Celebrating 35 Years

Honoring Our Journey, Inspiring What鈥檚 Next.

Throughout this year-long celebration, we reflect on our past and celebrate the people, progress, and purpose that continue to shape our future. The anniversary features a special message from President Monica Green, along with historical archives, stories, videos, and timelines that showcase our evolution and enduring Mustang spirit.

Message from the President

As we near our 35th anniversary, 萝莉研究所 continues to honor its past while inspiring what鈥檚 next, advancing through innovation, inclusion, and the collective spirit that defines our Mustang community. From our earliest days as a small campus with big aspirations to the vibrant, forward-thinking college we are today, our story has always been one of transformation鈥攑owered by people, progress, and purpose.

As we celebrate this milestone year, we reflect with gratitude on those who helped build the foundation of 萝莉研究所: our students, faculty, classified professionals, alumni, and community partners who have shaped our identity and strengthened our mission. Each chapter of our history tells a story of collaboration, creativity, and the shared belief that education changes lives.

This anniversary is more than a celebration of years 鈥� it鈥檚 a celebration of impact. It鈥檚 a reminder of how far we鈥檝e come and a call to continue moving forward together. Through storytelling, community engagement, and renewed investment in our students, we honor our past while inspiring what鈥檚 next for generations to come.

Whether you鈥檝e been part of our journey since the beginning or are just joining our Mustang family, thank you for walking beside us. Together, we will continue to make 萝莉研究所 a place where opportunity grows and where every Mustang story matters.

With pride and gratitude,

Dr. Monica Green

President, 萝莉研究所

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萝莉研究所 Timeline

A Brief History

萝莉研究所, one of three colleges in the Riverside Community College District, became the 112 and newest California Community College on January 29, 2010, when it was granted initial accreditation. Its history dates at least to the 1970s, when college classes were first regularly taught in the Norco-Corona area under the auspices of RCCD, and when Riverside Community College leaders first began to dream about a branch campus in the area. In many ways, however, its history is even older than that.

The land on which the College now stands was once home to semi-nomadic bands of Tongva Indians, some of whom built villages along the nearby Santa Ana River and may have gathered roots and nuts where the campus stands today. They must have come to the area for the resources that mattered most to desert people a thousand years ago: water, game, and edible plants. These were the people who greeted (and resisted) the Spanish, and whose land became part of the nearly 18,000-acre Rancho La Sierra (Sepulveda) in 1846, where their descendants probably worked for generations. For the next 50 years, through a succession of owners, this was open range, pasture land for the Rancho cattle and sheep.

In 1908, eight years before Riverside Junior College was founded, most of the Rancho was bought for a half million dollars by James W. Long, who formed the Orange Heights Water Company and began to subdivide it into small fruit and vegetable farms. In 1921, the 15-square mile area that includes the site of the present-day campus was acquired by Rex Clark, who named it 鈥淣orco,鈥� after his North Corona Land Company.

Like the Native Americans and Rancho owners before him, Clark was a dreamer. In 1923, according to Norco city historian Bill Wilkman, he placed an ad in the Los Angeles Times with the headline, 鈥淣orco, the Vale of Dreams Comes True.鈥� In Jeffersonian fashion, he envisioned a place where urbanites could find refuge from civilization as small farmers. He laid out the streets of the city, ensuring that travel on horseback would be as easy for citizens as travel by car鈥攁 feature of 鈥淗orsetown U.S.A.鈥� preserved even today. But three years later, he was distracted from realizing some of his dreams when he discovered a hot mineral spring about a mile from where the campus now stands. So he began to dream a new dream, and built a 700-acre 鈥渞esort supreme鈥� that included a 250,000-square foot hotel, 60-acre lake, golf course, air field, and Olympic-sized pool. The resort opened in 1929 (shortly before the stock market crash) and was for a brief period a playground for film stars and famous athletes, before the economic downturn forced its closure in 1933. A day after the Pearl Harbor attack, it was bought by the U. S. Navy for use as a hospital.

Fifty years after the resort supreme closed, another visionary saw a new use for land that had once been the Tongva鈥檚. In 1983, Wilfred Airey led his Riverside Community College Board of Trustees colleagues on a tour of the U.S. Navy property, part of which was still being used as a 鈥淔leet Analysis Center.鈥� They were looking for a potential site for a satellite campus to serve the growing populations of Corona, Norco, Eastvale, and western Riverside. On June 4, 1985, more than 141 acres were acquired for a dollar from the General Services Administration to build the College.

A December 1986 Los Angeles Times article describes Riverside Community College administrator and head planner Mike Maas standing on the newly acquired land and seeing 鈥渓ecture halls, ball fields, and business students.鈥� He had, in other words, a new dream. The campus was expected to open in 1989, but funding and construction delays pushed the date to 1991. On March 13 of that year, two classrooms in the Student Services and Little Theatre buildings were ready for students, and 15 or so short-term classes in economics, philosophy, public speaking, and a handful of other traditional academic disciplines were held on campus that spring semester. (Approximately 100 other classes that began in January were taught in Norco area high schools and a church, as they had been for years.) The formal opening of the full campus (with two more classrooms, Science and Technology and Humanities) took place in fall 1991鈥� coinciding with the 75 anniversary of Riverside City College.

