.

Outgoing president Brian Marcotte said the idea to have a final farewell picnic came because the university had so many alumni and visitors come just to say goodbye. The event, which will occur at 4 p.m. on Aug. 20, will give everyone the chance to remember their time at the Palos Verdes campus.

"It's not like we're mourning," Marcotte said. "It's just a time to stop and think about all the really good things that have happened here."

The university finished up its last classes on Aug. 12, and Marcotte said his focus has been on setting the remaining students, staff and faculty up for their next successes. After the announcement, over 60 other colleges offered to give transfer opportunities to students.

In addition to that, Hope International University in Fullerton will serve as MCU's institution of record, which means it will be able to provide students with the paperwork and transfer information they need.

Staff and faculty were also offered support in starting new careers in new positions, and they were given recommendations. Though the process was "traumatic and emotional," according to Marcotte, he said the staff and faculty are doing well.

"My focus has truly been on helping our current students, faculty and staff wind down," he said.

Going forward, MCU officials said that negotiations have been underway to sell the campus and its housing complex "The Villas" in San Pedro. According to Marcotte, the negotiations are pretty far along.

Since the announcement in April, Marcotte said they have had over 300 offers to buy the properties. The process to narrow the offers down started in mid-July and the institution is still in the middle of an intensive interview process to land on a final decision.

Marcotte said they have about 20 offers that they are interested in that have ideas to use the properties for various things. These include possible housing developments and additional services for other schools.

"Our main campus in Rancho Palos Verdes is beautiful and... all would put the properties to very good use," Marcotte said.