Cerritos College News Releases -- April 2004
Cerritos College Student Honored by Congresswoman Napolitano
Karen Pinaud is Recognized as “Outstanding Woman Volunteer”
For Immediate Release: April 20, 2004
Contact: Kristen Habbestad, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451, ext. 2287, khabbestad@cerritos.edu
NORWALK, CA – April 20, 2004 – Cerritos College student Karen Pinaud, of Bell, received special recognition from Congresswoman Grace Napolitano Friday, April 16 during a “Outstanding Women Volunteers in the 38th Congressional district, the Unsung Heroines 2004” presentation at the Industry Hills Equestrian Center in the City of Industry. As a follow-up to Women’s History Month, Congresswoman Napolitano presented certificates to Pinaud and several other area women who have displayed significant, longstanding contributions as a community or service organization volunteer.
Pinaud was nominated for the award by Dora A. Lozano, re-entry specialist at Cerritos College, specifically for her dedication to community work in and around the college community. As a student, Pinaud works two jobs and supports her mother. She recently participated as a volunteer on the college's Women’s History Month Committee, often readjusting her busy schedule to accommodate campus events planned by the committee.
“Karen has served in Cerritos College student government as a student senator, a member of cabinet, and a court justice – all of which are unpaid positions,” explained Lozano.
“I nominated Karen for this honor because of her tireless dedication and involvement in others’ lives.”
During her time at Cerritos College, Pinaud has served as a member and past president of the Feminist Majority Alliance Club, which was responsible for hosting noted speakers such as Mavis Leno and Dolores Huerta as guests on campus.
Pinaud also volunteers for the American Cancer Society, which she joined following her mother’s mastectomy. Her volunteer time is spent educating members of the Latino community about the risks of cancer and methods of early detection and prevention.
“Congresswoman Napolitano’s calls for nominations specified that nominees should be those who work tirelessly and never ask for special recognition,” said Lozano. “Pinaud was selected and honored because of her strong leadership skills, her determination to succeed and her investment in the betterment of her community. She does her work without any recognition, although she certainly deserves it.”
For nearly 50 years, Cerritos College has served as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County communities including Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Mirada and Norwalk. The college offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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