Santa Rosa Junior College President Frank Chong will be awarded the 2012 Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund Higher Education Award at a ceremony next month.

Chong, who took over as president of SRJC this year, was recognized for his commitment to higher education and the contribution he has made to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, according to school officials.

Prior to taking the helm at SRJC, Chong spent two years as deputy assistant secretary for community colleges in the Obama administration. He has also held the president’s post at Laney College in Oakland and Mission College in Santa Clara.

The event will take place Nov. 8 in New York City. The awards benefit has raised more than $3 million in the last six years, according to the school.

The APIASF raises funds and supports scholarships.

Bob Suzuki, president emeritus of California State Polytechnic University in Pomona won the award in 2011.