Celebrating the 45th anniversary of San Joaquin Valley College.

Whereas San Joaquin Valley College has provided educational opportunities and career preparation to residents of the State of California for 45 years; Whereas, since its first classes were held in 1977 to address a local shortage of educated medical assistants in Visalia, California, the second-generation, family owned college has subsequently grown to serve 17 communities throughout the State; Whereas San Joaquin Valley College, which started with one course offering for Medical Assisting, has since expanded to more than 20 certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs, including an online division, in the medical, business, and trade fields; Whereas, currently serving more than 5,000 students, San Joaquin Valley College provides an exceptional learning environment where a wealth of cultures and perspectives come together with respect and a commitment to learning; Whereas an estimated 69,000 graduates over the past 45 years have contributed to the economic, cultural, and educational capital of the State of California; Whereas San Joaquin Valley College has made a substantial impact on the California health care industry by awarding the most Respiratory Therapist associate degrees in 2019, with 1 in 4 graduates in California being educated at the College; Whereas, with a focus on these in-demand health care careers, San Joaquin Valley College has received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care every year since 2015; Whereas San Joaquin Valley College is a degree-granting institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; Whereas the educational programs and career opportunities provided by San Joaquin Valley College play a vital role in shaping the dreams and ambitions of our future leaders; Whereas the mission of San Joaquin Valley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers; Whereas the core values of San Joaquin Valley College, which focus on integrity, family, professionalism, communication, diversity and success, are exemplified by excellence in teaching and learning beyond the classroom; Whereas San Joaquin Valley College has remained dedicated to the idea that a quality education should be accessible to those of all backgrounds and financial means; Whereas San Joaquin Valley College has demonstrated a passion for helping the communities it serves through volunteer efforts since its founding in 1977, and during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas the College expresses gratitude to those dedicated to continuing its mission of shaping the future of its students and sustaining a path to educational opportunities for all; and Whereas this anniversary is a significant time to reflect upon the past, present, and future contributions of the College to the enrichment of lives throughout California: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) celebrates the 45th anniversary of San Joaquin Valley College; and (2) supports the mission of San Joaquin Valley College to advance the educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life of the community it serves.

Summary: This resolution celebrates the 45th anniversary of San Joaquin Valley College in California.