Rio Hondo College is launching an orthopedic technician program and a hospitality management course in 2017-18. The hospitality management course will function as a regular class, while applications will be required for the orthopedic technician program. Hospitality management is a fast-growing industry that has expanded from restaurants and hotels to airlines, cruise lines, amusement parks and sports arenas, among other venues. Demand is expected to grow over 10 years by up to 30 percent for some food service and event planning posts. The orthopedic technician program will be the first of its kind in the Los Angeles region.
Rio Hondo College boosted math placements for incoming students in fall 2016 after deploying a pilot program that uses multiple measures to assess student skills, rather than relying on a single placement test. More than 7,000 incoming students were assessed under the new system, which included overall high school GPA and an analysis by Rio Hondo College counselors of high school math courses completed. As a result, 9.3 percent of students were placed into transfer-level math classes – the highest placement possible – up from 2.6 percent under the old system. The second highest level of math placement also received a boost in student placements, while the three lowest levels saw a drop in student placements. The same system was used for English placements.
Rio Hondo College’s new vice president for finance and business brings more than 24 years of working for California community colleges in finance and fiscal management. Yulian I. Ligioso, who starts his new post on July 24, most recently served for six years as vice president for finance and administration for Solano Community College District. The post included budget development and finance administration as well as a broad range of administrative concerns, including oversight of bond construction, information technology, campus police, and service on campus negotiating teams. While at Solano, Ligioso helped secure $12.3 million in federal funds for a 2.5 megawatt solar farm and implemented other energy initiatives, saving the District about $1 million a year and securing rebates of $1.2 million.
Rio Hondo Holds 7th Annual CTE Academy for Middle School Students
Follow-up Story: About 100 area seventh-graders assembled car engines, built radios, crafted bridges, learned First Aid and CPR, and explored 3-D printing from July 17-21 during Rio Hondo College’s seventh annual CTE Academy. The program allowed students from area school districts to explore science and technology career fields under the supervision of Rio Hondo College instructors and students in Rio Hondo College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Photos are available
Rio Hondo College Fire Crew 77 was activated July 7 to support U.S. Forest Service crews for the next 14 days as they fight fires across the state. Called the Roadrunners, the crew is staffed by cadets of Rio Hondo College’s Wildland Fire Academy. Rio Hondo College Wildland and Fire Coordinator Tracy Rickman serves as chief for the crew, which was called up three times in summer 2016.
About 100 area seventh-graders will assemble car engines, build radios, craft bridges, learn First Aid and CPR, and explore the potential of 3-D printing from Monday, July 17 to Friday, July 21 during Rio Hondo College’s seventh annual CTE Academy. The program allows students from area school districts to explore science and technology career fields under the supervision of a cadre of Rio Hondo College instructors and students in Rio Hondo College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The academy runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the College’s hilltop campus, 3600 N. Workman Mill Road, Whittier.
Rio Hondo College Hires New Vice President for Academic Affairs
Rio Hondo College’s new vice president of academic affairs brings a background rich in community college leadership, leadership on construction projects, oversight of academic departments and an understanding of high school curriculum, including accelerated learning programs. Dr. Laura Ramirez, whose last post was as vice president of academic affairs for East Los Angeles College (ELAC), begins her new job on July 5.
Rio Hondo College Hosts 40 Boys & Girls Club Members for Summer Camp
Follow-up Story: Rio Hondo College hosted more than 40 youths from the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier for a four-day summer camp from June 19-22. Camp Rio, piloted in 2016, engaged children ages 11-13 in academic-focused activities aimed at inspiring interest in college. Workshops explored solar power, drone technology, public safety careers, poetry, sign language, origami and hip-hop dance. Photos are available
Rio Hondo Offers Orientation for Families with New College Students
Rio Hondo College will brief families of new students at its First Year Family Night about financial aid, student resources and how they can support their children. The orientation program runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 at the College, 3600 Workman Mill Road. The evening is one of several events designed to support first year students who are enrolled for fall 2017 in six or more units. A light dinner will be provided. Register at bit.ly/firstyearfam17, 562-463-6650 or firstyear@riohondo.edu.
Rio Hondo College Offers Guidance to New Students at Welcome Days
Rio Hondo College will provide financial aid information and support guidance for new students during Freshman Welcome Days, held from 8 a.m. to noon Monday, July 10, Tuesday, July 11 and Tuesday, Aug. 1 at the Rio Café, 3600 Workman Mill Road. The event, which will also include information on transferring to a four-year university, is provided by the College’s First Year Success Center. Register online at http://bit.ly/rhcwelcome2017. Call 562-463-6650 or email firstyear@riohondo.edu for more information.
