[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 89 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E496-E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL CLAIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEVIN MULLIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2023

  Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mike Claire, Chancellor of 
the San Mateo County Community College District, upon his retirement 
after 34 years of dedicated service to our community.
  Mike Claire joined the faculty at College of San Mateo in 1988 after 
working for a major public accounting firm, and just eight years after 
enrolling as a student at Canada College in Redwood City, and earning a 
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master in Business 
Administration degrees from California State University, East Bay. 
During his time as a faculty member, Mike Claire represented the 
Academic Senate on many college committees and served as chair of 
College of San Mateo's Curriculum Committee.
  In 1997, Mike Claire was appointed as Dean of the Technology Division 
at College of San Mateo and he worked with faculty and staff to support 
the development of several new career and technical education programs 
including Digital Media, Network Cabling, Instrumentation and Process 
Control Systems, new curriculum for the College's apprenticeship 
programs, a Paramedic Apprenticeship Program, and a full POST-certified 
police academy.
  Mike Claire served as the Vice President of Instruction at College of 
San Mateo from 2005 to 2006, and during that time, he worked with 
instructional deans to support new curriculum development, with faculty 
to develop the college's initial policies concerning the use of faculty 
computers and other technologies, and with high school and college 
stakeholders to expand the Middle College High School program.
  In January 2007, Mike Claire was appointed as President of College of 
San Mateo and worked with stakeholders to guide the college through two 
successful accreditation visits. He currently serves as a Commissioner 
on the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges 
(ACCJC). In addition, Mike Claire worked with college constituencies to 
develop several programs designed for underserved students, including 
learning communities and other programs that provide direct support to 
students. Mike Claire oversaw approximately $350 million of new 
construction and renovation for the College of San Mateo campus. During 
his tenure, College of San Mateo was recognized as an Aspen Top 150 
College, making the College eligible to compete for the prestigious 
Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
  In August 2019, Mike Claire was appointed as the Acting Chancellor of 
the San Mateo County Community College District, and as Interim 
Chancellor of the District in September 2019, serving in that capacity 
until his appointment as Chancellor in July 2020. Mike Claire 
skillfully guided the District and its three colleges through both 
internal and external challenges, most notably ensuring the District's

[[Page E497]]

mission was fulfilled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Mike Claire is a life-long San Mateo County resident, and he has 
engaged with and supported our community through his service on 
numerous boards including the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, Notre 
Dame High School, the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training 
Consortium and the San Mateo Credit Union.
  A great leader leaves an organization stronger than when they arrive. 
By that measure, Mike Claire has not only been a great leader, he has 
been a thoughtful steward in protecting, preserving, and enhancing the 
San Mateo County Community College District and its three colleges, 
most notably his beloved College of San Mateo. Mike Claire has 
dedicated his career to serving students and he leaves a legacy of 
countless lives touched and improved through his efforts. Mr. Speaker, 
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mike Claire on his 
retirement, commending him for his tireless dedication of time and 
talent, and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________