RCC SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN HISTORIC COLLEGE
SERVICE PROGRAM
California Volunteers, a statewide effort to strengthen service and community engagement, selected Riverside City College among 18 community colleges and 27 private and public universities as an inaugural partner for #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, a service-based college opportunity program.
Governor Newsom and the leaders of California’s college and university systems joined Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday to announce the launch of the largest state-level investment in a college service program in California history.
Students who complete a year of service will receive $10,000 while gaining valuable experience serving in the community. This program will unite young Californians of all backgrounds in service, and, for the first time, specifically creates state-funded opportunities for Dreamers
“California is a world leader in both higher education and service,” Newsom said. “The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps advances these priorities by connecting Californians of different backgrounds with enriching service opportunities throughout the state while making college more affordable for our state’s future leaders. We hope the Corps will be replicated across the nation.”
#CaliforniansForAll College Corps will provide up to 6,500 college students over two academic years with service opportunities in critical issue areas such as climate action, K-12 education, and COVID-19 recovery.
RCC was selected for the program via a competitive grant application process. The full list of schools can be found here.
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FACULTY MEMBER, ADVOCATE, MENTOR REMEMBERED FOR PROFOUND CONTRIBUTIONS TO COLLEGE
AND COMMUNITY
The passing of Dr. Oliver Thompson, professor of Administration of Justice, on January 19 was deeply felt throughout the RCC community. The outpouring of messages from faculty, classified professionals, and his students showed clearly that Dr. Thompson was more than just the passionate advocate for students that we all knew him to be. Since starting his career at RCC over 50 years ago, Professor Thompson was a colleague, a dear friend, a mentor, an elder, a storyteller, and a lover of snacks.
His absence on campus will leave a great void, but his memory and legacy will live on through the values and passion he embodied: social justice, equity, community, and a commitment to helping those in need. Dr. Thompson personified all these traits and more in a long and successful career in law enforcement and as an educator. Let us take inspiration from Dr. Thompson’s life and continue working to build a better world for all.
The Black Faculty Staff Association in collaboration with the College president's office is planning a Celebration of Life and Legacy. This ceremony will be held on campus and be open to the entire RCC community. More information will be shared as a date and venue are determined.
The family has planned the following Celebration of Life events:
Viewing
February 15, 4-8 pm, Garden of Prayer Mortuary Chapel, 7944 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92504. (Masks are required)
Funeral services
February 16, 10 am, Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518. (Check in at the information booth for instructions).
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REFLECTIONS FROM THE RCC COMMUNITY
A sampling of just how significant Dr. Thompson's presence was at RCC, in the words of those who came to know and respect him.
“A man who spoke his mind and encouraged me to keep using my voice.”
Lucretia Wright, faculty
“An amazing leader in actions and words.”
Diana MacDougall, faculty
“Dr. Thompson was an inspirational figure and mentor whom I came to love as a second father figure over the all-too-short period of time we shared in this world.”
John Husser, student
“He really had a huge impact on my experience in Ujima and at RCC. He was a pillar of strength for anyone that needed him, and I am grateful he was part of my educational journey.”
Dominique Williams, former Ujima club president
“I wouldn’t be the man I am today without Dr. Oliver Thompson. He will be greatly missed.”
Napoleon Dale, former RCC student
“I’ve known him as a passionate champion and warrior for our students.”
Carolyn Rosales, faculty
“I will truly miss him and only hope that I can help continue the work he started and continue to advocate for our students of color the way he did.”
Pati Avila, faculty
“One of my favorite memories of him was a time that we stood next to each other before graduation, in our caps and gowns, as the students walked down the stairs and on to the field for the ceremony. It was moving to see the mutual affection between Dr. Thompson and his graduating students.”
Peter Curtis, faculty
“I will never forget his courage to take on established norms and make positive changes... He helped our formerly incarcerated students on so many levels.”
Ismael Davila, classified professional
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RCC'S ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMED
Riverside City College was notified last week that the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), acted at their January meeting to reaffirm the College’s accreditation for the remainder of the cycle. The next comprehensive review cycle begins in 2026.
Accreditation Faculty Co-Chair, professor Jacquie Lesch, College Accreditation Liaison Officer Kristine Di Memmo, and President Gregory Anderson attended the Winter ACCJC meeting on January 13. Commissioners received the College's presentation and asked thoughtful, supportive questions.
The Follow-up Report addressed compliance issues surrounding the College’s evaluation processes to meet Standard III.A.5. Beginning in July 2020, the College reviewed the status of evaluations for all classes of employees and assessed the employee evaluation process. The College identified gaps and opportunities to improve the established process and ensure compliance with the Standard.
