FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College earns 12th consecutive Military Friendly School designation
Glendora, Calif. (March 16, 2021) – When it was announced that Citrus College would once again be included on the annual Military Friendly Schools list, Jixiang Bian wasn't surprised. After all, the 27-year-old computer science major has personally benefited from the services the college provides to student veterans.
"Citrus College really encourages all veterans to achieve their academic goals," the former U.S. Army specialist said. "The college's Veterans Success Center [VSC] is one of the greatest I have ever seen. When I was a new student, the center's staff were with me every step of the way. They helped me feel supported."
This commitment to serving student veterans is the reason Citrus College recently earned its 12th consecutive Military Friendly School designation from VIQTORY, a service-disabled and veteran-owned small business that operates the Military Friendly brand.
Every year since 2003, VIQTORY has presented Military Friendly honors to the top 15% of the nation's colleges, universities and trade schools that demonstrate a commitment to embracing military students. To compile their annual list, the organization gathers information from data-driven surveys, public data sources and personal data collected from veterans.
"The entire campus community considers it is a source of pride that Citrus College has the privilege of serving our student veterans and has received the Military Friendly designation for so many years. This special recognition represents the great work that our faculty and staff have completed on behalf of some of our nation's most heroic citizens," said Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "When you combine a military background with a college education, the possibilities for future academic and career success are undeniable. Our hope is that any local veterans considering a college education will learn of this designation and know that Citrus College would consider it an honor to be the first step on their higher education journey."
The complete list of 2022-2023 Military Friendly Schools will be published in the May 2022 issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and will also appear online at militaryfriendly.com. This year, Citrus College is one of only 282 colleges and universities in the nation to be granted gold award status. This special designation is reserved for those top institutions that have leading practices, outstanding outcomes and effective programs.
"On behalf of the entire board, I extend my sincere gratitude to the faculty and staff who have made this recognition possible. I am especially appreciative of the team in the VSC who are committed to meeting the needs of our student veterans," said Mary Ann Lutz, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Transitioning to an academic culture after serving in the military can bring unique challenges. With the help of the VSC, our student veterans are reaching their academic and professional goals in increasing numbers every year."
A central location on campus where members of the military can receive information, seek assistance and interact with peers, the VSC provides a wide array of services. These include access to computers, academic counseling, financial aid guidance, mental health services, assistance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits and more.
According to Mr. Bian, the services and staff in the VSC have given him the confidence to fulfill his first academic dream. Next fall, Mr. Bian will be transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree.
"When I transfer, I hope that my new school has a veterans center that is just as nice as the one at Citrus College," he said. "The fact that the VSC always felt like home has made all the difference."
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