LWV League of Women Voters of California
Fresno County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Brian Calhoun

Candidate for
Member of City Council; City of Fresno; District 2

This information is provided by the candidate

BIOGRAPHY

  • Arizona (1943-1945)

I was born in Tucson and lived there while my father worked in a military airport tower.

  • California (1946-1966)

My brothers, sister and I attended public schools in Sacramento, Castro Valley, Palo Alto, and Tahoe City. I have a B.A. degree in History and Political Science from the University of California-Davis. I was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Army.

  • New York (1966-1968)

I received a M.A. degree from Syracuse University in Student Personnel Administration. Married August 1968.

  • Military (1968-1970)

I received a honorable discharge following Vietnam era service as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer.

  • Wisconsin (1970-1984)

Bryce and Whitney, our children, were born in Wisconsin. My Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin is in Educational Policy Studies. I taught in the Teacher Corps Associates Program.

For ten years I served as Administrator of General Education credit programs and Continuing Education non-credit professional programs at Gateway Technical College, Racine, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee). I was honored one year to be selected as Wisconsin's Outstanding Adult Educator.

Community activities included vice chair of the Racine County International Year of Disabled Persons, board of directors of the Racine Education Roundtable, board of directors of Preservation Racine (historic preservation), board of directors for the Racine County Opportunity Center (disabled children and adults), and board of directors of the Greater Racine United Way.

I was elected and then reelected twice to the Racine County Board of Supervisors. My emphasis on job creation through economic development, particularly tourism since Racine County is located between the large metropolitan Milwaukee and Chicago areas, helped contribute to county voters passing a bond issue to develop of major marina on Lake Michigan. I also initiated establishment of a long-range financial plan for Racine County, a "Student's Day in County Government", and the Wingspread Conference on Lake Michigan Tourism. I was recognized for my efforts in controlling county general assistance costs and my service to constituents. I resigned from the County Board of Supervisors when I relocated to the Chicago area for new position at a community college.

  • Illinois (1984-1988)

I served as Dean of Continuing Education and then Dean of Business at Triton College, River Grove (suburb of Chicago). I was also an adjunct instructor.

Community activities included the Franklin Park Rotary Board of Directors, and the Youth Football League of the Glen Ellyn Park District.

  • California (1988-present)

I developed the Fresno City College Training Institute and served as its executive director for eight years. The self-supporting economic development division provides credit/non credit classes and customized contract training for businesses and the general public. My staff and I successfully applied for and managed $2.7 million in federal, state, and local training grants.

I have been for four years the principal instructor for Fresno City College's teacher and paraeducator/Teacher Aide programs. I reorganized the curriculum while significantly increasing enrollments through a marketing campaign. New articulation agreements worked out with Fresno Pacific University, California State University-Fresno, and the University of California have increased the number of Fresno City College students transferring to complete their California teacher credential.

Community activities include Citizens for Integrity in Government (CFIG) Board of Directors, member of and volunteer for Tree Fresno, academic judge for the Fresno-area Miss Teenage America competition, chair of the International Trade Committee for the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, steering committee for Valley Children's Hospital Kids Day, and a member of the San Joaquin River Parkway.

I am the author of numerous professional publications and have made many professional presentations. I am a member of professional organizations and have received awards and distinctions.

My hobbies include scuba diving, running, organic farming, and Celtic/Gaelic music and history.

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