FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College governing board installs two new trustees, one returning trustee
Glendora, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2020) – Two newly elected trustees and one reelected trustee were recently sworn in during the annual organizational meeting of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees.
On Dec. 15, Laura Bollinger and Mary Ann Lutz took their oaths of office, filling the seats of longtime trustees Susan M. Keith and the late Joanne Montgomery, respectively, who both retired in November 2020 after more than 20 years of service each. Patricia A. Rasmussen, Ed.D., who was first elected in 2007, retained her seat after being reelected to another term.
"The Citrus College community is excited to welcome Trustee Bollinger and Trustee Lutz to the board, and to congratulate Trustee Rasmussen on her reelection," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Each individual has demonstrated a keen awareness of the value of collaboration and understands the need to form meaningful relationships within our communities. They bring impressive experience, which will be valuable in the months and years ahead."
Citrus College alumna Laura Bollinger was elected to serve as the representative for trustee area 2, which encompasses Claremont and portions of La Verne and Pomona. She assumes the position previously held by Susan M. Keith.
A Claremont resident for 25 years, Ms. Bollinger has participated in numerous community organizations, holding leadership roles on several occasions. Her community involvement includes time spent with the Claremont Community Foundation; Friends of the Claremont Library; and two organizations that serve the Claremont Colleges. She has also continued to be involved with Citrus College and has been very active with the Citrus College Foundation.
"Citrus College is one of our communities' greatest assets because it provides learning equity to all who want to pursue higher education," Ms. Bollinger said. "As a trustee, I will help ensure that Citrus College continues to lead the way among community colleges as a provider of educational opportunity for all."
Mary Ann Lutz, a long-time public servant, ran unopposed in this year's election and assumes the position previously held by Joanne Montgomery. As the representative for trustee area 5, she will serve the communities of Monrovia, Bradbury and portions of Duarte.
Ms. Lutz brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her new role, having previously served in a variety of government positions. Most recently, she was the government liaison/policy advisor to U.S. Rep. Grace F. Napolitano. She also spent six years as the mayor of Monrovia, after being elected in 2009 and reelected in 2011 and 2013; and six years as a member of the Monrovia City Council.
"I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve on Citrus College's board of trustees," Ms. Lutz said. "This board has always worked together to achieve the common goal of increasing student success, and I am looking forward to contributing to this effort. I hope to build upon Mrs. Montgomery's legacy and will ensure that the district thrives despite the challenging times in which we now live."
In addition to the election of the two new board members, Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen ran unopposed and was reelected to serve as the representative for trustee area 4. As such, she will continue representing Glendora and portions of San Dimas on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees.
A career educator, Trustee Rasmussen taught English and journalism at the high school and college levels. In 1983, she joined the Citrus College staff and went on to hold several administrative positions, including dean of planning and economic development and director of public affairs, before accepting a position at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). Trustee Rasmussen retired as vice president of institutional advancement at Mt. SAC in 2007. She has served nearly 13 years on Citrus College's board of trustees, serving multiple terms as board president and as the trustee representative on the Citrus College Foundation Board of Directors.
"This has been a season of significant change for Citrus College," Trustee Rasmussen said. "While the current global pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and the board's composition has changed, there are many opportunities for growth and progress ahead. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my service and I am happy to welcome Trustee Lutz and Trustee Bollinger to the board. Together, with Trustee Ortell and Trustee Contreras, we will shape the Citrus College of the future."
Additionally, at the organizational meeting, trustees were elected to the following positions for the period from Dec. 15, 2020, through Dec. 14, 2021: Trustee Rasmussen will continue to serve as board president; Trustee Lutz is the new board vice president; and Trustee Bollinger is the new board clerk/secretary.
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