DECEMBER 2019

CITRUSVIEWcitruscollege.edu

LATEST NEWS FROM CITRUS COLLEGE

The Citrus Story Continues ...

There’s an old adage that says, “When one thing ends, another thing begins.” This is consistently proven true at Citrus College.

With the new decade approaching, the Citrus College community is eagerly looking toward the future; however, it is equally important to pause and reflect on all that we have accomplished in 2019.

In this last issue of the Citrus View for 2019, we highlight several noteworthy achievements, including the college receiving its fourth invitation to compete for the Aspen Prize, being named a Champion for Higher Education for producing transfer degrees, and being ranked 6th and 7th in the nation for awarding degrees in English and social science, respectively, to Hispanic students.

These stories demonstrate the college’s unwavering commitment to student success and completion.

Thank you for all that you have done to advance the mission of Citrus College. Best wishes for a relaxing holiday break and prosperous New Year!

Dr. Geraldine M. Perri Superintendent/President

Citrus College to Compete for Prestigious $1 Million Aspen PrizeCitrus College has been named one of the top 150 community colleges in the United States by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. It will now compete for the organization’s prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The prize, awarded every two years, is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among community colleges. Its purpose is to recognize institutions that have experienced exceptional student outcomes in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earning, and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.

“It is an honor for Citrus College to once again be considered eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Excellence,” said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. “This recognition reflects the college community’s commitment to increasing student success, and we look forward to sharing our innovative work with the Aspen Institute.”

Citrus College was selected from a national pool of more than 1,000 public two-year colleges based on an assessment of institutional performance, improvement, and equity in student retention and completion. As one of the 150 eligible community colleges in the nation, the college has been invited to submit an application for the 2021 Aspen Prize for Excellence.

This is the fourth consecutive invitation to compete that Citrus College has received.

After all of the eligible community colleges submit their applications, a committee of higher education experts will select 10 colleges to advance to the next round of the Aspen Prize competition. The winner of the Aspen Prize for Excellence will be selected in 2021.

“The Aspen Prize for Excellence is one of the most esteemed higher education competitions in the nation, and we are thrilled that Citrus College has once again been invited to participate,” said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. “I applaud the entire college community for their dedication to providing students with a high-quality education. Their efforts make honors like this possible.”

Citrus College has received its fourth consecutive invitation to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

November Events Show Appreciation for Veterans

Citrus College recently hosted two events designed to support and celebrate the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces.

On Nov. 6, the college’s Career/Transfer Center and the Veterans Success Center (VSC) hosted the second annual Veterans Resource Fair and Career Panel. Nearly 40 student veterans had the opportunity to connect with campus and community resources that work closely with veterans. The career panel consisted of veterans who have transitioned out of the military, attended college and are now thriving in their respective careers.

“It was a great turn out,” said Maria Buffo, VSC director. “Student veterans enjoyed the event, and they gained a lot of new knowledge about resources and potential careers.”

One day later, the 14th annual Saluting Our Veterans ceremony was held on campus on Nov. 7. Co-hosted by Citrus College, Azusa Pacific University

(APU), and the cities of Azusa and Glendora, this annual celebration honors four hometown heroes who have served our country bravely and contributed to the greater good.

As part of the event, each of the hosting organizations recognize a veteran from their community. This year, Citrus College honored cosmetology instructor and U.S. Army Specialist Sal Hernandez, APU honored U.S. Marine Corps Major Donato Powell, the city of Azusa honored U.S. Navy Petty Officer Henry Perez and the city of Glendora honored U.S. Army Specialist Ramiro Carrasco.

“For more than a decade, Citrus College has been proud to host Saluting Our Veterans. Likewise, the Veterans Resource Fair is an impressive event that we are privileged to organize,” said Superintendent/President Perri. “Our hope is that events like these demonstrate our gratitude and support for those veterans enrolled at Citrus College, as well as those living in our communities.”

