Tuesday, August 18






In Sight
is the bi-annual publication from the Cerritos College Office of Public Affairs. It is designed to give the community the opportunity to get to know the College better.

While at Cerritos College it was my responsibility to edit and contribute to this edition of In Sight.

Click on the image to view the entire pdf file.
The Campus Connection Online...January 26, 2009

Photo of Todd Leutheuser, Bill Farmer, Don La Mar and Steve Berklite, interim dean of technology division (from left to right).SMCDA Completes $500K Pledge to Cerritos College
The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) presented a check for $100,000 to the Cerritos College Foundation on Thursday, January 15, completing its $500,000 pledge to support the Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies (CCTT)...

Photo of Cerritos College women's basketball coach Karen Welliver some of her team. Cerritos College Coach Karen Welliver Now the Winningest Coach in History
With their 54-51 overtime home win over El Camino College on Wednesday, Cerritos College women's basketball coach Karen Welliver has now placed her name atop the list of most career wins in California Community College Women's Basketball history...

Cerritos College’s Financial Aid Specialist Receives High School Relations Committee of the Year Award
Yesenia Ramirez of the Financial Aid Office was recognized for her outstanding contributions and dedicated service as a member of the High School Relations Committee. The award was presented by the California Association of Financial Aid Administrators High School Relations...

Photo of Yesenia Ramirez with her award.Cerritos College Foundation Awards Two Scholarships
The Cerritos College Foundation awarded two scholarships to Cerritos College students at its board meeting on Thursday, January 15..

Blues Radio Great Bernie Pearl Returns via Cerritos College’s WPMD.org
Bernie Pearl is a southern California blues legend that has lent his life to this laid-back, soul-baring genre of music that he Photo of blues radio great, Bernie Pearl, spinning at Cerritos College's WPMD.loves. Pearl became the first all-blues FM disc jockey in Los Angeles when he started hosting his show, Nothin’ but the Blues in 1968...

Nancy Mirabella, Foster and Kinship Care, Named Employee of the Month of November 2008
The Employee Award Committee has named Nancy Mirabella as recipient of the Outstanding Classified/Confidential Employee of the Month Award for November 2008...

Vangie Reichwein, SEM, Named Employee of the Month of December 2008
The Employee Award Committee has named Vangie Reichwein as recipient of the Outstanding Classified/Confidential Employee of the Month Award for December 2008...

Black Student Union Plans Event Honoring Black History Month
Cerritos College’s Black Student Union is presenting a Mardi Gras celebration Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m. in honor of Black History Month. The evening's events will include motivational speakers, entertainment, and more...

Help Your Students through Job Fair
With the economy in such bad shape, landing a job is not the easiest task as many companies are laying off employees rather than hiring. Cerritos College’s Job Fair is designed to help students find jobs and internships...


Things to Note

>>> Rideshare Program at Cerritos College

Cerritos College has a rideshare program for its employees! There are many benefits and incentives that come with joining the program. For more information about the program and its incentives please visit www.metro.net or www.commutesmart.info.

Rideshare is easy to join. All you have to do is fill out the rideshare application.
For more information regarding the Cerritos College rideshare program contact Michelle Dawkins at mdawkins@cerritos.edu or ext. 2326.

>>> Have a story you'd like to see in the Campus Connection? Submit an article request.

>>> Have an event on campus that you would like people to know about? Submit an event request.

>>> Have a message for the entire campus? Submit a Daily Falcon submit form.

Cerritos College Theatre to Present Intimate Apparel

The Story of a Turn-of-the-Century African-American Seamstress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2009

Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287

WHAT: The Cerritos College Theatre Department is delighted to present Intimate Apparel – a story about an African-American seamstress from the early 1900’s. Directed by Kevin Hoggard, this play was written by the award-winning American playwright, Lynn Nottage. This play, set in 1905 New York City, focuses on the struggles of African-Americans in the so-called “liberal” North. The story is about Esther, a seamstress of women’s intimate apparel. Through her eyes we see the societal expectations and boundaries of a single African-American female. Some of the highlights are the original score of period jazz ditties and elaborate corsetry.

WHEN:
Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 at 8 p.m.
Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Burnight Center Theatre – BC 31
Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650

A map of the campus is available at www.cerritos.edu/guide.

COST: General $12, Cerritos College students/faculty/staff, seniors, other college, middle and high school students (all w/ID) $10, children 5 - 12 yrs $8

For group sales information please call (562) 467-5058.

Tickets may be purchased online at http://cms.cerritos.edu/theater/playthreeposter.

Free parking will be available in lots C-1, C-2 and C-3 during performances.

CONTACT: For more information on Intimate Apparel and the Cerritos College Theatre Department, please call (562) 467-5058 or visit www.cerritos.edu/theatre.

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 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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Blues Radio Great Bernie Pearl Returns via Cerritos College’s WPMD.org

Photo of Bernie Pearl spinning at WPMD.Pearl will Host My Kind of Blues Weekly on the Internet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2009

Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287

NORWALK, Calif. – January 26, 2009 – Bernie Pearl is a southern California blues legend that has lent his life to this laid-back, soul-baring genre of music that he loves.

Pearl became the first all-blues FM disc jockey in Los Angeles when he started hosting his show, Nothin’ but the Blues, on KPPC FM in 1968. He stayed at KPPC for two years.

After a 10-year hiatus from radio, Pearl returned to the airwaves in 1980 with the revival of his radio show on the Cal State Long Beach radio station KLON, which is now know as KJAZZ. Pearl stayed with KLON, where he had the top-rated program and highest fundraising totals, until 1990.

While with KLON, Pearl helped found the Long Beach Blues Festival. The festival has become one of the largest of its kind, and the second oldest blues festival on the west coast.

Since leaving KLON, Pearl hosted his Nothin’ but the Blues show at KCRW for two years and has made a few on-air cameo appearances.

On Saturday, January 31 at 3:00 p.m., Pearl will once again become the blues disc-jockey he was meant to be. He will sit down behind the controls of Cerritos College’s WPMD.org and begin what will become his two-hour, Saturday tradition, of playing the best of what the genre has to offer from the 1920’s to the present day.

