RECOGNIZING DR. HENRY SHANNON

On 2026-09-24, Representative Norma J. Torres (D-CA-35) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING DR. HENRY SHANNON" in the House.

RECOGNIZING DR. HENRY SHANNON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E971] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING DR. HENRY SHANNON ______ HON. NORMA J. TORRES of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Henry Shannon for his 19 years of service to Chaffey College ahead of his retirement on September 24, 2026. Through his leadership, Dr. Shannon has had an incredible impact on thousands of Inland Empire families in my congressional district and beyond. Dr. Shannon first came to Chaffey College in 2007, and has served as superintendent and president since then. His colleagues commend his leadership, saying his direction allowed students to thrive and grew the college's sense of community, as he aimed to make Chaffey College the jewel of the Inland Empire. Before Dr. Shannon launched his career in education, he earned his bachelor's degree from Harris-Stowe State University. After completing his undergraduate degree, he went on to earn his masters and doctorate degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, and a management certificate from Harvard University. Prior to serving Chaffey College, Dr. Shannon used his passion for higher education to serve the St. Louis community. In St. Louis, he was a campus president and the chief student affairs officer within the St. Louis Community College system. He began his career as a junior high school history teacher in St. Louis, and quickly rose to serve as chancellor for the entire St. Louis Community College system. He also served as a faculty member and administrator at Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis University. Dr. Shannon and his wife, Gwendolyn, reside in the heart of the Chaffey College district. Together they raised four children, and have ten grandchildren. Locally, Dr. Shannon serves as a vibrant member of our community. His strong commitment to community engagement shines by serving as a board member of the Community College Research Center Advisory Board, the Alliance of San Bernardino County, the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, Growing Inland Achievement, and California Community Colleges Region 9 CEOs. Over the years, Dr. Shannon's commitment to the educational field has earned him numerous awards. In January of 2026, he was named CEO of the Year by the African American California Community College Trustees and Administrators. Growing Inland Achievement recognized his Equity- Focused Excellence in 2023. In 2022, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools honored Dr. Shannon with the Distinguished Service Award, and in 2021, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership named him Educator of the Year to recognize his commitment to workforce education and partnerships with the business community. Although Dr. Shannon has achieved numerous milestones, one of his proudest moments was when $25 million was awarded to Chaffey by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This generous donation was awarded as the result of the school's commitment to equity, a principle that Dr. Shannon used to guide his career and leadership at Chaffey College. My office has been proud to partner with Dr. Shannon at numerous events to highlight and expand Chaffey College's innovative work. Dr. Shannon has helped me host visits from numerous federal officials, including former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, as well as the former Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, to the InTech Center to view the groundbreaking work that Chaffey College is doing to help ensure students have skills that local employers need. For his outstanding service to students throughout our community, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Henry Shannon. His commitment to the Inland Empire and beyond is worthy of the highest commendation. ____________________