Message from the Executive Director

Welcome to Americana – This is an important community event that we have celebrated for 48 years. Thank you for joining us to honor our Citizens of the Year and Person of the Year. We are also proud to showcase our incredible students. They pursue their education with unwavering strength and persistence against tremendous odds.

Over the past several years, our Cypress students have endured job loss, medical issues, and the difficulties of caring for their children and other loved ones. However, they did not allow the Pandemic to crush their resolve and now, despite these challenges, our students are succeeding because of their fortitude and the Cypress College family of employees, community supporters, and you – our donors.

The Cypress College Foundation, led by your support, plays a pivotal role in the success of our students. As we celebrate our honorees and enjoy our meal in person during Americana Awards, please help our students through your continued generosity and commitment.

Enjoy and thank you!

Howard Kummerman Executive Director,

From the Cypress College President . . .

We are pleased you are joining us tonight to honor our Citizens and Person of the Year. We hope you know how grateful we are for allowing us to share in the life of your communities through the power of higher education.

The Americana Awards is in its 48th year and even though we are approaching our 50th year, it still looks good in a little black dress and a tuxedo. This unique and special event allows the College to acknowledge and give back to the communities we serve and, in turn, raise money for scholarships for our most deserving students. Cypress College is your community college, and the impact we make together cannot be understated. Thank you for being with us on this special night.

The scholarships provided through your generosity help our students realize their dreams, allow them to strive for a better future and, for some, may even be the lifeline required to help them continue their education. And so, we thank you on behalf of our students, our faculty, and our staff. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

It is my privilege to recognize the inspiring contributions made by all of our honorees this evening. We all want to know that our lives have been meaningful, and this group of individuals are the quiet heroes among us. Through their own generosity, ingenuity, and hard work, each has given of themselves in ways that will impact our communities, our cities, and our county for years to come. It is an honor to celebrate and acknowledge their contributions as we gather together for tonight’s Americana Awards.

We appreciate the support of so many individuals: our generous donors, our Foundation Board, our elected officials, and our local businesses who support the work of the College year after year. We are particularly grateful to Union Bank for its continued commitment as our Title Sponsor and for Total Environmental Management (TEM) as our Presenting Sponsor, and for the ongoing support they provide the college. At Cypress, We Take This Journey Together, and together, we transform lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,

JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. President, Cypress College