Rio Hondo College - Focus on Rio Newsletter - June 2024
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Dear Río Hondo College Community,
Though we are in the summer months, our students and staff are still hard at work, with summer research programs well underway and preparations for the next academic year in full swing. This month has been filled with memorable events that underscore our shared commitment to excellence, student success and community engagement.
June is a meaningful time as it serves as National Immigrant Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Juneteenth. It is such a joy to come together and recognize these events as a community, with our Juneteenth celebration coinciding with the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new student centers for our Black Scholars and Reaching Institutionalized Students through Education (RISE) Scholars programs. Río Hondo College is dedicated to social justice, equity and anti-racism, and this month was a great time to reaffirm that shared commitment.
Our largest annual fundraiser, “A Taste of Río,” continues to grow, thanks to the hard work of the Río Hondo College Foundation. I want to commend everyone’s work on our marquee event, as this marked the first time in the event’s 11-year history that it raised more than $103,000 in consecutive years. Hundreds of guests showed up and it was exciting to see them as a tangible reminder of all the support we have for our students and our mission.
I want to commend all our staff and faculty who ensure our students have a tremendous educational experience here at Río Hondo College and are well-equipped for success in the future. Together, we are creating a dynamic, supportive and inclusive environment that empowers our students to succeed.
Thank you.
Río Hondo College 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.
Guests 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.
Dr. Marilyn Flores Superintendent/President
Río Hondo College Delights Guests, Supports Students with Annual ‘A Taste of Río’ Fundraiser
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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.
Among the esteemed dignitaries who attended “A Taste of Río” were South El Monte Mayor Gloria Olmos, Mayor Pro Tem Rudy Bojorquez and City Councilmembers Manuel Acosta and Richard Angel; Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Warner and Councilmember Mary Ann Pacheco; City of Pico Rivera Councilmember Dr. Monica Sanchez; Foundation for California Community Colleges Board of Trustees Director Dr. Manuel Baca and representatives from the offices of California State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, as well as a host of representatives and elected officials from the Río Hondo College Community College District and its K-12 partner districts.
Artist, author and activist Simón Silva and his wife Maria also attended
“A Taste of Río,” which showcased art from former RHC Dean of Arts and Vice President Yoshio “Yosh” Nakamura and his daughter, Linda Nakamura Oberholtzer.
Guests sampled an array of delicious food and beverages from more than 20 local vendors, including Tepeyac Restaurant, Whittier Brewing Company, Providence Bakehouse, Sugar and Spice Cafe, Pit and Bull BBQ, and the College’s own Roadrunner Brewing. VIP guests also enjoyed premium liquor tastings provided by Northgate Markets. The event was made possible by the generous support of more than 35 sponsors, in particular, the Gold Sponsor, tBP/Architecture.
Attendees bid on more than 70 items during “A Taste of Río’s” silent auction, including one-of-a-kind finds like original artwork by Silva, a Honda Motocompacto scooter decked out in Río Hondo College’s new look and a variety of sports memorabilia, including autographed gear from Los Angeles Dodgers stars Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw.
RHC
Celebrates
Juneteenth During Ribbon Cutting for New Student Centers for Black and RISE Scholars Programs
Río Hondo College celebrated Juneteenth with two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new student centers for the Black Scholars and Reaching Institutionalized Students through Education (RISE) Scholars programs on June 12.
Both student centers offer a safe and welcoming environment that is inclusive and equipped with resources. Students have access to individualized academic counseling, school supplies, community events, a place to study and plenty of computers. This type of support not only aids in students’ immediate academic success but also contributes to their long-term personal development.
In celebration of Juneteenth, the event acknowledged 400 years of
resistance, resilience and reform. Festivities began with a drum circle on campus and concluded with a group meal provided by Southern Home Cooking and Café Río.
A total of 105 students are currently participating in the RISE and Black Scholars programs, with both accepting new students. RISE Scholars, an award-winning academic initiative at RHC, helps formerly incarcerated students or those impacted by the criminal justice system navigate the higher education system. Río Hondo College’s Black Scholars program strives to empower Black students to engage in support services available to make their college journey successful, providing them with a community where they can excel academically and professionally.
Grow Your Own Teacher Pathway Program Hosts Final Selection Event
Río Hondo College’s Grow Your Own Teacher Pathway (GYOTP) program hosted its third and final selection event on June 11, as aspiring educators showcased their potential and dedication to teaching. The program is looking to recruit 25 aspiring teachers to join the program for fall 2024.
The innovative GYOTP initiative is designed to cultivate future educators who reflect the diverse communities they will serve, to address the ongoing shortage of qualified teachers in the Los Angeles region. GYOTP’s mission is to empower, promote equity, ensure excellence and redefine teacher preparation through a comprehensive and community-centered approach.
GYOTP, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Teacher Quality Partnerships Grant in partnership with the Center of Collaborative Education, aims to guide participants from community college to earning a bachelor’s degree, completing their teaching credential and ultimately gaining employment in a local or surrounding school district.