Photo of Bernie Pearl holding the B.B. King album his blues show is named after.“My first purpose is to present the great music that is not being heard,” Pearl said. “I’ve got only two hours a week to show the world what I feel about the blues, and I must go home each week fulfilled and eager to go do it again next week.”

Pearl visited the station on Thursday, January 22 to get used to what used to be second nature for him. He hasn’t spun records or been a DJ for over 15 years.

He has great expectations for his new show My Kind of Blues that took its name from the title of one of his favorite B.B. King albums.

“I’m going to start slow by playing some of the great stuff I love and miss hearing,” he said. “I intend to build an international following for My Kind of Blues.”

WPMD.org originates from the campus of Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. WPMD features an eclectic programming mix of news, talk, sports and music, presented primarily by students, with help from the Cerritos College community and radio professionals.


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 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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The Campus Connection Online...January 12, 2009

Photo of (L to R) Luliana Maldonado, Tiffany Hollis and Tara Corcoran share a moment with one of the girls at the Casa Hogar Santa Teresita de Jesus Orphanage.Cerritos College Champions Give Back During the Holidays
Cerritos College women's soccer coach Ruben Gonzalez and three members of his national and state championship team joined members of Infinity Auto Insurance of Cerritos to travel down to Tijuana to bring more than 350 toys and over $2000 in donations to the Casa Hogar Santa Teresita de Jesus Orphanage for Girls...

Successful Composite Program Recognized by Northrop Grumman
Photo of Cerritos College Department Chair, Terry Price (left), being presented with the "Partnership in Excellence" plaque.The Cerritos College Composite Program was honored by Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems in December for the success of the Certification Training Program partnership between the college and the corporation...

Demolition Makes Room for SCCTT
Demolition of the Cerritos College RD building began last month, making way for construction of the state-of-the-art Southland/Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies (SCCTT)...

Cerritos College Homecoming Legend Passes AwayPhoto from an October 1987 issue of Talon Marks advertising Dottie for homecoming queen.
The year was 1987, the theme was “Circus 87”, the football team had just beat cross-town rival Long Beach City College 24-17, and the buzz was all about Dorothy Thompson, the 67-year-old mother of seven and grandmother of 12, that was just crowned homecoming queen...

Former Cerritos College Student is Presumed Dead after Fall from Cruise Ship
The United States Coast Guard called off the search for Artesia native and former Cerritos College theatre student, Antonio Matabang, Friday, January 1, after Matabang fell from a Carnival cruise ship on New Year’s Eve...

Photo of Antonio Matabang taken from his Myspace page. "Staying Healthy" - Healthcare Tips from the Student Health and Wellness Center
“Staying Healthy” features useful tips to help you stay healthy. Our subject this week is Refined Food...

Black Student Union Plans Event Honoring Black History Month
Cerritos College’s Black Student Union is presenting a Mardi Gras celebration Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m. in honor of Black History Month. The evening's events will include motivational speakers, entertainment, and more...

Cerritos College Art Exhibition Will Display Faculty’s Artistic Side
The Cerritos College Art Gallery presents the work of Cerritos College art, design and photography faculty. The annual exhibition will include recent works by the faculty in many different media styles, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more...


Things to Note

>>>Rideshare Program at Cerritos College

Cerritos College has a rideshare program for its employees! There are many benefits and incentives that come with joining the program. For more information about the program and its incentives please visit www.metro.net or www.commutesmart.info.

Rideshare is easy to join. All you have to do is fill out the rideshare application.
For more information regarding the Cerritos College rideshare program contact Michelle Dawkins at mdawkins@cerritos.edu or ext. 2326.

>>> Have a story you'd like to see in the Campus Connection? Submit an article request.

>>> Have an event on campus that you would like people to know about? Submit an event request.

>>> Have a message for the entire campus? Submit a Daily Falcon submit form.

Cerritos College Plans Event Honoring Black History Month

For Immediate Release: January 5, 2009

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext. 2287

Event Contact: Connie Hunter, Cerritos College; (562) 860-2451, ext. 2255

WHAT: Cerritos College’s Black Student Union is presenting a Mardi Gras celebration Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m. in honor of Black History Month.

The public is invited to come and enjoy the evening’s events, which will include motivational speakers, entertainment, beads, a fashion show, talent contest, and honorees from Cerritos College and the community.

WHEN: Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Cerritos College Student Center
11110 Alondra Boulevard
Norwalk, CA 90650

A map of the campus is available at www.cerritos.edu/guide.

COST: The event is free and open to the public.

PARKING: One-day parking passes may be purchased for $1 in parking lots C-1, C-2 and C-10.

CONTACT: For more information, please contact Connie Hunter at (562) 860-2451, ext. 2255 or at chunter@cerritos.edu.


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 surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College Offers In-Demand Engineering Design Software Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 2, 2009

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287

NORWALK, Calif. – January 2, 2009 - Cerritos College’s Engineering Design Technology (ENGT) Department is offering students a head start in aerospace, and other industries, through engineering design software courses. Enrollment for spring 2009 is now underway.

Engineering design software courses taught at Cerritos College cover programs such as AutoCAD; Autodesk; MAX 3-D Designer, Mechanical Desktop, MAP 3-D, Inventor; SolidWorks and CATIA.

According to ENGT Chairman Farid Wissa, knowledge of these programs is highly desired by industry giants seeking to hire employees.

“Although the economy is not very up high, engineering companies are in need of good designers to be part of their teams with very high salary rates,” he said. “In fact, all aerospace firms recently ran advertisements announcing interviews for open job positions, and engineering software designers are needed for the Boeing Aircraft Company."

Enrollment is underway for classes starting Monday, January 12, 2009. Students can register online at http://my.cerritos.edu. Those interested in taking these classes should apply immediately while there is still space.

New students, along with those returning after missing one or more semesters, must apply and obtain a student number that will allow them to register for spring 2009 classes. This can be done either traditionally or online at www.cerritos.edu.

All course prerequisites are checked during registration. Students may not register for a class unless they meet all the required prerequisites.

Students who feel that they have experience equivalent to a prerequisite course may contact the ENGT department to discuss alternatives that satisfy prerequisites.

