[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING DR. HENRY SHANNON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. 
Henry Shannon for his 19 years of service to Chaffey College ahead of 
his retirement on September 24, 2026. Through his leadership, Dr. 
Shannon has had an incredible impact on thousands of Inland Empire 
families in my congressional district and beyond.
  Dr. Shannon first came to Chaffey College in 2007, and has served as 
superintendent and president since then. His colleagues commend his 
leadership, saying his direction allowed students to thrive and grew 
the college's sense of community, as he aimed to make Chaffey College 
the jewel of the Inland Empire.
  Before Dr. Shannon launched his career in education, he earned his 
bachelor's degree from Harris-Stowe State University. After completing 
his undergraduate degree, he went on to earn his masters and doctorate 
degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, and a management 
certificate from Harvard University.
  Prior to serving Chaffey College, Dr. Shannon used his passion for 
higher education to serve the St. Louis community. In St. Louis, he was 
a campus president and the chief student affairs officer within the St. 
Louis Community College system. He began his career as a junior high 
school history teacher in St. Louis, and quickly rose to serve as 
chancellor for the entire St. Louis Community College system. He also 
served as a faculty member and administrator at Harris-Stowe State 
University and St. Louis University.
  Dr. Shannon and his wife, Gwendolyn, reside in the heart of the 
Chaffey College district. Together they raised four children, and have 
ten grandchildren.
  Locally, Dr. Shannon serves as a vibrant member of our community. His 
strong commitment to community engagement shines by serving as a board 
member of the Community College Research Center Advisory Board, the 
Alliance of San Bernardino County, the San Bernardino County Workforce 
Development Board, Growing Inland Achievement, and California Community 
Colleges Region 9 CEOs.
  Over the years, Dr. Shannon's commitment to the educational field has 
earned him numerous awards. In January of 2026, he was named CEO of the 
Year by the African American California Community College Trustees and 
Administrators. Growing Inland Achievement recognized his Equity-
Focused Excellence in 2023. In 2022, the San Bernardino County 
Superintendent of Schools honored Dr. Shannon with the Distinguished 
Service Award, and in 2021, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership 
named him Educator of the Year to recognize his commitment to workforce 
education and partnerships with the business community.
  Although Dr. Shannon has achieved numerous milestones, one of his 
proudest moments was when $25 million was awarded to Chaffey by 
philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This generous donation was awarded as 
the result of the school's commitment to equity, a principle that Dr. 
Shannon used to guide his career and leadership at Chaffey College.
  My office has been proud to partner with Dr. Shannon at numerous 
events to highlight and expand Chaffey College's innovative work. Dr. 
Shannon has helped me host visits from numerous federal officials, 
including former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, as well as the 
former Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, to the InTech Center to view the 
groundbreaking work that Chaffey College is doing to help ensure 
students have skills that local employers need.
  For his outstanding service to students throughout our community, it 
is my honor to recognize Dr. Henry Shannon. His commitment to the 
Inland Empire and beyond is worthy of the highest commendation.

                          ____________________