On the recordMay 18, 2017
Today I rise to recognize Al Karnig, a dedicated and passionate member of the San Bernardino community who served as president for California State University, San Bernardino, for 15 years. Dr. Karnig was a fierce advocate for our students, overseeing record numbers of enrollment, diversity, and faculty, as well as raising tens of millions of dollars for the university. When Al wasn't working on improving access to higher education in our community, he was investing his personal time to make the inland empire a better place to live and raise a family. He served on the board for KVCR Educational Foundation, Inland Empire Economic Partnership, and the Community Hospital of San Bernardino. Just last month, Al was in my office touting his latest philanthropic venture to help children, the Infant-Toddler Success program, working with parents and caregivers of children from birth to 36 months to help them to be ready for school and life. I thank Dr. Karnig for his tireless efforts to make our region home to a world-class institution through Cal State, San Bernardino, as well as his advocacy on behalf of San Bernardino County families. As we mourn his loss, we give thanks for his contributions to our community, which will live on in his family, colleagues, graduates, students, children, and parents he helped through so many years of service. ____________________
