The Río Hondo College Foundation welcomed students, donors, families, faculty, staff, and community leaders to its annual Scholarship Reception on May 8, celebrating the achievements of students whose educational journeys have been supported through the generosity of scholarship donors.
Held on the Río Hondo College campus, the reception recognized 52 students who collectively received 72 scholarship awards totaling $48,700. The annual event highlights the transformative impact of philanthropy and the College’s ongoing commitment to access, opportunity, and student success.
Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Shaina Phillips served as master of ceremonies, welcoming guests and reflecting on the significance of the morning’s celebration. Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss followed with remarks emphasizing the College’s mission to ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
“This celebration is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together in support of students,” Dreyfuss said. “We are deeply grateful to our donors whose generosity helps remove barriers and create opportunities for our students to succeed.”
Foundation Board President Max A. Ordonez also addressed attendees, marking his eighth year serving the Río Hondo College Foundation. He thanked supporters for their continued partnership and underscored the deeper meaning behind scholarship giving.
“Scholarships represent more than financial support,” Ordonez shared. “They are expressions of encouragement, belief, and investment in our students’ futures.”
Established in 1992, the Río Hondo College Foundation works to expand educational opportunities for students by raising funds for scholarships, programs, and critical student support services. The Foundation’s mission closely aligns with Río Hondo College’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and student achievement. Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli, who serves as the Board’s representative on the Foundation, also attended the event in support of the scholarship recipients and donors.
The morning’s featured student speaker, Rachel Garcia, Class of 2026, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt address about her educational journey. A first-generation college student, single mother, and displaced homemaker, Garcia shared how she returned to school after years of uncertainty and how the support she found at Río Hondo College helped change the trajectory of her life.
Garcia spoke candidly about the mentors, family members, and College community members who encouraged her to keep moving forward. This fall, she will transfer to California State University, Los Angeles to continue her academic journey.
“Where you start truly does not define what you finish,” Garcia told fellow students during her remarks, closing with a message familiar throughout the Río Hondo community — that students who start at Río can truly go anywhere.
The reception concluded with the presentation of certificates to scholarship recipients, recognizing their academic accomplishments, perseverance, and promise for the future.
Additional college leaders in attendance included Vice President Moya-Miller, Acting Vice President Alicia Kruizenga, and Associate Vice President Caroline Durdella.
The scholarship reception reflects Río Hondo College’s enduring commitment to student success and its brand promise: Together, we’ll get you where you want to go.
To learn more about the Río Hondo College Foundation and how to support student scholarships, visit:
https://www.riohondo.edu/foundation
