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“IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF DR. RAYMUND PAREDES, ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR AT UCLA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E286-E287 on March 6, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF DR. RAYMUND PAREDES, ASSOCIATE
VICE CHANCELLOR AT UCLA
______
HON. HILDA SOLIS
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 6, 2001
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Dr. Raymund Paredes, the Associate Vice Chancellor at UCLA. Dr. Paredes opened the doors of opportunity for many students from Los Angeles County through his leadership, direction and execution of academic development programs. He has served not only as a professional role models for Latinos across the United States, but most importantly as a positive role model to the residents of the 31st Congressional District. He exemplifies how one person's commitment to public education can make tremendous changes towards improving our educational system. Raymund Paredes obtained his B.A., in English from the University of Texas at Austin, in 1964. He went on to earn his in M.A. American Studies at the University of Southern California, 1969, and returned to the University of Texas at Austin for his Ph.D. in American Civilization, in 1973.
Dr. Paredes joined the faculty of UCLA's English Department in 1973. His research has focused on Mexican American literature and culture and the impact of demographic change on American culture, art, and education. A driving force in the emergence of Chicano studies as a discipline, he introduced Chicano literature courses to the UCLA curriculum and chaired the Cesar Chavez Center for Chicana/o Studies from 1997 until 1999. He also served as an Associate Dean in the Graduate Division, overseeing the graduate fellowships unit as well as affirmative action programs from 1986 to 1989.
As Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Development since 1989, Raymund has been engaged in a broad range of activities encompassing K-
12 and community college outreach, faculty recruitment and retention, curricular development, promotion of cultural and academic events, and, most recently, establishment of Community Education Resource Centers in five Los Angeles neighborhoods. He also worked on outreach in his capacity as Special Assistant to UC President Richard Atkinson from 1998 to 2000.
Dr. Paredes has long believed that by setting high expectations for students, they will eventually overcome their challenges. Dr. Paredes has been a strong advocate for the establishment of educational partnerships that lead to successful pipelines between high schools and four-year colleges, as well as between community colleges and Universities. He has played a most important role in outreaching to the most disenfranchised communities in the state of California. He has helped further the goals of the first successful summer academy for migrant students from California.
Dr. Paredes has served as an appointed member to the Task Force on Latino Eligibility by the University of California from 1992-1997. He has also served as an appointed member of the Advisory Committee on Latino Education by the California State Department of Education, has served as an appointed member of the California Commission for the Establishment of Academic Content and Performance Standards, has served as the co-chair of the Committee on K-12 educational research for the Inter-University Program for Latino Research and currently he is a Consultant on education to the Univision television network.
Dr. Paredes' true contributions to UCLA, the University of California, and the community at large far exceed the span of his myriad responsibilities. A champion of educational access, equity, and diversity, he has been a highly effective ambassador and leader on behalf of those causes. He has spearheaded landmark programs and forged relationships between the University and important local institutions--
vital bonds that will endure because of his commitment and persistence.
Sadly, Dr. Paredes is leaving his position at UCLA, as he will be assuming the position of Director of Creativity, Culture and Arts Programs at the Rockefeller Foundation in New York.
On behalf of the 31st Congressional District, I thank Dr. Paredes for your leadership, your service and most importantly for your commitment to improving the quality of life for students in the state of California.
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