McCoy receives honorary Degree from Cerro Coso
Mammoth Lakes – Dave McCoy, 99, received an honorary Associates Arts degree from Cerro Coso Community College officials on Saturday, June 27 during the Mammoth Food & Wine Experience Grand Tasting event.
The degree was for his extraordinary service, support, and achievement in his personal endeavors, all of which have benefited the local communities and students in the Eastern Sierra.
“I am so honored to get this degree,” McCoy said in a video that was played for attendees. “Sounds to me like you’re telling me that I did a good job, but I have to turn it around the other way and say what a great thing you have all done in supporting and helping the college grow.”
McCoy established the Mammoth Lakes Foundation in 1989, along with other community leaders, in order to build the Eastern Sierra College, Mammoth Campus, which opened in 1996. Through the Foundation, Mono County high school graduates and residents apply for and receive full scholarships (covering tuition and books) to attend college in Mammoth. Scholarships are renewable each semester while students pursue an AA degree through Cerro Coso. The Foundation has awarded more than 625 scholarships to date.
“His extraordinary support and service to [Mono and Inyo county] communities and the college is all integrated with the bottom line of serving students though providing access to higher education throughout the Eastern Sierra region,” Cerro Coso Community College President Jill Board said. “It has been through his vision and leadership that Cerro Coso Community College Eastern Sierra College Center was established and continues to thrive today.”
Cerro Coso Community College is one of three colleges in the Kern Community College District. The college provides educational opportunities for the diverse desert, mountain, and valley communities within a vast, four-county region of eastern California. It is due to the support of McCoy, the Mammoth Lakes Foundation and its many donors, supporters, and staff that a vibrant college community thrives in the Eastern Sierra.
Kern College Community District Chancellor Sandra Serrano and CCCC President Jill Board personally presented the framed degree to McCoy at his home in Bishop on Sunday, June 28. Eastern Sierra College Center Director Deanna Campbell was also present.
For more information about the Mammoth Lakes Foundation, visit www.mammothlakesfoundation.org.
