Golden West dedicates pillar to the late Steve Allen

Angelique Flores

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Citing his years of dedication and service to the

college, Golden West posthumously dedicated a memorial pillar in honor of

the late performer Steve Allen on Tuesday.

For years Allen visited the college, spent time with students and

performed popular big band songs during jazz week with Tom Kubis, his

longtime friend and Golden West instructor and musician.

“The pillar’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to Steve Allen,” said

Marie McHerrin, college spokeswoman.

An author, composer, musician, poet, playwright and performer, Allen

was the creator and original host of NBC’s “Tonight Show.”

Never charging the school for any of services, Allen would come to

campus on his own time, give impromptu lectures on his experiences and

just sit and talk to students who wanted to share their thoughts with

him, McHerrin said.

In 1999, Allen was selected as the guest of honor of Golden West

College’s “Golden Star of the Year.” Allen, the second-ever recipient of

the prestigious award, was selected for the award because of his selfless

service to the college and for his support of the college’s Commercial

Music and Recording Arts program.

The Allen family appreciates the college’s recognition of the

celebrity’s service, said his son, Bill Allen, on behalf of the family.

In memory of Allen, the Golden West College Foundation has endowed the

Steve Allen Memorial Performing Arts Scholarship. The pillar dedicated to

Allen stands outside the Music Building.