[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING CONTRA COSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHANCELLOR HELEN BENJAMIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Congressmen Mike Thompson, 
Jerry McNerney, and Eric Swalwell, rise today to honor Helen Benjamin 
for her long commitment to the future of our youth and her belief in 
the power of education to improve our lives and our communities. Over 
the last 27 years, Helen's leadership has been instrumental to the 
vibrant academic culture of the Contra Costa Community College 
District, spending the past twelve years as Chancellor.
  Helen was born in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, and attended 
Bishop College in Texas and earned her Master's and doctoral degrees 
from Texas Woman's University. Helen began her professional career as a 
public school teacher before taking a position at a four-year 
institution and moving to a community college. Helen joined the Contra 
Costa Community College District in the early 1990s as the Los Medanos 
College Dean of Language Arts and Humanistic Studies and Related 
Occupations. She also participated in the inaugural class of the League 
for Innovation in the Community College's Expanding Leadership 
Diversity program.
  Helen has held several positions within the district over the years, 
including President of Contra Costa Community College, before becoming 
Chancellor in 2005. She leaves behind a legacy of passionate advocacy 
for higher education, cultural diversity, professional development, and 
expanding opportunities for the students and faculty at the district's 
three main campuses of Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College, and 
Contra Costa College. Helen has also been a guiding force in the 
expansion of the college district with a new campus in San Ramon and 
the consideration of a new campus in Brentwood.
  Helen is highly respected throughout the Bay Area and beyond as an 
inspiring public servant. I, along with Congressmen Mike Thompson, 
Jerry McNerney, and Eric Swalwell, wish Helen and her family well in 
her retirement and thank her for her years of dedicated service to 
those seeking to improve their lives through education.

                          ____________________