Whittier, California – Río Hondo College (RHC) ensured Congresswoman Grace Napolitano’s legacy of public service and advocacy for education and workforce development lives on forever on its campus as it officially dedicated the Grace F. Napolitano Quad with a ceremony on Aug. 14.

Students, staff, community members and elected officials, including Congresswoman Napolitano, attended the ceremony at what was once known as Río Hondo College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Quad. The ceremony unveiled the new “Grace F. Napolitano Quad” signage and gave a sneak peek at a rendering showcasing the future changes planned for the area, including the installation of new signage, turf, tables and umbrellas for student use.

A bright red Tesla welcomed guests to the quad – a nod to Río Hondo College’s distinctive bachelor’s degree in automotive technology. Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores and Board of Trustees President Anais Medina Diaz addressed those in attendance, along with Congresswoman Napolitano, who was first elected to Congress in 1998 and has served 13 terms in the House.

During her speech, Congresswoman Napolitano expressed her gratitude to Río Hondo College and explained her intention to work as hard as possible in Congress so she could bring federal resources to organizations like Río Hondo.

“Río Hondo College has always been engaged in doing good work and I know that the College will continue to serve the needs of our students and our community in the years to come,” Congresswoman Napolitano said.

The Río Hondo College Board of Trustees unanimously approved renaming the quad after Congresswoman Napolitano, who is set to retire from public service later this year, at its July 10 meeting. The Board specifically chose the CTE Quad in recognition of her extensive contributions and advocacy for RHC’s CTE programs over her 26 years in Congress.

During the dedication, RHC Board President Anais Medina Diaz read from the Board’s resolution detailing Congresswoman Napolitano’s impact on the College over her career, including delivering the keynote speech at RHC’s 2022 commencement and helping secure more than $2 million in federal funding to benefit RHC programs.

Río Hondo College Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores praised Congresswoman Napolitano as a role model for not only her but all Latina professionals.

“You have demonstrated ‘la fuerza de la mujer’ (the strength of women) through your tenacity, your compassion to help others in need and your ability to build bridges across communities,” Dr. Flores said. “Your lasting contributions to our campus will be forever embedded in the history of Río Hondo.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

NAPOLITANO_QUAD1: From left to right: Río Hondo College Board of Trustees members Kristal Orozco, Vicky Santana, Board clerk Rosaelva Lomeli, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Board vice president Oscar Valladares, Board president Anais Medina Diaz and Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores celebrate the dedication of the Grace F. Napolitano Quad on Aug. 14.

NAPOLITANO_QUAD2: Congresswoman Grace Napolitano celebrates the dedication ceremony of Río Hondo College’s new Grace F. Napolitano Quad with local police officials, including RHC Police Academy Director Walter Allen III (second from left).

NAPOLITANO_QUAD3: Río Hondo College Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores welcomes guests to the dedication of the Grace F. Napolitano Quad on campus. The ceremony celebrated Congresswoman Napolitano’s impact on the College over her career, including helping secure more than $2 million in federal funding to benefit RHC programs.