On Thursday at Sacramento State, the National Electrical Contractors Association Chapter of Greater Sacramento, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 340, and the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 447 announced the creation of two annual $2,500 scholarships in the name of the late Joe Serna, Jr.

The scholarships that honor the former Sacramento State instructor and Mayor of Sacramento will be permanently funded by a $100,000 endowment contributed by the three local labor organizations.

President Donald Gerth said that it was appropriate that the three organizations chose to honor Serna for many years to come.

“We?re here today to honor Serna and celebrate what he meant to the university and the community,” Gerth said.

Former colleagues remembered Serna as a kind person dedicated to the fight of the working class and students.

Chuck Cake, business manager of the IBEW Local 340, who knew Serna for over 20 years, said that it was hard for him to think of Sacramento and not have Serna in the mayor?s office.

“Every person should thank Joe every time they think about him or pray for him,” Cake said. Fran McDermott, executive director of NECA chapter of greater Sacramento, said that it didn?t really matter what your politics were in relation to Serna, you just had to respect him.

“We have a tendency to put people who pass away on a pedestal,” McDermott said. “But in Joe?s case it was well deserved.”

Serna?s daughter, Lisa, was present at the announcement of the scholarships. She thanked Gerth, the NECA, the IBEW and the PPFL.

“I was privileged to have the best father in the world?He wanted his children to have an education because they can never take that away from you,” Serna said.