Río Hondo College’s Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOP&S) will hold a 50th anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Campus Inn for the program that helps historically underrepresented college students achieve their educational goals. EOP&S, launched by Senate Bill 164 in 1969 as part of the Civil Rights Movement, is considered the original equity program of the California Community Colleges. It provides academic, financial and personal support for low-income students whose educational and socio-economic situations might otherwise prevent them from achieving their higher education goals.
Río Hondo College will mark Veterans Day at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 with a program honoring 1st Sgt. Janet Bretado of the 240th Signal Company, distribution of a Río Hondo College Veteran Memorial Coin and performances by the 40th Infantry Division Band and Río Hondo College Choir. The Veterans Day event will be emceed by Río Hondo College Veterans Service Center Counselor/Coordinator Arely Castaneda and feature a Presentation of Colors by the California National Guard – Veterans Honors Program.
Chief Tracy E. Rickman, who has helped lead and expand Rio Hondo College’s nationally respected firefighter training academies as well as launch a cadet crew that annually battles California wildfires, will retire Dec. 11. Rickman joined Rio Hondo College 22 years ago and today serves as fire technology coordinator for the Rio Hondo College Fire Academy, the Rio Hondo College Wildland Fire Academy and EMT program.
Río Hondo College’s Office of Online Education has received a $477,000 grant as part of the California Virtual Campus Online Education Initiative to add or update 16 industry-valued online certificate programs in fields ranging from Wildland Fire Technology to Web Design. College officials anticipate the programs will be open to students in fall 2020.
Rio Hondo College will hold a week of events, Oct. 14-18, to support and celebrate its undocumented student population, featuring social events, a fundraiser promoting legal protections, political activities, a family night, personal talks by undocumented students and a walk/run.
Rio Hondo College will hold its second annual Undocumented Student Week of Action from Monday, Oct. 14 to Friday, Oct. 18. The event, themed “Dream to Believe,” will feature social events, a fund-raiser promoting legal protections, political activities, a family night, personal talks by undocumented students and the inaugural UndocuRio Walk/Run on Friday. Events will be held daily at the College, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier.
Rio Hondo College Assists with Homeless Benefit
Rio Hondo College students have created more than 60 ceramic bowls for a fundraising event benefiting the homeless. The eighth annual Empty Bowls event will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at Santa Anita Golf Course Club House, 405 S. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia. The event will feature area city leaders serving up soup made by more than 10 San Gabriel Valley restaurants with the bowls as gifts. Tickets are $50.
Río Hondo College will hold a reception to welcome Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, celebrating efforts by the newly appointed College leader to champion collaboration and transparency.
Reyes, an educator for 33 years, was appointed Río Hondo College’s 10th superintendent/president in July 2019. He comes to Río Hondo College from Mendocino College, where he held the same post since 2013.
Río Hondo College will host a welcome reception for Dr. Arturo Reyes, the College’s recently appointed superintendent/president.
Rio Hondo College Art Gallery will hold a reception at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 for its new show, Cuentista, which features works by seven artists as part of the fifth annual SUR:biennial art project. The gallery is one of seven galleries to present independently curated exhibits to showcase works influenced by the cultures and artistic traditions of Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Rio Hondo’s show runs through Thursday, Oct. 3. The College is at 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier.