Glendora, Calif. (July 6, 2018) – Nearly $1.3 million has been gifted to the Citrus College Foundation by the estate of John W. Cassey, Ph.D., who served as a faculty member at Citrus College from 1960 to 2002.
The bequest, which is designated to support student success and faculty enrichment, is the largest in the organization’s history.
“The importance of contributions such as this one cannot be understated,” said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College and executive director of the Citrus College Foundation. “The Citrus College Foundation is dedicated to fostering partnerships and nurturing relationships that will assist the college in advancing its mission of increasing student success and college completion. Gifts such as the one made by Dr. Cassey benefit generations of Citrus College students as they pursue productive and meaningful lives.”
For more than 40 years, Dr. Cassey taught western civilization, world politics and humanities courses at Citrus College. After a long and successful career, he retired in October 2002.
Dr. Cassey passed away in March 2017. When his sizeable estate was settled, the Citrus College Foundation was the primary beneficiary.
“As a highly respected member of the college community for many decades, Dr. Cassey had a passion for learning and commitment to faculty enrichment that made a significant impact on the college and its students,” said Stephen R. Baker, 2016-2018 president of the Citrus College Foundation Board of Directors. “Through careful and thoughtful estate planning, Dr. Cassey has ensured that his impact as an instructor will extend to future generations.”
Proceeds from Dr. Cassey’s gift will establish the Dr. John William Cassey Endowed Scholarship, which will provide two scholarships to history and/or political science degree majors. They will also be used to endow the Patricia Knox Scholarship Fund, which was previously established to benefit nursing students.
In addition, Dr. Cassey’s gift will endow faculty development programs, assist with equipment needs, and help finance academic events for the history, political science and nursing programs.
To celebrate Dr. Cassey’s contribution and honor his memory, the Citrus College Foundation installed a Faculty Enrichment Honor Wall, which will include the names of any donors who support faculty enrichment and the educational mission of Citrus College. Members of the community attended the wall’s unveiling in the lobby of the college’s prestigious Hayden Hall building on June 16 during the 2018 Alumni Reception following the college’s commencement ceremony.
“The generosity of Citrus College’s donors is inspirational. While students are at the very center of everything Citrus College does, the relationships developed with our donors contribute significantly to its ongoing success,” said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. “Those who provide gifts to Citrus College, whether through estate planning or other means, can truly transform a student’s life and world.”
To support student success at Citrus College, contact the Citrus College Foundation by phone at
626-914-8825 or visit www.citruscollege.edu/foundation.
ABOUT CITRUS COLLEGE
Proudly serving the San Gabriel Valley for over 100 years, Citrus College educates approximately 20,000 students annually. The college offers 90 associate degrees and certificates of achievement, prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and provides basic skills courses and workforce training. Located in Glendora, California, Citrus College is the oldest community college in Los Angeles County. Its 104-acre campus includes eight outdoor athletic facilities. A leader in higher education, Citrus College has received numerous accolades, including being ranked first in the nation for awarding associate degrees in visual and performance arts for Hispanic students, and 12th in the nation for the number of associate degrees awarded to Hispanic students. Citrus College is also designated a Military Friendly(r) school. For more information, visit www.citruscollege.edu.
Citrus College
1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora, CA 91741
626-963-0323| www.citruscollege.edu
