Crafton Alumna Returns to Her Roots Through Service and Giving Back

Publish Date: Jan. 9, 2026

Celeste Reid’s connection to Crafton Hills College started simply: it was close to home, and it made sense as her next step.

“I lived in Calimesa, and Crafton Hills was my closest and best option for a collegiate experience after I graduated high school,” she said.

And it stayed with her. Years later, when Celeste returned to the area as Finance Director for the City of Calimesa, Crafton resurfaced in her life in a new way, through community ties, service, and the chance to give back.

Crafton was her first step into higher education, but one class stands out even now.

“I really enjoyed my History of Religion class,” Celeste said. “It was an elective and set out a worldview and perspective of religions and the cultural experiences from which communities are connected. The course was deep and significant for me.”

After Crafton, Celeste continued her education at College of the Desert and later earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, San Bernardino. Along the way, she considered a few different career directions before landing on the one that felt like the best fit.

“I considered several career options and ultimately decided to become a Certified Public Accountant,” she said. “Being a CPA was the best path forward for me because I knew it would provide the ultimate flexibility. I could live anywhere I wanted and have the capacity to be part of any industry I wanted as well.”

That flexibility turned into a wide-ranging career. Over more than 30 years, Celeste has worked in CPA firms as an auditor and tax manager, supported a nonprofit performing arts center, and worked with a professional tennis tournament. She’s also served in finance leadership roles in two municipalities. Today, she serves as Finance Director for the City of Calimesa.

For Celeste, the job isn’t just spreadsheets and reports; it’s the people and the community behind the work.

“What I love most about Calimesa is the team that I work with and our Calimesa community and businesses,” she said. “The City Manager, directors, and staff are exceptional professionals. With the leadership and guidance from the City Council, our combined knowledge and objectives are to serve the community with successful outcomes using reasonable and attainable strategies.”

She especially enjoys seeing the day-to-day moments that remind her why public service matters.

“I really enjoy when the community comes together at one of the City’s special events like the summer food truck events,” she said. “I like seeing the results of the Public Works team with a clean up after a storm, having someone express appreciation for our Police and Fire services, and seeing a new business come to Calimesa through the efforts of our Community Development team. The community members and businesses are the reason why we serve Calimesa.”

Coming back to Calimesa after more than 30 years away also brought Crafton back into focus. She had the opportunity to meet with the Foundation Board and staff, and she was honored to be invited to join the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Additionally, she became involved with the Alumni Committee.

“Professionally, joining this Board connected me back to my roots, my first college, my hometown, and community,” Celeste said. “Being a part of the Foundation Board allowed me to connect with other community and service-minded peers, and we were aligned in making an impact for the benefit of all Crafton Hills College students, current and alumni.”

Her interest in alumni work came from a simple belief: alumni are the ones who know what the experience really meant.

“I was motivated to be a part of the newly formed alumni committee because I knew those who are closest to any educational experience are alumni,” she said. “I wanted other alumni to feel and remember how Crafton Hills has been a part of their life journey, education, professional, and personal.”

One moment from her time with the Foundation still stands out: the opening of the Fire Academy Training Facility.

“The new facility was so exciting with demonstrations and going inside a training center that I would never otherwise see,” she said. “However, even more powerful was having so many Fire Professionals and former academy classes come back together. Itwas a reunion of sorts.”

As she handed out commemorative challenge coins, she was able to talk with graduates and professionals she might not have met otherwise.

“I was not a Fire professional or graduate, but because of the Foundation, I shared this experience with them,” she said. “It was a wonderful evening.”

When Celeste describes what Crafton means today, she keeps it straightforward.

“Crafton Hills College is a bridge to a better life,” she said. “If you have attended one class at Crafton, you have leveled up. You will likely be more informed, you have invested in yourself and your mind, perhaps made a friend, and got to have a nice walk around a beautiful campus. Time is well spent at Crafton Hills College.”

And for current students trying to figure out what’s next, her advice is practical and encouraging.

“Some people have early insight as to what they would like to do professionally, for others it may take a while,” she said. “If you happen to be someone undecided about your future, keep moving forward. Take classes, step out of your comfort zone, keep your mind and heart open to what the world can offer, and be sure to have some fun along the way.”