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FREMONT, California - March 7, 2007 - The Ohlone College Foundation will honor Fremont Bank Vice President of Corporate Banking Gloria Villasana Fuerniss as its 2007 Citizen of the Year at a special ceremony on March 9th at the Fremont Marriott Hotel.

In her job at Fremont Bank, Villasana Fuerniss works as a business development specialist and serves corporate clients directly, assisting them with lines of credit commercial real estate loans and other services.

She is a long time advocate for community college education and has served as a Trustee on the Ohlone College Board for 17 years before retiring as a trustee emeritus. Villasana Fuerniss remains active and continues as a director of the Ohlone College Foundation, a position she has held since 1976.

"I owe much to this institution and I'm deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Ohlone College Foundation," says Villasana Fuerniss. "I've always been a believer in the positive impact of education as well as the benefits of creating strong partnerships between business and community organizations such as Ohlone College. When these partnerships are forged, the quality of life rises for everyone in our community."

Villasana Fuerniss isn't unfamiliar with these kinds of community honors; she was named Woman of the Year in 2005 by State Senator Liz Figueroa for her volunteer service and for the positive impact of her professional life. A tireless fundraiser, Villasana Fuerniss has managed fundraising events for St. Rose Hospital, Moreau High School, the Boy Scouts of America and Washington Hospital in Fremont. She is also an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Alameda County.

She has also excelled in business. Her career at Fremont Bank began in 1970 and included a steady progression of positions of increasing responsibility. Among the positions Villasana Fuerniss held were branch manager and assistant vice president in accounting along with a number of positions in commercial and community lending.

"Because the bank was smaller when I started, I was able to gain a lot of varied experience that serves me well today," Villasana Fuerniss says. "My career with Fremont Bank has been extremely rewarding. The bank is still the kind of place where opportunities are available to aspiring young people of all backgrounds."

Ohlone College Foundation will formally honor Villasana Fuerniss and convey its award to her for her dedication and service to the Tri-cities at its Nineteenth Annual Citizen of the Year Benefit Luncheon. The event is the leading fundraising function of the Ohlone College Foundation and provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to assist the college in its mission to meet the educational needs of the community. Funds raised at the luncheon are used for scholarships, grants and college departments and programs.

About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank and its divisions are committed to providing its communities with high-quality, personalized banking services in convenient neighborhood locations. Fremont Bank has built a reputation as one of the most progressive community banks in California.

Fremont Bank was founded in 1964 on the cornerstone value that continues to fuel its success today: fast, friendly, honest service. Customers can still count on receiving this exceptional level of service - a rarity in today's marketplace. For more information, call (800) 743-INFO.

Press Contacts:
Laura Owen
Public Relations, Fremont Bank
Phone: (800) 743-INFO
Email: PublicRelations@fremontbank.com