Press Release September 19, 2005

Rosa Pérez, chancellor of the San José /Evergreen Community College District will receive the“Award for Excellence in Education” by the California chapter of the National Organization for Women (CA NOW) on October 12 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. Other recipients include Virginia S. Hinshaw the Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor of the University of California, Davis and Carol B. Muller the Founder, President & CEO of MentorNet.

“Awardees are selected based on their commitment to equality-driven education and the general advancement of women in the field of education.” said Megan Seely, President, CA NOW. “These women are stellar examples of the kind of individual who not only is successful in her chosen profession, but for whom the personal is professional, and the professional is political. They are well deserving of accolades, and we are proud to honor them.”

Pérez has many years of higher education experience and accolades. Before she became chancellor of San José/ Evergreen Community College District, she was president of Cañada College, Redwood City for six years. She was also the first Latina president of any of the three colleges in the San Mateo County Community College District. She has served as vice president at City College of San Francisco, Santiago Canyon College, and Orange County and at Chabot College, Hayward. She also served as vice chancellor in the San Francisco Community College District.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Award for Excellence in Education.”

“I am proud to have a genuine commitment to deliver public higher education as a vehicle for social justice and as a means to establish a respectful, pluralistic society,” says Pérez.

Throughout her career, Pérez has earned a reputation as one of California’s leading innovators in higher education delivery. Past achievements include:

Successfully negotiating a partnership between San Francisco State University, Sequoia Health Care District and Canada College to provide a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the college.
Establishing a University Center on campus where approximately 1,000 students are currently enrolled in programs offered by state universities.
Developing partnerships with public school districts, businesses, local government and philanthropic institutions.
Increasing the Latino student population at Canada College to nearly 45 percent and earning the college the distinction of being the only Hispanic Serving Institution (HIS) in the Bay Area. This has helped qualify the college for federal grants.
“I am honored to join the list of women who have received this award. These women have not only made a difference in the education profession but in the personal lives of students as well.”