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STUDENT FIRST-EVER BACHELORSUCCESS OF SCIENCE DEGREESInaugural class is part of historic movementRío Hondo College honored its inaugural class of graduatesearning Bachelor of Science degrees in automotive technology at aspecial ceremony in May 2019. Río Hondo College is one of just15 community colleges authorized to grant a four-year degree as partof a state pilot program launched in 2015. Sixteen students earnedthe degree, which offers management and technical tracks.Women’s Soccer Wins 7thTeam Academic AwardRío Hondo College celebrated thegraduation of 34 new Tesla STARTtechnicians in three cohorts,bringing to 57 the total numbertrained since the Whittier-basedCollege became the globallyrecognized innovative carcompany’s second training partner in 2018. The new START programgraduates were immediately placed at Tesla service centers acrossCalifornia, in Texas and in Virginia.Even more impressive than its wins on the field,Río Hondo College’s women’s soccer team won itsseventh consecutive Academic Team Award from UnitedSoccer Coaches – the longest streak in California andsecond longest in the nation. College Team Academic Awardrecipients are active members of the United Soccer CoachesCollege Services Program with a composite GPA of 3.0 or better ona 4.0 scale for all players on the roster.Board of Governors RecognizesAlternative Fuels ProgramThe College chose automotive technology because of strong demandin the industry and its own strength in technical training. The firstupper-division courses were offered in fall 2016. Lee Esten,an associate at American Honda Co., said he joined the fledglingprogram to improve his chance of promotion to posts requiringbachelor’s degrees.“A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BACHELOR’S DEGREESIN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION,” ESTEN SAID.“I WANTED SOMETHING SPECIALIZED IN MYFIELD. IT ALSO SAVED ME A LOT OF MONEY TODO IT AT RÍO HONDO.”TESLA Program Launches Graduates intoLucrative CareersEsten said his instructors shaped the program to the needs andtalents of students, deepening their knowledge of the auto industryvia history courses, strengthening their understanding of operationswith classes in management, marketing and accounting, and bringingstudents to dealerships so they could see operations firsthand.Río Hondo College received the California Community Colleges’highest honor – a 2018-19 Exemplary Program Award – forits alternative fuels program focused on hybrid fuel, fuel cells,compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, liquid petroleum gas andelectric vehicle technologies. The program prepares studentsto become alternative fuels specialists at transit agencies,government maintenance facilities, heavy equipment dealerships orrepair facilities.Police Academy Graduates 87 CadetsRío Hondo Police Academy graduated 87 cadets from classes207 and 208, celebrating each graduation before packed crowds offamily and area police leaders at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.Keynote speaker for the Class 207 graduating class of 39 recruitswas Hermosa Police Chief Sharon Papa, who presides over theLos Angeles County Police Chief Association and serves on theRío Hondo Police Academy Advisory Board. Class 208, which had48 graduates, received its keynote address from Vernon Police ChiefAnthony Miranda.NASA Grant Funds Space StudiesRío Hondo College was selected for the second time for aNASA-sponsored California Space Grant that provides 10 studentswith hands-on instruction in science, technology, engineering andmath as a way of boosting their interest in STEM fields and raisingacademic performance. The competitive grant from the CaliforniaSpace Grant Consortium brings the College 6,000 for studentscholarships, 500 for electronic kits, 500 for electronic assemblyequipment and 500 for faculty mentor awards. 