Reflecting on 50 Years as a Citrus College Trustee

By Dr. Edward C. Ortell, Citrus College Governing Board Member

This spring, I was humbled to be acknowledged as the state's longest-serving community college trustee by the Community College League of California. When Duarte area residents first elected me to serve as their representative on the Citrus College governing board in 1969, I was eager to give back to my community and advocate in support of higher education.

I never expected to receive so much in return.

For more than 50 years, I have had the privilege of working side-by-side with dedicated professionals devoted to fostering academic excellence and career success. The progress, innovation and goodwill that resulted from collaborating with higher education leaders, local and state officials, and the faculty, staff and students of Citrus College have been nothing short of inspirational.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my service has been joining other educators in supporting legislation to increase access, improve student services and create effective academic programs. From establishing disabled student programs and services in 1976 to creating associate degrees for transfer in 2010, community colleges have been committed to meeting California's economic, social and educational needs.

This commitment has been especially evident in recent weeks as the state manages a public health crisis. Community colleges throughout California have donated thousands of ventilators, personal protective equipment and face shields to those serving on the front lines of this global pandemic. I was also impressed by the California Community College Athletics Association's quick decision to postpone all spring sports in order to prioritize the health and safety of student athletes. In these uncertain times, actions like these reinforce what an honor it is to be part of this higher education community.

It has also been an honor to develop important partnerships within the Duarte area. For example, the collaborative relationship between Citrus College and the Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) has benefitted local students for several years. Working together, the two organizations have developed innovative programs that increase student success. Most notably, Citrus College and DUSD pioneered the Early College/Dual Enrollment program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses.

These innovations have been high points during my time as a trustee. I am thrilled when academic programs, such as STEM or the associate degree in nursing, are introduced, and I am equally proud of the college's state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Haugh Performing Arts Center and Student Services Building, that have been constructed. Additional areas of growth include the expansion of student services and an increase in the rates of students transferring to four-year colleges and universities.

Of course, Citrus College has also overcome obstacles during my tenure. When confronting challenges, the college community does so with incredible determination and resilience. For this reason, I am not surprised by the remarkable way in which our faculty, staff and students have responded to the trials associated with COVID-19. While this semester has not been business as usual, everyone has come together to establish and embrace a new way of learning.

Reflecting on my five decades of service on the Citrus College governing board, I am grateful for the support that the citizens of the Duarte area have continued to show me. I remain passionate about the mission of California's community colleges, and I hope to share many new successes in the years ahead.