WHAT: Río Hondo College will hold a healing circle and grief counseling to support the community as we grieve the loss of Julius B. Thomas, who passed away on July 9, 2023. This event will provide students, faculty, staff, and alumni the space to share thoughts and feelings on the loss of Professor Thomas.

WHEN: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursday, July 20.

WHERE: Río Hondo College L Tower breezeway. 3600 Workman Mill Rd. Whittier, CA 90601.

DETAILS: Professor Julius Thomas was born on September 22, 1961, in Northside Chicago and served in the United States Air Force before attending Riverside City College, where he thrived as a scholar-athlete. He then transferred to the University of California, Riverside where he received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology. He also earned a master’s degree in counseling from California State University, San Bernardino.

Thomas began his counseling career at Río Hondo College on July 9, 2001, and dedicated the following years of his life teaching, counseling, and mentoring students. Thomas’ 22 years of service to the College community, during which he served as an advocate for black male students by addressing systemic educational policy barriers and advancing higher education access, social justice and equity.
He served in multiple leadership roles in organizations, including Río Hondo College’s Academic Senate, Río Hondo College’s Faculty Association, the California Teachers Association, and the National Education Association.

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THOMAS: Río Hondo College will hold healing circle and grief counseling for Professor Julius Thomas, who passed away on July 9, 2023. Thomas was an advocate for racial and social justice movements and one of his favorite sayings was “The work continues…”

Memorial service details will be provided by the family.