[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E547-E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING DR. SUNITA ``SUNNY'' COOKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2026

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. 
Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke for her retirement as Superintendent and 
President of MiraCosta Community College. In honor of her retirement, I 
stand before you to celebrate her outstanding contributions to

[[Page E548]]

MiraCosta Community College and the greater Community.
  Dr. Cooke began her career in higher education as a biology and 
biotechnology faculty member after earning her Ph.D. in Biology from 
Georgetown University. Throughout her 30-year career, she has served as 
a department chair, dean, associate vice chancellor, and president 
before joining MiraCosta College in 2015.
  Under Dr. Cooke's leadership, MiraCosta College has implemented 
several innovative programs, including creating California's first 
biomanufacturing bachelor's degree at a community college. Under her 
leadership, graduation and transfer rates have significantly improved 
as she led the college to expand student support services to close 
equity gaps. The college was nationally recognized for this 
accomplishment as an Achieving the Dream Leader College and Aspen Prize 
for Excellence semi-finalist. Throughout her tenure, MiraCosta brought 
in nearly $46 million in state and federal grants to support college 
programs and students and passed a transformative $455 million 
facilities bond (Measure MM), modernizing classrooms and 
infrastructure.
  Dr. Cooke's leadership has extended to the state level. In 2015, she 
chaired the Statewide Task Force on Workforce and a Strong Economy, 
leading to an ongoing annual investment of over $260 million from the 
California State Legislature to enhance California community college 
career education.
  Dr. Cooke has served as the Chair of the American Association of 
Community Colleges (AACC), an officer of the California Community 
Colleges Baccalaureate Association (CCCBA), and an officer of the 
California Community Colleges CEO Board. She has also served on the 
executive committee of the San Diego Regional Economic Development 
Corporation and on the boards of Biocom and local chambers of commerce.
  Dr. Cooke's incredible leadership has been widely recognized. Her 
accolades include recognitions from the San Diego Business Journal in 
their Women Who Mean Business and Top 50 Women of Influence awards, as 
well as being included in the San Diego Top 500 List and the NAACP's 
Salute to Women of Color, Dr. Cooke was also named the CEO Awardee for 
the Pacific Region by the American Association of Community College 
Trustees.
  Dr. Cooke's dedication to ensuring every student has the right to 
succeed has created a lasting impact on students, her colleagues, and 
the greater community. Her leadership and service will be remembered 
through the Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke Legacy Fund, continuing her 
impact on the College and the community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke 
for her remarkable career and profound impact on MiraCosta College and 
the greater San Diego community. We are incredibly grateful for her 
dedication and deep commitment to student success. We wish her all the 
best as she enters retirement.

                          ____________________