Citrus College President Named 27th Congressional District Educator of the Year

Courtesy of Citrus College
U.S. Representative Judy Chu of the 27th Congressional District has selected Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College, as Educator the Year. 
Dr. Perri recently received the award at Congresswoman Chu’s fourth annual DiverCities celebration, an event honoring the people, organizations, and businesses that foster and support cultural diversity in the cities and communities of the 27th District.

“I am profoundly grateful to Congresswoman Chu for choosing me to receive a DiverCities award,” said Dr. Perri.  “It is a privilege to be included among these outstanding community leaders who have dedicated their careers and their lives to serving others.”
“DiverCities is a very special occasion to recognize the diverse leadership and volunteerism in the cities that make up the 27th District,” stated Congresswoman Chu.  “This event provides an opportunity to honor some of the outstanding and diverse businesses, volunteers and non-profit organizations in the San Gabriel Valley.”
Under Dr. Perri’s leadership, which began in 2008, Citrus College has witnessed the highest number of graduates in its 98-year history. The college has been recognized nationally in Community College Week’s annual “Top 100 Associate Degree Producers” and The Hispanic Outlook in Education’s “Top 50 Community Colleges” for awarding degrees. In addition, Dr. Perri led the college in its reaffirmation of accreditation.

“All the awardees were carefully selected from nominations that were submitted by members of the community,” Congresswoman Chu noted.  “The selected groups and individuals received this honor because of the amazing work they have done in their field as well as their dedication to the community and the San Gabriel Valley as a whole.”
Dr. Perri’s has worked in higher education her entire professional career. She served as president of Cuyamaca College in San Diego, vice president of instruction at San Diego Mesa College, and dean at Mt. San Jacinto College in Riverside County.  Dr. Perri began her career as a professor and later served as associate dean of academic affairs at her alma mater, Hostos Community College, City University of New York, where she earned an associate degree in dental hygiene.
She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in health education from New York University, a master’s degree in organizational development, and a doctorate in human and organizational development from the Fielding Graduate University.
“The Citrus College community was thrilled to learn of Dr. Perri’s honor from Congresswoman Chu,” said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees.  “Dr. Perri is a tireless advocate for higher education and student success—not only at Citrus College, but also at the regional, state and national levels.  I am very proud of how the college has thrived under her leadership.”