Río Hondo College has honored five students with its 2021 Extraordinary Graduating Students award, a distinction that recognizes individuals who have reached their goals while overcoming adversity and personal tragedies. This semester’s award winners are Albert Steven Mendoza Jr., Dominic Castanon, Pretty Star Garcia, Luis Albert Cruz and Stephanie Paz. They were selected by faculty members for their stellar work ethic and ambition for achievement.
Río Hondo College to Celebrate Grads with Drive-thru Graduation Ceremony
Río Hondo College degree candidates are invited to celebrate their achievements with an in-person, on-campus “CARmencement” parade and festivities from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, May 28. Graduates are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, bring their families and drive through the campus to celebrate the next step in their academic journeys. Río Hondo College Board of Trustee members, faculty and staff will be in attendance to cheer on students. Graduates will also receive care packages to recognize their accomplishments. Río Hondo College is at 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier.
Río Hondo College’s Fire Crew 77 has been deployed to Baltimore, Maryland to assist with COVID-19 vaccine distribution, providing aid to federal officials as they inoculate thousands of citizens against the virus. Fire Crew 77 sent 15 members on the 14-day assignment, which could turn into a 21-day assignment, after being called into action by the United States Forest Service (USFS). During their stay, they will provide logistical support – moving supplies, setting up and disassembling work and mobile vaccine sites and monitoring citizens during their 15-minute post-vaccine observation period.
Río Hondo College will welcome undocumented students, Dream Act advocates and civil rights activists, championing its support for a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, during its 2021 Virtual UndocuScholar Conference on Friday, April 30. With a theme of “Together We Dream,” the UndocuScholar Conference will provide students with resources, advice and encouragement from Río Hondo College administrators, civic leaders and Río Hondo College alumni, focusing on the undocumented experience, the restitution of the Dream Act and the multitude of services for UndocuScholars at Río Hondo College.
Río Hondo College’s Forensics Speech and Debate team provides students with a pathway to four-year universities through rigorous instruction, competition experience, networking, and world-class instructors, which include Río Hondo College alumni. With a transfer rate of more than 90%, the Forensics program has seen members move on to universities such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, and Concordia. Forensics Coordinator Grant Tovmasian feels the opportunities for students to meet their higher education goals has never been better.
Río Hondo College student Kimberly Yanez carefully measured out seven grams of dry hops into a glass beaker, the first step in a classic formula for converting processed grains into a liquid wort before placing it into a fermenter, ultimately becoming a delicious British ale. The lesson in microbrewing is part of Río Hondo College’s new introductory level biotech course, Fermentation Technology. Inspired by the ever-expanding craft beer industry, Fermentation Technology is the first class of its kind offered by a Southern California community college, with the goal of training the next generation of professional microbrewers.
Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Teresa Dreyfuss’ contract as Superintendent/President during a virtual board meeting on March 24, extending her role of leading the College through June 2022. Dreyfuss has been with Río Hondo College since 1987, serving in various roles such as senior accountant, vice president of finance and business, chief financial officer and controller/business manager before her first appointment as Superintendent/President in 2013.
Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees welcomed Anais Medina Diaz as the Area 1 Trustee following a swearing-in ceremony during a March 24 board meeting. Medina Diaz was sworn into office by her husband, El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustee Clerk David Diaz, during a virtual Zoom meeting. In attendance were Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and a representative for Assemblymember Blanca E. Rubio.
Grammy Award-winning composer Eric Whitacre joined Río Hondo College choral students for a virtual music workshop on March 11, providing guidance for those seeking to pursue a career as a professional singer or music composer. Whitacre discussed his influences, his early years as a student at the Julliard School of Music, moving to Los Angeles to work as a film composer, his initial successes in the music industry, the value of chance in the songwriting process, how to turn failure into success and the inspirations that led to the formation of his Virtual Choir project.
Río Hondo College voters elected Anais Medina Diaz to serve on the Board of Trustees, according to a final ballot count released by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office on March 12 and certified on March 15. Medina Diaz will serve Trustee Area 1, which includes the City of El Monte. The seat has been vacant since former Trustee Norma Edith Garcia resigned in July 2020.
