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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., today announced that Lee Lambert, Chancellor of Pima Community College, will be his guest for the 2023 State of the Union address Feb. 7.
“As a proud Pima Community College alum, I’m excited to have Chancellor Lambert join me for the State of the Union address,” Ciscomani said. “Our community colleges are bastions of opportunity. They give students from across our state, young and old, a shot at the American Dream by ensuring they are prepared for the future with a great education and the skills they need for the workforce. I know that I never would have gotten to where I am today if not for the one semester scholarship that Pima offered me after graduating high school. That’s why I am so proud that Chancellor Lambert will be joining me for the address.”
Lambert, who has led Pima Community College since July 2013, is looking forward to the event.
“I am honored to be asked by Congressman Ciscomani to represent the PCC community at the State of the Union address,” Lambert said. “As a former PCC student, Congressman Ciscomani exemplifies the critical importance of community colleges in providing affordable and accessible higher education and pathways that allow students to pursue high-wage, family sustaining jobs that contribute to economic growth and help our communities advance and thrive.”
Lambert has made it a priority to transform Pima Community College into a center of excellence in areas including applied technology, health care, hospitality, information technology and cybersecurity, public safety, and the arts. Under his leadership, PCC has transformed and now is ranked as one of the top community colleges in the nation. Lambert was born in Seoul, South Korea. His late father was of mixed African American heritage and his mother is South Korean. His background drove him to become a champion for equality and opportunity for all. It was this drive and determination that created his passion for leading community colleges. Lambert is also a member of Ciscomani’s Citizens Advisory Council. Lambert is a veteran of the United States Army and an inspirational example of the American Dream.
PCC is a two-year institution offering a broad range of high-quality academic programs giving students the tools and preparation they need to enter the workforce after graduating or successfully transfer to a four-year University.
Ciscomani, after graduating from Rincon High School in Tucson, earned a one semester scholarship to Pima Community College. Ciscomani first attended Pima Community College in 2000, and he went on to serve as student body president of the east campus. In 2003, Ciscomani graduated with his associate degree. After graduating, Ciscomani went on to attend the University of Arizona.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced Ciscomani will deliver the Republican Address to the Nation in Spanish, immediately following the State of the Union.
