Monterey, CA - Congressman Jimmy Panetta, a distinguished alumnus of Monterey Peninsula College (MPC), has been honored with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award by the Community College League of California (CCLC). This statewide recognition places Congressman Panetta among a select group of leaders annually acknowledged by CCLC for their outstanding achievements, all of whom credit their California community college experience as a pivotal factor in their educational and professional journey.

A Monterey Peninsula College graduate and United States Navy Veteran, Congressman Panetta has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and community development. His outstanding work ethic, remarkable achievements in Congress, and advocacy for educational initiatives reflect the values instilled during his time at MPC.

Reflecting on this recognition in a video message, Congressman Panetta states, "Trust me, when I started MPC back in the fall of 1987 as a young 17-year old with very average grades out of high school, I had no idea that I’d be in this position today - because, I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. So, I went to MPC…I can tell you - as my brothers will tell you - that if it wasn’t for MPC - we wouldn't be where we are today. As a member of Congress, a cardiologist, and my oldest brother who is a managing partner at a law firm. MPC gave us that needed, solid foundation upon which we were able to figure out our way forward.”

MPC’s Superintendent/President, Dr. Marshall Fulbright, III, comments, "Many of MPC’s alumni have gone on to achieve significant accomplishments, and we are proud of all of them. Congressman Panetta has gone above and beyond to serve our community, and it gives us tremendous pleasure to see him receive this well-deserved recognition. We hope it inspires the next generation of leaders who are presently earning their degrees at this great institution of higher education."

The Distinguished Alumni Award from CCLC serves as a testament to MPC's commitment to nurturing leaders and making a positive impact on communities. As MPC continues to excel in providing quality education, Congressman Panetta's achievements stand as a testament to the transformative power of community colleges in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

To read more about this award and this year's honorees please see the CCLC Press Release: https://ccleague.org/about-us/press-releases-statements/2023-california-community-colleges-distinguished-alumni-honorees

Congressman Panetta’s Biography:

United States Representative Jimmy Panetta has proudly served California’s 19th Congressional District since he was first elected in 2016. Representative Panetta understands the importance of giving back to the community and country that gave his Italian immigrant grandparents, his family, and him so much opportunity.

During his time in Congress, Representative Panetta has fought for affordable housing, immigration reform, environmental protections, accessible health care, the agriculture industry and its farmers and farmworkers, the reduction of gun violence, a fairer tax code, major infrastructure investment, sustainable conservation practices, military installations that are an integral part of our community and our country’s security, and the deserved and promised benefits to our veterans. He has passed into law legislation to promote clean energy, protect California’s forests and pollinators, support frontline health care workers, tackle hunger among military families, and provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness.

Prior to Congress, Representative Panetta served as a prosecutor in Monterey and Alameda Counties and as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In 2007, he volunteered for active duty and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Representative Panetta attended Monterey Peninsula College before transferring to the University of California, Davis, where he earned an undergraduate degree in International Relations. He later earned his law degree from Santa Clara University.