Monrovian Chris Shevlin (right) and fellow honorees Bobby Pedroza and Cynthia Cervantes McGuire.
Christopher B. Shevlin was supposed to play basketball during his tenure at Citrus College in the early 70s, but an injury to one of his hands forced him to sit out for a year. When his coaches suggested he try officiating because he knew the game so well, accident turned into good fortune for the long-time Monrovia resident, and eventually led to a 35-year career officiating high school and college basketball.
Shevlin returned to Citrus College to receive an Alumni Achievement Award, along with fellow alumni Cynthia Cervantes McGuire of Claremont and Bobby Pedroza of Azusa, on Saturday, June 16, at the college's 96th commencement ceremony. The honoree spent many years officiating Division 1 college games and served as an NCAA official for five years, but he said he never imagined he would take part in so many memorable events, including meeting great players such as Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, members of the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball "Dream Team."
The Citrus College alumnus has also earned a stellar reputation for his service to the Monrovia community. Shevlin has been a member of the Monrovia Kiwanis Club for 19 years, earning the organization's Super Distinguished Past President designation in 1999-2000. He has also served as a board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA (SAFYMCA) since 1996, and he was named the organization's 2010 "Humanitarian of the Year." Shevlin's list of accolades increased when the Foothill Boys and Girls Club presented him and his wife, Becky, with the "For the Love of Youth Award" earlier this year.
In addition to his experience as a basketball referee, Shevlin has worked as an account executive for Chicago Title for the past 16 years. Before becoming a professional success and a philanthropist, however, Shevlin was a student at El Monte's Arroyo High School, Class of 1970, and he attended Citrus College. After studying at Citrus College from 1970 through 1972, he transferred to California State University, Long Beach where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1976.
On accepting his award, Shevlin reminded the class of 2012: "Once an Owl always an Owl."
Source: Citrus College Press Release
- Brad Haugaard
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