High school juniors and seniors may enroll in most engineering technology courses free of cost to earn both high school and college credit under the College Bridge Program. For more information about the College Bridge Program, minors should speak with their high school counselors and a Cerritos College counselor.

ENGT has course credit transfer agreements with California State University, Los Angeles; California State University, Long Beach; and other surrounding universities.

For more detailed information please visit www.cerritos.edu/engt or contact Farid Wissa at (562) 860-2451 ext. 2910 or fwissa@cerritos.edu; or Jaya Hiranandani at ext. 2908, or hiranandani@cerritos.edu.

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 surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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The Campus Connection Online...December 15, 2008

Hope You Enjoy Your Holiday Break!
Campus Connection will resume on January 12.

Photo of three Cerritos College state championship trophies at the Cerritos College Board of Trustees meeting. Winning Teams Get Recognition from Trustees
It was an exciting night in the Cheryl A. Epple Board Room on December 10 when the Cerritos College Board of Trustees congratulated the coaches and athletes of the college’s teams that recently won state championships...

Photo of Lorenzo Romar.  Courtesy of the University of Washington.Cerritos College Alum is Featured in Inaugural Edition of Affinity
Lorenzo Romar, a Compton native and former Cerritos College student, was featured in the first edition of Affinity, a Foundation for California Community Colleges magazine that is for, and about, the alumni of California community colleges...

Changes around Campus
The Cerritos College Board of Trustees meeting on December 10 included the Trustees annual Election of Officers, the honoring Photo of Dodie O'Donnell with the Cerritos College Board of Trustees, Acting President Bill Farmer and Faculty Senate President Bryan Reece.of a Falcon retiree and the appointment of a new Interim Dean of Technology...

David Roper, Technology Division, Named Employee of the Month of October 2008
The Employee Award Committee has named David Roper as recipient of the Outstanding Photo of Cerritos College Trustee Bob Hughlett (L) with Employee of the Month, David Roper. Classified/Confidential Employee of the Month Award for October 2008...

"Staying Healthy" - Healthcare Tips from the Student Health and Wellness Center
“Staying Healthy” features useful tips to help you stay healthy. Our subject this week is MRSA...

Cerritos College to Perform in a Free Instrumental Holiday Concert
This family event will feature the Cerritos College jazz ensemble, concert band and orchestra in a festive evening of holiday music...

Cerritos College Art Exhibition Will Display Faculty’s Artistic Side
The Cerritos College Art Gallery presents the work of Cerritos College art, design and photography faculty. The annual exhibition will include recent works by the faculty in many different media styles, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more...

Music Department Announces Fall Performances
Cerritos College Music Department will showcase their talents in a variety of performances this fall. Performances will include the Cerritos College jazz band, orchestra and chorus, among others...


Things to Note

>>>Rideshare Program at Cerritos College

Cerritos College has a rideshare program for its employees! There are many benefits and incentives that come with joining the program. For more information about the program and its incentives please visit www.metro.net or www.commutesmart.info.

Rideshare is easy to join. All you have to do is fill out the rideshare application.
For more information regarding the Cerritos College rideshare program contact Michelle Dawkins at mdawkins@cerritos.edu or ext. 2326.

>>> Have a story you'd like to see in the Campus Connection? Submit an article request.

>>> Have an event on campus that you would like people to know about? Submit an event request.

>>> Have a message for the entire campus? Submit a Daily Falcon submit form.

The Campus Connection Online...December 8, 2008

Photo of Professor Hal Malkin demonstrating how the Omnicell mobile cart is used. Pharmacy and Nursing Students Stay One Step Ahead of Technology
The introduction of Omnicell’s mobile cart solution and OmniRx Color Touch medication dispensing cart to Cerritos College will not only benefit the students that will be trained on them, but the patients they will help once they begin their careers...

Cerritos College Holds High School Counselor Conference
High school counselors from local districts came to Cerritos College on Friday, December 5 for the 2008 High School Photo of the student panel at the High School Counselor Conference.Counselor Conference...

Falcons Earn Two More State Titles over the Weekend
Cerritos College became the third college ever, and the first in 14 years, to have their men’s and women’s program’s win the state championship in the same year...

Cerritos College Hosts Local Automotive Competition
Photo from the 2007 student art sale.  The Cerritos College automotive department hosted the written section of the High School Automotive Technical Competition at Cerritos College last month...

Original Student Artwork for Sale
Attendees can enjoy high-quality artwork, including ceramics, sculpture, wood, painting, jewelry and more. Pieces will be sold at prices ranging from a few dollars to $100. The Art Sale will take place in the Student Center, North Stage on Sunday, December 7...

Cerritos College to Perform in a Holiday Choral ConcertPhoto of the Cerritos College Choir.
The Cerritos College Community Choir, along with the choirs of the California Heights United Methodist Church of Long Beach, present a concert of holiday favorites...

Cerritos College to Perform in a Free Instrumental Holiday Concert
This family event will feature the Cerritos College jazz ensemble, concert band and orchestra in a festive evening of holiday music...

Cerritos College Theatre to Present ¿De Dónde?
The Cerritos College Theatre Department is delighted to present ¿De Dónde?. This hard-hitting De Donde poster. play focuses on the plight of immigrants fleeing northward in search of the fabled “American Dream”, but who encounter a much crueler reality...

Cerritos College Art Exhibition Will Display Faculty’s Artistic Side
The Cerritos College Art Gallery presents the work of Cerritos College art, design and photography faculty. The annual exhibition will include recent works by the faculty in many different media styles, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more...

Music Department Announces Fall Performances
Cerritos College Music Department will showcase their talents in a variety of performances this fall. Performances will include the Cerritos College jazz band, orchestra and chorus, among others...


Things to Note

>>>Rideshare Program at Cerritos College

Cerritos College has a rideshare program for its employees! There are many benefits and incentives that come with joining the program. For more information about the program and its incentives please visit www.metro.net or www.commutesmart.info.

Rideshare is easy to join. All you have to do is fill out the rideshare application.
For more information regarding the Cerritos College rideshare program contact Michelle Dawkins at mdawkins@cerritos.edu or ext. 2326.

