http://gov.ca.gov/index.php/press-release/3573/
08/18/2006 GAAS:546:06 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Two New Regents for the University of California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of William C. De La Pena and Bruce D. Varner to the Board of Regents for the University of California.
“As products of the renowned UC system, William and Bruce uniquely understand the vital role our public universities play in giving students a world-class education so they are trained for the 21st century economy. These men are both highly respected in their fields and will be a tremendous asset in ensuring the UC system remains affordable - because an investment in our students is an investment in California’s future,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
De La Pena, M.D., has served as ophthalmologist and medical director of De La Pena Eye Clinic since 1984. Previously, he was director of the Department of Ophthalmology for Santa Marta Hospital from 1984 to 2003 and the Doctor’s Hospital of Santa Ana from 1986 to 1990, an instructor of Ophthalmology for the University of California, Irvine from 1984 to 1990 and assistant clinical professor of Ophthalmology for the University of California, San Diego in 1982. De La Pena is chair of the Latin American and American Societies of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons as well as the World Federation of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. In addition, he serves as a Regent for the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md. De La Pena, 52, of Whittier, earned a Medical Doctorate degree from Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Mexico, a Bachelor of Science degree from the American School Foundation in Mexico City and performed his medical internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine. He is a Republican.
Varner has been a partner with the law firm Varner & Brandt since 1997, where he specializes in corporate and business law. He previously was associate and partner for the law firm Gresham, Varner, Savage, Nolan & Tilden from 1964 to 1997 and associate for Kindel & Anderson from 1962 to 1964. Varner currently serves on the University Advisory Board for California State University, San Bernardino and on the Board of Trustees for the University of California, Riverside Foundation. Additionally, he volunteers for numerous community organizations including a volunteer lieutenant for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. Varner, 69, of Redlands, earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Hastings Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a Republican.
These positions require Senate confirmation and there is no salary.
The Regents of the University of California are entrusted with the management and operation of the University of California system which includes more than 201,000 students and 160,000 faculty and staff, with more than 1.2 million alumni living and working around the world. The University's fundamental missions are teaching, research and public service. There are 26 Regents including the governor, who serves as president, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the Assembly, the superintendent of public instruction, the president and vice president of the University of California Alumni Association, the president of the University, one student, 2 faculty members (non-voting) and 18 public members appointed by the Governor to 12-year terms. As required by law, the Governor has submitted the names of his nominees to the Regents Selection Advisory Committee.