(VENTURA, Calif.) June 1, 2017 -
Ventura College Lead Faculty, Architecture, Ralph Fernandez was honored by VC Innovates as a 2017 VC Innovates Pathfinder of the Year honoree for his role in support of Career and Technical Education. Fernandez was one of 25 recognized at the organization’s annual award luncheon recently held at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo, CA. This esteemed local recognition celebrates talented leaders in education, business and community service who have made significant contributions in building pathways to employment for Ventura County students.

Fernandez has 28 years of experience teaching in the Architecture and Industrial Design Drafting programs at Ventura College. He works with VC Innovates - which partners with the Ventura County Office of Education and the Ventura County Community College District – in building and construction, linking high schools and employers with Ventura College. Fernandez is passionate about bringing his real-world experience in architecture to the classroom and helping students learn about the industry and potential career paths.

His leadership extends beyond the classroom, however. A conscious citizen, Fernandez remains active in the Santa Paula community where he served as a member of the City Council for eight years and as mayor for two. "We are proud of our collaboration with VC Innovates and support Professor Fernandez in his efforts to connect students with industry," stated Ventura College President Greg Gillespie. "We congratulate him on this honor and commend him for his service to our students and the community."

Fernandez is a licensed architect and holds a Bachelor of Arts in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Ventura College, an accredited two-year institution of higher education, has been a part of the beautiful seaside community of Ventura, California, since 1925. It is conveniently located approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. The 112-acre campus, set in the rolling hills of Ventura, has an enrollment of 14,500 students. Ventura College offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Sciences Degrees in 33 majors, and Certificates of Completion and Proficiency Awards in 61 areas of study. Ventura College also has Transfer Guarantee Agreements with CSUCI, CSUN, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz. Class schedules are posted at www.venturacollege.edu. For more information, contact the Ventura College Welcome Center at 805.289.6420.

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