By David N. Young
A large crowd of business owners, educators and community officials turned out for what Cypress mayor Stacy Berry called the “largest mixer in years” Friday to kick off the weekend’s Cypress Festival.
The event was held at Cypress College, complete with extra air-conditioning and tasty food for Cypress merchants, to foster community spirit and create greater bonds of collaboration, said Berry.
“The partnership we’re trying to build,” she said, includes Cypress College and the business community, adding that “the more interaction we have makes it easier it is to make this city a better place to live work and play.”
She said the “incredible relationship” allows the city to accomplish so much for its residents.
Berry presented Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. with a Certificate of Appreciate for hosting the first ever “Salute to America” on July 3 and thanked her for opening the college to this event.
Berry also noted several other collaborative events now underway with the city.
Dr. Schilling said since she arrived as the President of Cypress College a couple of years ago, it has been her goal to open up a partnership with the community.
She said it was “not enough” for residents to drive by the college and “look at the announcements” on flashing billboards.
“We are proud to host these kinds of events,” said Schilling, saying it was critical for key business and community leaders to “be on campus” in true spirit of partnership. “We want you to come here,” she said, adding that “these kinds of events are important to us.”
Since she arrived as President, Cypress College and the city have collaborated on swim lessons, opened its door to civic events and stands ready to do even more, said Schilling. “We truly want to create a community partnership.”
Moreover, she said the college was breaking new educational ground, including one of the few working 737 flight simulators on any college campus and that Cypress College was in the process of becoming a Center of Excellence on Cybersecurity.”
Theresa Murphy, Chairwoman of the Cypress Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, echoed the growing nexus between business, education and government.
“We are committed to networking businesses in partnership with community institutions,” she said. She said the community could not accomplish what it does “without the generosity of Cypress College.”
The group recognized other attending dignitaries and thanked all of the vendors and sponsors for their commitment to the community. The festival was held on Saturday (see related story).