>>> Have a story you'd like to see in the Campus Connection? Submit an article request.

>>> Have an event on campus that you would like people to know about? Submit an event request.

>>> Have a message for the entire campus? Submit a Daily Falcon submit form.

Cerritos College to Offer New Portable Event Staging Program

Program Designed to Prepare for Rewarding Entertainment Careers

For Immediate Release: December 8, 2008

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs, (562) 860-2751 ext. 7878

NORWALK, Calif. – December 8, 2008 – Looking for a high-paying career in entertainment industry? The Theatre Arts and Music Departments at Cerritos College are pleased to announce a new Portable Event Staging Program beginning in the spring 2009 semester. Cerritos College is the first college to offer such a program in California.

Funded with a grant through the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, The Portable Event Staging Program is uniquely geared to train students to attain entry-level stage technician positions in the entertainment industry. The students will learn how to set up, operate, and strike audio, lighting and staging equipment for concerts and other entertainment events. The fund will enable the program to purchase state-of-the-art equipment.

The new Portable Event Staging Program here at Cerritos College marks a departure from the traditional approach to education and moves to a new learning model based on the practicalities of the job market. Featuring more hands-on learning than classroom instruction, the program will culminate with the production of multiple outdoor live concerts as a summer 2009 project which will put student technical skills to use in a real world context.

Outdoor event staging technicians are in demand within the Southern California area and a training program specifically for this career did not exist at any regional academic institution. Cerritos College is physically located near many entertainment venues which provides its students with many potential employers. Starting pay for entry-level technicians at local theme parks averages over $15.00 per hour.

Over the past several years Theatre faculty and staff have been meeting regularly with a technical theatre advisory committee comprised of entertainment industry professionals. This Portable Event Staging program was created to meet the job market shortage of trained stage technicians expressed by these employers. These employers are very interested in hiring students who successfully complete this program.

The program will start in the spring 2009 semester which begins on January 12. For more information on this and other Theatre department programs, visit www.cerritos.edu/entertainment-technology or contact the Theatre Arts Department Professor Susan Watanabe (562) 860-2451 ext. 2643 or visit www.cerritos.edu.


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 surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College Pharmacy and Nursing Students Stay One Step Ahead of Technology

Omnicell Acquisition Prepares Students for the Future of Healthcare

For Immediate Release: December 8, 2008

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs, (562) 860-2751 ext. 7878

NORWALK, Calif. – December 8, 2008 – Cases of patients being given the wrong drugs, or too much of the right one, seem all too common in Photo of Cerritos College Professor Hal Malkin demonstrating one of the ways the Omnicell mobile cart solution will be used.America’s hospitals, but the introduction of new technology, such as that of Omnicell, will reduce the possibilities that these mistakes will happen.

The introduction of Omnicell’s mobile cart solution and OmniRx Color Touch medication dispensing cart to Cerritos College will not only benefit the students that will be trained on them, but the patients they will help once they begin their careers.

Technology is changing the way hospitals administer medication to their patients and thanks to the acquisition of the Omnicell machines that were purchased using Perkins Vocational Act funds, Cerritos College pharmacy technology and nursing students will be ready to work in the ever-changing hospital environment.

“Our students will be well-prepared,” said Nick Kremer, Cerritos College executive dean of community, industry and technology education, about the impact the Omnicell machines will have on campus training. “It benefits both pharmacy technology and nursing students.”

The students will now graduate from their programs with hands-on experience using technology that many pharmacists and nurses currently employed in the field have never received.

“Cerritos College is taking a leadership role by training its students in the Pharmacy and Nursing Program on state-of-the-art automated medications systems from Omnicell,” said Randall Lipps, founder, chairman, president & CEO of Omnicell, Inc. “Using an Omnicell mobile cart solution at the bedside of a patient improves efficiency, reduces the risk of clinical errors, and enhances patient safety. When combined with our automated medication dispensing systems, nurses and pharmacists have the peace of mind of knowing that the right product is being moved throughout the medication-use process.”

The Omnicell mobile cart includes a wireless computer and eight drawers that are labeled for specific patients. Nurses use the cart to administer daily medicine to the patients by scanning the barcode on the drawer, the barcode on the drugs and the barcode on the patient’s Photo of the OmniRx Color Touch medication dispensing cart.wristband. If any of the barcodes do not match up the drawer on the cart will not open; this insures the safety of the patient.

Cerritos College is the first institution, including hospitals, to receive one of these carts. Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, in Whittier, has already ordered 100 of these carts from Omnicell.

The OmniRx Color Touch system is used to secure drugs and turn what used to be a non-controlled situation into a controlled one. The drug transporter has a computer on top and many secured drawers that can only be opened by those with the authority to do so. The security of the drug depends on the type of drug. For instance, drugs such as Tylenol or Vicodin are less secure than drugs like Morphine or Demerol. The cart, which also has a computer attached to it, is filled by the pharmacy technicians and knows how many of which drug it has and who took what drugs out of it.

This will reduce the chance of drugs ending up on the streets or hospital staff giving the wrong drug or dose to a patient.

The new technology being introduced to the medical field is causing pharmacy technicians and nurses to work closer together, with their ultimate goal being patient safety. This is creating a more inter-disciplinary environment between the nursing and pharmacy technology programs at Cerritos College.

The pharmacy technology students at Cerritos College will use the machines to learn how to fill the dispenser carts with the proper drugs that have been prescribed to the patients. The student nurses will then take that dispenser, along with the mobile cart, to the patients and distribute the correct medicines to the patients using the security functions.

Cerritos College is the only college, besides a few schools of pharmacy, that have any of the Omnicell technology. This gives graduates from the Cerritos College nursing and pharmacy program a huge advantage when they enter their hospital careers.

“These machines have taken our pharmacy and nursing programs up, not a notch, but several notches,” said Hal Malkin, department chair of the pharmacy technology department at Cerritos College.

If you would like more information about the Cerritos College nursing or pharmacy programs please visit the health occupations Web site at http://www.cerritos.edu/health-occupations.