RHC STEM Students Kick Off Second Year in Cal Poly Pomona’s Summer Research Program
Río Hondo College began its second year in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program at Cal Poly Pomona on June 10. The eight-week, fulltime research experience introduces students to the world of scientific research in an immersive, supportive learning environment.
Eighteen RHC science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students are enrolled in the program, thanks to Title V Enlace funding, and first met together for a group orientation on June 3. Through SURE, which first began at Cal Poly Pomona in 2014, students will explore a variety of STEM disciplines, including animal and veterinary sciences, biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science and computer information systems.
WING-EV Academy Boosts Enrollment for First Year at Electric Summer Mixer
The Río Hondo College Career and Technical Education (CTE) division’s Women in Next Generation Electronic Vehicles (WING-EV) Academy hosted its Electric Summer Mixer on June 11. Tesla Instructor Oliver Jen and City of El Monte Councilmember Victoria Martinez Muela attended as special guest speakers. Three students joined the WING-EV Academy during the event, upping its enrollment to 20 female students in its first year.
Jen shared about the Tesla program and the future of electric vehicles. Muela – who is also the founder and president of Path to the Pits, an organization designed to pave the way for aspiring individuals to careers in motorsport – encouraged attendees to pursue their automotive dreams and consider a career in motorsports.
WING-EV Academy is paving the way for more equitable opportunities for women in automotive, empowering them on their way to earning their Automotive EV Specialist Certificate and becoming automotive technicians. Current and prospective WING-EV students also had a chance to network with each other and the RHC Automotive faculty during the Electric Summer Mixer, which concluded with a tour of the automotive labs.
College Updates
Board of Trustees Updates
Río Hondo College honored its 2024 Distinguished Faculty Award recipient, Melissa Rifino Juarez, and its new student trustee, Hesma Valdes, at the Board of Trustees June 12 meeting. Juarez is a full-time faculty member in the Sociology Department and an Honors Transfer Program coordinator. Valdes took her oath of office and swore to faithfully discharge the duties of the position, which she will hold through the 2024-25 school year.
Río Hondo College accepted a $100,000 grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) during its June 12 meeting. The funds from the CCCCO’s Perkins Program will be used in RHC’s Career and Technical Education division to increase awareness and participation of underrepresented genders in fields that have traditionally been dominated by the opposite gender.
The Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Program (ASCIP) presented Río Hondo College’s Choir program, including faculty member Dr. Joanne Choe and students, with a $2,500 award during the June 12 Board meeting. The Choir program performed at ASCIP’s annual meeting earlier this year and sang a song during the Board meeting.
The Río Hondo College Board of Trustees adopted three resolutions reaffirming support of three commemorative celebrations occurring in June during the meeting. The Board declared the month of June as National Immigrant Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month and recognized Juneteenth and June 20 as World Refugee Day.
College Updates
Whittier
UHSD Foundation Fundraiser
Río Hondo College Board of Trustee member Vicky Santana, Pathway to Law School Coordinator Connie Isais and students Isabella Sizemore and Logan Duran attended the Whittier Union High School Foundation fundraiser on June 2. Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky served as one of the event’s guests of honor and shared his vision for the future of the law school. The event was a valuable opportunity for RHC representatives to network with local attorneys and judges.
12 Plus One Art Show
Río Hondo College hosted an art show, 12 PLUS ONE, which displayed original artwork from former RHC Dean of Arts and Vice President Yoshio “Yosh” Nakamura and his daughter, Linda Nakamura Oberholtzer on June 7 and 13. The presentation in the Learning Resource Center foyer featured a dozen paintings and prints by Nakamura and one piece created by his daughter. Nakamura will donate a piece for permanent display at the Río Hondo College Library and 12 PLUS ONE attendees had the chance to provide feedback on which piece they would most like to see installed.
STEM Summer Research Program
Ten Río Hondo College science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students began a Summer Research Program (SRP) led by chemistry faculty member Theodros (Teddy) Kidane on June 3. The part-time, on-campus research experience, which is funded by Title V Enlace, provides students with a facultymentored, hands-on opportunity to build foundational laboratory skills and participate in a research project throughout June. The program is designed to introduce students to modern molecular and biochemical research methods and help them develop competency in the independent exploration of a real-world biochemical study of an enzyme with clinical significance.
Summer Term, Monday, July 8
Second half summer courses begin
6 p.m., Wednesday, July 10
Río Hondo College Board of Trustees Meeting
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, July 12
Public Stargazing at Río Hondo College Observatory
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 26
Bridge to Invention Río
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 – Friday, July 26
LEGACIE+ Summer Academy
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, July 26
Public Stargazing at Río Hondo College Observatory
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31
CTE Division Summer Open House & Family Day (RSVP here)
Mission Statement
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, August 2
Public Stargazing at Río Hondo College Observatory
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, August 9
Public Stargazing at Río Hondo College Observatory
