[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16798-16799]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUE TO FRANK REYES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor the career and 
contributions of a longstanding community activist, dear friend, loving 
husband, and father--Frank Reyes.
  After 32 years of loyal service to the Inland Empire of Southern 
California, Frank recently announced his retirement from his post as 
Executive Director of Governmental Relations for the San Bernardino 
City Community College District (SBCCD).
  Frank has made San Bernardino, California, his home since first 
immigrating to the United States from Guadalajara, Mexico, at age 12. 
He attended San Bernardino High School and Valley College before 
earning his degree in business from Cal State San Bernardino.
  While Frank's academic background is in business, his true passion 
lies in the field of education. Before joining SBCCD, Frank worked as 
both a professor and a student counselor. During his tenure at SBCCD, 
Frank's strong leadership helped secure over $100 million in grant 
money for both Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College.
  Frank has received numerous Community Awards, from myself and many 
others for his excellent work in the areas of education, county safety, 
and community leadership.
  Frank has been an active member of many distinguished professional 
organizations, including, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and 
Universities, the California Teachers' Association, the California 
Community College Counselors Association, the Association of Mexican 
American Educators, and the Inland Empire Latino Business Council.
  In addition, Frank has been involved in numerous philanthropic 
activities in the San Bernardino area. He is a board member with Hands 
of Mercy, which builds homes for the needy in Ensenada, is an active 
member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater San Bernardino, and has been very 
involved with the Jerry Lewis Fire Training Facility. I know Frank will 
continue to work tirelessly, even in retirement, to support the causes 
he believes in.
  I have had the great privilege of becoming close, personal friends 
with Frank, his wonderful wife, Eloise, and their son Christopher. In 
addition to being an outstanding husband and father, Frank has always 
been a strong supporter to me and my family, and for that--I am forever 
grateful.
  My wife Barbara and I, my sons Councilman Joe Baca Jr. and Jeremy, 
and my daughters Natalie and Jennifer cherish their friendship, and are 
appreciative of all they have done over the years to create positive 
change in the Inland Empire.
  In fact, I gave Eloise Reyes a ``Woman of the Year'' award in 1993, 
when I was in the California State Legislature. She was recognized for 
all her great work in the community, and for being a true trailblazer 
as the first Hispanic, female attorney in the Inland Empire.
  Madam Speaker, my good friend Frank Reyes has lived a true life of 
service. He is a perfect example of what one can achieve with hard 
work, dedication, faith in God, and love in family and friends. My 
family and I congratulate him on a wonderful career, and wish him 
nothing but the best in retirement.

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