Day: January 11, 2026

With sadness, the VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Ruth McPherson on March 15, 2021, in Oxnard, California. Ruth was born on December 11, 1931, in the Philippines.

Ruth attended and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. She was a political science professor at Ventura College and retired from the district office as the Director of Affirmative Action.

Upon her death, Ruth left her entire estate to the Angela Duldulao McPherson Foundation with instructions to establish a museum and cultural center for the Filipino community. In a beautiful tribute to her mother, Ruth gave the center Angela’s name, the Angela Duldulao McPherson Museum & Philippine Cultural Arts Center. The museum is now open and is located at 267 E. Port Hueneme Rd., Port Hueneme, California.

Please use this link to read Ruth’s obituary.

Please use this link to read Oxnard College’s Facebook posting about the Angela Duldulao McPherson Museum & Philippine Cultural Arts Center

VCCCDRA is catching up on posting death notices of colleagues that had not been posted in past years.

Ismael “Mayo” de la Rocha passed away on August 3, 2015. Mayo was a professor of History and Chicano Studies for over 40 years at Ventura College. He also taught at UCSB, Cal State University Northridge, Cal Lutheran University, and Cal State University Channel Islands. During his long career, Mayo was honored with various awards, including Outstanding Instructor Award (twice), the Academic Senate Award for Outstanding Service, and the LULAC Outstanding College Educator of the Year. He also received the Outstanding Service to the Latino Community Award from the Latinos for Better Government organization. Mayo retired in December 2014.

To read Mayo’s obituary, please use this link.

VCCCDRA is catching up on posting death notices of colleagues that had not been posted in past years.

Nicolás “Nick” Ochoa passed away on November 10, 1999, due to complications after a heart attack. Nick was a bilingual counselor for 27 years at Ventura College and retired in 1997.

To read Nick’s obituary, please use this link.