THE EASTLAKE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION PRESENTS NEW AWARD TO THE “FATHER OF EASTLAKE”
BILL OSTREM
Bill reflects on the history of EastLake and the EEF
On January 25, the EastLake Educational Foundation (EEF) presented the first-ever Ostrem Award to EastLakeEducational Foundation founder, and father of EastLake, Bill Ostrem.
As President & CEO of The EastLake Company, Bill led the development of the beautifully master-planned community of Eastlake, which consists of approximately 10,000 homes, schools, parks, and open space on the eastern edge of Chula Vista adjacent to Otay Lakes at the foot of Otay Mountain.
“From the schools to the shopping centers and parks, Bill Ostrem made it happen. If there ever was a father of EastLake it would be Bill Ostrem”, mused Susan Mahler, EEF Board Director.
Bill’s fingerprints are forever engraved into the DNA of the Eastlake community. It was Bill’s vision, leadership, and management that ensured the community was built and developed into an exceptionally special place so many enjoy today.
That was not the only legacy Bill left to EastLake. When The EastLakeCompany was wrapping up its final phases of development, Bill created a way to keep the community strong. Knowing that public schools are the heart of a community, Bill created the EastLakeEducational Foundation to help schools remain innovative and future forward. At that time technology was growing faster than schools could keep up, so the Foundation set its efforts on supporting technology and innovation in schools.
That legacy still lives on today. The EastLakeEducational Foundation has given over $2,000,000+ in grants to EastLakePublic Schools, providing an average of $120,000 annually. Those contributions are now touching the next generation of Eastlake kids as the community ages.
Bill is currently the Division President of CalAtlantic Homes, at Lennar Homes. He continues to share his many talents and generosity. The EEF is not the only organization thanking Bill for his many contributions. In January, Bill was inducted into the prestigious Building Industry Association(BIA) San Diego Hall of Fame.
He is actively involved in many industries, community and service organizations. Bill currently lives in San Diego with his wife Nikki.
The Ostrem Award was created to honor those who have shown great leadership and generosity in the EastLake community– hallmarks of Bill’s character and legacy. “It is fitting and long overdue recognition, but the EEF is delighted to shine a spotlight on a visionary leader who accomplished greatness for our community to enjoy today. He is a generous “gentle-man” and we are forever grateful for Bill’s contributions.” stated Janet Francis, Executive Director EEF and echoed by the EEF Board of Directors.
