His second job was as a lab assistant for a group of doctors who recognized his intelligence and urged him to attend UCSB; Dr. Acero graduated in 1965 with a degree in chemistry. “Dr. Johnson encouraged him to attend medical school, and offered to help him financially,” said Dr. Carlson.After serving an internship in Canada, Dr. Acero had a residency in pathology at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, completing his studies and speciality training in 1977.While serving as an instructor in the Department of Pathology at USC, Dr. Acero was invited to join the SPMH staff in 1977 and he has been the director of the Laboratory and Pathology services since 1981.“Dr. Acero has been a dedicated believer in the importance of education and I can’t think of anyone who is a better example of having applied this belief to his own life,” said Dr. Carlson.The evening also featured over 60 unique silent auction items as well as a spirited live auction overseen by Jim McCoy and Mickey Jones: the latter featured an original oil painting by Gail Pidduck, purchased by Dorcas Thille for $900, and a quilt made Dr. Grace Thille that brought $1,600 from Nick Thille.
Hardison, Acero honored at SPMH ‘Celebrate the Season with Millennium Magic’ event
December 29, 1999
Santa Paula News
There were many supporters on hand to help Santa Paula Memorial Hospital to “Celebrate the Season with Millennium Magic!” by helping raise funds for the non-profit hospital at a party held at Spanish Hills Country Club.
Also being celebrated were two people who have touched the hospital, and, in turn the community, in a special way: Mary Louise Hardison was named “Citizen of the Millennium” and Dr. Guillermo Acero was the recipient of the first SPMH “Meritorious Service Award”.President of the Board of Directors of SPMH Phil Romney presented Mrs. Hardison with her award, noting her “grace, elegance, intelligence, good humor and strong devotion to community.”Mrs. Hardison, a 91-year-old resident of Santa Paula, is the widow of Robert Hardison, who was intimately involved in the creation of SPMH and then served it through numerous committees and was chairman of the Hospital Foundation. Mrs. Hardison, a former school teacher, was also heavily involved in hospital activities as well as the Auxiliary.Both Hardisons could be counted on to support the hospital whatever the need, said Romney, through their own generosity “whenever anything was needed,” as well as help with fund raising efforts.“The hospital is a real asset to the Santa Clara River Valley,” said SPMH President/CEO Bill Greene. “And everyone here this evening is an asset for your ongoing support.”Dr. Ernest Carlson presented the “Meritorious Service Award” to Dr. Acero, noting his roots in Colombia, South America and determination to attain a university education. Arriving in the United States in 1960, Dr. Acero’s first job was as a dishwasher in an Oxnard restaurant; determined to learn English, he enrolled in local college.