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 surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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The Campus Connection Online...December 1, 2008

Photo of a Cerritos College student being presented with a scholarship. Cerritos College Foundation Awards Thousands In Scholarships
The Cerritos College Foundation awarded $19,650 in scholarships to Cerritos College students at their November Board meeting, including three $600 tool vouchers and $700 in recognition awards. A Kurzweil LearnStation was awarded, as well...

Cerritos College Gives Back in More Ways Than One
Two canned-food drives, a money drive, a blood drive and a giving tree allow Cerritos College students, staff and Photo of Turkey Trot participants donating food. faculty to give to the less-fortunate...

Cerritos College Continues Tradition of Being an Athletics Powerhouse
Women’s water polo achieves victory while Falcon soccer moves into position for the championship...

"Staying Healthy" - Weekly Healthcare Tips from Student Health and Wellness Center
“Staying Healthy” features useful tips to help you stay healthy. Our subject this week is WATER...

Cerritos College Art Exhibition Will Display Faculty’s Artistic Side
The Cerritos College Art Gallery presents the work of Cerritos College art, design and photography faculty. The annual exhibition will include recent works by the faculty in many different media styles, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more...

Photo from the 2007 student art sale.  Original Student Artwork for Sale
Attendees can enjoy high-quality artwork, including ceramics, sculpture, wood, painting, jewelry and more. Pieces will be sold at prices ranging from a few dollars to $100. The Art Sale will take place in the Student Center, North Stage on Sunday, December 7...

Photo of the Cerritos College Choir. Cerritos College to Perform in a Holiday Choral Concert
The Cerritos College Community Choir, along with the choirs of the California Heights United Methodist Church of Long Beach, present a concert of holiday favorites...

Cerritos College to Perform in a Free Instrumental Holiday Concert
This family event will feature the Cerritos College jazz ensemble, concert band and orchestra in a festive evening of holiday music...De Donde poster.

Cerritos College Theatre to Present ¿De Dónde?
The Cerritos College Theatre Department is delighted to present ¿De Dónde?. This hard-hitting play focuses on the plight of immigrants fleeing northward in search of the fabled “American Dream”, but who encounter a much crueler reality...

Music Department Announces Fall Performances
Cerritos College Music Department will showcase their talents in a variety of performances this fall. Performances will include the Cerritos College jazz band, orchestra and chorus, among others...


Things to Note

>>>Open House in the Technology Building (TE3)

There will be an Open House on Wednesday, December 3 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

The following departments have moved and invite you to their new location:

~Pathway Programs Department
~Economic Development
~Foster & Kinship Care Education
~Development
~Research & Planning

>>>Nomination of Outstanding Faculty

Nominations for Outstanding Faculty will run from Monday, November 3 until Wednesday, December 3

Who may nominate?
All currently enrolled students and Cerritos College employees.

Who is eligible to win this award?
All certificated teaching and non-teaching faculty. This includes all full and part-time faculty, counselors, librarians and faculty in student services (Student Activities, DSPS, Career Center and Learning Assistance Program).

What is the criteria?
~Outstanding teaching, coaching or guidance
~Dedication to students and the college
~Other criteria may include:
Publications or grant writing
Club and student activities involvement
Contributions to the college through committees, special projects, volunteering, etc.
Service to the community as a representative of the college
Art exhibitions, concerts, public performances, etc.

Forms can be filled out online or at the following locations: Admissions and Records ● Business Education ● Classroom Building (CB) ● Computer Assisted Instruction Lab (CAI) ● Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) ● Faculty Senate Office ● Fine Arts ● Health Occupations (HPEA) ● Humanities/Social Sciences ● Liberal Arts ● Library Circulation Desk ● Science Building ● Student Activities Office ● Technology Theater

>>> Have a story you'd like to see in the Campus Connection? Submit an article request.

>>> Have an event on campus that you would like people to know about? Submit an event request.

>>> Have a message for the entire campus? Submit a Daily Falcon submit form.

Cerritos College Foundation Awards Thousands In Scholarships

Students Benefit from the Generosity of Others

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2008

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451, ext. 2287

NORWALK, Calif. - November 19, 2008 – The Cerritos College Foundation awarded $19,650 in scholarships to Cerritos College students at their November Board meeting on Thursday, including three $600 tool vouchers and $700 in recognition awards. A Kurzweil LearnStation was awarded, as well.

Photo (left to right) of Steve Richardson, scholarship recipient Woosuk Kim with his mother, and Nadim Junejo.The college’s Cheryl A. Epple Board Room was filled to standing-room-only with donors, presenters, recipients and their families.

“It’s a great morning and makes so much of what we do worthwhile,” said Steve Richardson, executive director of the Cerritos College Foundation.

In all, 28 students were given awards made possible by the generosity of donors.

Among the organizations presenting scholarships were the Habib American Bank, Woman’s Club of Artesia-Cerritos, Norwalk Woman’s Club, and the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA). A number of scholarships awarded were established by private individuals, as well.

The Habib American Bank Business Scholarship, an award of $1000 each, was presented to Christopher Pineda of Monterey Park; James Lee of Buena Park; Woosuk Kim of Garden Grove; and Mona Abassi of Paramount, by Nadim Junejo, branch manager at Habib American Bank in Artesia. The scholarship is awarded to students who are declared business majors, have a 3.0 or above grade point average and who have completed a minimum of 12 units at Cerritos College.

The $1,000, Cheryl A. Epple Memorial Scholarship, was presented to Nigora Sharipova, of Norwalk, and Melissa Wakefield, of Anaheim, by Bob Epple, Cerritos College Trustee and husband of the late Cerritos College Trustee, Cheryl Epple. The scholarship was established in 2004 by Epple and his family to honor Cheryl and recognize students who are committed to service in the community.

Photo of Joanne Witt (left) and scholarship recipient, Diana Gregory. “Thank you for supporting my education, as well as my future,” said Sharipova to Epple when he presented her with the scholarship.

Sharipova came to the United States from Tajikistan and would one day like to work for the United States State Department in international relations. She is currently living with a house mother that took her in when she came here as an exchange student while still in high school.

Another scholarship established by a long-time Cerritos College Board of Trustees member, the John Moore First Step Scholarship was presented by Moore to Karen Olvera, of Pico Rivera. This was the first time the First Step Scholarship was awarded. It was established by Moore, a now-retired 19-year member of the Board, to help first semester college students who show the promise of succeeding.

