Regina de Doelder is a 2025 recipient of the Citrus College Distinguished Alumni Award.
With an impressive history of vocal performance, professional success and community service, de Doelder believes her accomplishments are rooted in the years she spent at both Citrus Union High School and Citrus College.
A longtime resident of the San Gabriel Valley, de Doelder moved with her family to Glendora in 1955 where she became an active member of the Glendora Nazarene Church choir. De Doelder furthered her love of singing by enrolling at Citrus Union High School and auditioning for a USO show organized by Bob Hope. She earned a spot on the tour which took her to military bases and ships across all branches of the armed forces.
After three years at Citrus Union High School, de Doelder transferred to the newly opened Glendora High School. She played an integral role in shaping school spirit, working alongside classmates to write the school song and select the school colors. In 1960, de Doelder proudly joined 187 of her fellow students as the first Glendora High School class to graduate on the school's new campus.
After high school, de Doelder enrolled at Citrus College and continued to immerse herself in vocal music. Her hard work paid off and in 1961 she transferred from Citrus College to Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) thanks to a prestigious Nazarene vocal scholarship.
De Doelder embarked on her career in 1963, working as a receptionist for Aerojet in Azusa. She later became a classified courier and was entrusted with handling classified hardware and documents. During her 29 years at Aerojet, de Doelder was involved in many memorable moments, including transporting sensitive information about rocket engines for the Apollo program and baking goodies for the company's 50th anniversary celebration.
Following her retirement in 1992, de Doelder dedicated herself to giving back to her community. She became a volunteer at the La Fetra Center, spending the past 34 years serving senior citizens in Glendora. Most recently, she escorted 17 older adults to a performance at Citrus College in May.
De Doelder has also made a significant impact in the community through service projects, including collecting tickets from a Vons/Albertsons Monopoly game that benefited local food banks. Additionally, as a member of the Citrus Alumni and Friends Association, de Doelder helped raise thousands of dollars for the Citrus College Veterans Success Center through a harmonica fundraiser.
Her dedication has been recognized with several honors, including the Glendora Humanitarian Service Award and the Ruth Harper Award for her many years of service to senior citizens.
In her free time, de Doelder enjoyed traveling with her husband of 62 years. She has visited 182 countries, including all the continents, oceans, seas and major rivers of the world except the Ganges in India.
"Citrus Union High School and Citrus College laid the foundation for my future successes, and I'm grateful for the experiences and opportunities I had there," de Doelder said. "It truly prepared me for the adventures that followed."
Mrs. de Doelder's story was originally featured in the program for the 109th Citrus College Commencement.