[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 175 (Tuesday, November 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

                                 ______


                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, November 7, 1995

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rio Hondo 
Community College in Whittier CA, which is celebrating its 35th 
anniversary and the appointment of its 8th superintendent/president, 
Dr. Jesus ``Jess'' Carreon.
  Rio  Hondo  Community  College  District encompasses a 65.5-square-
mile area which includes the cities of Whittier, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe 
Springs, South El Monte, and portions of Norwalk, La Mirada, Downey, La 
Puente, Industry, and El Monte. According to the 1990 census, the 
population of the district is approximately 318,000 with nearly 107,000 
households.
  As part of the great growth in community colleges in the late 1950's 
early 1960's period, the district was established by election in 1960, 
with the first independent board of trustees elected in 1962. In 1963, 
classes were offered for the first time at a local elementary school, 
Little Lake. The present campus opened in the fall of 1966 with an 
enrollment of 3,363 day students and 2,682 evening students. The site 
of the present campus was part of the former Pellissier dairy estate.
  The combination of a convenient urban location with a scenic rural 
setting enhances the college's well deserved reputation for dedication 
to excellence in teaching, student services, and innovative programs. 
Rio Hondo annually draws approximately 15,000 culturally diverse 
students to its hillside campus.
  Dr. Jesus ``Jess'' Carreon, superintendent/president, was named at 
the board of trustees meeting in April, 1995, and assumed leadership of 
the college on July 1. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have visited 
the college countless times and have held numerous seminars and 
conferences at its facilities. I have always been impressed with the 
college's staff and appreciate the strong professional support they 
have provided me.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise to celebrate the Rio Hondo 
Community College District's 35th anniversary and I ask my colleagues 
in the House of Representatives to join me in extending our best wishes 
and congratulations to the college's President Carreon, and the board's 
members, President Maria Elena Martinez, Vice President David Siegrist, 
clerk Don L. Jenkins, and members, Dr. Barbara Stone and Alex Morales.

                          ____________________