Río Hondo College Names Quad in Congresswoman Napolitano’s Honor
The Río Hondo College Board of Trustees unanimously approved renaming the College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Quad as the Grace F. Napolitano Quad at its July 10 meeting, honoring Congresswoman Napolitano’s extensive contributions and advocacy for RHC, particularly its CTE programs, over her 24-plus years in Congress. RHC will host a dedication ceremony of the Grace F. Napolitano Quad for local elected officials and other distinguished guests at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14.
For students, staff or visitors at Río Hondo College (RHC) who may have spotted a herd of goats on campus recently, there was no reason for alarm – they were on official business. The goats were intentionally released on campus on July 18 as part of RHC’s ongoing vegetation management and wildfire prevention efforts. Over the course of two weeks, the goats will visit several designated grazing areas on campus under the supervision of a professional herder and a border collie to ensure they remain within their specified zone. RHC will host a meet-and-greet with the working goat herd to provide students, the college community and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the goat grazing as a wildfire risk reduction, feed and take pictures with the goat herd team
Río Hondo College's (RHC) innovative approach to nursing education has garnered it a prestigious spot as one of only four institutions statewide to receive the 2024 Nursing Education Investment Grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) on June 24. RHC will receive a share of FoundationCCC’s 2024 Nursing Education Investment Grant, which totals $450,000. The College will utilize the funds to partner with UbiSim, a virtual reality (VR) platform for nursing simulation, to equip its lab with immersive VR technology to enhance the clinical experience for its students.
A piece of Río Hondo College’s (RHC) campus will forever pay tribute to the legacy of Congresswoman Grace Napolitano long after she retires from public service later this year. The Río Hondo College Board of Trustees unanimously approved renaming the College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Quad to the Grace F. Napolitano Quad at its July 10 meeting. The dedication honors Congresswoman Napolitano’s extensive contributions and advocacy for RHC, particularly its CTE programs over her 24-plus years in Congress. Napolitano delivered the keynote speech at RHC’s 2022 commencement and helped secure more than $2 million in federal funding to benefit RHC programs throughout her career in Congress. She was first elected to Congress in 1998 and served 13 terms in the House.
Río Hondo College Welcomes New Student Trustee for 2024-25
Río Hondo College student Hesma Valdes took an oath of office to officially begin her tenure as the student trustee for the 2024-25 academic year during the College’s Board of Trustees meeting on June 12. Valdes said she is motivated by a passion for advocacy for students' basic needs and wellness and has been deeply involved in campus life since she enrolled at the College as a 2023-24 freshman.
Río Hondo College Awarded Prestigious Nursing Education Grant
Río Hondo College's innovative approach to nursing education has garnered it a prestigious spot as one of only four institutions statewide to receive the 2024 Nursing Education Investment Grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) on June 24. RHC will receive a share of FoundationCCC’s 2024 Nursing Education Investment Grant, which totals $450,000. The College will use the funds to partner with UbiSim, a virtual reality (VR) platform for nursing simulation, to equip its lab with immersive VR technology to enhance the clinical experience for its students.
Río Hondo College Fundraiser Delights Guests, Supports Students
Río Hondo College’s campus transformed into a vibrant festival featuring exquisite flavors, captivating entertainment, stunning original art pieces, and a silent auction for the 11th edition of “A Taste of Río” on June 7. The Río Hondo College Foundation’s marquee annual fundraiser drew more than 350 attendees and raised approximately $105,000 for scholarships, programs, and equipment to support Río Hondo College students throughout their educational journey. It marked the first time in the history of the event – which was first launched in 2012 – that it drew more than 350 guests and raised more than $103,000 in consecutive years.
Río Hondo College’s (RHC) campus transformed into a vibrant festival featuring exquisite flavors, captivating entertainment, stunning original art pieces and a silent auction for the 11th edition of “A Taste of Río,” the Río Hondo College Foundation’s marquee annual fundraiser on June 7. More than 375 attendees enjoyed a selection of culinary delights, fine wines and craft beers during “A Taste of Río.” The event raised approximately $105,000 for scholarships, programs and equipment to support Río Hondo College students throughout their educational journey. It marked the first time in the history of “A Taste of Río,” which was first launched in 2012 to raise additional financial support for students, that the event has drawn more than 350 guests and raised more than $103,000 in consecutive years.
Fully decked out in graduation caps, gowns, and a variety of stoles, 1,664 Río Hondo College (RHC) students crossed the stage to receive their diploma, designating them as the College’s latest cohort of graduates during an on-campus commencement on May 24. Throughout the ceremony, RHC celebrated its wide range of graduates – including first-generation and system-impacted students, students who are parents, students with housing and food insecurities, and undocumented students – which reflect the rich diversity of the College community.
Orange County Superior Court Judge Bryan Clavecilla, who studied for two terms at Río Hondo College in 2003, will present the keynote speech at RHC’s 61st annual Commencement Ceremony on May 24, 2024. Río Hondo College’s upcoming Commencement ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on campus at Student Parking Lot A, will celebrate 1,664 graduates and candidates for Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. A total of 951 students will receive an Associate Degree of Transfer and eight will receive a Bachelor of Science.