RCC conducted a self-evaluation in 2019 followed by a peer review team visit in Spring 2020. ACCJC reaffirmed the College’s accreditation for 18 months and required a follow-up report, which was submitted in October 2021, and a peer review site visit in November 2021. The next report due from the College will be a Midterm Report in March 2024.
The site visit team wrote in the report, “On behalf of the Commission, we wish to express appreciation for the diligent work and thoughtful reflection that Riverside City College undertook to respond to these requirements. These efforts confirm that peer review can serve well the multiple constituencies of higher education by both ensuring and encouraging institutional quality and effectiveness.”
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THERE IS A SEAT FOR YOU AT RCC
THIS SPRING
Community Colleges throughout the state are facing enrollment challenges and struggling to find viable ways to reach and recruit students. RCC remains committed to providing learning opportunities and supporting student success, both online and on campus. The College and District continue to do everything possible to keep employees, students, and the community safe.
The Spring semester begins February 14. Tell your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors there are open classes and virtual and in-person seats available at RCC.
The College is working diligently to increase access and provide opportunities to students through courses, programs and modalities. One such program is debt relief: nearly 11,000 students saw their college debt eliminated. Another method of reaching students is through an aggressive communication program encouraging students to enroll in or take additional classes this Spring.
In-person and online support is available for all incoming and current students. Engagement Centers and the Welcome Center are great starting points for new students. Current students are encouraged to take advantage of various Academic Support and engagement programs.
Help us spread the message that RCC is open and there is a seat for you!
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"Let's do this thing..."
Spring Movie Theater Advertisement
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NURSING STUDENTS CONTINUE TO SERVE AT VACCINATION CLINICS
RCC Nursing students continue to volunteer throughout the District at COVID-19 vaccination clinics. In fact, at RCC the entire operation was staffed by our students!
These students never hesitate when asked if they want to be part of a team administering vaccines to students, employees, and the community at the clinics on campus and throughout the region.
“Our students have played an integral role volunteering at COVID-19 clinics and testing sites across the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Tammy Vant Hul dean of the School of Nursing. “They are participating in history and have made significant contributions to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This vaccination clinic was coordinated to provide students and employees access to the COVID-19 vaccines prior to the start of the Spring semester on February 14.
The RCCD Board of Trustees signed Resolution 02-21/22 on January 18th requiring eligible students and employees to receive a booster shot prior to accessing District facilities and attending face-to-face instruction and/or receiving in-person services. They must show proof of vaccination and booster by February 1.
READ MORE about RCCD’s Safe Return to Campus.
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Thomas Kilove
Thomas Kilove, a broadcast journalism major and student athlete, shares his RCC story.
“My experience at RCC has been positive. Every aspect, every group that I've been a part of, every professor, every student, everyone that I've met from RCC has been so kind to me and have wanted to see me succeed. From the moment I came to RCC I've learned a lot about myself. Coach Craft told me from the start to be myself. He instills in us that we need to play hard and be prepared on and off the field.
This work ethic paid off for Kilove, a leader of two championship-level RCC football teams.
It was very special to come to RCC and do something that hadn’t been done in 30 years (winning the state championship) and finally saying 'I did it' with my team, the people I love, in a game I love to play. After RCC, I'll take this new knowledge to a four year university. I want to continue my education and playing football. The new foundation that I have, with the new experiences of studies and with speaking, I am prepared going forward
Kilove’s goal is to become a motivational speaker and help others through his communication.
This newsletter will regularly spotlight students from among the thousands of inspirational stories we hear. If you know a student who should be highlighted, please share relevant information with Heidi Gonsier in the office of the president.
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DAVID DILEO PROVIDES ENDLESS SUPPORT TO STUDENTS
David DiLeo is RCC’s Employee of the Month. DiLeo began his career with the Disability Resource Center in 1999 as an hourly sign language interpreter, then promoted to a senior interpreter, a position he held for 16 years. Today, DiLeo is an adaptive technology specialist. He is trilingual, communicating in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language and applies his skills in his work. He was recognized for his commitment to equity, tireless dedication to our students, and innovation of new ideas and processes.
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PRESIDENT ANDERSON REPRESENTS RCC ON NPR
RCC President Gregory Anderson was featured on KPCC’s 89.3 Air Talk, hosted by Larry Mantle. Anderson served on a panel with President of Long Beach City College Mike Munoz, President of Santiago Canyon College Pamela Ralston, and President of Santa Ana College Annabelle Nery.
College leaders discussed the enrollment decline in California Community Colleges. Responding to questions from the host and listeners from throughout Southern California they shared how their colleges are struggling to increase enrollment, how colleges are adapting to Omicron, and how they are recruiting and retaining students.
LISTEN to the interview
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