Kevin M. Ramirez Math & Technology Center and Art Sculpture Dedication
Rocklin, Calif.- On May 6, at a gathering of faculty, staff, students, community members, and trustees, Sierra College honored the contribution and commitment of Dr. Kevin M. Ramirez, Superintendent/ President Emeritus by naming the V Building on the Rocklin Campus the Kevin M Ramirez Math & Technology Center. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Sierra College Patrons of the Arts also dedicated their latest public art donation installed near the Center’s entrance, a steel sculpture by artist Mike Conlen “Aspect Rising,” to Dr. Ramirez.
Among his many accomplishments Dr. Ramirez, who served as Superintendent/ President of the Sierra College District from 1993 until 2005, was instrumental in obtaining state funding for and building of the state-of-the-art center. Today the Center is home to some of the hottest new fields of career and technical training such as Photovoltaic design and installation, Mechatronics, Computer Programming, and Engineering.
“Kevin represents the heart and soul of Sierra College,” stated current President Dr. Leo E. Chavez in his address to the attendees at the ceremony. “Sierra is a special place and much of that has to do with his great leadership,” Chavez added. The proclamation, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees, was presented to Dr. Ramirez by Dr. Chavez and Board representatives Dave Ferrari and Barbara Vineyard, it reads:
Whereas, Dr. Ramirez’ leadership encouraged and fostered an atmosphere of collaboration, inclusivity and diversity across the District; and
Whereas, Dr. Ramirez led the development of the Homer “Buzz” Ostrom Stadium, the new soccer field and parking facilities, the remodel of the gymnasium, and the renovation of the Aquatic Center heating system to provide safety to all Heath, Education, Recreation Management, and athletic students as well as recreational and education opportunities for the community; and
Whereas, Dr. Ramirez’ colleagues at the Association of California Community College Administrators honored him with the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award for 2004-2005 during his tenure as President of Sierra College; and Whereas, Dr. Ramirez led the college as it planned for and implemented visionary measures through a time of extraordinary growth and change in the District and surrounding communities; and Whereas, it was under the guidance of Dr. Ramirez that Sierra College successfully sought community approval for the expansion of District facilities at the Nevada County Campus and Tahoe Truckee sites; and
Whereas, Dr. Ramirez was instrumental in the development and construction of the Math and Technology Center;
now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Sierra Joint Community College District formally names the Math and Technology Center, on the Sierra College Rocklin Campus, the “Kevin M. Ramirez Math and Technology Center”.
Since retiring from Sierra College, Dr. Ramirez works as a Higher Education and Search Consultant for Community Colleges and Universities throughout California and Oregon. He is a highly regarded leader for his work within the California Community College System and for his service to community organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors for PEACE for Families, the Community College League of California (past President), and the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (past President). He currently serves on the Board of Regents for Sacred Heart-Cathedral High School in San Francisco.
The “Aspect Rising” sculpture, commissioned by the Sierra College Patrons of the Arts, is the work of long-time resident of Grass Valley, Mike Conlen who earned a BA in Furniture Design and an MA in Sculpture from San Diego State University. He has been an instructor at the Sierra College Grass Valley Campus for the past 13 years as well as designing furniture and accessories for Home and Garden markets. He is noted for his sculpture and art furniture, primarily made of metal.