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YUCAIPA, CA— When respiratory care students at Crafton Hills College (CHC) enter room PSAH-115, they will see late alumna Kirsten Greek’s name, reminding and inspiring them to continue their passion for helping others as they pursue their careers.
On Saturday, January 21, Kirsten’s family celebrated the official naming of the space and the Greek family’s legacy of philanthropic giving.
“We are over the moon this is being done,” said Kirsten’s dad, Forrest Greek. “We feel her spirit will always be in this room and that her spirit will help others be independent and successful.”
After high school, Kirsten initially attended a university but felt like she wasn’t flourishing as she had expected to. She left and went to work with her mother at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Loma Linda. There she worked directly with patients and decided to study respiratory care at CHC, where she excelled in her new pursuit.
“She blossomed,” Forrest said.
“She loved it,” added Valorie Greek, Forrest’s second wife and longtime friend.
In May 1993, Kirsten Greek graduated from CHC and began building a career at local hospitals like San Bernardino County Hospital and St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino, Calif.
Unfortunately, despite finding success in her field, Kirsten was dealing with mental health issues and lost her battle with bipolar depression in 2011.
Among those in attendance included Ariana Rogge, a 28-year-old respiratory care student who, despite traveling from Temecula to CHC five days a week, wanted to show her appreciation to the Greek family and found herself driving back to campus again on the weekend.
“They’re creating a legacy here today,” she said.
Rogge said she wanted to show her gratitude to the Greek family, who created an endowment in Kirsten’s memory that will grant every respiratory care graduate $300 to assist with the expense of licensing upon program completion.
“Most of us come to community college because we can’t afford to go straight to a four-year university,” Rogge continued. “I am really grateful for their contribution.”
The Greek family ties to the area go back several decades. With two young children in tow, Forrest and his first, late wife Adella, moved to the area some 60 years ago and began planting their roots and raising their children here.
Despite the profound loss of their beloved Kirsten, the Saturday afternoon name unveiling celebrated her and her memory. One relative traveled from the Midwest to be at the ceremony because of the positive impact that Kirsten made on the family.
The Greeks’ philanthropy continues to benefit other programs and areas on campus. CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan said the Greeks’ generosity is assisting the college in removing barriers for students.
“The California Community College System is the most affordable higher education system in the United States. Yet, it is out of reach for millions of people at the same time. Gifts like this will remove a barrier,” he said.
“Any time anyone visits the building, Kirsten and the impact she had on the Respiratory Care Program will be remembered,” Horan continued.
“Kirsten will live on forever here at Crafton,” Horan concluded.
For more information on the Greek family’s contributions or to learn more about how to aid in the success of CHC students, visit www.craftonhills.edu/foundation, or contact Michelle Riggs, Director of Institutional Advancement, by email at mriggs@craftonhills.edu or by phone at 909-389-3391.