477,000 Grant to Expand OnlineCareer Training ProgramsRío Hondo College’s Office of Online Education received a 477,000 grant as part of the California Virtual Campus OnlineEducation Initiative to add or update 16 industry-valued onlinecertificate programs in fields ranging from Wildland Fire Technologyto Web Design. The 16 programs were strategically chosen from adiversity of campus programs with the goal of transforming onlineeducation within each division. Río Hondo College anticipates thedegree and certificate programs will be open to students in fall 2020.Students Present Original Play atEdinburgh Festival FringeFire Academy, Wildland Fire AcademyGraduate 111 FirefightersRío Hondo Fire Academy celebrated the graduation of 75 cadetsfrom two classes as well as 36 students from the annual WildlandFire Academy. The program, recognized nationally, includes manystudents sponsored by local fire or ambulance companies, or inreview for hiring by local agencies. Of 33 cadets who graduated inClass 92, 30 were in the process of joining local fire agencies.Homeland Security Degree Program Enrolls 1st CohortRío Hondo College expanded core and elective classes for itsgroundbreaking Associate of Science and Certificate of Achievementprogram in Homeland Security. The program, approved in 2018 bythe California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, builds onRío Hondo College’s nationally recognized public safety programs.Classes offered in fall 2019 in the interdisciplinary degree programincluded Introduction to Homeland Security, Hazard Mitigation inEmergency Management and Cybersecurity: Policy and Practice.6Río Hondo College California Repertory brought its summer paeanto Christmas to the world stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.“The Hollywood Summer Christmas Show,” is an original play byRío Hondo College theatre Professor William Korf with songs anddancing inspired by a child’s love of the holiday. The play is set ina 1949 Hollywood radio station during the golden age of radio. Theplay follows the comic attempts of a group of actors to present asummer radio show with the wrong script.7

STUDENT 56TH COMMENCEMENTSUCCESS CEREMONYKeynote speaker urges students to turn dreams into realityRío Hondo College celebrated1,828 graduates during its 56th annualCommencement ceremony on May 23, 2019.Keynote speaker Dr. Luis S. Garcia,who advocates for marginalizedcommunities through the Weingart Centerin Downtown Los Angeles, urged studentsto be lifelong learners who contribute to their community, focus onthe positive and “walk into your loveliness.”Garcia struggled in high school and earned his diplomawhile incarcerated.“As you leave here this evening ready to turn all your hard work andyour dreams into reality, I hope you never lose the will to learn,” hesaid. “Hold on to your imagination. You reached one goal here thisevening when you earned your degree or certificate, but rememberthis is an intermediate goal that has prepared you to take anotherstep forward – whatever that may be.”Valedictorian Hanh “Jenny” Pham, who earned a 4.0 GPA, washonored with the Pellissier Family Award. As an immigrant fromHanoi, Vietnam, Pham arrived in the U.S. about four years ago. Anearly childhood education and accounting double major, she plans topursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Cal State Fullerton.Tiffany Nunez, who helped create and implement the College’sfood pantry, gave the student address. Nunez served as bothsecretary and vice president of the Associated Students ofRío Hondo College (ASRHC) as well as a member of the College’sPresidential Search Committee.Nunez, who has transferred to UC Santa Barbara to studycommunications, said all of the graduates should be proud oftheir success.“ALL THE CHOICES WE MAKE IN LIFEREPRESENT WHO WE ARE. WE MADE THECHOICE TO GET OUT OF BED EVERY MORNING,TO HIKE UP THAT HILL AND GET TO CLASS,”SHE SAID. “WE HAVE THE DEDICATION TO REACHOUR GOALS AND RECEIVE OUR DEGREES.”COLLEGE HONORS STELLAR GRADUATESEduardo GonzalezAfter high school, Gonzalez worked two part-time jobs to support his family. A survivor of Hirschsprung’s diseaseas a baby, he decided to seek a degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, earningassociate degrees in biology and chemistry. He planned to seek a four-year degree in life science or biochemistryat a Cal State or UC campus.Kevin SkinnerA former Marine sergeant, Skinner maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his Río Hondo College career. He mentoredfellow veterans at Río Hondo College and served as president of the Veterans Club. He organized Veterans Weekactivities and spoke at community events, including the College’s 9/11 Memorial. Skinner earned an Associateof Science in general studies with an emphasis in science and mathematics. He planned to study environmentalscience and engineering at Harvard University.Kristian LozanoPart of the College’s Pathway to Law School program, Lozano was honored for his service to the College