MISSION VIEJO, CA — The 91°µÍø District (SOCCCD) proudly honored Trustee Marcia Milchiker for 40 years of extraordinary service on the SOCCCD Board of Trustees during its Board meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025. Trustee Milchiker was first sworn in on December of 1985, and has since become one of the longest-serving community college trustees in California.
The celebration was attended by Trustee Milchiker’s family, friends, and neighbors, who joined Board members, district leadership, faculty, staff, and students in recognizing her decades of steadfast leadership, advocacy, and commitment to student success.
In addition to recognition from SOCCCD, Trustee Milchiker received formal commendations from the City of Laguna Niguel and the City of Laguna Woods, acknowledging her lasting impact on higher education, workforce development, and community engagement throughout the region.
Throughout her tenure, Trustee Milchiker has been a tireless champion for accessible, high-quality education; innovative academic and workforce programs; and responsible stewardship of public resources. Her leadership has helped guide the District through periods of growth, transformation, and national recognition, always with a focus on students and the communities SOCCCD serves.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this District and the communities of South Orange County,†said Trustee Marcia Milchiker. “I am deeply grateful to my fellow trustees, our exceptional faculty and staff, and the countless students who have inspired my work over the past four decades. This recognition is truly humbling, and I share it with everyone who has been part of this journey.â€
Chancellor Julianna M. Asperin Barnes praised Trustee Milchiker’s legacy as both historic and deeply personal.
“Trustee Milchiker has set a truly trailblazing example of public service,†said Chancellor Barnes. “For 40 years, she has led with integrity, vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. Her impact on this District—and on generations of students—cannot be overstated. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership and her enduring commitment to our mission.â€
The SOCCCD Board of Trustees formally presented Trustee Milchiker with a resolution honoring her service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the District. The evening served not only as a celebration of longevity, but as a tribute to a legacy defined by purpose, perseverance, and public good.