For Immediate Release: April 10, 2017
Contact: Elizabeth Moran
Citrus College Celebrates Women’s History Month, Honors Trailblazing Women
Glendora, Calif. - Citrus College paid tribute to trailblazing women throughout history, including U.S. Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, at a college luncheon to celebrate Women’s History Month on March 31. The event, which included approximately 50 women leaders from communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, featured keynote speaker, Dr. Elisabeth Ritacca, history faculty member at Citrus College. Dr. Ritacca presented "The History of Women's History," an overview of the emergence of women's history as a field.
According to Dr. Ritacca, as women became involved in various women's rights movements over the previous two hundred years, they also became more interested in their history. Ritacca highlighted changes within the field of women's history, saying, "The questions that future generations will ask will differ from our own, and thus the stories we tell today will be different from those told in the future." After her presentation Ritacca facilitated a short discussion with attendees about women whose stories they wanted to celebrate.
Guests also heard a special message of inspiration from Napolitano, who told her life story, from her childhood as the daughter of Mexican immigrants living in Brownsville, Texas, to her election to the United States Congress. She began her remarks by saying, "All of you are trailblazing women, because you are doing something others are not." Congresswoman Napolitano also offered the following advice: "If you run for elected office, you had better be prepared to dedicate your heart and soul, because that is what it takes."
In appreciation of Congresswoman Napolitano's vision and leadership, as well as her advocacy in support of students, Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College, presented a plaque to the congresswoman on behalf of Citrus College. In her remarks, Dr. Perri thanked Congresswoman Napolitano for the many individuals she has given a voice to throughout her career, including student veterans, students involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies, and students in need of mental health services. "You are the embodiment of a trailblazer. Throughout the years, you have tirelessly contributed to the communities you serve and have been an exemplary role model and mentor to Citrus College students."
The Women's History Month Celebration Luncheon was the capstone event in collegewide activities to celebrate. Other activities included the screening of the film, Made in L.A. and a panel discussion featuring local trailblazing women, Dr. Geraldine M. Perri; Dr. Martha McDonald, vice president of student services, Citrus College; Dr. Devorah Lieberman, president, University of La Verne; and Rev. Karen Davis, councilmember, City of Glendora.
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