[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2049-E2050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING AUGUSTINE GALLEGO DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
Hispanic Heritage Month, which commemorates the numerous contributions 
that Latinos make to our country. It is my privilege today to recognize 
an extraordinary individual who shapes the future every day through his 
valuable work, San Diego Community College District Chancellor 
Augustine Gallego.
  In his 14 years as Chancellor, Augustine ``Augie'' Gallego has earned 
a reputation as a national leader in higher education. He is the 
immediate past chair of the American Council on Education (ACE). Change 
Magazine recently named him as one of the 21 most influential higher 
education senior leaders in the United States. Locally, he is known for 
bringing together business leaders, community members, and politicians 
to find solutions for challenges within the educational system.

[[Page E2050]]

  Chancellor Gallego is a positive role model for young people within 
the Latino community and beyond who are unsure about pursuing post-
secondary education. The story of Augie's decision to go to college is 
inspirational. As a young man, Chancellor Gallego found work digging 
ditches. One day while digging, he looked up and noticed college 
students nearby. That moment served as an epiphany; Augie realized he 
did not have to dig ditches for a living. He decided to attend college.
  Chancellor Gallego truly embodies the mission of the San Diego 
Community College District of providing an accessible, high quality 
learning experience that responds to the unique needs of local 
communities and student populations. In his capacity as chief executive 
officer of one of the largest community college districts in the United 
States, he led the development of numerous innovative programs, 
including public and private partnerships to more effectively and 
efficiently serve students and the community. Among his many 
accomplishments, Chancellor Gallego has facilitated community college 
transfer to California's four-year public colleges, and developed 
opportunities for students to intern and work at local businesses.
  All of Chancellor Gallego's endeavors show a profound appreciation, 
understanding, and passion for community colleges and their role in the 
economic development, work force training, and education of a 
community. He respects the unique backgrounds and needs that each 
student brings to the classroom. The diverse community college 
population includes ``breakthrough students'' who are the first in 
their family to go to college, nontraditional students returning to 
school to obtain skills to help them either re-enter or advance in the 
labor market and students experiencing financial hardship. Community 
colleges represent hope and provide opportunities for many in San Diego 
County. Chancellor Gallego has helped turn those hopes into reality for 
thousands of San Diegans.
  A vocal advocate for students, Chancellor Gallego has brought 
attention to the impact of California's education budget reductions. 
Funding decreases translate into increased class size, fewer classes, 
less financial assistance and, ultimately, lost potential for the 
community.
  As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, I am proud to recognize 
Chancellor Augustine Gallego's steadfast commitment to improving the 
quality of education. Through his service in the San Diego Community 
College District, he has opened the doors of opportunity to a 
generation of students.

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