Faculty and other members of the school gathered to say good bye to Bryan Reece is leaving Cerritos College to take a job at a new college.

Since he started at Cerritos College 23 years ago Reece as a part-time instructor Reece has held different positions during his tenure, such as Faculty Senate President, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dean of academic success and Institutional Effectiveness.

Reece is leaving his position as Dean of the Student Success Center to become Vice-President of Instruction at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa.

When asked about his new job Reece said his goal was to continue “Figuring out ways to help students have a more meaningful academic experience.”

While Reece’s colleagues are happy to see for Reece’s success they say that they will miss the enthusiasm and dedication he brought to the college.

“Well it’s a wonderful experience for him, said Cerritos College President Linda Lacy, he’s definitely overdue.”

“(We’re) proud of him, (and) happy for him, sad for the institution. We’re losing a vital leader.”

“Dr. Reece is an amazing man, said Student Trustee Lance Makinano, it’s a tremendous blow to our school, but you know hopefully we can (find) someone just as competent and dedicated.”

“I worked with him for almost two and a half years. I’m glad he’s moving on to bigger and better things, but it’s a tragic loss for us.”

While Reece is looking forward to his new position he has mixed feeling about leaving the school after so long.

“I’m happy about the new position, but there a lot of people I built relationships with, decades, I won’t get to see them every day now.”

“All the people I’ve met here, that’s something you remember the rest of your life.”