The Modesto Junior College Technical Education Department recognized achievers of degrees, certificates and program completions during a special awards ceremony on May 1, 2008. Also recognized were the Student of the Year, Alumni of the Year, Professor of the Year and Business Partner of the Year for Technical Education.
Honored for their achievements were 20 MJC graduates receiving Associate degrees and/or vocational certificates, 23 students who completed the Accelerated Careers in Technology (ACT) program, and 13 high school graduates from Modesto Technical Schools, a Modesto City Schools charter program that allows students to attend high school while also taking technical education classes and other college courses through MJC.
The 2007-2008 Technical Education Student of the Year Award was presented to Alejandro Perez in recognition of his academic excellence, responsibility, perseverance and promise in the field of Industrial Technology. Alejandro was born in the United States, but was raised in Mexico between the ages of 2 and 17 years old. When he was 17 he returned to the U.S. and enrolled in high school and college courses simultaneously to improve his English. After graduating high school, Alejandro enrolled in the military and served in Iraq. Upon completing his service, he moved from his original home in Los Angeles to Stanislaus County in spring 2007 where he enrolled in the ACT program at MJC. Alejandro earned an Associate degree in Industrial Technology Maintenance and completed the ACT Maintenance Mechanic Program. He carried a full load of 12 to 17 units each semester and held an off-campus job, while achieving a 3.56 grade point average and maintaining perfect attendance.
"This student never hesitates to assist his classmates in a time of need and is a true team player," commented Pedro Mendez, director of technical education at MJC.
The 2007-2008 Technical Education Alumni of the Year Award was presented to Sandy Layne, for his outstanding professional accomplishments and progress in his career field. After graduating from MJC with an Associate degree in Communication Graphics, Sandy transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to complete his Bachelor's degree in Graphic Communication with a concentration in Print Management. He is employed as a lithographic facilitator at Pacific South West Container in Modesto.
The 2007-2008 Technical Education Professor of the Year Award was presented to Gerald Wray for his dedication and excellence in teaching. The recipient of this award is selected by the students in technical education.
The 2007-2008 MJC Technical Education Department Business Partner of the Year Award was presented to Del Monte Foods. This award recognizes the employer who provides leadership in working with MJC's Technical Education programs and students, helping to expand educational opportunities and skill growth. This year, Del Monte was instrumental in committee work for the Central Valley Manufacturing and Maintenance Apprenticeship Program and helped expand on-the-job facility exposure for MJC's Industrial Technology students through the development of a plant internship program for students. Jim Mortensen, maintenance superintendent for Del Monte Foods and an alumnus of MJC, accepted the award on Del Monte's behalf. He reminded students in his remarks that this is only the beginning of their educational journey because they will need to be lifelong learners to keep pace with the constant changes that take place in industry and technology.
"This is the first year we gave a Business Partner of the Year award," said Pedro Mendez. "It is important that we recognize the vital role our business partners play in supporting our technical education programs."
For more information contact the Technical Education Office at (209) 575-6332.
