Cerritos College Foundation-News

NORWALK, CA – January 30, 2008 – The Cerritos College Foundation presented the Pat Pinder Memorial Scholarship to Jessica Gutierrez at its board meeting on Thursday, January 10.

Established in 1999 in memory of Pat Pinder, a long-time faculty member in the Health Occupations Division, a $300 scholarship is awarded to a Health Occupations major who demonstrates outstanding academics.

Susan Gradin (L) and Jenine Nolan (R) present the Pat Pinder Scholarhip to Jessica Gutierrez. "It’s great that you are recognized for what you did,” said the high-spirited Gutierrez, “and it’s also great to see your field getting recognition.” Gutierrez, a resident of Whittier, is a Child Development major who has been attending Cerritos College since 2000 while working full time as a Program Director for Children’s Village Preschool in Orange. Gutierrez has maintained a 3.6 GPA.

“Jessica comes to each class prepared, and with a positive attitude.” said Susan Gradin, Child Development Department chair, who acknowledged her student’s dedication and hard work. “We also know that Jessica has the qualities to be a wonderful teacher of young children and administrator of a center program.”

“She is making a difference in the lives of young children and families.”

Gutierrez is planning to transfer to the University of La Verne this year, and move onto a master’s program after completing her bachelor’s degree. She hopes to one day own a preschool and teach Child Development at a community college.

The Cerritos College Foundation, a non-profit organization, serves as a charitable vehicle for the community, individuals and alumni, to assist with financial support of Cerritos College. Visit the Foundation online at www.cerritos.edu/ccf.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 200 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently nears 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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