The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Foundation launched a yearlong commemoration of five decades of scholarship, program support, and community engagement with a kickoff event at the RCCD Alumni House. The gathering brought together donors, elected officials, District and college leadership, Board of Trustees members, and students to celebrate the Foundation’s role in expanding educational opportunities and strengthening workforce development across the region. Since its founding in 1975, the Foundation has provided critical resources to Riverside City College, Moreno Valley College, and Norco College, supporting initiatives that range from scholarships to major program endowments. 

Chancellor Wolde‑Ab Isaac, Ph.D., reflected on the Foundation’s lasting impact. “From its very beginning, philanthropy has fueled our progress,” he said. He also pointed to recent milestones, including the passage of Measure CC in 2024, which secured $954 million for new facilities and centers, and the planned Inland Empire Technical Trade Center, an initiative designed to expand workforce education and apprenticeship opportunities. RCCD Foundation Board President Kyley Ybarra emphasized the importance of removing barriers to education: “Your involvement—whether through mentoring, serving on a committee, or supporting a scholarship fund—makes an enormous difference.” Jeffry Kaatz, executive director of the RCCD Foundation, said the milestone is both a reflection and a call to action: “As we celebrate fifty years of advancing education, we look forward to the next fifty with purpose and determination. The challenges of the future will require new partnerships, innovative programs, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. The RCCD Foundation will continue to adapt, grow, and serve as a catalyst for opportunity across our region.”