College recognizes outstanding colleagues with new award
On Feb. 17, Citrus College announced the inaugural recipients of its newly established Outstanding Colleagues Award.
Bestowed to five exceptional individuals on Flex Day, the college's annual one-day professional development event that kicks off the spring semester, the award honors employees who demonstrate overall excellence and make significant contributions to the campus community.
The 2026 honorees include:
Elaine Lipiz Gonzalez, Ed.D.
Dean of Counseling Programs and Services
An experienced professional, educator and leader, Dr. Lipiz Gonzalez began serving as dean in December 2023. She works with multiple constituency groups on campus, including managers, faculty, classified staff, professional experts and students.
During her tenure, Dr. Lipiz Gonzalez has led the counseling programs and services division through numerous initiatives, including Guided Pathways, AB 1705, CalGETC implementation, Degree Works updates and more.
Peers consistently praised Dr. Lipiz Gonzalez as a team-player and collaborator who leads with empathy and compassion. She was also lauded for being an attentive listener and someone who holds an unwavering commitment to helping students reach their educational and career goals.
Gwen Harris
Schedule and Catalog Analyst
Known for going above and beyond, Harris has played a vital role on campus since 2014. As schedule and catalog analyst, she assists with the development, preparation and timing of class schedules by working with academic and student services divisions.
Harris also works with other divisions to maintain schedule and catalog integrity, which includes checking for errors, discrepancies and omissions.
Colleagues described Harris as creative, committed and inclusive. Others praised her ability to make every individual feel seen, heard and valued.
Areej Qasqas
Adjunct Faculty, History
Since joining the campus community nearly a decade ago, Qasqas has had an enormous impact on her students. She teaches history and government courses and serves as co-advisor of Beta Nu Eta, the college's Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society chapter. In this role, Qasqas works closely with students and supports them as they enhance their academic and career leadership skills.
Qasqas has also helped students as founder and advisor of college’s Model United Nations chapter, which helps students learn more about the principles of the United Nations and how it works.
Coworkers credit Qasqas with helping to strengthen the college's culture of equity, learning and belonging.
Darla Ramirez
Administrative Secretary II, Natural and Physical Sciences (retired)
From 2015 to 2025, Ramirez supported countless staff and students in her role as administrative secretary II.
Known for her passion, thoughtfulness and dependability, she routinely went above and beyond performing a variety of technical, secretarial and administrative support duties in the natural and physical sciences subdivision.
Supporters praised Ramirez for her selflessness and willingness to help others, including students, faculty, managers and classified staff. They also credited her with helping make STEM academic pathways more accessible to students.
Tommy Reyes
Faculty, Architecture
As a full-time instructor, Reyes joined the campus community in fall 2022 and teaches multiple courses each semester. In addition, he oversees the college's Architecture Club and mentors students as they take on major architecture projects, such as Showers of Grace and Pando Populus.
With Showers of Grace, Reyes worked with students to build two solar-powered mobile showers for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Teammates credited Reyes for fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment for students. They also praised him for his integrity and empathy.