News Release

All Campuses

Cerro Coso Launches 35th Anniversary Celebration

September 15, 2008

Cerro Coso launched its 35th Anniversary Celebration Monday, September 8 with cake, punch, dignitaries, past and present employees and students.

Academic Senate President Rachel Winston welcomed the assemblage. "Our College has grown each year and we continue to demonstrate our commitment to the communities we serve" stated Winston. Dr. Mary Retterer, President of Cerro Coso stated "Cerro Coso is indeed a College on the move! It has been for thirty-five years and it will continue to be for the next third-five and beyond. Our mission is to Educate, Innovate, Inspire and Serve. The tradition really does continue!"

Honorary guest speaker, instructor Dr. Don Rosenberg who has been with the College since its beginning, told the audience about the early days. "It all started back in the 60's...the Desert Division it was called," he said. "It all began with a tiny office and a ditto machine at the local high school" Rosenberg continued.

At the conclusion of Rosenberg's speech, Mayor Chip Holloway presented a 35th anniversary proclamation from the City of Ridgecrest to President Retterer. Holloway stated "There are many things that make a community great...Cerro Coso is one of the single greatest assets of the community." Next up to the podium was Councilmember Dan Clark who said "the College was one of the blessings of the community."

35th Anniversary

CAPTION: (L to R) Ridgecrest City Councilmember Dan Clark; Cerro Coso Community College President, Dr. Mary Retterer; Kern Community College District, Chancellor Sandra Serrano; Mayor Chip Holloway and Associated Student Body President Al Skinner.