Cerritos College News Releases -- October 2005

 

NORWALK, CA – October 31, 2005 – In celebration of Cerritos College’s 50th Anniversary, the Cerritos College Foundation hosted a multitude of well-wishers—including former and current college trustees, faculty, administrators and staff, community members, local legislators, alumni and retirees—at a gala dinner and silent auction on Friday, October 21 at the Norwalk Marriott Hotel. Proceeds from the silent auction will go toward establishing and growing the new 50th Anniversary Scholarship established jointly by the Associated Students of Cerritos College and the Cerritos College Foundation.

 

Throughout the cocktail hour, program and dinner, attendees were treated to entertainment provided by a virtual “who’s who” of notable Cerritos College groups and personalities. Performers included the Cerritos College Jazz Combo, the Cerritos College Community Choir, an improvisational comedy team comprised of Cerritos College Theatre Professor Kevin Hoggard and his current and former drama students, as well as the Cerritos College Pep Squad and Pep Band, led by Cerritos College Director of Orchestra and Bands David Betancourt.

 

An additional program highlight featured retired Cerritos College Administrator Dr. Fran Newman and current Cerritos College Music Department Chair Dr. Christine Lopez performing a piano duet medley of songs from the last half-century of popular music. Dr. Ed Bloomfield, retired Cerritos College philosophy professor and college administrator, served as emcee for the evening.

 

“Anniversaries provide a very special time to reflect and reminisce about the past, celebrate the present and anticipate the future,” said Bloomfield, welcoming the audience. 

“My memory is filled with the names and faces of so many people who have had a part in making Cerritos College the great institution it has become.”

 

Bloomfield’s comments included a number of reminiscent anecdotes from his more than 30 years at the college and included special recognition by way of audience applause for notable retirees, current leaders, faculty members, classified staff and current and former students. President Dr. Noelia Vela also shared comments with the audience, thanking local supporters and friends of the college.

 

“It is with your support that our students continue to succeed and surpass their own expectations,” she said.

 

“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone year with our community and to share with you in the triumph of what Cerritos College has accomplished.”

 

Along with hundreds of individual supporters and sponsors, a number of corporate benefactors contributed to making the gala evening a touchstone event. Gala sponsors included Bovis Lend Lease; Cerritos College Trustee Bob Arthur and Family; the City of Cerritos; the City of Norwalk; Follett’s Cerritos College Bookstore; Gerald P. Roodzant, D.D.S.; Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe; Norwalk Marriott Hotel; Seville Construction Services; Southern California Gas Company: A Sempra Energy Utility; Swinerton Management and Consulting; tBP Architecture; and The Pepsi Bottling Group.

 

Cerritos College celebrates the 2005-06 school year as its 50th anniversary in serving 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 22,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu, and view a celebratory site honoring the college’s 50 years of tradition, honor and values at www.cerritos.edu/50.

 

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KH