Many years back, a boy accompanied his mom to her night courses at Citrus College.
While the boy’s mom listened to her lectures, he sat in the back of the classroom and did his own homework or read a book.
During that time, Citrus had become an active part of the boy’s life, and he knew that he wanted to attend Citrus when he got older.
That boy grew up to be one of the new Board of Trustees members, Steven Bluitt Flowers, who is a born-and-raised Glendora citizen with an active life.
Before joining the board, the college website said Flowers is an active member in his Glendora community. He has been a part of many associations such as the Glendora Historical Society, the First Christian Church of Glendora, the Glendora Preservation Foundation Board of Directors and Glendora Community Coordinating Council Board of Directors.
He sought to be involved with Citrus as well. He started with the Associated Students of Citrus College when he was a student.
He said the student press was actually the reason why he became interested in the first place. When he had picked up a copy of the student newspaper during his first week of the spring semester, there was an article from the ASCC president at the time.
“The article was really pushing back against the perception that young people are apathetic,” Flowers said. “He said in the article, ‘I encourage you all to get involved. Join a club, come to the ASCC, come meet our officers.’”
Flowers became a candidate for their next election and was voted in.
Afterwards, he built his way up to the Citrus Alumni and Friends Association after graduating, and then was elected to the Citrus College Foundation Board of Directors.
Flowers said he had also previously served the United States Air Force and became a decorated combat veteran.
Flowers said he had been inspired to join the military for a multitude of reasons. He said his grandfather had previously served in the Navy, and it had sparked a curiosity in him.
He said he volunteered for the Glendora Historical Society and talked to many men and women who served during World War II in different military branches.
The tragedy of 9/11 had set him over the edge for finally committing to joining the military.
”On 9/11, we all watched in horror as this new age started to unfurl before our very eyes on television,” Flowers said. “And I talked to my grandfather after and I said, ‘You know, I think I want to serve my country.’ So I think 9/11 put me just over the top, and six months later I was on a plane to basic training.”
Flowers’ favorite place he was stationed at was England because of a gift he received from his mom.
”Growing up, you know, we grew up very poor. And one Christmas, the only gift my mother could afford was a book about British castles and grand houses and estates,” Flowers said. “So when I grew up and joined the military and got stationed in England, I brought that book with me, and that was my tour guide.”
Flowers had originally no interest in joining the Board of Trustees until April 2024 when previous member Patricia Rasmussen announced her retirement. Flowers was aware of Rasmussen for a long time and was proud of all her accomplishments on campus.
During that time, phone calls from around town had started to reach Flowers and encouraged him to run as a candidate for the board. Flowers said how he did not see himself taking that kind of role.
“I was resistant, hesitant even,” Flowers said. “I didn’t see myself in this position. Not because of a lack of ability, but it just never crossed my mind before.”
After speaking to his family and close friends, Flowers finally decided to run for election.
Flowers said he is proud to serve on the board, as it gave him an opportunity to serve the college to a whole new capacity. Flowers has also embraced how glad he is to get to know the faculty and staff on a different level.
“I’ve been immensely enjoying getting to know them,” Flowers said. “Listening to them talk about their admiration for Citrus and their commitment to student success is extremely inspiring.”
Additionally, the board has helped to make Flowers feel welcome.
Board of Trustees member Anthony Contreras, who was previously the board’s president but is now the clerk/secretary, said he welcomes Flowers in.
“I welcome Trustee Flowers to the Board of Trustees and I look forward to working with him as we serve our campus and our surrounding communities,” Contreras said.
Board of Trustees member Randa Wahbe was elected onto the board at the same time as Flowers. Wahbe and Flowers trained together during that time.
”The onboarding experience has been extremely helpful,” Wahbe said. “And the statewide training that I’ve participated in was informative to my role as trustee and beneficial in providing space to network with trustees from across the state and learn about potential issues that could impact our students.”
Wahbe said she appreciates the perspective that Flowers brings to the board and enjoys working with him and the other trustees.
Flowers has been a board member since December of last year, and one of the main things he hopes to initiate is an expansion of the Career Technical Education programs that Citrus offers.
He said that the CTE programs offer great careers that can support the local economy. Furthermore, he wants to focus on student success and informing those attending that they not only offer degrees, but also certificates.
Flowers said that he understands that the path of academics is different for everyone, and he wants to keep them informed of that.
”I think for some people in our community they may not be so keen to pursue an academic degree, but they do want to have a form of education,” Flowers said. “I want folks to understand that colleges and Citrus College is more than just degree granting. We do certification certificates as well.”
In addition to that, he said he always wants to continue to be a part of Citrus in the future. Whether it is through the board, the alumni association or attending the performances on campus, Flowers wants everyone to know how much the college means to him.
He said he plans to stay in the city of Glendora as well, and it has always been considered his home. He said he wants to always be involved in some way.
Flowers encouraged students to enjoy their time at Citrus and try to make memories that are beyond the classroom.
“I hope that they are finding their favorite spot on campus to sit and enjoy a beverage, or I hope that they’re attending some of the ball games and cheering for our Fighting Owls,” Flowers said. “I hope that when they leave Citrus, there’s something beyond just the academic component.”
Above all, he said wants people to look back on Citrus as an “alma mater,” or to look back at campus fondly whenever they pass by in the future.