anddedication to his studies. Lozano earned a 4.0 in three consecutive semesters and served as vice president of thePre-Law Society. He led planning of events such as a Pathway to Law School/Ferias Legales Mentorship Mixer. Hehas earned an Associate Degree for Transfer in philosophy and continued his studies at UC Berkeley as a philosophymajor. He will receive priority admission review at eight partner law schools, including UCLA, Loyola Marymount,UC Davis, UC Berkeley and UC Irvine.Luisa MesonesA grandmother, Mesones is a returning student who married young and raised a family as a single mother. Afterbeating fibromyalgia and breast cancer, she reignited a childhood love of language and enrolled in a Frenchclass at Río Hondo College. She graduated with four degrees – communications studies, social behavior andself-development, art and human expression, and social studies. She transferred to UC Berkeley.89

COMMUNITY STRENGTHENINGOUTREACH RELATIONSHIPSOutreach efforts showcase College programs for K-12 studentsRío Hondo College deliveredits message of opportunity andsuccess to members of thecommunity through a seriesof outreach events during theyear, including two summercamps, partnerships withlocal school districts, stagingeducational programs andhosting area high school counselors.The efforts provide a tangible focus for college aspirations forlocal youths, including middle school students who are a specialfocus of the summertime Camp Río, a two-week exploration ofCollege programs, science, career and technical education andphysical activities.Río Hondo College hosted 45 members of the Boys & Girls Clubof Whittier, building on a program piloted in 2016 and launchedin 2017.In 2018, it expanded to focus on exciting project-based learningsummer activities designed to inspire interest by children ages11-13 in college attendance.In 2019, the College partnered with the Network for EntrepreneurshipTeaching (NFTE) to offer a business concept/entrepreneurshipcomponent. Students followed one of three tracks: coding, digitalphotography and electronic music. All students also participated inafternoon activities that include soccer, volleyball and basketball.The successful program prompted the Río Hondo College BusinessDivision to host a second weeklong event – Entrepreneur CampRío – with NFTE for 16 high school students. Students, who hailed fromSt. John Bosco High School and the Boys & Girls Club of Whitter, enjoyeda project-based, experiential course was taught by a NFTE-certified teacher,who taught students to identify business opportunities, construct afinancial model, and create a marketing and sales strategy.CTE Division Hosts Open House forHigh School StudentsThe camp culminated with all students developing and pitching anoriginal business plan and participating in a business plan competitionjudged by community members.Río Hondo College welcomed high school seniors from across theregion for its Senior Preview Day in March 2019. Students attendedacademic workshops, toured the campus and enjoyed lunch asthey discovered the many academic and career-training programsavailable at the College.90 Schools Attend Regional Science OlympiadThe Río Hondo College Career and Technical Education Division(CTE) hosted more than 100 guests during its annual open house.Participants rotated through hands-on informational sessions andlab tours showcasing Río Hondo’s outstanding CTE programs,including alternative energy technology/electronics/home auditing,alternative fuels/fuel cell technician, the automotive technologyBachelor of Science, architecture, civil design engineering technologyand GIS, Honda professional career training program specializationand hospitality management.Women in CTE Event Showcases ProgramsRío Hondo’s Career and Technical Education Division held itsfirst-ever Women in CTE event, immersing 50 female students fromthe El Monte Union High School District in hands-on demonstrationsin career field instruction. Programs included Administration ofJustice, Automotive Technology, Engineering Design & Drafting andFire Technology. All sessions were presented by professional femalerole models who shared their pathways and school journey leadinginto their chosen careers. Students were exposed to inspirationalstories from women who have traveled through the pipeline andachieved their dreams.10Seniors Explore College at Annual Preview DayRío Hondo College hosted students from 50 Los Angeles Countyhigh schools and 