Allison Oster
Media Relations Specialist
(626) 815-4518
APU and Local CHAMP Students Welcome Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis
March 26, 2002
AZUSA, Calif. – Featured guest speaker Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis, representative of California’s 31st Congressional District, will share with local fourth grade students at the College Headed and Mighty Proud (CHAMP) graduation ceremony. Solis is a strong proponent of children of diverse backgrounds pursuing higher education. Graduation speakers also include Cynthia Cervantes-McGuire, assistant superintendent of the Azusa Unified School District, and Jon Wallace, DBA, president of Azusa Pacific University.
Tues., Apr. 2, 6-8:30 p.m.
APU’s Felix Event Center
701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa
El Monte, Calif. resident Solis graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1979, and received a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, in 1981. While completing her degree, Solis worked in the Carter White House’s Office of Hispanic Affairs. She began her career as an elected official in 1984 when she won a seat on the Rio Rondo Community College Board of Trustees, and in 1992 was elected to the California Assembly. In 1994, Solis became the first Latina elected to the state Senate. Her work for environmental justice led the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to give her a Profiles in Courage Award. Also an advocate of literacy and education, Solis read to local children at the Azusa City Library through the Leaders are Readers Program in May 2001.
Founded in 1991, the CHAMP Program is a collaborative effort between APU and local elementary schools to instill in fourth grade students the value of higher education. Fourth graders build relationships with Azusa Pacific students while gaining assistance in homework and learning about college. The 10-week program culminates with a field trip to the university campus and a graduation ceremony. For more information on CHAMP, contact Sara Cole at (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3778.
Developing disciples and scholars since 1899, Azusa Pacific is a comprehensive Christian, evangelical university, dedicated to supporting God First and excellence in higher education, and making a positive impact on society. For more information, call (800) 825-5278.
