The Cerritos College Foundation presents new Automotive Technology Technician Excellence Award

Bob Smith, Dr. Jim Lancaster, Eric Lopez, Joe Mulleary, Dr. Jose Fierro (l-r)The Cerritos College Foundation presented the newly established Automotive Technology Technician Excellence Award to Eric Lopez on June 11.

Eric, currently participating in an apprenticeship at Simpson Cadillac Buick GMC, is a dedicated and successful student who balances his work and military training as a reserve Marine while still excelling in class. Eric received a 190-piece tool set valued at nearly $3,000.

The endowed award was established this year by Dr. Jim Lancaster, vice chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development at the Los Angeles Community College District and alumnus of the Cerritos College Automotive Technology Program, to recognize an outstanding automotive technology student at Cerritos College annually.

Over 30 years ago, Dr. Lancaster didn't have a career plan when he started college. At a friend's suggestion, he enrolled in the Cerritos College General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP). After completing the program, Dr. Lancaster became a master Chevrolet technician, lifting himself out of poverty. He later pursued higher education and eventually became an instructor, dean, vice president, and vice chancellor. This year, Dr. Lancaster returned to the automotive program to establish an endowed award recognizing the top student in the program. "I want to encourage students to pursue leadership roles in the automotive industry with this award," he said.

Cerritos College’s Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on technical skills. It is a nationally authorized training site for GM ASEP and Ford ASSET. The program also has formal partnerships with Nissan, Subaru, Stellantis, Audi, and Mercedes Benz. The college also hosts an Advanced Transportation and Logistics program, one of 10 centers in California. The program advances the workforce in the rapidly developing, technology-driven transportation and energy industries while improving the environment and stimulating the economy.