A former president of Cuyamaca College donated $300,000 to the Water Conservation Garden on the East County campus that will be used to create an endowment.
Samuel Ciccati was president of Cuyamaca from 1984 to 1993, following eight years as vice president of Grossmont College.
“Dr. Ciccati’s gift has enabled the garden to initiate an endowment through the San Diego Foundation, assuring the long-term fiscal stability of the organization, allowing the garden to continue to educate residents, both young and old, about the importance of water conservation in our region,” said Elyssa Robertson, the garden’s executive director.
“To honor Dr. Ciccati’s gift, The Water Conservation Garden will name its soon-to-be expanded education center The Samuel M. Ciccati Water Conservation Education Center,” Robertson said.
Ciccati was a member of the Joint Powers Authority that created the garden more than 17 years ago.
“When I was first approached about the possibility of having the garden on the Cuyamaca College campus I was immediately enthusiastic about the idea,” Ciccati said.
“It has been a huge success and I am pleased to be able to assist in its mission of educating the public about water conservation measures in landscaping,” he said. “Living in this area, it is becoming increasingly important each year.”
The garden plays host to numerous school field trips throughout the year, in which students and their parents learn about conserving natural resources. The facility also hosts workshops for adults.
—City News Service