Ohlone College Professor Honored at Wieckowski’s Latino
Heritage Leadership Ceremony
Fremont, CA --- Rick Arellano, Professor of Computer
Applications and Occupational Technology at Ohlone College, was one of five
honorees who received a Latino Heritage Leadership Award at Assemblymember Bob
Wieckowski’s 1st Annual Latino Heritage Leadership Awards Ceremony on Friday,
October 11.
The ceremony, which took place at the Newark City Hall
Council Chamber, served as a platform to recognize individuals who made
significant contributions to the Latino community, and have demonstrated a
long-standing commitment to bettering the community. Wieckowski’s office hosted the event in honor
of National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed September 15 through October 15.
“The 25th Assembly District is one of the most diverse areas
in the state of California, and we have greatly benefited from the rich
cultures and traditions of the Latino community,” said Bob Wieckowski in a
letter to the honorees.
Ohlone College Trustee Vivien Larsen introduced Rick
Arellano, known to her as “Ricardo,” the two having met over 40 years ago in
Oakland Technical High School. Larsen highlighted how Arellano supports,
promotes and advocates for the success of the Latino community — in particular
for the success and advancement in education, especially in the fields of
science, and technology. Arellano is also an advocate for older adults.
Larsen described Arellano’s active community leadership as a
member of the board of directors for Life Eldercare, President of AARP’s Newark
Chapter, Secretary of Toastmasters Newark Chapter, a member of the City of
Newark Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, and as a Newark Rotary Club member.
Arellano also served on the Ohlone College Foundation Board and on Avanzando.
In addition to Arellano’s commitment to the community,
Larsen listed multiple awards he received over the years. In 2010, Arellano was
awarded the U.S. House of Representatives - Special Congregational Recognition.
He has also received other awards, including the California State Legislature
Certificate of Recognition, and an Avanzando Award: Ohlone College Outstanding
Educator of the Year.
Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski, Congressman Michael Honda,
Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett, and San Jose City Councilmember, Kansen Hu
each presented Rick with Latino Heritage Leadership Certificates of Recognition
at the awards ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, Arellano thanked his parents for
allowing him to leave Lima, Peru at age 17, saying,
“I lived in the Mission District of San Francisco where I
met so many individuals dedicated to the advancement of the underserved and
underrepresented; I followed their footsteps. Later on, in Oakland, Stockton
and the East Bay, I met other individuals with similar goals; they were also my
mentors and role models; I share with all of them this Certificate of
Recognition.”
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