RECOGNIZING DR. SUNITA "SUNNY" COOKE

On 2026-06-09, Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING DR. SUNITA "SUNNY" COOKE" in the House.

RECOGNIZING DR. SUNITA "SUNNY" COOKE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E547-E548] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING DR. SUNITA ``SUNNY'' COOKE ______ HON. MIKE LEVIN of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke for her retirement as Superintendent and President of MiraCosta Community College. In honor of her retirement, I stand before you to celebrate her outstanding contributions to [[Page E548]] MiraCosta Community College and the greater Community. Dr. Cooke began her career in higher education as a biology and biotechnology faculty member after earning her Ph.D. in Biology from Georgetown University. Throughout her 30-year career, she has served as a department chair, dean, associate vice chancellor, and president before joining MiraCosta College in 2015. Under Dr. Cooke's leadership, MiraCosta College has implemented several innovative programs, including creating California's first biomanufacturing bachelor's degree at a community college. Under her leadership, graduation and transfer rates have significantly improved as she led the college to expand student support services to close equity gaps. The college was nationally recognized for this accomplishment as an Achieving the Dream Leader College and Aspen Prize for Excellence semi-finalist. Throughout her tenure, MiraCosta brought in nearly $46 million in state and federal grants to support college programs and students and passed a transformative $455 million facilities bond (Measure MM), modernizing classrooms and infrastructure. Dr. Cooke's leadership has extended to the state level. In 2015, she chaired the Statewide Task Force on Workforce and a Strong Economy, leading to an ongoing annual investment of over $260 million from the California State Legislature to enhance California community college career education. Dr. Cooke has served as the Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), an officer of the California Community Colleges Baccalaureate Association (CCCBA), and an officer of the California Community Colleges CEO Board. She has also served on the executive committee of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and on the boards of Biocom and local chambers of commerce. Dr. Cooke's incredible leadership has been widely recognized. Her accolades include recognitions from the San Diego Business Journal in their Women Who Mean Business and Top 50 Women of Influence awards, as well as being included in the San Diego Top 500 List and the NAACP's Salute to Women of Color, Dr. Cooke was also named the CEO Awardee for the Pacific Region by the American Association of Community College Trustees. Dr. Cooke's dedication to ensuring every student has the right to succeed has created a lasting impact on students, her colleagues, and the greater community. Her leadership and service will be remembered through the Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke Legacy Fund, continuing her impact on the College and the community. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke for her remarkable career and profound impact on MiraCosta College and the greater San Diego community. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and deep commitment to student success. We wish her all the best as she enters retirement. ____________________