FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College selected to compete for prestigious Aspen Prize
Glendora, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2021) – Citrus College recently received its fifth consecutive invitation to compete among the nation's top 150 community colleges for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Awarded every two years by the Aspen Institute College Excellence program, the $1 million prize is the nation's top recognition of high achievement among community colleges. The award highlights institutions that excel in five critical areas: teaching and learning; certificate and degree completion; transfer and bachelor's attainment; workforce success; and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
"It is a tremendous honor to receive an invitation to contend for the Aspen Prize," said Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "I am enormously proud of our entire campus community – especially our faculty and staff – for their continued efforts to promote student success, which has made it possible for us to be considered among the top community colleges in the country."
Citrus College was chosen among the top 150 from a field of approximately 1,000 community colleges. Selection criteria included institutional performance, improvement, and equity in student retention and completion. Only 28 other higher education institutions in California were included on the list and invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.
From the current field, 10 finalists and, ultimately, one winner will be chosen. The $1 million prize purse will be split between the winner, finalists with distinction and rising star winners.
"On behalf of the board, I would like to congratulate Citrus College for being invited to compete for this significant honor," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "It is gratifying to know that Citrus College is once again being recognized on a national level for its commitment to providing students with exceptional academic and professional opportunities."
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