Alumni estate donates historic scholarship contribution

The third largest estate contribution in the 97 year history of the Citrus College Foundation Scholarship Fund was announced in January. The largest estate donation was $636,307 from alumna Marie Phillips, and second, $578,000 was from the Mrs. Gladys and Otto Baumann Trust.

At the bequest of the family, the amount is currently being withheld.  Out of respect for the family’s mourning, Citrus can only say it is third largest donation.

“Due to the size of the donation, an endowment will be set up by Citrus College,” said Christina M. Garcia, director of development. “It will be here for the life of the college.”

Citrus alumni Dr. Bill May and Betty Holt May requested that their estate gift be designated for scholarships, which were set up in each of their names in 1994.

The scholarships are awarded annually to Citrus College students who were involved in student life or other extracurricular activities and are transferring to a four-year college or university.

The Mays attended Citrus College in the 1950s and were revered as high achievers and student leaders. Bill May received a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.

After a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, he then earned a master’s degree and a doctorate from University of Southern California. He went on to hold the position of assistant state superintendent of public education and served as an elementary school teacher, vice-principal and principal.

Betty Holt May’s education was put on hold to raise a family and work full-time, but she returned to Citrus to earn an associate’s degree, followed by a bachelor’s from the University of La Verne. She went on to become an elementary school teacher.

Over time, the Mays never lost their affection for Citrus College. Bill May received Citrus College’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1971, and Betty Holt May in 1985.

Sharon Lewis, a close friend of the Mays, urged them to donate to the Citrus College Foundation. “Bill and Betty loved seeing students’ progress and would do all they could do to help them,” noted Lewis.

The scholarship application process opens March 4, and closes March 29. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (626) 914-3159.