40 middle schools for the Regional ScienceOlympiad, a series of highly competitive science and engineeringcontests. Arcadia High School and Mesa Robles Middle School tooktop honors. The effort represented a collaboration between Collegefaculty and staff, including facilities and security, informationtechnology team, MESA student volunteers, students and alumnifrom Caltech who staffed the competition, Dean of Kinesiology,Dance and AthleticsCounselor Breakfast Sets Attendance RecordRío Hondo College and the Office of Outreach & EducationalPartnerships hosted more than 180 high school counselors andother educators at the sixth annual Regional Counselor Breakfastin January 2019. The record number of guests – who representedschools from Whittier, Santa Fe, Pico Rivera, El Monte, South El Monteand the larger San Gabriel Valley – learned about the two-yearRío Promise, which offers free tuition to first-time college students.Río Hondo was the first community college in Los Angeles Countyto offer free tuition for two years. They also received updates on thenew English and math placement procedures, financial aid, honorsprogram, transfer services and the Self-Discovery AssessmentProgram. Counselors attended one of three breakout informationalsessions given by the Public Safety, Business and Communicationand Languages divisions.11

FACULTY EDUCATORSAND STAFF HONOREDFOUNDATION SETTING NEW RECORDSAnnual ‘A Taste of Río' Sells Out AgainFormer ESL Professor Receives Hayward AwardFormer professor Dr. Lynette Nyaggah was named the 2018-19 Hayward Award recipient by the Board ofGovernors of the California Community Colleges in recognition of her commitment to students, College andprofession. The honor is the second consecutive for a member of the Río Hondo College faculty. In 2018,anthropology Professor Dr. Adam Wetsman received the award, which was established in 1989 to honortwo full-time and two part-time faculty members annually. Recipients receive 1,250 and a commemorativeplaque. Nyaggah taught linguistics and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, drawing on herexperiences living and teaching in Kenya to strengthen her connection with students.Distinguished Faculty AwardRío Hondo College automotive technologyProfessor John Frala received the 2019Distinguished Faculty Award duringCommencement. Frala is one the state’sleading experts on alternative fueltechnology. He led efforts to create the automotive technologyBachelor of Science and helped the College secure a landmarkpartnership with Tesla to train auto technicians.Fellow of the CollegeProfessor and counselor Belen Torres-Gil, whoretired in 2017 after 29 years at Río HondoCollege and 40 in education, was honored inMay as the Fellow of the College. Speaking atCommencement, Torres-Gil told graduates thatthe choices they make matter, and to make the most of their time andtheir relationships. She told a story about a young man who askedto be her intern 13 years ago and who today heads a communitycollege’s counseling department. She then noted his sister alsointerned with her and is receiving a master’s degree this year.Fire Technology CoordinatorRetires after 22 YearsChief Tracy E. Rickman, who helped leadand expand Río Hondo College’s nationallyrespected firefighter training academies andlaunch a cadet crew that annually battlesCalifornia wildfires, retired in December. Rickman oversaw therefurbishment of the Fire Academy and the design and constructionof the College’s Regional Homeland Security Training Center, forwhich he also assisted in securing federal appropriations. In 2001, hehelped create Roadrunners Fire Crew 77, which is called up multipletimes a year to aid the U.S. Forest Service fight wildfires.12Lifetime Achievement AwardThe National Association of StudentPersonnel Administrators (NASPA) hasnamed Río Hondo College Vice Presidentof Student Services Henry Gee as one oftwo recipients of the Fred Turner Award forOutstanding Service to NASPA. Gee has served in higher educationfor 40 years. He has served in his current position for 15 years, inaddition to recently taking on the task of interim executive directorfor the Río Hondo College Foundation.Athletics Director of the YearSteve Hebert, dean of the Río Hondo CollegeDivision of Kinesiology, Dance and Athletics(KDA) and athletic director, was namedAthletics Director of the Year by theCalifornia Community College AthleticDirector’s Association (CCCADA) in recognition of his tremendousimpact