Citrus College conferred a record-breaking 1,508 associate degrees at its 97th commencement exercises, held on Saturday, June 15. That number surpassed last year’s record-breaking number of 1,332. This is the third consecutive year in which the 98-year-old institution has achieved this milestone.  
 
“I am thrilled that Citrus College continues to award an increasing number of associate degrees each year,” said president Dr. Geraldine M. Perri. “Conferring over 1,500 associate degrees demonstrates the entire Citrus College community’s efforts towards student completion.”
 
In addition, 258 associate degrees for transfer will be conferred.  The transfer degrees are being offered for the second year, and the number of Citrus College students who are graduating with a degree has increased exponentially, from 42 degrees awarded in 2012.  The increase can be attributed to a growing number of associate degrees for transfer students offered by the college.  Last year, Citrus College was recognized by The Campaign for College Opportunity, the sponsor of the Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act of 2010, for being one of the top 3 community colleges in California to comply with the new legislation by offering 13 transfer degrees.

“The fact that the college has garnered such a tremendous increase in the number of students earning transfer degrees can be credited to the efforts of our dedicated faculty and staff,” Dr. Perri commented.  “Transfer to 4-year colleges and universities is a core value of both Citrus College’s and the California community colleges’ mission.  As such, we are proud to be one of the leading community colleges in offering transfer degrees.”

The Citrus College Class of 2013 also includes 389 students graduating with honors and 49 military veterans who returned to civilian life. Overall, the 3 top majors chosen by the graduating class were social and behavioral sciences; biological sciences and mathematics; and business.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the Citrus College community,” said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. “Our talented, dedicated faculty and staff have done an excellent job of preparing our students for the opportunities that await them in higher education and in the workforce.  I wish the Class of 2013 the best in their academic and career endeavors.”