Moore grew up in south central Los Angeles and never imagined that he would go to college. He was lucky enough to be the recipient of a scholarship right out of high school that gave him the boost he needed. The scholarship is used to help others like him.

Woman’s Club of Artesia-Cerritos member, Joanne Witt, presented the $750 Woman’s Club of Artesia-Cerritos Marguerite Phares Scholarships to Diana Gregory, of Lakewood; Jivka Rousseva, of Long Beach; and Jamilia Garcia, of Bellflower. The scholarship is for female students re-entering the academic world.

Photo of Jean Michael (left), Barnett's daughter, and scholarship recipient, Monique Barnett.Witt also presented the $500 E. Maude West Scholarship to Billie Wilson, of Lakewood, who started attending Cerritos College after a work injury left her unable to do her job. She is currently working towards her master’s in construction management. The scholarship was established by long-time Artesia resident E. Maude West, who was renowned in the community for her charitable work and her commitment to women's issues and the pursuit of educational goals.

Additionally, Witt presented Monique Barnett, of Los Angeles, with the $750 Ellen Carver Re-Entry Scholarship that was established by the Woman’s Club of Artesia-Cerritos in memory of club member Ellen Carver.

“When I first came back to school I almost couldn’t stay because I couldn’t afford my books,” said Barnett when Witt presented her with the Carver scholarship.

Barnett was also one of the recipients of the $1,000 Jean O. Michael Scholarships that were awarded Thursday.

Jean Michael, wife of retired Cerritos College President Dr. Wilford Michael, presented Barnett and Stephanie Fernandez, of Riverside, with the scholarship that was established in her honor by her children. The scholarship is for re-entry women that are majoring in business.

Since they started the scholarship in 2000, the Michael family has given a total of 14 $1,000 scholarships to Cerritos College students.

Agnes Eyong, a native from Cameroon who now lives in Downey, received the Carmen Solis Pratt Re-Entry Scholarship, a $1400 award, presented by Judge Dan Pratt. The scholarship was established by Judge Pratt in memory of his mother who valued education, but was never able to attend college herself. Photo of Betty McDougall (left) with scholarship recipient Jivka Rousseva and her son.

“This scholarship honors students in whom I see my mother’s sense of initiative and drive,” said Pratt. “I look for where it [the scholarship] will make the biggest impact and try to take the pressure off for one year so they don’t have to worry about tuition or books.”

Eyong got some more help with completing her educational goals with a $500 scholarship from the Norwalk Woman’s Club, who annually gives the award to a female Cerritos College re-entry student.

“It’s really a challenge for me to be here at Cerritos College because it’s expensive,” Eyong said when she was awarded with the scholarship. “The scholarships are helping me.”

The Golden Girls Scholarship is another scholarship that was first awarded this year. It was established by five women who wanted to help female re-entry students. The “golden girls” decided that instead of spending money on birthday and Christmas gifts for one another they would instead put $25 into a scholarship fund.

Golden Girl Betty McDougall presented Jivka Rousseva, of Long Beach, with the $750 award. Rousseva is a full-time student, as well as a full-time single mother of her son, Christopher, reminded McDougall of herself.

“She was special to me because I came to this country at 19 and it was a hard adjustment, but coming here on your own with a child is even harder,” said McDougall.

Administration of Justice faculty member, John Collins, presented the Robert W. Collins Scholarship for Administration of Justice Students to Leslie Almanza, of Norwalk, who received a $500 award. Almanza, who is expecting withPhoto of the recipients of the $100 Administration of Justice recognition awards. her first child, wants to become a deputy sheriff and is currently a member of the Army Reserves.

Additionally, Myriam Inzunza of Montebello; Charles Rockwell of Norwalk; Fabiola Zamarripa of Bell; Vanessa Hack of Lakewood; Jose Garcia of Long Beach; Adela Garcia of Bellflower; and Jonathan Valle of Bellflower, each received $100 in recognition awards.

This scholarship was established in memory of John Collins’ father Robert W. Collins, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, who rose through the ranks to become chief of police for the City of Monterey Park.

Executive Director of the Cerritos College Foundation, Steve Richardson, presented Velvin Atkins, of Long Beach, with the $500 Broderick/Commeford Scholarship that was established by Cerritos College reading professor, Dr. William Broderick, and named in memory of Broderick and his father-in-law.

“I want to change my life,” said Atkins as he received the award. He continued on to read a poem that expressed his feelings of gratitude.

Photo of (left to right) Todd Leutheuser with $600 Tool Voucher recipients, Jesus Salazar and Vincent Gonzales.Todd Leutheuser, executive director of the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) and Program Center Manager of Northwood University on the Cerritos College campus, presented the $1000 SMCDA Northwood 3rd Year Scholarship to Christopher Pineda of Monterey Park. This award assists Cerritos College students who have completed their first two years in automotive technology training and are pursuing their bachelor’s degree through Northwood University’s program.

Leutheuser also presented Vincent Gonzales of Cerritos; Jesus Salazar of Bellflower; and Jason Simpson, of Downey, with the SMCDA Automotive Technology Scholarship, which gives a $600 Tool Voucher to automotive technology students. Automotive techs usually need to have their own tools which can exceed $30,000. This scholarship allows its recipients to get a jump-start on their toolbox.

Sue Parsons, director of the Cerritos College Teacher Training Academy (Teacher TRAC), presented Sendy Mondragon, of Hawaiian Gardens, with the Guadalupe Sanchez de Hernandez Teacher TRAC Scholarship that was established in memory of Hernandez. This scholarship is awarded to a non-native English speaker newly admitted into the Teacher TRAC program.

Photo of Mary Hunt with Lawrence Anthony Weathers who recieved a Kurzweil LearnStation.Lastly, the Assistive Learning Scholarship was presented to 54-year-old, Lawrence Anthony Weathers, by Mary Hunt, Cerritos College Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) central intake and services specialist.

Weathers, who had two strokes in 2003 and came back to school as a computer science major in 2006, received a Kurzweil LearnStation that will allow him to burn his textbooks onto CDs so he can learn by listening, instead of by reading, the long text of computer science books.

