Retiree Gene Lazor Recognized

Gene — or as his students affectionately called him Lazor Beam — began his career at Cerritos College in 1984. As a Cerritos College alumnus, Gene understands how essential the College is to the surrounding community and was able to relay that passion for Cerritos College to students across his more than 35 years of instruction and service. 

Before his arrival to Cerritos College, Gene acquired over two decades of experience in industry — specifically in a wide array of positions in electronics maintenance. Gene performed high-tech service and equipment repair for radio communications as well as aircraft communications and navigation. Gene has served as a consultant for numerous projects related to micro-processing, air flow control, and aircraft passenger systems. He even served as a consultant and designer for a remote calculator display, decades before online instruction came to fruition. 

Gene began his career at Cerritos College in the technology division as a faculty member in its former electronics program. Gene utilized his extensive knowledge in electronics and communications maintenance to not only provide high-quality instruction but also extensive industry-related experience to his students.  

In 2003, Gene transferred from the technology division to the science, engineering, and mathematics division. As a faculty member in the computer and information sciences (CIS) department, Gene has taught a variety of courses, including technical skills courses in computer hardware and software, introductory courses in CIS, and courses related to web development and design. Gene also previously taught the College's CIS work experience course series, allowing students to acquire on-site, hands-on work experience in industry before transitioning from Cerritos College into the IT workforce. 

Gene was also responsible for developing the College's CIS 58 courses, which are related to understanding computer operating systems and developing hardware repair skills to sit for (and successfully pass) the CompTIA A+ certification to provide IT technical support. Through teaching this course series, Gene has prepared literally thousands of students to be our next generation of IT technicians. And, aligned with his attainment of Cisco Certified Network Associate certification, Gene was integral in the development of the networking program at Cerritos College and taught some of the first networking fundamentals and router configuration courses offered by the College. He was also instrumental in the College acquiring a half-million-dollar grant to support the electronics communication program and the development of the computer networking curriculum.  

Thank you, Gene, for your service at Cerritos College! Upon your retirement, we wish you good health, success, and fulfillment in the many years ahead.