Trade Tech Inaugurates New President
Dr. Roland J. “Chip” Chapdelaine, was inaugurated President of Los Angeles Trade Technical College in ceremonies held in the Grand Theater. Lead by Chapdelaine and Los Angles Community College District Chancellor Darroch “Rocky” Young the platform party marched in to the strains of the Star Wars theme, are reference to Chapdelaine's love of the science fiction genera.

Chapdelaine received the Chancellor's Medallion, which was placed around his neck by LACCD chancellor Darroch “Rocky” Young in a brief ceremony. “I'll bet you never thought you'd see the day when you had a chancellor by the name of Rocky and a president named Chip,” Young quipped.

President Chapdelaine began his inauguration address with a poignant story about his father. He had been a WWII machine gunner and in one battle he had just stepped away from his position when his replacement was killed by a sniper. The elder Chapdelaine went on to become a contractor building homes and often wondered why he had survived when others around him were dying. President Chapdelaine went on to tell of his large family of siblings and their offspring, who became his father's legacy, along with the homes he built.

This was the perfect segue into his prepared remarks highlighting the legacy Trade Tech leaves in the students who graduate from the college. Whether they continue their education or go directly into the workforce, LATTC students have a dream to leave their mark on their city. “Can we do it?” asked Chapdelaine, “Yes! We are Los Angeles Trade Technical College and we can make dreams come true” he pronounced. President Chapdelaine repeated this mantra throughout his address, “We are Los Angeles Trade Technical College and we can make dreams come true.”

One of the highlights of the program was a rendition of “This Is My Community” preformed by 40 children from the LATTC Child Development Center, much to the delight of Mrs. Chapdelaine who was seated in the front row with other members of the president's family.

Chapdelaine received greetings from LACCD board of Trustees President Michael Waxman and members Nancy Pearlman, Warren Furutani and Georgia Mercer. This was followed by presentations of congratulations from the offices of Governor Schwarzenegger, Mayor Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles City Council and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Representatives from campus organizations and bargaining units were on hand to acknowledge and bring greetings from their members. They included Steve Needleman, President, LATTC Foundation, Moises Carrillo, Parliamentarian, ASO, Chini Johnson, President, LATTC Academic Senate, Cynthia Morley-Mower, representative, California Teamsters, Local 911, Carole Anderson, President, AFT, Shawn Tramel, Chapter Chair, AFT College Staff Guild, Cecilia Kwan, S.E.I.U. Local 347, Jerold King, Local 409 and Charles Ruffin, S.E.I.U. Local 99.

Following the ceremony President Chapdelaine cut a large cake, which had been prepared for 500 by the Professional Baking class under the direction of Chief Deborah Thompson.

Click here for Dr. Chapdelaine's Inauguration Address

View photographs of President Chapdelaine's inauguration activities.

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