[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHELE JENKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE GARCIA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2023

  Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember 
the life, memory, and service of Michele Jenkins, a loving mother, 
generous friend, and selfless servant of her community. A resident of 
the Santa Clarita Valley since 1964, Michele dedicated herself to 
bettering the lives of others through decades of service.
  After graduating from William S. Hart High School, Michele attended 
the College of the Canyons before receiving a bachelor's degree from 
UCLA and a master's degree from the University of North Dakota. 
Grateful for the opportunities she had received as part of College of 
the Canyon's 1969 inaugural class, Michele was elected by the community 
to serve on college's Board of Trustees in 1984.
  Michele remained on the board until her passing earlier this month, 
making her the Board of Trustees' longest-serving member. During this 
time, Michele served 6 terms as president, 5 as vice president, and 7 
as clerk. Michele also participated in numerous groups and committees 
for the Board and led robust fund-raising efforts for the college. 
Among one of her most notable and lasting impacts on the board was her 
role in spearheading the effort to hire Dr. Dianne Van Hook as COC 
Chancellor. From 1988 onwards, Michele and Dr. Van Hook would work 
closely together to successfully transform the College of the Canyons 
from a local community college into a renowned institution which 
educates 20,000 Californians every year.
  While her work with COC was the cornerstone of her life in public 
service, Michele's giving back to the community did not begin and end 
with the college. She also helped start the Santa Clarita Valley 
chapter of the League of Women Voters, as well as the local branch of 
the American Association of University Women. Additionally, Michele 
received the Single Mother's Outreach award for her efforts to support 
single parents. In what time remained, Michele enjoyed entertaining 
others, especially COC faculty and staff, and most importantly, 
spending time with her family.
  While she will be dearly missed, Michele's impact on her family, the 
College of the Canyons, and the Santa Clarita Valley will not be 
forgotten. We will continue to honor Michele's incredible life and keep 
the Jenkins family in our prayers.

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