Activity Reports

CET has over 110,000 alumni from their 37 year tenure. On April 22, 2005, over 100 people gathered to share their professional success and gratitude. Hermelinda Sapien, CET President/CEO spoke about the purpose of the Alumni Association and the benefits to CET as well as to alumni. She encouraged alumni to join the Alumni Association and to continue supporting the mission and objectives of CET.

A major step in revitalizing the CET Alumni Association took place Friday, April 22, 2005 at CET's headquarters in San Jose, California. An Alumni Dinner, prepared and served by the CET Culinary Arts program provided the opportunity to address the alumni about CET's plan to formally establish the Alumni Association.

Damian Trujillo of NBC 11 graciously honored CET as Master of Ceremonies. A former farmworker himself, Mr. Trujillo spoke of his and his family member's experiences working the fields in the Salinas Valley. Several of his family members were trained and placed in jobs by CET.

Keynote Speakers were Eddie Sanchez and Don Tamm, former peace officers in the County Sheriff's Department at the time that CET was being established in 1967. In fact, the late Anthony R. Soto, CET's co-founder, credited these men as the inspiration behind the CET movement. As young deputies, they saw first-hand the despair and lack of opportunities that existed for residents of barrio, "Sal Si Puedes," in east San Jose. They searched out and discovered the work of Rev. Leon Sullivan of Philadelphia in establishing job training centers for disadvantaged men and women. Sanchez and Tamm brought forth the idea of establishing such a program to Anthony R. Soto, the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in San Jose. And the rest, they say, is history.

Both speakers took turns sharing vivid stories of their experiences during the formative years of CET. They stated that in the late sixties no one really took them seriously about training poor people in east San Jose. Ms Sapien presented both men with plaques that reflected, on behalf of CET, "the appreciation of your vision, commitment, self-less work and for planting the seed that has become Center for Employment Training (CET)"

Later, an open invitation to alumni to share "How CET impacted their lives?" highlighted the evening. Ms. Sapien first introduced current and past CET board members that are alumni. Ed Ramirez, CET board vice-chairman, spoke about his high school education and desire to be an architect. He cited how his high school counselor attempted to dissuade him from his dreams by suggesting that he consider being a boxer. Mr. Ramirez, now a manager for Boeing Satellite Systems, oversees 30 engineers. He attributes his success, in large part, to his training at CET. Another board member, Francisco Espinosa, former farmworker alumni, and CET board member for 19 years, trained as a Machine Tool Operator. He now owns his own company.

In turn, Irma Sanchez, who trained at CET on two occasions, spoke. She credits CET for giving her confidence and a start in her career. Ms. Sanchez recently earned a Masters degree at San Jose State University. Two members of her family were trained and placed in jobs by CET.

Debra Boss-Warren spoke highly about CET and how the program helped her in her personal and work life. Employed for several years at Orchard Supply Hardware, Debbie proudly stated that she is happily married and has been alcohol free for over 14 years.

The most recent CET graduate is eighteen year old, Juan Pulido. He spoke of his desire to earn enough money through his new Building Maintenance job to help his mother afford a house where he can have his own room and not have to sleep on the couch.

The dinner intermission included a delightful dance performance by members of Folklorico Santa Paula. CET board members also took time to hand out the coveted CET pin to alumni. The evening closed with a musical performance by Conjunto Libertad that offered guests the opportunity to dance and enjoy their lively music.

Continuing development of the CET Alumni Association will proceed by the Steering Committee that planned, coordinated, and carried out the Alumni Dinner. Several alumni made commitments to serve on the Steering Committee and in the planning of future Alumni Association activities.

Damian Trujillo of NBC 11 graciously honored CET as Master of Ceremonies. A former farmworker himself, Mr. Trujillo spoke of his and his family member's experiences working the fields in the Salinas Valley. Several of his family members were trained and placed in jobs by CET.

Keynote Speakers were Eddie Sanchez and Don Tamm, former peace officers in the County Sheriff's Department at the time that CET was being established in 1967. In fact, the late Anthony R. Soto, CET's co-founder, credited these men as the inspiration behind the CET movement. As young deputies, they saw first-hand the despair and lack of opportunities that existed for residents of barrio, "Sal Si Puedes," in east San Jose. They searched out and discovered the work of Rev. Leon Sullivan of Philadelphia in establishing job training centers for disadvantaged men and women. Sanchez and Tamm brought forth the idea of establishing such a program to Anthony R. Soto, the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in San Jose. And the rest, they say, is history.

Both speakers took turns sharing vivid stories of their experiences during the formative years of CET. They stated that in the late sixties no one really took them seriously about training poor people in east San Jose. Ms Sapien presented both men with plaques that reflected, on behalf of CET, "the appreciation of your vision, commitment, self-less work and for planting the seed that has become Center for Employment Training (CET)"

Later, an open invitation to alumni to share "How CET impacted their lives?" highlighted the evening. Ms. Sapien first introduced current and past CET board members that are alumni. Ed Ramirez, CET board vice-chairman, spoke about his high school education and desire to be an architect. He cited how his high school counselor attempted to dissuade him from his dreams by suggesting that he consider being a boxer. Mr. Ramirez, now a manager for Boeing Satellite Systems, oversees 30 engineers. He attributes his success, in large part, to his training at CET. Another board member, Francisco Espinosa, former farmworker alumni, and CET board member for 19 years, trained as a Machine Tool Operator. He now owns his own company.

In turn, Irma Sanchez, who trained at CET on two occasions, spoke. She credits CET for giving her confidence and a start in her career. Ms. Sanchez recently earned a Masters degree at San Jose State University. Two members of her family were trained and placed in jobs by CET.

Debra Boss-Warren spoke highly about CET and how the program helped her in her personal and work life. Employed for several years at Orchard Supply Hardware, Debbie proudly stated that she is happily married and has been alcohol free for over 14 years.

The most recent CET graduate is eighteen year old, Juan Pulido. He spoke of his desire to earn enough money through his new Building Maintenance job to help his mother afford a house where he can have his own room and not have to sleep on the couch.

The dinner intermission included a delightful dance performance by members of Folklorico Santa Paula. CET board members also took time to hand out the coveted CET pin to alumni. The evening closed with a musical performance by Conjunto Libertad that offered guests the opportunity to dance and enjoy their lively music.