Photo: Gastil, right, with UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla's Community Advisory Board
By Jonathan Goetz
August 31, 2017 (San Diego) – Lemon Grove resident George Gastil, a professor, former school board and city council member, has been appointed to Chancellor Pradeep Khosla’s Community Advisory Board (CCAB) for the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Lemon Grove Councilman David Arambula nominated Gastil, and told East County Magazine, "I am truly honored to have successfully nominated fellow Lemon Grovian George Gastil to serve on the UCSD Chancellor’s Community Advisory Board.”
Gastil teaches Early American History, U.S. History for Teachers, and California History at San Diego State University (SDSU), and Early World History, California History, and Early American History at Grossmont Community College.
Gastil was elected to the Lemon Grove School Board in 1998, 2002 and 2006. He was on the board through two budget crises during which time the district cut administration on order to spend more money in the classrooms and worked on getting families involved in their children’s work in order to raise student achievement.
Gastil also won election to the Lemon Grove City Council in 2008 and 2012. During the recent state budget crisis he kept essential city services running and throughout his tenure worked to increase community engagement.
In his new role on the CCAB, he will work with other talented individuals seeking to build relationships between UCSD and community stakeholders.
The CCAB advocates for UCSD within the community groups its members are affiliated, and advises the Chancellor, with “specific emphasis on the university’s role in the community.”
Gastil and Arambula hope to inspire under-represented communities to apply for admission at UCSD.
Gastil told East County Magazine"U.C. San Diego is working on building stronger connections with the communities of the East County. I want to make sure we are maximizing opportunities for collaboration between the University and the educational institutions, municipalities, and industries in our region."
Arambula stated, “George’s passion for education is only matched by his commitment to serve others and, in particular, the underrepresented populations within our communities. We are fortunate to have George on the board and look forward to the great things he will accomplish for UCSD and our beautiful East County communities."