Ranked Among Nation’s Top Colleges for Hispanic StudentsThe Hispanic Outlook on Education has recognized Citrus College for enrolling and granting degrees to a high number of Hispanic students.

Using data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the monthly magazine ranked Citrus College among the top 10 in two categories: 6th in the nation for awarding English language and literature degrees to Hispanic students, and 7th in the nation for awarding social science degrees to Hispanic students.

“Citrus College is strategically focused on student success, and we are committed to serving the evolving needs of our diverse student body,” said Superintendent/President Perri. “Being recognized as a top degree producer validates our efforts to provide all students with academic programs and support services designed to help them achieve their goals.”

In addition to recognizing the nation’s top 10 colleges and universities for each major, the magazine also ranked community colleges according to their total enrollment of Hispanic students. Using data from 2017, the publication ranked Citrus College 32nd out of more than 1,100 community colleges in the United States in terms of enrollment.

“Being included on the Hispanic Outlook on Education’s top colleges and universities lists is an accomplishment that always brings the Citrus College community pride,” said Board President Keith. “I am incredibly grateful to the college’s dedicated faculty and staff who invest their time and energy into creating an academic environment where student achievement is fostered and diversity is celebrated.”

The Hispanic Outlook on Education, a national publication providing education news from a Hispanic perspective, included Citrus College as one of the top colleges and universities in the United States.

Military veterans (L-R) Donato Powell, Henry Perez, Ramiro Carrasco and Sal Hernandez were honored during the Saluting Our Veterans event at Citrus College.

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Equipment Donation Brings Smiles to Citrus

College Dental Students

Citrus College recently received a donation of dental equipment valued at more than $125,000.

Dr. Richard Cohrs, a dentist formerly based in Covina, donated a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dental imaging and milling machine, along with the accompanying computer and software, to the Citrus College Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) program upon retiring from his practice.

Rather than having patients wait two weeks for a lab to make a crown, the CAD/CAM machine makes same-day crowns.

This digital impression system will allow Citrus College RDA students to learn a state-of-the-art process that goes beyond the minimum skill requirements of accreditation and other RDA programs.

“The Citrus College Registered Dental Assisting program will continue to be a leader within the region due to the commitment of our faculty and the support of industry professionals, such as Dr. Cohrs,” said Superintendent/President Perri. “Undoubtedly, his investment in Citrus College will enhance the learning experience of our students and carry the legacy of his career well into the future.”

Dr. Cohrs served on the Citrus College RDA Program Advisory Committee from 2000 to 2015. His involvement with the college even extended to offering internship opportunities to recently graduated students in his dental office. Many Citrus College alumni were able to gain vital experience under his guidance before launching successful careers in the dental field.

Special thanks to Dawn Brewster, dental assistant program director, and Salima Allahbachayo, director of health sciences, for their assistance in securing this significant donation.

Dr. Cohrs (second from the right) stands next to the donated CAD/CAM machine. He and Dental Assistant Program Director Dawn Brewster (second from the left) gave an equipment tutorial to students in the college’s RDA program.

Collaborative Event Prepares Students for Professional Job Opportunities

The Ross L. Handy Campus Center was buzzing with energy on Oct. 29 as nearly 50 Citrus College students received individualized coaching and resources to help them prepare for employment interviews.

Hosted by the Career/Transfer Center, in partnership with EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs and student life and leadership development, this first-ever Job Prep Pop-Up event featured different stations offering unique services to participating students.

Mock interviews, makeup and hairstyle tips (courtesy of the Cosmetology Club), LinkedIn headshot photos captured by a photography student, and résumé reviews were among the many activities provided. In addition, a career closet supplied by Working Wardrobes, an Orange County nonprofit organization focused on career development, allowed students to pick out and take home professional attire. Students also received raffle tickets at each station, giving them the chance to win gift cards to local retail stores. Each gift card was donated by the Citrus College Foundation and various college members.

