Student service group celebrating the years

To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Fullerton and Cypress College's Extended Opportunity Program and Services conducted a presentation and submitted a resolution for the North Orange County Community College District board of trustees to acknowledge its success.

To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Fullerton and Cypress College's Extended Opportunity Program and Services conducted a presentation and submitted a resloution for the North Orange County Community College District board of trustees to acknowledge its success.

"EOPS is super busy seeing students, but not too busy to acknowledge the EOPS 40th birthday," said Cecilia Alvarado, youth manager of EOPS, CARE and Foster. "It is amazing that 40 years ago, [this program] was born here."

EOPS first began during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's. It was formed because of the lack of access to higher education for students with any language, social or economic barrier.

Community activists and students fought the California State Legislature to provide higher education access to underserved students. As a result, several student service programs were established to accomodate those in need.

"It gives me great honor to be a part of the EOPS program because it comes with tremendous history and purpose," Alvarado said.

The state resolution that Senator Denise Ducheny authorized on Sept. 1 honors October as the month to respect the EOPS mission, purpose, and accomplishments.

To further celebrate its anniversary, FC faculty, staff and students are invited for cake and refreshments next Thursday from 1:30 - 3 p.m. in the EOPS office.

"The goals and mission of EOPS is unwavering," Alvarado said. "We will continue to provide the student services that assist students reach their academic goals."