[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MR. LUIS P. VILLARREAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate Luis P. 
Villarreal, who received the 2000 Presidential Award for Excellence in 
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring for his work in 
developing science education and research programs to assist minority 
students at the high school and university level. Mr. Villarreal is a 
professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of 
California, Irvin (UCI). He was selected as one of ten individual 
recipients to receive this prestigious award.
  Mr. Villarreal began his academic career when he enrolled in a 
community college to become a medical technologist. Encouraged to 
continue his education, he went on to complete a four year degree in 
chemistry and then entered graduate school. As a researcher in biology, 
Mr. Villarreal is currently doing research on the connection between 
cervical cancer and viruses. He also manages a million-dollar annual 
budget for the minority science program at UCI.
  One of his greatest accomplishments is to help struggling students 
achieve success in college, and to encourage them to become scientists. 
One of his students remarked that he is relaxed, but brilliant and very 
funny. Through his mentoring program, Mr. Villarreal has guided many 
under-represented students into the sciences. These students 
participate in a rigorous academic and research training program that 
is mentored by faculty members. The program includes paid internships, 
tutoring, academic advising, faculty seminars and participation at 
national conferences.
  I ask my colleagues to please join with me as we honor Mr. Luis P. 
Villarreal for his outstanding academic and educational achievements.

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