'Best Community College' Is In San Gabriel Valley

GLENDORA, CA —For the fifth time in a row, San Gabriel Valley's Citrus College has been voted the region's "Best Community College." f

Readers of the Southern California News Group's San Gabriel Valley publications announced that Citrus College gets that high honor, once again.

Throughout March, ballots were available in the print and online versions of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News and Whittier Daily News newspapers. Readers were asked to select the people, places and things they consider to be the "best of the best."

Citrus College was also recognized as the "Favorite Community College" and "Favorite Career College" in 2017.

"As an educational leader and active community partner for more than a century, Citrus College has long been committed to meeting the needs of the cities it serves. Recognitions such as these affirm that we are fulfilling our mission of creating a learning environment in which students thrive," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Knowing that this particular honor was made possible by community members is especially meaningful, and it serves as an inspiration as we continue our efforts to increase student success and achievement."

Every year, the Southern California News Group conducts this poll as part of their annual "Readers Choice Awards."

The poll is divided into five sections: food and drink, places, goods and services, people, and miscellaneous. Community college is one of 48 categories included in the places section.According to the organization, an "overwhelming" number of ballots were submitted this year. When the votes were tallied, readers indicated they preferred Citrus College over the region's other community colleges.

All of this year's winners were announced in the organization's "Readers Choice Awards" supplement, published on May 26.

The Southern California News Group honor comes just weeks after Citrus College received national recognition for its sustained commitment to student achievement.

In April, the college was presented with the American Association of Community Colleges' 2019 Award of Excellence in the Student Success category.

"Citrus College works tirelessly to increase completion rates and meet workforce needs. Receiving recognition for our commitment and dedication is gratifying," said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Being voted 'Best Community College' for the fifth time is particularly rewarding because it indicates that members of the San Gabriel Valley are pleased with the college's efforts to meet the needs of students."