News Release

IWV Campus

Cerro Coso Develops Engineering Program in Response to Community Needs

October 6, 2009

Cerro Coso Community College has developed a program in Engineering in response to needs of China Lake and other defense contractors.
"The students taking these classes are locals, many of whom took pre-engineering courses at Burroughs High School in preparation for these classes.
These students will be well-prepared for upper division engineering and we hope to welcome them back to the Indian Wells Valley
and the local employment opportunities," stated Dr. Mary Retterer, President of Cerro Coso Community College.

The husband and wife team of Gail Marie Petty and Sam Schoenhals have stepped up to start a scholarship endowment to assist these students with tuition and books.

"Our thanks to both for the $2,500 donation to establish this engineering Scholarship at Cerro Coso. I encourage all the engineers in the valley to be part of this scholarship effort to educate our local students and support our defense employers by contributing to the Sam Schoenhals Engineering Scholarship Endowment," continued Retterer.

Individuals interested in making a scholarship donation, giving to the textbook fund or establishing a new scholarship endowment, are encouraged to contact the Cerro Coso Development Office at 384-6230.


Photo caption: (L to R) Gail Marie Petty smiles brightly with Dr. Mary Retterer after establishing the Sam Schoenhals Engineering Scholarship Endowment in her husband's name at Cerro Coso College.

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