It is with great sadness that we share that Dr. Larry Calderon, who served as President of Broward College from 2004 to 2006, passed away on Saturday, September 29 in California.
Dr. Calderon was a passionate educator who championed improved access to higher education after his own struggle to access funding to complete his college education. Colleagues who were close to him recall how he would share his story of not having enough money when he started college, his discouragement and almost giving up on his dream. He managed to complete his study with assistance from the institution and the experience fueled his advocacy to find ways to help students.
As a result, Dr. Calderon dedicated his life’s work to education, serving in various positions with several higher education institutions. This included Vice President for Academic Affairs of Oxnard College, President and District Vice Chancellor for Economic Development at Ventura College, Vice President for Community and Government Relations at Nova Southeastern University's Fischler School of Education, and most recently as a Leadership Coach with Achieving the Dream, Inc.
During his time at Broward College, he is credited with developing the first strategic Master Plan and for getting the College recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution which led to several grants including a $14.5 million Title V grant, the largest ever awarded to a single institution of higher education in support of its strategic goals.
To honor his contributions to the College, the Broward College Foundation has started a named American Dream Scholarship through which donations may be made in memory of him.