Live theater is returning to Río Hondo College, which will stage and livestream two online performances of the Broadway musical “Working,” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7. “Working” is a series of vignettes telling the stories of everyday Americans, in their own words, with professions ranging from steelworker to corporate executive. Based on a book written by oral historian Studs Terkel and developed for the stage by lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz, the musical debuted on Broadway in 1978. A 2012 revival of “Working” added two new songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, which will be included in the College’s production.
Río Hondo College will benefit from $28.8 million in relief funds, presented by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez during her visit to the College on July 8. The financial relief comes from the American Rescue Plan, which provides funding to local colleges through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III). Authorized by the American Rescue Plan, HEERF III provided $39.6 billion to help higher education institutions serve students throughout the pandemic recovery process.
Río Hondo College will conduct online auditions via Zoom for its production of “Working,” a Broadway musical, which features two songs written by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The auditions will be held Monday, June 21 and Tuesday, June 22 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Based on the Studs Terkel oral history, “Working” profiles the lives of dozens of working Americans. The Zoom code for the auditions is 969388885253. For further information, please contact Prof. William Korf at wkorf@riohodo.edu.
Río Hondo College Latinx students will receive increased support to complete transfer level math courses in their first year of school, providing a pathway for more Latinx students to complete their degrees and transfer to four-year universities, thanks to a $65,750 grant from the Aspen Institute. The Río Hondo College Excellence Program’s primary beneficiaries will be students enrolled in Math 130 Statistics courses. During the 2020-21 school year, nearly 1,600 students were enrolled in the course. The grant allows Río Hondo College to hire additional math instructors to facilitate an increased participation of students. The program is expected to begin in Fall 2021.
Río Hondo College alumnus Joel Ramirez loves learning – a passion he hopes to spark in others by becoming a full-time professor and mentoring eager students, providing valuable research to the study of human movement, and improving his community. Ramirez’s determination has carried him through family problems, financial burdens and personal ailments – earning the first-generation college student a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s in kinesiology from Cal State University Los Angeles (CSULA). Now, the 36-year-old is setting his sights on Harvard University, where he will pursue a Ph.D. in human evolutionary biology in fall 2021.
Showing solidarity and support to Río Hondo College’s LGBTQIA+ community, Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss and the Río Hondo College Board of Trustees hosted a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Pride Day and honor those who have fought for queer rights, diversity, and inclusion on May 28.
Río Hondo College hosted a festive CARmencement ceremony, welcoming graduates onto campus for a drive-thru event where they received their diplomas from the College’s board of trustees and celebrated their milestone achievement alongside family members, faculty, staff and administrators on May 28. This year, 1,778 students earned Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. Of those degrees, 1,203 are Associate Degree for transfer, meaning they are eligible for admission to the California State University system.
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.
