Río Hondo College to Celebrate 62nd Commencement Ceremony, Honoring More Than 1,600 Graduates

(Whittier, Calif.) – Río Hondo College will celebrate the achievements of its Class of 2025 during its 62nd. Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 23, at 9 a.m. on the college campus.

A total of 1,684 degrees will be conferred, including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate Degrees for Transfer. Notably, nine graduates will receive Bachelor of Science degrees in Automotive Technology, a growing program that reflects the College’s commitment to high-demand career pathways.

This year’s ceremony will also highlight four student success stories, showcasing individuals who demonstrated exceptional perseverance in the face of personal and academic adversity. The honorees, nominated by faculty and staff, include Faylen Bush, Malika Castaneda, Lucie Virgen-Benitez and U.S. Army Veteran Jason Semenske. Each overcame significant challenges on their journey to academic success, embodying the resilience and determination that define the Río Hondo College spirit.

Delivering the keynote address will be Juan De La Cruz, president of the White Memorial Charitable Foundation at Adventist Health White Memorial. De La Cruz brings a legacy of leadership in health care and community service and will offer an inspiring message to graduates as they embark on their next chapter.

The ceremony is open to the public. For more information, please visit riohondo.edu.

graduates — Keynote Speaker Juan De La Cruz

Notice of Public Hearings

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – The California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 58301 and 58305 require the governing board of each community college district to hold a public hearing and adopt a final budget on or before September 15 each year.

The adoption of the 2025-2026 Río Hondo Community College District budget is scheduled for the September 10, 2025, Board meeting at 6:00PM. In accordance with CCR Title 5, §58301, the governing board of each district shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget before its adoption. This will provide the public with advance notice of the hearing at the September 10 Board meeting.

Please visit the Río Hondo Community College District’s Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes website to view the agenda for September 10, 2025.

The Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes web can be accessed via the following link – https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/riohondo/Board.nsf/public Select the featured meeting of September 10, 2025

The proposed 2025-2026 Adopted Budget will be available for public display and review from September 8 to September 10 at the District Office, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601, on the 2nd floor, L-Tower area between 8:30AM and 5:00PM. The public hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2025, at the regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting at 6:00PM.

Questions and/or comments should be directed to the Office of Finance & Business Services at (562) 463-7099.