FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2008
Media Contact: Lesley Wheeler, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451 ext. 2287
Steve Richardson, executive director of the Cerritos College Foundation was presented with a check for $1000 from James Willingham, CEO of Boulevard Buick/Pontiac/GMC in Long Beach on Friday, October 17.
As well as being the CEO of Boulevard and former president of the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA), Willingham is an Ambassador for the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation (NADCF).
The NADCF gives a gift of at least $1000 in the name of the ambassadors every three years to an organization of the ambassador’s choice. Willingham chose the Cerritos College Foundation to be the recipient of his gift, which totaled $1500.
"We are fortunate to have an organization such as the National Auto Dealers Charitable Foundation that can support worthwhile endeavors, like the Cerritos College Center for Transportation Technologies," said Willingham. "Helping this project get off the ground will ensure future technicians will have the tools necessary to diagnose and repair the cars of tomorrow."
The college and its partners, with support of the Cerritos College Foundation, has launched a $4.8 million capital campaign for private support to help augment local bond funds provided for the $15 million expansion of the center. The proposed training center will include a $9 million renovation of the existing three-acre auto complex and a new $6 million automotive partners building that will focus on management education for the auto industry. When completed in 2009, the center will play a large role in filling the ever-changing, highly skilled employment needs of the auto industry.
Cerritos College has offered automotive technology training since the college began in 1955. Nearly 1,000 students annually seek certificate degrees and special programs in the disciplines of automotive repair, advanced transportation technologies, auto collision repair, intelligent transportation systems and alternative fuel and hybrids, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the United States. As one of ten state Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy Initiative Centers, the Cerritos College Automotive Technology Program continues to be recognized as regional and state leaders by being awarded $1.2 million in program grants this year to support and expand technician education and training.
Cerritos College’s Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, Chrysler and import vehicles, and operates a California Advanced Transportation Technology Center partially subsidized by the state to encourage development of alternative fuel sources.
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 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.
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