[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING GRACE N. MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 1999

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues the retirement of an extraordinary community leader, Dr. 
Grace N. Mitchell, the President of San Luis Obispo's Cuesta College.
  Grace has spent her 10-year tenure as President of Cuesta College 
making the college shine, not only in the eyes of its students and 
faculty but also in the eyes of the community. Under Grace's 
magnificent leadership, Cuesta College earned the first-ever ``Best-in-
Class'' California Quality Eureka Award, presented by the California 
Council for Quality and Service.
  Grace's 35-year career has been dedicated to excellence in higher 
education as well as outstanding community activism. She has worked as 
a vice chancellor, a vice president, an assistant superintendent, dean, 
counselor, and advisor to many community colleges throughout 
California. In 1995 she was named Citizen of the Year by the San Luis 
Obispo Chamber of Commerce. She has also been recognized for her work 
with the Foundation for Community Design, the SLO County Economic 
Advisory Committee and UCSB Economic Forecast Project, and a host of 
other community and professional organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, Grace N. Mitchell's dedication to the people with whom 
she works and lives is vast and unrelenting. She has proven herself to 
be a valuable asset to our community. I know I speak for many when I 
say that her commitment and vision for Cuesta College will surely be 
missed upon her retirement. I congratulate Grace on 35 years of service 
to her community and wish her all the best as she embarks on a new life 
journey.

                          ____________________