Press Releases 2006

CONTACT: Mary Planding
Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-5744
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu

From Strawberry Picker to
Vice President of a Community College
An American Success Story

APTOS , CA – “From strawberry picker to vice president of a community college. Not bad, isn’t it?” joked Manuel Osorio, Vice President, Student Services, Cabrillo College. “I started out as a Cabrillo student thirty-seven years ago and have worked at Cabrillo for thirty-four years. I consider Cabrillo synonymous with opportunity. I’ve been here a long time and I have loved every minute of it. Now it’s time to pursue other opportunities beyond Cabrillo, so I will be retiring at the end of this academic year.”

Osorio, 61, announced his retirement at Cabrillo’s annual All College Day on Friday, August 25th. He’s looking forward to spending more time with his children, grandchildren and wife, Susan Osorio, who is an associate dean at Monterey Peninsula College. “Susan and I have been discussing my retirement for the past six months and we felt that this year is the right time.” The Osorios love to sail and have become addicted to the sun, wind, and waves. They own a sailboat which they keep in Monterey Harbor and look forward to enjoying more time on the water.

“He will be greatly missed by all,“ stated Brian King, president and superintendent of Cabrillo. “Manuel's career represents what Cabrillo is all about. The opportunities he had as a Cabrillo student led to success as a Cabrillo counselor and ultimately as Vice President of Student Services. We will miss Manuel and wish him much continued success as he begins this next phase of his life.”

“Manuel Osorio represents the heart of Cabrillo. He knows that Cabrillo is synonymous with opportunity from first-hand experience. Manuel has always cared deeply that every student gets every opportunity possible. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy and we will miss him,” said Rachel Spencer, a member of the Cabrillo College Board of Governors.