Recognizing Chaffey College Trustee Kathleen Brugger

Floor Speech

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Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathleen Brugger, and her countless years of dedication to Inland Empire students, as she retires from the Chaffey College Governing Board after 32 years of service.

Ms. Brugger is a lifelong resident of our community; in 1961, she graduated from Montclair High School, and in 1963, she earned her associate's degree from Chaffey College. Later on, she earned a bachelor's in social work from Cal Poly Pomona, which kick-started her journey to becoming a social worker.

In 1977, Ms. Brugger ran for the Ontario-Montclair School District board. She served on the board for 16 years before joining the Chaffey College Governing Board in 1993. Under her leadership, Chaffey College championed the expansion of the college from one to three campuses, the opening of the Industrial Technical Learning Center, and the development of critical support services.

When serving on the Governing Board of Chaffey College, Kathleen participated in long-term planning, budget oversight, and policy decisions, helping ensure continuity across multiple phases of the district's development. Her work also spanned multiple accreditation cycles, budget planning periods, and district governance processes, and her expertise and familiarity with the operational requirements of a multi-campus institution were invaluable to the college.

Kathleen's widespread involvement demonstrates her enthusiasm for public education systems in the Inland Empire. Her hard work has left a lasting impact on many, as seen by her recognition as Chaffey College's 2002 Alumni of the Year, and with Chaffey College being named a top-10 finalist for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Beyond her contributions to Chaffey College, Kathleen has also served on several critical boards and organizations in the Inland Empire community, including the San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization, the Montclair Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario YMCA, the Assistance League, and the Ontario-Montclair School District Board of Trustees.

Kathleen's retirement concludes more than three decades of service to education in the Inland Empire, including roles with Chaffey College, the Ontario-Montclair School District, and several local organizations. Even after retiring from the Chaffey College Governing Board, Kathleen will continue to support students across the region as a member of the Chaffey College Foundation Board.

For her outstanding service to our students and community, it is my honor to recognize Kathleen Brugger. Her commitment to the Inland Empire and beyond is worthy of the highest commendation.

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