Veronica Kirton, a Monrovia resident who accomplished her lifelong dream of graduating from college at the age of 72, was selected to receive the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Kirton earned an Associate of Arts for Transfer in Sociology in June 2020, two years after she enrolled at Citrus College. Her journey was chronicled in a college press release and led to her and her family, including daughter and Citrus College alumna Ronnese Glover, appearing in a college advertisement promoting enrollment.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Kirton grew up as the oldest of 11 children. She recalled having a tight-knit family, with her grandparents, aunts and cousins living nearby. In 1963, she graduated from George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans. After first thinking about college while she was in middle school, Kirton proceeded to enroll at Delgado Community College in 1965. Ultimately, her plans to finish college were put on hold due to increasing family and work commitments.
Over the years, Kirton worked as a telephone operator for South Central Bell, event coordinator at the California Institute of Technology, and director of family, marriage and ministerial care at Covenant Life Ministries International. She also served as a union representative for the Communication Workers of America. In 2014, she graduated from Promise Christian University.
Kirton's return to college to earn an associate degree came after her daughter – Glover – earned her bachelor's degree. At the time, Kirton urged Glover to continue her education and pursue a master's degree. So, the two of them ultimately made an agreement: if Glover started a master's degree program, Kirton would enroll at Citrus College.
Kirton chose to major in sociology because she was interested in learning about people and had a passion for children and the elderly. While at Citrus College, Kirton found a great deal of encouragement and support, especially from her instructors.
Her favorite memories at Citrus College include entering the campus-wide poetry contest and reading her poem aloud in front of an audience. She also enjoyed spending time at the Hayden Memorial Library and becoming friends with the librarians.
"With my education, I am able to better understand myself as well as others," she said.
Some of her accomplishments at Citrus College included being on the Dean's List for the fall 2019 semester with a 3.7 GPA and receiving an award from the Citrus College Foundation.
Currently, Kirton enjoys gardening, painting and volunteering with her church's food distribution program. She has been married for 59 years to her husband Rodney, who owns and operates Kirton Construction. Together, they have four children, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Looking to the future, Kirton is looking forward to seeing the United States by train and serving the Citrus College community.
Ms. Kirton's story was originally featured in the program for the 106th Citrus College Commencement.