“I am incredibly proud of the many individuals who conceptualized, planned and hosted this brilliant event,” said Superintendent/President Perri. “The success of the Job Prep Pop-Up is an affirmation of the college’s commitment to helping students accomplish their academic and professional goals.”

Ross Dress for Less, the discount department store, has already agreed to donate $300 toward the next Job Prep Pop-Up opportunity in spring 2020.

A student admires his new suit jacket donated by Working Wardrobes, an Orange County nonprofit organization focused on career development.

Counselor Natalie Desimone offers a student tips on how to navigate tough interviews.

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Citrus College Honored for Transfer Degree SuccessFor the fourth consecutive year, the Campaign for College Opportunity has named Citrus College a Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer.

The California-based nonprofit research and advocacy organization presents this annual designation to California community colleges and California State University campuses that have demonstrated success in implementing the state’s associate degree for transfer (ADT) pathway.

At Citrus College, thousands of transfer degrees have been awarded since California’s ADTs were implemented in 2012. During the 2018-2019 academic year, the college awarded 964 ADTs.

Citrus College was one of only 12 community colleges in the state to be honored during the Campaign for College Opportunity’s 15th Anniversary Celebration last month. In addition to recognizing Champions of Higher Education, the organization also honored Governor Gavin Newsom and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla.

“The Champion of Higher Education designation is one that Citrus College is always proud to receive,” said Superintendent/President Perri. “The college awarded 39 transfer degrees in 2012, which was the inaugural year. Since that time, faculty and staff have invested a significant amount of time and effort into creating new transfer degree options and promoting transfer degrees as sensible academic pathways. We now offer 25 different transfer degrees, and the number of students earning these degrees has increased by nearly 2,500%. The progress has been astounding!”

The Campaign for College Opportunity has once again recognized Citrus College as a state leader in producing transfer degrees.

Professional Musicians Conduct Master ClassCitrus College music major Melissa Mujica was The question sparked a lively dialogue with the one of the nearly 200 students in attendance at panel, with each member eager to respond. When the “Master Class on the Music Business” event on the class ended, students were invited to meet the Nov. 20. musicians and continue the conversation.

Held in the Haugh Performing Arts Center, the An aspiring folk and jazz artist, Ms. Mujica was session featured a panel of recording artists, thrilled to meet folk virtuoso Joe Henry, who including Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter recently produced his 15th solo album, “The Sam Phillips; Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gospel According to Water.” She explained that and producer Joe Henry; composer and string her conversation with Mr. Henry validated and arranger Eric Gorfain, and A&R executive and reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career as a author Tom DeSavia, who shared their stories recording artist.and imparted invaluable advice to Citrus College “Special events such as this master class are what students hoping to break into the music industry. make Citrus College a unique place for future Ms. Mujica listened intently to the many do’s and artists to receive training and guidance before don’ts, weighing them against her own thoughts launching their careers,” said Superintendent/and ambitions. When it came time for the Q&A, President Perri. “Special thanks to Lucinda Over, Ms. Mujica was the first to pose a question: “How the Citrus College counselor who coordinated do you preserve your independence in an industry this helpful and highly successful session for our that is infamous for owning so much of what an students.”artist produces?”

John T. Quinn (left), a Disney artist, moderated a panel of music industry experts in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

Citrus Community CollegeDistrict Board of Trustees

Mrs. Susan M. KeithPresident

Claremont and portions of Pomona and La Verne

Representative

Dr. Barbara R. DickersonVice President

Azusa and portions of Duarte Representative

Dr. Edward C. OrtellClerk/Secretary

Duarte and portions of Azusa, Monrovia, Arcadia, Covina and

Irwindale Representative

Mrs. Joanne MontgomeryMember

Monrovia/Bradbury and portions of Duarte Representative

Dr. Patricia A. RasmussenMember

Glendora and portions of San Dimas Representative

Ms. Nancy Gonzalez-VillatoroStudent Trustee

Dr. Geraldine M. PerriSuperintendent/President

citruscollege.edu

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