In a year marked by extraordinary generosity and community spirit, the Riverside Community College District Foundation achieved an unprecedented milestone, raising $5.85 million in 2024, surpassing their initial goal of $2.25 million.

 

"This achievement is more than just a number; it demonstrates the relentless commitment of our team and the incredible generosity of our donors," said Jeffry Kaatz, executive director of the RCCD Foundation. "Together, we've ensured that the aspirations of countless RCCD students will be realized, providing them with the resources they need to thrive."

 

Among the inspiring contributions was the heartfelt generosity of Wayne and Jane Curl, a member of the first nursing graduating class in 1959. She and her husband have been especially generous to the School of Nursing. The Curls have donated over $330,000 in their philanthropic years, and endowed the Jane Lee Murphy, RN, BSN Endowed Nursing Scholarship.

 

Reflecting on her own journey, she shared how an $80 scholarship changed her life, allowing her to complete her nursing degree. Today, she and Wayne are committed to paying it forward, ensuring that other students have the same opportunities. Curl's journey from a determined nursing student to a dedicated professional in the healthcare field is nothing short of inspiring. After graduating, she worked at Riverside County General Hospital where she met her husband. They later moved to Tacoma, WA, where she continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1981. She spent 21 years in home health, focusing on recruitment and staff development before retiring in 2002.

 

The impact of Curl's generosity is mirrored by several other key RCCD Foundation contributions:

 

Carpenter Foundation: Their steadfast commitment includes an annual grant of $40,000 to Performance Riverside, totaling $466,300 in contributions.

 

Terra Foundation for American Art: Supported the unique Out of the Archive: Works by Miné Okubo project with a $75,000 grant at the RCCD Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties.

 

Arthur N. Rupe Foundation: Provided $49,140 to the School of Nursing, bringing their total support to $244,140.

 

Roberta Hamersma Trust: Donated $62,067.82 to Norco College to endow a fund supporting Foster Youth.

 

Edison International Foundation: Contributed $20,000 for STEM education at Riverside City College and $25,000 for the Fire Safety program at Moreno Valley College, bringing the company’s total donations to $448,714.45.

 

Other significant donors include the Corona-Norco Unified School District, the City of Moreno Valley, Jan Steiner, Inland Empire Community Foundation, U.S. Bank, United Way of the Inland Valleys, and Bruce and Julie Ford.

 

As the RCCD Foundation reflects on this historic year, Kaatz said, “It is clear that through the power of community and the dedication of individuals like Wayne and Jane Curl, the future of education at RCCD is brighter than ever.”