Citrus College’s executive director of communications and external relations, Melissa Utsuki, died of cancer the week of Jan. 19.
“As she worked with her colleagues on campus, she led with love and performed her job with a focus on the students, faculty and staff of Citrus College,” Superintendent/President Greg Schulz said in an email to campus staff and faculty.
Utsuki joined the college staff in April 2019.
“We will miss her and always cherish our interactions with her, as she worked to make Citrus College a better place for all,” Schulz said in an email to campus staff and faculty.
The Utsuki family requests donations be sent to Rover’s Retreat in place of cards or flowers.
Rover’s Retreat is an adoption service where Utsuki rescued her dog, Cookie. The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. March 1 at Faith United Methodist Church, 2115 W. 182nd St. in Torrance.
