Cerritos College News Releases -- January 2006

NORWALK, CA – January 20, 2006 – Cerritos College announced today that it has received a $100,000 donation from the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) toward realizing the vision of establishing a Southland Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies (SCCTT). SMCDA President John Peterson of Cormier Chevrolet and Randy Sopp, owner of Sopp Chevrolet and outgoing 2005 SMCDA board president, presented college officials with a check on Thursday, January 19 during SMCDA’s annual meeting in downtown Long Beach.

“This gift matches our 2005 donation of $100,000 toward Cerritos College‘s development of automotive technology programs,” said Peterson.

 

“Our dealers know firsthand that Cerritos College has the premiere automotive technology program in the state. The recent agreement between Cerritos College and Northwood University adds even further value to the industry, which is looking for trained technicians to hire into high-growth, high-wage positions. We feel that the creation of an advanced center for transportation technologies at Cerritos College may well become the best private-public partnership facility in the country, and we want to support its growth.”

Cerritos College’s plans for the automotive technology program include a state-of-the-art center for alternative fuel technologies. Pursuant to the vision of both President George W. Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, further training is needed in the area of alternatively fueled vehicles in order to preserve a delicately balanced environment. In providing a resource center for this type of study, the college hopes to take a leading position in addressing the needs of the transportation industry in the 21st century.

“We appreciate the commitment, confidence and continued support from SMCDA,” said Cerritos College President Dr. Noelia Vela.

 

“Together we will develop and provide the training and a career ladder of opportunities for individuals as we respond to industry needs. We’re excited about the future we’re building for employees and employers alike.”

According to Dr. Randy Peebles, dean of the college’s technology department, which includes automotive technology, the college continues to seek visionary partners like SMCDA to augment state-allocated funds the college may receive toward creating the advanced transportation technology center.

“We want people to realize the benefit in joining us to attract the resources needed,” said Peebles.

 

Since 1932, the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) has represented the new franchised automotive dealers in the southern Los Angeles county. SMCDA's focus is education, political representation, and to promote the automotive retail industry to the public. The goal of the SMCDA is to provide services, address and be responsive to the needs of its members. SMCDA seeks to speak and act on behalf of those members in communication with organizations and individuals who share its interests.

 

Cerritos College has offered automotive training technology since the college began in 1955. The offerings consist of certificates degrees and special programs in the disciplines of automotive repair, advanced transportation technology, auto collision repair, intelligent transportation systems and alternative fuel and hybrids, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the U.S. Students can also earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive management at Cerritos College through an agreement the college has with Northwood University.

Cerritos College’s Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and import vehicles, and operates a California Advanced Transportation Technology Center partially subsidized by the state to encourage development of alternative fuel sources.

 

Perhaps most impressively, Cerritos College is physically located just blocks from the world’s largest auto mall where it partners with dealers to train and employ technicians and dealer managers. The greater Los Angeles area is home to more than 17 corporate support centers for the robust Southern California auto industry. It is also home to a number of design centers producing vehicle prototypes for future sales. Automotive-industry management opportunities routinely require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

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 within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Mirada and Norwalk. Cerritos 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 20,000 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