“I can still learn even though it’s taken me awhile,” said an emotional Weathers. “This is the best gift ever.”

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 beyond that which state funding supports. 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 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages nearly 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at http://www.cerritos.edu/.

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Cerritos College Makes an Appearance at the NHRA Automobile Club World Finals

Schools Chrysler’s College Automotive Program (CAP) Represented at Career Fair and Races by Top Alcohol Funny Car

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2008

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287

NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver, Bobby Martin, with his Cerritos College decaled car.NORWALK, Calif. – November 19, 2008 - The Cerritos College CAP Program, along with the school’s other corporate programs, attended the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Career Opportunities Fair Wednesday, November 12, at the Pomona Fairplex.

The career fair is an annual event that brings high school students to Pomona, the day before the NHRA Automobile Club World Finals, to be informed about the different occupations associated with the sport, including technician, driver, journalist or marketing and management.

Cerritos College was represented at the fair by several booths manned by instructors and support staff.

The CAP Program went a step further at their booth with two Chrysler cars and NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver, Bobby Martin. Martin and his race car owner, Frank Parker, were both on hand to answer any questions the students had.

“I have always enjoyed teaching,” said Martin. “It draws students who might otherwise not attend and, quite often, it inspires them to enter Photo of students gathering information from the Cerritos College booth. the program. We have program graduates crewing for us right now…they credit CAP for providing the knowledge to work on a complex race car.”

Cerritos College CAP has been a long-time supporter of Martin and Parker and helped their team make the trip to the Finals. In recognition of the support, there is a large Cerritos College CAP Program decal on the hood of the car Martin races.

“As the CAP coordinator, I utilized grant money to help finance Bobby Martin’s visit to the NHRA Auto Club World Finals competition for the purpose of marketing Cerritos College CAP,” said Cerritos College’s Richard Aragon. “In addition to the career fair, our CAP was also represented by a booth in the race car’s pit area and was manned by myself and Frank Vega during the four-day event.”

Cerritos College is the top college out of 35 school’s nationwide participating in the CAP Program.

Martin, racing in his Cerritos College decaled car, came in 4th place in his category at the Finals. The car, along with Martin, will be televised on the NHRA Lucas Oil Sportsman Series on ESPN2 at 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 23, along with the others that placed within the top eight.

Photo of guests taking a look at Martin's car. Chrysler's College Automotive Program (CAP) is a two-year automotive program which allows students at Cerritos College to gain experience servicing Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. During the two-year program, students take part in classroom learning and gain hands-on internship experience at local dealerships – something that has become increasingly necessary as automobiles become more complex each year. Upon completion, students receive an associate degree and become certified technicians for Chrysler vehicles. For more information on Cerritos College’s automotive training programs, visit us online at www.cerritos.edu/advtranstechctr or call 562.860.2451, ext. 2974.


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 surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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The Campus Connection Online...November 17, 2008

TURKEY TROT WILL BE HELD IN GYM DUE TO AIR QUALITY

Photo of students look at the Cerritos College sponsored Top Alcohol Funny Car. Cerritos College Makes an Appearance at the NHRA Auto Club World Finals
The Cerritos College CAP Program, along with the school’s other corporate programs, attended the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Career Opportunities Fair Wednesday at the Pomona Fairplex...

Photo of Sergio Macias, left, Brenda Villa, and Cerritos College Board of Trustees President Bob Arthur. Board of Trustees Recognize Silver Medalist Brenda Villa
The Cerritos College Board of Trustees presented Olympic Silver Medalist and Cerritos College women’s water polo assistant coach since 2004, Brenda Villa, with a Certificate of Recognition at the November board meeting Wednesday night...

Sports In Brief
Photo of jazz ensemble member. For the first time in the programs history, the Cerritos College women’s water polo team will head to the state championship this Saturday at Merced College. Football and men's water polo suffer tough losses...

Cerritos College to Host 11th Annual Turkey Trot November 18
Combining a wellness event with community goodwill, Cerritos College will host its annual Turkey Trot on Tuesday, November 18. To enter the 2-mile walk/run, participants must donate at least one canned food item...

Cerritos College Jazz Ensemble Will Perform in a Free Fall Concert
This concert will feature the Cerritos College Jazz Ensemble in an evening of traditional and contemporary jazz standards...

Original Student Artwork for SalePhoto of 2007 Student Art Sale items.
Attendees can enjoy high-quality artwork, including ceramics, sculpture, wood, painting, jewelDe Donde posterry and more. Pieces will be sold at prices ranging from a few dollars to $100. The Art Sale will take place in the Student Center, North Stage on Sunday, December 7...

Cerritos College Theatre to Present ¿De Dónde?
The Cerritos College Theatre Department is delighted to present ¿De Dónde?. This hard-hitting play focuses on the plight of immigrants fleeing northward in search of the fabled “American Dream”, but who encounter a much crueler reality...

Music Department Announces Fall Performances
Cerritos College Music Department will showcase their talents in a variety of performances this fall. Performances will include the Cerritos College jazz band, orchestra and chorus, among others...


Things to Note

>>>Nomination of Outstanding Faculty

Nominations for Outstanding Faculty will run from Monday, November 3 until Wednesday, December 3

Who may nominate?
All currently enrolled students and Cerritos College employees.

Who is eligible to win this award?
All certificated teaching and non-teaching faculty. This includes all full and part-time faculty, counselors, librarians and faculty in student services (Student Activities, DSPS, Career Center and Learning Assistance Program).

What is the criteria?
~Outstanding teaching, coaching or guidance
~Dedication to students and the college
~Other criteria may include:
Publications or grant writing
Club and student activities involvement
Contributions to the college through committees, special projects, volunteering, etc.
Service to the community as a representative of the college
Art exhibitions, concerts, public performances, etc.

Forms can be filled out online here or at the following locations: Admissions and Records ● Business Education ● Classroom Building (CB) ● Computer Assisted Instruction Lab (CAI) ● Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) ● Faculty Senate Office ● Fine Arts ● Health Occupations (HPEA) ● Humanities/Social Sciences ● Liberal Arts ● Library Circulation Desk ● Science Building ● Student Activities Office ● Technology Theater

>>> Have a story you'd like to see in the Campus Connection? Submit an article request.

