Memorial Tribute for Dr. Wilford Michael
Dr. Wilford Michael (President/Superintendent Emeritus) passed away on Friday, October
19. Dr. Michael is the College’s longest-serving president who led with distinction
and honor. He was initially hired as Vice President of Business Services/Assistant
Superintendent in September 1972, and in July 1973, was promoted to President/Superintendent.
Dr. Michael retired in December 1986. During his employment and after retirement,
Dr. Michael and his wife Jean rarely missed important events on campus - from awards
ceremonies to theatre productions, music performances, and student and athletic events.
He was a founding member of the Cerritos College Foundation, and continued to serve
on the Board of Directors until recently. The Michael family established a scholarship
for Cerritos College students. The Cerritos College Wilford Michael Library and Learning
Resource Center was named in his honor for his longtime contribution in 2005. Dr.
Michael and Jean were inducted into the Cerritos College Hall of Fame for their commitment
and dedication to the College in 2013.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Church located at 1010 N. Tustin Avenue in Santa Ana. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Dr. Michael, donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Bellflower and mailed to P.O. Box 124, Bellflower, California 90707. Checks can be made payable to the Bellflower Rotary Foundation and reference Cerritos College Scholarships.
In memory of Dr. Wilford Michael, you are invited to stop by the Student Center on Monday, October 29 (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) and Falcon Square on Tuesday, October 30 (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) to express your condolences to his family. Those of you who cannot attend the ceremony, please express your thoughts and prayers on sympathy cards. We will deliver your sympathy cards to his family on behalf of our campus community. We encourage you to please make time in your schedule to honor and reflect on Dr. Michael’s legacy. During his tenure as president and even into retirement, Dr. Michael was a strong leader and advocate for our students and campus.
Dr. Michael will be greatly missed for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for students and the community.
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