CHC Hosts Naming Ceremony for the Kirsten Greek Respiratory Care Classroom

Publish Date: Jan. 30, 2023

When respiratory care students at Crafton Hills College enter room PSAH-115, Kirsten Greek’s name will now be there to permanently remind and inspire them to continue their passion for helping others as they pursue their careers.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, the family of Greek, a Crafton alumna and former respiratory care tech, was on hand to celebrate the official naming of the space and the Greek’s family philanthropic giving.

“We are over the moon this is being done,” said Kirsten’s dad, Forrest Greek. “We feel her spirit is always going to be in this room, and that her spirit is going to help others be independent and successful.”

Among those in attendance included Ariana Rogge, a 28-year-old respiratory care student who despite traveling from Temecula to Crafton 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, adding that in addition to long class days and late nights studying, there are a lot of hidden fees associated with obtaining a license in respiratory care. To help cover those expenses, The Greek family created an endowment in Kirsten’s memory that will grant every respiratory student with $300 upon graduation to assist with the expense of state testing 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 to [their] contribution.”

The Greek family ties to the area go back to before Crafton was even built, they explained. Along 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. Kirsten graduated from Yucaipa High School and started her college journey at Cal State San Bernardino, her dad shared.

But, after her first year at Cal State, Kirsten felt like she wasn’t flourishing as she had expected to. Shortly after, Kirsten went to work with her mother at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Loma Linda when she was introduced to working directly with patients. Forrest said Kirsten’s uncle inspired her to get into respiratory care and soon she found herself at Crafton excelling 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. Unfortunately, despite finding success in her field, Kirsten was dealing with mental health issues and unfortunately passed away in 2011.

Despite the deep loss of their beloved Kirsten, the Saturday afternoon name unveiling served as a celebration of the impact she left behind on her family members – a relative, Valorie recalled, traveled from the Midwest to be at the ceremony because, as she told Forrest, “I am part of what I am because of Aunt Kirsten.” The Greeks’ philanthropy will also continue to benefit other programs and areas on campus.

“This gift lives on in perpetuity,” said Crafton President Kevin Horan. “We, at this college, are passionate about 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.

“I wanted to be sure that your family knew that Kirsten will live on forever here at Crafton,” Horan continued. “And we are inspired by you and what you are doing today. And every time people come outside [and see her name], they’re going to know the impact she had on the Respiratory Care Program. Thank you very much.”

For more information on the Greek family’s contributions, or to learn more about how to aid in to the success of its students, visit the Crafton Hills College Foundation’s page at 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.