[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING MR. GUS CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize one of 
the most inspiring and remarkable Latino leaders in our country, Mr. 
Gus Chavez. Gus Chavez is a bellwether in higher education and human 
service. Most importantly, he is an exceptional human being who has 
dedicated his entire professional life to improving access to higher 
education for underrepresented minorities in southern California.
  For more than 30 years, Mr. Chavez has worked as director of the 
Offices of Educational Opportunity/Ethnic Affairs and Affirmative 
Action at San Diego State University. An alumnus of SDSU, Gus Chavez 
was responsible for recruitment, admission and retention services of 
low income and educationally disadvantaged students at SDSU. He also 
assisted and promoted the development of university initiatives aimed 
at admitting a racially and culturally diversified student body 
throughout the university.
  Under his leadership, EOP/Ethnic Affairs at San Diego State has 
admitted over 22,000 low-income students in the university. Currently, 
San Diego State ranks 5th in the nation in awarding Bachelor of Arts 
degrees to Latino students.
  Throughout his illustrious career Mr. Chavez has earned numerous 
awards for his monumental accomplishments. Some of his awards include 
the Outstanding MEChA Faculty/Staff Award, the California Educational 
Opportunity Program Directors Service Award, and the Cesar E. Chavez 
Award for Social Justice Service. Although many of his awards come from 
the Latino community, African American and Filipino SDSU students have 
also recognized him. During his career, he earned the African Student 
Union Service Award and the Filipino American Council of San Diego 
County Service Award.
  After more than 30 years of serving underrepresented students, Mr. 
Chavez continues to mentor young people in his retired state. I 
unwaveringly commend him for his excellent work and for all his 
remarkable accomplishments.
  I am privileged to recognize him as the perfect example of today's 
exceptional leader.

                          ____________________