on the association. Hebert, who holds a master’s degreein education with an emphasis on physical education from AzusaPacific University, taught science and health courses whilecoaching football, basketball, golf and baseball at area highschools from 1985 through 2001. Hebert joined Río Hondo Collegein 2001 as head basketball coach and P.E. instructor and has taughtnumerous health and wellness and activities courses.an associate degree in philosophy and transferred to UC Berkeley;Justin Chow, who earned an associate degree in arts and transferredto Cal State Long Beach; Yarisma Rocha, who earned an associatedegree in business and transferred to USC; and Brenda Coronel, whoearned an associate degree in psychology and transferred to UCLA.More than 700 guests sampledartisan cuisine, fine wine andcraft beer during the Río HondoFoundation’s seventh annual“A Taste of Río” event on April26, breaking records yet againfor attendance and for fundsraised to support students.Homecoming CelebrationThe event displays banners featuring students who represent“The Face of Río” – those who have been assisted by the funds raisedduring the event. In 2019, the banners featured Bailey Garcia, who earnedIn 2019, the Foundation sponsored the return of a HomecomingCelebration for the College. The event, held just before springsemester, drew hundreds of alumni from over 50 years to joinstudents, faculty and staff for reunions and ball games.2019 Foundation DonorsGifts 25,000 Albert and Bettie SacchiFoundationAnthony PritzkerFamily FoundationFoster Care InitiativeBCM FoundationClean Power AllianceEdison InternationalFoundation for CaliforniaCommunity Colleges/OsherGolden State EJA Grant-FireAcademy Cadet ScholarshipsDr. Marijane Paulsen*Río Hondo CollegeAuxiliary Services Org.Gifts 10,000 Angels Baseball Foundation Inc.Assistance League of WhittierDel Terra Real Estate SVC, Inc.Greater L.A. New Car DealershipLA County Board of Supervisors,Fourth DistrictYoshio NakamuraGifts 5,000 Pat BallewCoca-ColaCredit Union of SouthernCaliforniaFollett Higher Education GroupMaurice MeysenburgSamuel A. Ramirez & Co.RBC Capital Markets CorporationWestberg White, Inc.Gifts 2,500 Bank of the WestJudy BradtJacqueline BrearleyCWDL Certified Public AccountsDon L. Jenkins*Keenan and AssociatesKey Air ConditioningContractors, INC.LA County Board ofSupervisors, First DistrictLeeba LessinLongo Toyota-LexusJohn Peel*People SpacePIH HealthSchoolsFirst Credit Union*The Solis GroupWood (John Wood Group PLC)Gifts 1,000 Jose Arroyo*Atkinson, Andelson, Loya,Ruud, & RomoRobert Bethel*Beverly CommunityHospital AssociationEleanor Bewley*Boomer ConstructionAlbert Bretado*Janis CavanaughDennyse ClarkTeresa DreyfussDr. Jennifer FernandezDr. Carmella Franco*Dr. Leslynn GalloNorma Edith Garcia*Henry Gee*Consuelo Gutierrez*Steven Hebert*Jorge HuinquezJerry & Vickie ItoScott JaeggiTerry Keller*Jean KimLA County Office of EducationPatricia A. Luna*Gerson Montiel*Delia Morales*Loy Nashua*Olivarez Madruga P.C.Mary Ann Pacheco*Pacific Western BankCatherine Page*Cynthia Pallini*Payden & RygelJeffery PellissierShaina Phillips*Dr. Ludmila PomerantsevDr. Vann Priest*Dr. Laura Ramirez*Richard J Ramirez*RHC Faculty AssociationCecilia Rocha*Rose Hills Memorial ParkRotary Club of WhittierDan Rubalcava*Barbara Salazar*Judith Sanders*Ana Victoria Santana*Dr. Jodi SenkJames Smith*Dr. Kevin Smith*Dr. Gisela Spieler-PersadBryan Tabizon*Christine TellezJose Uribe*Gary Van Voorhis*Neal Welland*Stephanie WellsWhittier Union High SchoolDistrictBarbara WilsonMahlon Woirhaye*Mark Yokoyama*YourCause, LLC Trusteefor Edison international* President's Circle13

CAMPUS PROFILE WHO WE ARE44.5%GENDER54%FEMALEMALEDEGREES AND CERTIFICATES23NOT REPORTEDMEDIAN AGEENROLLMENT STATUS2,39294662101.5%PART TIME13,899FULL TIME5,155800NON-CREDITBACHELOR OFSCIENCE TESFISCAL FORUMS OFFERREPORT TRANSPARENCYASSOCIATEDEGREES19,854TOTAL ENROLLMENTTOTAL PROGRAM AWARDS %ASIAN/PACIFICISLANDER6.3%EDUCATIONAL GOALS48%Associate Degree & Transfer12.1%Career Development/Job SkillsEducational Development146.9HISPANIC79.2%%Finally, colleges receive a student success allocation tied to thenumber of stude

Fire Academy, Wildland Fire Academy . Graduate 111 Firefighters. Río Hondo Fire Academy celebrated the graduation of 75 cadets from two classes as well as 36 students from the annual Wildland . Fire Academy. The program, recognized nationally, includes many students sponsored by local fire or ambulance companies, or in