The 19th anniversary of the Herb Loken Hall of Fame dinner sponsored by the Bakersfield College Alumni Association took place on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Huddle at the Gil Bishop Sports Center.
Hall of Fame inductees were Mayor Harvey Hall, Sally Hill and John Turner. 13 of the 45 previous recipients of the award also came out to support the newest inductees. The program included a full dinner, bar and dessert table catered by BC Food Services. BC President Greg Chamberlain kicked the night off congratulating the three individuals.
“We have the best and the most support,” Chamberlain said, “BC has a proud history.”
These three BC Alumni and supporters were nominated for the Hall of Fame because they are active in supporting BC through the association. BC Alumni Association President Becki Whitson thinks it’s very important to recognize people who have worked hard for the Alumni Association.
“They are actively supporting students of BC whether it’s time or money, but it’s what keeps this alumni association active,” Whitson explained.
John Rous, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, introduced Hall. As the founder and current president of Hall Ambulance Service, Inc., he was also a student at Bakersfield College and wrote for The Renegade Rip in 1955.
“BC is an important part of my life. I love to give back,” Rous said.
For the past eight years, Hall has dedicated his mayor’s salary to the Mayor’s Scholarship, which is awarded to local high school seniors, BC and Cal State Bakersfield students. Hall encourages the community to keep supporting the students attending college.
“I’ll continue to give back to BC as much as I can,” Hall said.
Whitson, who was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, introduced Hill. As a BC student from 1965 to 1967, Hill was an honor student and a song leader for the Renegades. She began her teaching career as professor of psychology in 1969 at BC.
“I’d like to say a poetic phrase that many a BC supporter has uttered,” Hill announced, “Ugh, ungowa, BC’s got the power!”
This poetic phrase is a cheer from her time as a song leader and is still cheered today.
Hill is currently serving on the BC Alumni Association board as secretary and is the chairperson for the annual BC Alumni Barbecue.
Herb Loken, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988, introduced John Turner.
Turner was also a student at BC and swam for the Renegades. After BC, he transferred to the University of Texas in Austin and graduated with a bachelors degree in science for education. Turner expressed his feelings for education and supporting the community college system.
“I will continue to support BC,” Turner said, “I want people to continue this kind of education and continue funding the community college system.”
Hall and Turner received hall of fame rings while Hill received a pendant. All three felt very honored.
Hill expressed her gratitude. “I love BC! I loved it as a student, a professor and an alumni.”