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• On January 26, 1964, at a reception honoring Dr. and Mrs. Basil H. Peterson, this book was announced in the following words by J. Robert Kest, faculty member representing his colleagues:

• "In behalf of the Orange Coast College Faculty, it is my pleasant privilege to present a gift to Dr. Basil H. Peterson, retiring head of our institution.

• On January 26, 1964, at a reception honoring Dr. and Mrs. Basil H. Peterson, this book was announced in the following words by J. Robert Kest, faculty member representing his colleagues:

• "In behalf of the Orange Coast College Faculty, it is my pleasant privilege to present a gift to Dr. Basil H. Peterson, retiring head of our institution.

• "Tokens of appreciation sometimes fall into a pattern both unimaginative and uninspired: the gold watch, the silver tea service, the elaborate handpainted scroll accompanied by a sum of money the precise amount of which is better left unmentioned, etc. The Faculty has attempted to avoid such pitfalls. We trust that the choice arriveded at after many hours of careful thought and consideration will bring you pleasure: in the future. May it serve as a reminder to family and friends alike of the extent of your accomplishments while serving as District Superintendent and President of Orange Coast College.

• "Tumbleweeds to Roses: A History of Orange Coast College, a record of your 16 years at Coast, will be published in book form and released for publication approximately twelve months hence - hopefully sooner! It will contain a comprehensive record of the founding, growth and maturation of this institution and will be available to faculty members and residents of the community through the facilities of the Pirate Bookstore.

• "Dr. Peterson once stated he had 'sometimes crossed swords with the Faculty,' and so he has, frequently. Yet it must be noted that '. . . he who is silent is forgotten; he who abstains is taken at his word; he who does not advance falls back; he who stops is overwhelmed, distanced, crushed;he who ceases to grow greater becomes smaller; he who leaves off, gives up; the stationary condition is the beginning of the end ' (Amiel) 

• "Dr. Peterson was never silent; often stubborn, sometimes right, sometimes wrong, he never stopped; he never ceased to learn something new about his job; never did he permit himself the false luxury of remaining in a stationary position. The Faculty has always known exactly where he stood, win, lose or draw."

• We pay honor to your vision, 'Pete,' we respect your dedication; we are grateful for unselfish leadership and the faith you have had that educational opportunities must exist for everyone who might reasonably benefit from such experiences beyond the high school level.

• "May life be kind to you and yours in the months and years ahead; may you once again enjoy the inestimable blessing of good health and may you continue to be useful in the field of education. Finally, may you remember each one of us, with all of our strengths and our weaknesses', our individualities, our contrariness, our courage and our convictions with pride and -- we hope -- with affection. "Hail and farewell!"

J. ROBERT KEST
Orange Coast College Faculty Member
Since 1953

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