PCC Chancellor Flores Welcomes Obama Administration Effort to Strengthen Community Colleges
December 16, 2011
Tucson, AZ –Pima Community College Chancellor Dr. Roy Flores returned from Washington Wednesday pleased that policy makers are recognizing the critical role community colleges play in workforce and economic development.
“President Obama hit the nail on the head when he called community colleges the unsung heroes of America’s educational system,” said Flores. “Community colleges provide the education and training people need to get ahead in an economy that is slowly emerging from the greatest crisis since the Great Depression.”
Flores and Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations C.J. Karamargin were in Washington earlier this week to attend a policy briefing by top administration officials and a holiday reception at the White House.
The briefing, held next to the West Wing in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, included White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy Mike Pyle and Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris.
Community colleges across the nation are “absolutely bursting at the seams” with workers seeking new skills and careers, Harris said. “We want to marry skills development with economic development.”
Daley, a former Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton, noted the importance of education to the economic recovery. “A less educated workforce is not as productive as an educated workforce,” he said.
The holiday reception, hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, took place Tuesday evening in the White House East Room and State Dining Room. Flores and Karamargin were among more than 100 guests from around the nation invited to attend the event.
The theme of the White House’s 2011 holiday season is a tribute to U.S. troops, veterans, and their families. On display in the Blue Room is a nearly 19-foot Wisconsin fir decorated with military medals, badges and patches, as well as holiday cards created by military children.
“As a veteran myself, it was heartwarming to be part of a celebration that acknowledges the contributions our men and women in uniform,” said Flores.
CONTACT:
C.J. Karamargin
Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations
(520) 206-4850