[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY COLLEGE

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate San Joaquin 
Valley College (SJVC) on the occasion of their 40th anniversary. SJVC 
has educated over 25,000 students and started them on the path of 
successful careers. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor 
SJVC's dedication and service to the community.
  Founded on April 14, 1977, SJVC began with three students studying to 
become medical assistants. Shirley Perry, founder of SJVC, began as a 
medical assistant herself, in pursuit of certification. Through 
diligent studying on her own she became the first person to pass the 
certification test without schooling. Her impressive success was 
admired by many other medical assistants, seeking help from Shirley on 
their exams. This tutoring led to a teaching position at a community 
college. After three years, Shirley became unsatisfied with the 
schooling options and was inspired to establish the San Joaquin Valley 
College.
  Robert Perry, Shirley's husband, left his job to handle the business 
aspects of the college. In 1995, the institution was accredited by the 
Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for 
Community and Junior Colleges. This accreditation allowed for SJVC to 
offer Associate of Science Degrees. The college now has 15 campuses 
located all over California, from Sacramento to San Diego.
  San Joaquin Valley College offers 22 programs and will soon open its 
newest campus in downtown Porterville, CA. The institution has been 
passed down to Mike and Mark Perry, the sons of Shirley and Robert, and 
continues to provide education to students across California.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating San 
Joaquin Valley College's 40th Anniversary, along with the Perry family, 
for all of their hard work and accomplishments within the past forty 
years.

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