>>> Have an event on campus that you would like people to know about? Submit an event request.

>>> Have a message for the entire campus? Submit a Daily Falcon submit form.

Cerritos College Board of Trustees Recognize Olympic Silver Medalist Brenda Villa

Women’s U.S. Water Polo Team Captain Helps Coach Cerritos’ Girls Team to Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2008

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287

Photo of the Cerritos College Board of Trustees with Brenda Villa, who is holding her Olympic Silver Medal. NORWALK, Calif. - November 18, 2008 - The Cerritos College Board of Trustees presented Olympic Silver Medalist and Cerritos College women’s water polo assistant coach, Brenda Villa, with a Certificate of Recognition at the November 12 board meeting.

The Cerritos College women’s water polo coach, Sergio Macias, introduced his childhood friend and coaching partner, Villa, to the Board as “one, if not the best, water polo player in the world.”

Villa has played on the United States Water Polo team in the last 3 summer Olympics and has won 2 silver medals and one bronze medal.

The passion Villa has for the sport was apparent as Macias spoke about some of his memories of her when they were younger, including how they played water polo on the same team at Bell Garden’s High School because there was no girl’s water polo team.

Her love of the sport and the skills she has when in the pool is obviously rubbing off on the girls Cerritos College team.

The Falcons women’s water polo team is advancing to the state championships for the first time in the program's history. Seeded #3 out of the South, the team will play twice this Thursday and if they win their playoff bracket, they will play for the state championship this Saturday. If they come in second place in their bracket, they will play for third place.

Villa brought her silver medal from Beijing with her to the board meeting and allowed all the members a chance to hold it.


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 surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College Counselor Shares His Experiences with Others

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 7, 2008

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287

Photo of Marcelino Saucedo holding a copy of his book "Dream Makers and Dream Catchers: The Story of the Mexican Heritage on Catalina Island". NORWALK, Calif. - November 7, 2008 - Marcelino Saucedo is one of the first-generation children from parents that fled their homeland of Tepehuanes, Durango, Mexico for Santa Catalina Island, California.

Mexico was in a state of upheaval during the 1910 Revolution and many Mexicans were fleeing the country for the promise of jobs and safety in America. The rumored safe haven on a California island circulated through the small town where Saucedo’s parents grew up.

Gregorio Saucedo left Tepehuanes for Catalina in 1920 and Maria, Marcelino’s mother, made her journey in 1922. Both left their homeland not knowing what America would have to offer, but their destination was the same. They reacquainted with each other in the Pebbly Beach barrio on the island and soon got married and started a family.

Marcelino was born on Catalina Island in 1935. He was just one of many children on the island that were born to Mexican immigrant parents.

The island, which was a Mexican territory until 1848, started to see an influx of immigrants after William Wrigley Jr., of the chewing gum company, bought it in 1919 and turned it into what people see it as today. The majority of labor was done using the immigrants fleeing the dangers in Mexico.

Saucedo, who has been working at Cerritos College as a counselor for the past 36 years, grew up in the Mexican community on American soil and was influenced by both of the cultures that surrounded him.

“I was able to evaluate the two cultures and select the best of both,” Saucedo said. “I appreciated the strengths of the Spanish language and the Mexican culture and still I was proud to be an American citizen. I absorbed the best of each and made it part of who I am today.”

Saucedo wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do with his life when he was growing up, but he knew he didn’t want to spend his whole life working in the rock quarry on Catalina. He left the island in search of something more, something better, than what Catalina could offer him.

He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s as well, and by 1976 he had earned his Marriage Family Therapist’s License, too. His career has been full of moves and changes, but he has spent the majority of it at Cerritos College helping students chase their own dreams.

“Each level, coaching, teaching, high school and college counseling, all presented new challenges and I learned and loved the challenges,” Saucedo said about his career. “I feel that I was successful at each level.”

Saucedo has taken on each new challenge that has come his way and in 2004 he challenged himself yet again. He decided that the history of Mexican immigrants was an important part of California history that was consistently getting overlooked by historians. He took it upon himself to write a book detailing the mark that immigrants have left on California, and Catalina.

“My purpose was to validate the profile of a group that contributed so much to our nation,” he said. “The religious and family values, the work ethic, the altruistic giving for all in the community is a respectful and unique model for all ethnic groups as they intermingle with the dominant population.”

"Dream Makers and Dream Catchers: The Story of the Mexican Heritage on Catalina Island" was written by Saucedo and published in 2008. He hopes that his book will help document the history and highlight the contributions of a group that has been invaluable to the state of California.

“My book represents the void of 100 years that have been absent in our California history,” he said.

Although Saucedo retired in 1993 he continues to work as a counselor at Cerritos College one day a week. He enjoys being able to help those that are like he once was. He remembers what it felt like to have no direction. He sees himself in the students he counsels.

“I feel good and functional so I continue to work,” Saucedo said. “It makes me feel good to be able to help these students. They need support, direction, guidance and encouragement.”


All of the proceeds from the sale of "Dream Makers and Dream Catchers: The Story of the Mexican Heritage on Catalina Island" will go to the Catalina Island Museum, where Saucedo currently serves as a board member. For information on purchasing the book go to http://www.catalinamuseum.org/giftshop.html or call the museum at (310) 510-2414.

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 surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College Jazz Ensemble Will Perform in a Free Fall Concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2008

Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext.2287

WHAT: This concert will feature the Cerritos College Jazz Ensemble in an evening of traditional and contemporary jazz standards.

Photo of saxophonists' with the jazz ensemble. WHEN: Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Student Center
Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650

A map of the campus is available at http://cms.cerritos.edu/campus-guide.

COST: Free

Photo of drummer with jazz ensemble. PARKING: One-day parking passes may be purchased for $1 in parking lots C-1, C-2 and C-10.

CONTACT: For more information, please visit the Music performances web page at http://cms.cerritos.edu/music/performances or contact the Music Department office at (562) 860-2451 ext. 2629.


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 averages nearly 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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