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.
Río Hondo College Set to Honor More than 1,660 Graduates
Río Hondo College will host its 61st annual Commencement Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 24 in Student Parking Lot A. The event 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 Bachelors of Science. Orange County Superior Court Judge Bryan Clavecilla, a RHC alumnus, will deliver the keynote speech, while Mary Becerril, who has given 38 years of dedicated service to Río Hondo College, will be honored as the 2024 Fellow of the College during the ceremony. Río Hondo College is located at 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier.
Río Hondo College’s Dance Program will showcase the talents of its students, faculty, and guest artists during its spring 2024 concert, “Interwoven Beats: Dances of Connection.” It is the final one of two annual department concerts the program puts on each school year. Admission is free but a donation of $10 for the Dance Program is encouraged and will be accepted at the door.
Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez presented Río Hondo College with a check for nearly $1 million in federal funding to upgrade its Police Academy Regional Training Center during an April 26 ceremony. The funding, which was secured by Sánchez in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, will be used to install new scenario-based learning environments and virtual reality technology, which will place cadets in emotionally charged, simulated settings that reflect real law enforcement incidents, allowing them to safely learn from mistakes and improve their performance and responses.
Río Hondo College Prepares for Second Annual Invention Camp
Río Hondo College, in partnership with Lemelson-MIT, will host its second annual Invention Camp Río program from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 26. Led by Río Hondo College business, engineering, and architecture faculty members, Invention Camp Río strives to help participants think creatively and work independently to solve problems in the community. Participants will learn about the invention process, how to generate a business plan and how to pitch a product that can later become patented. Applications for the camp are due by May 24. Río Hondo College is located at 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier.