[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17456]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING JILL WAKEFIELD ON HER RETIREMENT

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                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 4, 2015

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jill Wakefield, 
Chancellor of Seattle Colleges, on her retirement after her forty 
impactful years working in higher education throughout Seattle.
  Prior to becoming Chancellor in 2009, Jill was already deeply 
involved in the Seattle's higher education community, having served in 
various capacities at South Seattle College (SSC) for more than thirty 
years. Jill began her tenure at South Seattle College as a program 
assistant in the Veterans office and her hard work resulted in a series 
of promotions; culminating with her tenure as President. While leading 
South Seattle Community College, Jill oversaw the development of 
leading-edge programs and upgrades to campus facilities.
  Upon being named Chancellor of Seattle Colleges, Jill's focus shifted 
to increasing the number of four-year degrees available and leading a 
district-wide initiative to promote green and sustainable programs. She 
also facilitated numerous grants and initiatives that supported both 
student success and retention, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates 
Foundation's Pathway to Completion and the City of Seattle's Pathways 
to Careers grants. Her success as Chancellor was quickly recognized 
throughout the Seattle area when she was named a 2010 Woman of 
Influence by the Puget Sound Business Journal, and later as one of 
2012's Most Influential People by Seattle Magazine.
  Jill has devoted her time and expertise to other higher education 
organizations as well, including service on multiple boards for Seattle 
University and as President of the League for Innovation at SSC. 
Furthermore, she has served on the National Advisory Committee of 
Presidents for the Association of Community College Trustees and a 
variety of other boards that focused on not only improving higher 
education, but the general well-being of people throughout Washington 
State.
  After six years of amazing work, Jill announced earlier this year 
that she would retire in June. Upon her retirement, Jill leaves behind 
a lasting legacy as the district's first female Chancellor. Despite her 
departure, Jill is confident in the foundation that has been created 
for Seattle Community Colleges in educating the workforce of tomorrow.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize and congratulate 
Jill Wakefield on her retirement and outstanding work as the Chancellor 
for Seattle Colleges.

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