FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Doug Schultz
Communications Supervisor
626-852-6497
dschultz@citruscollege.edu
National Organization Names Citrus College an Award of Excellence Finalist
Glendora, Calif. (March 1, 2019) – Citrus College is one of only four community colleges in the nation that has been selected as a finalist for the 2019 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Award of Excellence in the Student Success category.
The AACC is a national organization working to promote the important role that two-year colleges serve in today's society. They provide advocacy, leadership and support for community colleges throughout the United States.
Every year, the AACC recognizes the exceptional work accomplished by the nation's community colleges by presenting Awards of Excellence in six categories: Student Success, Advancing Diversity, CEO/Board Relationship, Community College Safety and Planning, Faculty Innovation, and Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership. While only 20 of the nation's more than 1,100 community colleges were selected as finalists, only two of these colleges are from California.
"I have personally witnessed the extraordinary efforts of our faculty, staff and management to embrace student success and completion as the institution's highest priority," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Being named a finalist for this prestigious award is an extremely fitting validation of the college's efforts, which have led to stellar student outcomes."
The AACC Award of Excellence in the Student Success category recognizes a community college that has demonstrated a sustained commitment to student achievement. The criteria used to determine this year's finalists include the development of a comprehensive strategic completion plan, the achievement of measurable and significant increases in degree completion, certificate completion, and transfer from two-year to four-year institutions.
In a letter submitted to the AACC, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu of the 27th Congressional District expressed her support of Citrus College and cited the college's diversity statistics, promise program and collaboration with K-12 partners as reasons for its eligibility.
"Citrus College is a model institution for student success," wrote Rep. Chu. "I am confident that Citrus College will stand out as a clear champion."
Additional factors that make Citrus College an ideal candidate for the 2019 AACC Award of Excellence in the Student Success category are its 2016-2021 Strategic Plan, with the overarching goal of increasing student success and completion, and the college's progress in creating associate degrees for transfer. The increase in the number of degrees and certificates awarded, as well as the college's improved transfer rates, are also significant.
"Citrus College is proud of its efforts to align with the AACC's 21st Century Initiatives for improving college readiness, increasing student completion rates and investing in collaborative support structures," said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "On behalf of the board of trustees, I extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Perri for her leadership, and to the faculty, staff, management and students of Citrus College who make recognitions such as these possible."
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