Skyline College Salutes Virginia Padrón

After 36 years of service to San Mateo County Community College District, Virginia Padrón, retires on May 23, 2014. Virginia began her tenure within the district at Canada College in 1978, where she dedicated herself as a Counselor for the English Institute Program and provided leadership for the Latino/a American community. Since her arrival at Skyline College in 1997, Virginia has worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive Career Services Program. Under her leadership students have benefited from expanded career counseling faculty, dozens of career themed workshops and classes, access to online career assessments, a comprehensive library of career exploration resources, a dedicated staff to assist in job development and internship services, unforgettable community events such as Career Networking Night, and the founding of the Career Services Center in 2012. Virginia has served with honor and distinction, and leaves an indelible mark at Skyline College that will continue to benefit students for years to come.

In celebration of her retirement, the Counseling Department and Career Services Center hosted a “Bon Voyage” retirement party. In attendance were Chancellor Ron Galatolo, Vice-Chancellor Harry Joel, Vice-Chancellor José D. Nuñez, and Dr. Donald Casella, a former Director of the Career Center at SFSU and Virginia’s long-time mentor. Virginia also received four separate certificates of distinction for her service to San Mateo County including Certificates of Recognition from State Senator Jerry Hill and Congresswoman Jackie Speiers. These awards were presented by representatives from CA Employment Development Department, Jenny Carreno, the San Mateo County Workforce Development Office, Victoria Yeh, and Skyline College Counselor Cecilia Gutierrez. Bon Voyage Virginia! Thank you for 36 years of passion, kindness, and unforgettable leadership!