The Interim President of Cerro Coso Community College, Dr. Mary Retterer (left) congratulates Robert Villicana as the recipient of the Alumni Association's Spring 2007 "Student of the Semester" award.

News Release

IWV Campus

Robert Villicana Named Cerro Coso's Spring 2007 "Student of the Semester"

May 10, 2007

The Cerro Coso Community College Alumni Association has been recognizing the outstanding achievements of Cerro Coso students each semester since 1988. The Alumni Association proudly announces the recipient of the Spring 2007 "Student of the Semester" award is Robert Villicana from the IWV Campus. Villicana was honored at an Alumni Association awards luncheon on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at Texas Cattle Company. He was nominated for the award by Cerro Coso speech instructor, Janis Jamison, who stated, "Robert has a lot of energy and passion for every speech he gives in my class. When other students speak, he is attentive and supportive. Robert sets a wonderful example for other students to follow. Anytime there is an event involving Cerro Coso students, in the community or on the campus, Robert is there! He is a student's student."

Overall GPA, class participation, extracurricular activities, and community involvement are all considered in the selection process for this award. Villicana is currently enrolled in 13 units and has completed 60.5 units overall. In addition to his college studies, Robert participates in the TRiO Program, serves as a Student Ambassador, President of the Special Services Club, Associated Students of Cerro Coso (ASCC) representative for the Students Intrigued by Technology Club, and is presently running for the position of President for the ASCC. He has listed his major as Social Science / History and his goal is to continue his education and one day teach history at a community college. In his spare time, Villicana enjoys reading, hiking, fishing and cooking.

"The Alumni Association is very proud to bestow this award on Mr. Villicana and acknowledges his many achievements by selecting him as the Spring 2007 "Student of the Semester," stated Director of Information, Development, and Alumni Relations, Joann Handeland. Villicana was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation, an alumni pin, a $200 cash award, a special Cerro Coso remembrance gift, his name added to a perpetual plaque honoring all recipients of this distinguished award, and his photo will be displayed on a "Student of the Semester" bulletin board at the College.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230