The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Foundation hosted its 3rd Annual Donor Appreciation Dinner on November 7 at the Victoria Club, marking a cherished return of this annual tradition after the pandemic. Each year, the RCCD Foundation brings together donors, students, and college leaders to celebrate the profound impact of donor support on the lives of students across RCCD’s Moreno Valley, Norco, and Riverside colleges.
The evening, themed “A Legacy of Giving,” poignantly reminded guests of how individual acts of generosity collectively shape a brighter future for students and the community. The Riverside City College (RCC) student Jazz Combo played a lively set, and RCCD Foundation Board President Jacqueline Hall opened the remarks.
“Every act of generosity is a step toward a brighter future,” remarked Jeffry Kaatz, RCCD Foundation Director, capturing the evening’s spirit. “Together, we are creating ripples of change that strengthen our entire community and provide lasting experiences that uplift lives.”
The heart of the evening lay in the inspiring stories of three student scholarship recipients who shared their deeply personal stories. Their journeys painted a powerful picture of the importance of donor support and how it reverberates across generations, families, and communities.
Fatima Romero, a mother of two and the first in her family to attend college, stood before the crowd and reflected on her extraordinary path. Growing up as the youngest of five, attending college in her mid-30s was a dream she thought was beyond reach. “Receiving this scholarship reminded me that others see my potential, even when I doubt myself,” Fatima shared. Her message was clear: this support has empowered her to continue her education at Moreno Valley College and has inspired her to break barriers for her children’s future.
For Maria Anderson, a nursing student and recipient of the Charles R. and Elaine B. Ford Endowed Nursing Scholarship, the scholarship was a lifeline. “It’s hard to explain what it means to have someone believe in your success,” Maria shared. She expressed that beyond easing her financial worries, the scholarship gave her a sense of belonging and confidence that she was on the right path. Her dream of joining the nursing field is not only becoming a reality but is an affirmation of the generosity that enables students like her to build careers in fields that matter to their communities.
Alvaro Sanchez, now studying mechanical engineering at Cal Poly Pomona, credited his scholarship for allowing him to focus entirely on his education and participate in research that advances his career ambitions. Reflecting on his time at Norco College, Alvaro spoke passionately about how the scholarship allowed him to pursue his studies without the burden of working long hours just to stay afloat. “Because of this scholarship, I am doing what I love, without financial stress, and taking steps toward a future I never thought possible.”
As Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac took the stage for the keynote, he drew attention to the deeper purpose of the evening: celebrating the donors’ vital role in building opportunities for students and investing in a legacy of hope and possibility. “You are building pathways for future leaders, healthcare professionals, artists, educators, scientists, and business innovators,” Chancellor Isaac shared, highlighting that each donation is an investment in RCCD education and the future of the entire Inland Empire. “Your contributions are building pathways to success and empowering students to transform their lives, their families, and ultimately, our community.”
This legacy of giving was reflected in the presence of RCC President Claire Oliveros, MVC Interim President FeRita Carter, NC Interim Vice President Quinton Bemiller, RCCD Board of Trustees members, and RCCD Foundation Board members, all in attendance to show their appreciation to the donors who make such remarkable stories possible.
It was evident that the legacy the RCCD Foundation is building today, through donor partnerships, will shape the Inland Empire for generations to come.