By Khalida Sarwari
An outdoor performance and gathering area at West Valley College has officially been named the Robert A. Sorensen Forum, after a founding trustee.
Located within Viking Grove in the heart of the campus, and across from the Veteran’s Resource Center, the forum was designed by the school’s architecture students, according to the college. The facility will be used for stage productions, speakers, special events, films and classes. During weekends and school breaks, the forum will be made available to the public.
According to the college, the forum was made possible thanks to a “significant” donation made by Sorensen’s wife, Phyllis. Prior to his death, Sorensen and his wife resided in and had strong ties to the Almaden community. Sorensen was not only a trustee at the West Valley-Mission Community College District, but also a World War II veteran and a department head for Santa Clara County.
As a trustee from 1965 to 1979, Sorensen was instrumental in West Valley College’s early years. The college, which just celebrated its 50-year anniversary, opened its doors in 1964.
“A lifelong steward of educational opportunities and public service, Robert A. Sorensen’s involvement at West Valley College promoted the college’s long standing, caring involvement for students and the community,” the college stated in a press release.
Funds for the construction of the forum were provided by student body fee assessments. The gift for naming the forum will go toward the acquisition and installation of materials to make the forum operational, according to the college.
