Last Updated: 11/21/2011*

Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson

Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson was recognized Friday, Nov. 18, with the California Community College Distinguished Alumni Award by the Community College League of California.

Since 1964, the annual awards have been presented to California community college alumni who are accomplished professionals and citizens of their communities. The League honored Swanson and three other alumni during its Annual Convention and Partner Conferences in San Jose, Calif. The other 2011 recipients were:

The Honorable Tani Cantil-Sakauye, chief justice, Supreme Court of California
Dr. James Huong Nguyen, University of Arizona Medical Center
Singer Dolores J. "Jenni" Rivera

Swanson earned an associate's degree from Cuesta College, a community college in San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 1969, before graduating magna cum laude from California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering.

In his acceptance remarks, Swanson recalled that Cuesta College was the spark and foundation for his education, his pursuit of an engineering degree and eventually, his career at Raytheon.

"I am so grateful to the California public education system for making it possible," said Swanson. "Thank you to all of you who are associated with public education. It changed my life, and I like to think that I am a good example of the impact our community colleges can have on individuals."