Mark Price, Grossmont College, 1975-76

Mark Price credits Grossmont College with building the foundation for his 40-year career as an inspirational speaker and actor. He has traveled the world performing in one-man shows.

“I remember fondly my time at Grossmont College,” Price said. “The drama and speech departments helped to build the foundation for what has become my life’s work; speaking and acting.”

Price has served for the past 12 years on the Alpine Union school board and for two years was a member of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s statewide educational reform commission, an oversight committee that reviewed school districts throughout the state and observed what worked and what needed improvement for the former governor’s education initiatives.

A graduate of Mount Miguel High School, Price acted at the Old Globe and said the fencing course he took at the community college helped him when he was cast in a Shakespearian play. He also credits Grossmont with making him a lifelong resident of the East County.

“I didn’t have money and my family made too much for financial aid,” said Price, who is working on a doctorate in theology. “Grossmont was able to provide me with some college experience that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. There are a wide variety of options to choose from, which is good.”