[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E286-E287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF DR. RAYMUND PAREDES, ASSOCIATE 
                        VICE CHANCELLOR AT UCLA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. HILDA SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2001

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Dr. 
Raymund Paredes, the Associate Vice Chancellor at UCLA. Dr. Paredes 
opened the doors of opportunity for many students from Los Angeles 
County through his leadership, direction and execution of academic 
development programs. He has served not only as a professional role 
models for Latinos across the United States, but most importantly as a 
positive role model to the residents of the 31st Congressional 
District. He exemplifies how one person's commitment to public 
education can make tremendous changes towards improving our educational 
system. Raymund Paredes obtained his B.A., in English from the 
University of Texas at Austin, in 1964. He went on to earn his in M.A. 
American Studies at the University of Southern California, 1969, and 
returned to the University of Texas at Austin for his Ph.D. in American 
Civilization, in 1973.
  Dr. Paredes joined the faculty of UCLA's English Department in 1973. 
His research has focused on Mexican American literature and culture and 
the impact of demographic change on American culture, art, and 
education. A driving force in the emergence of Chicano studies as a 
discipline, he introduced Chicano literature courses to the UCLA 
curriculum and chaired the Cesar Chavez Center for Chicana/o Studies 
from 1997 until 1999. He also served as an Associate Dean in the 
Graduate Division, overseeing the graduate fellowships unit as well as 
affirmative action programs from 1986 to 1989.
  As Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Development since 1989, 
Raymund has been engaged in a broad range of activities encompassing K-
12 and community college outreach, faculty recruitment and retention, 
curricular development, promotion of cultural and academic events, and, 
most recently, establishment of Community Education Resource Centers in 
five Los Angeles neighborhoods. He also worked on outreach in his 
capacity as Special Assistant to UC President Richard Atkinson from 
1998 to 2000.
  Dr. Paredes has long believed that by setting high expectations for 
students, they will eventually overcome their challenges. Dr. Paredes 
has been a strong advocate for the establishment of educational 
partnerships that lead to successful pipelines between high schools and 
four-year colleges, as well as between community colleges and 
Universities. He has played a most important role in outreaching to the 
most disenfranchised communities in the state of California. He has 
helped further the goals of the first successful summer academy for 
migrant students from California.
  Dr. Paredes has served as an appointed member to the Task Force on 
Latino Eligibility by the University of California from 1992-1997. He 
has also served as an appointed member of the Advisory Committee on 
Latino Education by the California State Department of Education, has 
served as an appointed member of the California Commission for the 
Establishment of Academic Content and Performance Standards, has served 
as the co-chair of the Committee on K-12 educational research for the 
Inter-University Program for Latino Research and currently he is a 
Consultant on education to the Univision television network.
  Dr. Paredes' true contributions to UCLA, the University of 
California, and the community at large far exceed the span of his 
myriad responsibilities. A champion of educational access, equity, and 
diversity, he has been a highly effective ambassador and leader on 
behalf of those causes. He has spearheaded landmark programs and forged 
relationships between the University and important local institutions--
vital bonds that will endure because of his commitment and persistence.
  Sadly, Dr. Paredes is leaving his position at UCLA, as he will be 
assuming the position of

[[Page E287]]

Director of Creativity, Culture and Arts Programs at the Rockefeller 
Foundation in New York.
  On behalf of the 31st Congressional District, I thank Dr. Paredes for 
your leadership, your service and most importantly for your commitment 
to improving the quality of life for students in the state of 
California.

                          ____________________