First-time students at Rio Hondo College will learn to navigate the campus, learn how to get involved and build a pathway toward their success at Freshmen Welcome Days from Monday, Aug. 18 to Thursday, Aug. 21. Students will take a tour of the campus so that they are able to identify building and special service locations, as well as learn to use Access Rio, the College’s online service center where students can check email, register for courses, communicate with faculty and access other student services. Media contact: Christina Cardenas, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
Filled with music, dancing and fun, the Second Annual Latino Heritage Fiesta at Rio Hondo College on Saturday, Sept. 20 promises to be one for the books as it will welcome to the stage a Grammy Award-winning sensation and an Emmy Award-winning inspiration. Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band – whose fiery beats rooted in straight-ahead jazz, soul music and Latin- and South-American rhythms earned Grammy acclaim – is slated to perform at the fiesta, a free and open event designed to celebrate Latino culture, art, music and dance. Kicking off the festivities will be guest speaker and Emmy Award-winning journalist Dunia Elvir, an anchor and decorated investigative journalist with Telemundo. Media contact: Christina Cardenas, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
The Rio Hondo College Police Academy will welcome Class No. 200 on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The academy, which resumed in 2013, is now operating under new Police Academy Director/Consultant Walter Allen III, who was hired to implement Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Allen is the former California Youth Authority Director and state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation law enforcement chief. Allen is a current Covina City Councilman. Media Contact: Christina Cardenas, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
More than 80 students from the El Rancho Unified, Little Lake City, Mountain View and Valle Lindo school districts joined Rio Hondo College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy to get hands-on knowledge of several Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects. Students are participating in two modules, each of which is contextualized with math and science. The subjects from which students chose include basic automotive maintenance, crystal radios, small engines, solid rockets, biofuels, auto body collision and basic electrical theory. The first week of the academy concluded on July 11. The second week, which will welcome nearly 50 students, will commence Monday, July 14 and run until Friday, July 18. Classes begin at 9 a.m. and run until 2:45 p.m. Media contact: Christina Cardenas, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
Former Rio Hondo College Roadrunner and 2012 Foothill Conference Baseball Player of the Year Andrew Morales was drafted to play for the St. Louis Cardinals. The right-handed pitcher, who had just completed his senior year at the University of California, Irvine, is ranked fourth in the country with 17 starts and 128 strikeouts. During his tenure at Rio Hondo College, Morales earned the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association All-American and Pitcher of the Year and earned All-Foothill Conference first-team accolades in 2011. Media contact: Christina Esparza, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
It seems that every pub, restaurant and household in the United States has fully embraced World Cup fever. But did you know that Rio Hondo College has been a launching ground for some of the sport’s professional athletes? The Rio Hondo Men's Soccer program is one of the best in the Foothill Conference and Southern California. Coach Orlando Brenes, who guided three Foothill Conference championship teams in a row, has helped the Roadrunners win the conference title in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Many of Rio Hondo's players have gone on to collegiate and professional careers, including Marvin Quijano and Luis Aguilar. Media contact: Christina Esparza, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
Each year, Rio Hondo College showcases Profiles in Student Success. This year, staff and faculty combed through the stories of many deserving students and found four students exemplified success in the face of adversity and were recognized at the 51st Commencement Ceremony. This year, Rio Hondo College recognized reformed gang member David Rios, domestic violence survivor Sandra Lucero and DREAM Act students Valeria Guerrero and Paola De La O. Media contact: Christina Esparza, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
For the first time, Rio Hondo College will offer intersession courses this year to help students reach their goals even faster. Summer session this year will include both night and online classes. Beginning June 23, students have had the option to take five-week, six-week, eight-week, or 10-week sessions. One five-week session starts July 14. The newly offered intersession – which will run from Jan. 5 to Jan. 29 – is one of several ways Rio Hondo College is increasing opportunities for students to take more classes. Media contact: Christina Esparza, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
A Rio Hondo College instructor and his student have been selected by the California Teachers Association as the recipients of the 2014 Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Education Awards Program for commemorating the principles by which the late civil rights leader conducted his life. Along with a $550 award, student Andres Abedoy’s artwork will be put on display in the CTA Headquarters in Burlingame and will be featured in a future issue of the California Educator. Media contact: Christina Esparza, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
Rio Hondo College will be one of the first community colleges in the state to offer a smoother pathway to six of California’s top law schools by participating in the Community Colleges Pathway to Law School initiative. The Community Colleges Pathway to Law School initiative, which will begin at Rio Hondo College in the fall, is designed to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal profession for diverse populations, particularly those who have been underrepresented. Rio Hondo College was chosen by the State Bar’s Council on Access and Fairness for its leadership and student success indicators, which will be critical in providing meaningful experiences for students interested in pursuing law. Media contact: Christina Esparza, 909-445-1001 (office) or 626-383-6367 (cell)
