DENVER  -  Governor Bill Owens announced today the appointment of Ralph N. Nagel, Marion S. Gottesfeld, and Terrance L. Farina, to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE).

"These three very qualified people bring a great deal of experience to the Higher Education Commission," said Gov. Owens. "They all understand the issues important to the higher education community."

Ralph Nagel, a Republican, will serve as a representative of the First Congressional District effective February 1 to July 1, 1999. Nagel currently is president of Legan, Inc. and is a trustee for the Boy Scouts of America Denver Area Council. He formerly served on the board of directors for the Independence Institute, a Golden-based think tank involved in educational issues.

Marion Gottesfeld, a Democrat, will serve as a representative of the First Congressional District, effective February 1 to July 1, 2002. Gottesfeld currently is a trustee at the University of Denver. She is a former Denver Urban Renewal Authority commissioner and founder of the Wazee Center for homeless people struggling with alcoholism.

Terrance Farina, a Democrat, will serve as a representative west of the Continental Divide and the Third Congressional District. Farina is currently a senior partner in a Grand Junction law firm and vice president on the Saccomanno Higher Education Foundation. He served as a board member and president of the Mesa State College Foundation from 1988-1996.

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education is a nine member board, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. CCHE responsibilities include developing long-range plans for the state's higher education system, approving capitol construction education projects, and administering statewide student financial assistance programs through the allocation of funds.