All across campus are the markings of one of Citrus’ most valued workers for 25 years.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., every weekday in his tiny office in IS, Tom Cheng can be found working on and updating Citrus technology.
Cheng is the primary “staff-on-call” for campus-related questions of computers and technology.
“His dedication and strong work ethic are truly commendable,” IT co-worker, programmer analyst Bryun Sakaye said in an email. “He consistently puts in the extra effort to deliver exceptional results. Tom’s unwavering patience further sets him apart.”
With degrees from Citrus and Cal Poly Pomona, Cheng leads a team of eight technology professionals and student workers to maintain AV support, infrastructure maintenance and the help desk support in Student Services.
Prior to full-time hours, Cheng found himself at Citrus part-time and, before, as a student worker.
“I went through the normal interview process and was recommended for a second interview,” Cheng said. “Then I met with the president/superintendent.”
Cheng interacts with a high amount of campus community. Passwords need resetting, devices need to connect to Wi-Fi and Canvas/Wingspan need navigation.
Cheng can access Citrus apps and other things if the help desk cannot fix the issues.
No personal computer enhancements are worked on, only Citrus issues are.
“Tom is exceptionally dependable, both in terms of meeting deadlines and delivering on his promises,” student worker Briana Espinoza said in an email. “Whenever there is a task at hand, I can rely on him to provide.”
Pride in a good work well done cannot be contained to just one project over the 25 years.
The building and implementation of the student help desk less than a decade ago has been one of the more notable campus improvements, Cheng proudly noted.
“In the end, our staff are very good at what they do and we usually overcome any challenges,” Cheng said.
Day-to-day, Cheng is involved in meetings and cooperative interactions with staff and faculty, such as with governance and other committees. Tech at TeCS is always busy. Campus mass email notifications go through Cheng’s office. Cheng takes the lead with vendors and contractors on current tech projects, planning for the future.
“It’s never a dull moment here at TeCS,” Cheng said.
If one is not aware of the work Cheng has put in, then he says he “has done a good job.”
Cheng is also on the job during off hours. Sometimes functions are only available after hours.
Because of email, he can always be found.
Net data and hardware are always improving quickly, so Cheng said he and his team lead updates.
For what it’s worth, Cheng, maybe being biased, said he believes wholeheartedly that Citrus is one of the best community colleges to work and attend. Cheng said that Citrus is beautiful while the community is an extended family that helps and cares.
As of late, Cheng said, after retirement, he may apply for a position teaching computer science.
“I think our computer classes and faculty teaching these classes are very capable, but I would like to see more technology-based classes in the future,” Cheng said.
Cheng said it excites him to make a difference in lives. His ambition is to make it as easy as possible for the faculty to teach and assist students to grow and move on by overseeing all campus technology, such as that being installed in the new ED building.
Major projects are always ongoing, like the new data center.
Cheng is in a proficient department considering size and needs.
He also has a personal life. He has a bowling team that meets twice a week, and he has friends and family to hang out with whenever he can.
“From being around Tom, I can say he’s a good, kind and funny guy! Always a good time talking to him and he’s always so helpful and understanding,” student worker Alejandrao Lopez said in an email. “The best boss I have ever had, hands down.”
The IS building is the site of Cheng’s office. Call IS directly at 626-857-4100 for Cheng or walk in. He also can be emailed, tcheng@citruscollege.edu.