The early years of Riverside Community College-Norco Campus were exciting ones. Funding constraints in the early 1990s impeded growth, but the campus enrolled over 3,000 students its first year and 5,000 within several years after that. (The head count for Fall 2013 at census was 9,819.) Two new buildings were completed in 1995, the aptly named Wilfred J. Airey Library and an Applied Technology Building. The dozen or so full-time faculty from that early period (seven of whom still teach at the College) considered themselves pioneers at an institution they felt they could help shape. There were so few of them that they could fit into a single semi-circular booth when they went to lunch together at a Hamner Avenue restaurant, as they sometimes did. Students (several of whom went on to become professors at the College) shared in the excitement of being at a new campus that was always part construction zone. No one seemed to mind much the occasional attacks by swarms of flies (dubbed the Norco air force) from the nearby dairy farms. Those farms have since mostly given way to subdivisions, some of whose residents attend the College today.

From the beginning, Norco had been envisioned as an institution that would emphasize programs in technology, a counterpart to its sister campus Moreno Valley鈥檚 focus on the health care fields. Among its first structures were the Science and Technology Building, the Applied Technology Building, and the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies. In 2009, these buildings were supplemented with the Industrial Technology Building. CTE programs at Norco today with technology emphasis include Logistic Management, Commercial Music Performance, Engineering Technology, Digital Electronics, Game Design, Game Programming, and Game Audio. Several of these programs (e.g., Simulation and Gaming, Commercial Music Performance, Engineering Technology, and Supply Chain Technology) flourish in part because of support from a series of HSI grants totaling nearly 15 million dollars.

Over the past 22 years, the College has also developed a strong reputation for its programs in more traditional academic areas. In 2013, 238 students graduated with A.A. degrees in Social and Behavioral Sciences, 137 in Math and Science, 84 in Humanities, Philosophy, and the Arts, 68 in Administration and Information Systems, and 38 in Communication, Media, and Languages. New Associate Degrees for Transfer are being added. All 萝莉研究所 students have benefited in recent years by the opening of additional buildings: the West End Quadrangle classrooms (in 2007), the Center for Student Success (in 2010), and the Network Operations Center (in 2013). Other buildings have been refurbished or repurposed with the help of Measure C funds. A recently completed soccer complex with artificial turf realizes Maas鈥檚 dream of 鈥渓ecture halls, ball fields, and business students.鈥�

Old dreams鈥攂y people like Maas, Airey, Clark, and (one must imagine) the Tongva whose names have not come down to us鈥攇ive way to new ones. Some of these newer dreams are captured in the strategic plans and facilities master plans that envision 萝莉研究所 growth five, ten, and twenty years from now, and if realized, will result in a campus unrecognizable to those who only saw it in 1991. But most of these new dreams are dreamed every day by students who enroll at the College鈥攂y the young woman who wants to teach elementary school, the young man who sees himself helping to create computer games, the returning student who always wanted to learn Spanish or study art. Norco remains a vale of realizable dreams.

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Historical Perspectives Collection

萝莉研究所 staff put together a historical perspective about the college through photographs, newspaper articles, and special events memorabilia. See newsletters below.

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Student Alumnus of the Year Archives

2025 萝莉研究所 Alumnus of the Year Vanessa Robles

萝莉研究所 names Vanessa Robles as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year award recipient. 萝莉研究所 is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Vanessa Robles, an alumna who has made remarkable strides in the field of environmental engineering. Her journey from a determined student to a respected field oversight engineer exemplifies the transformative power of education and resilience.

Vanessa Robles' path to success was not a straightforward one. Graduating from Moreno Valley High School in 2011, she initially attended Cal Baptist University. However, financial constraints and unforeseen challenges led her to transfer to Riverside Community College District (RCCD). "Coming out of high school, you don't fully grasp the financial implications of higher education," Vanessa recalls. Despite the hurdles, she persevered, navigating through various classes and administrative obstacles.

It wasn't until 2015 that Vanessa found her academic home at 萝莉研究所. The support she received here was pivotal in shaping her future. "At 萝莉研究所, I was finally connected to some really good advisors like Patricia Gill. She helped me get out of my shell and figure out what I needed to do," Vanessa shares. With guidance and encouragement, she honed her focus on engineering, transitioning from an initial interest in aerospace to a broader and more versatile field鈥攎echanical engineering.

(A picture of Vanessa Robles with her certificates.)

Vanessa's time at 萝莉研究所 was marked by her involvement with the STEM Center, where she worked as an office assistant. "The ladies in that office were incredibly supportive. They were proud of me and encouraged me through every challenge," Vanessa reflects. This supportive environment was instrumental in her academic and personal growth, providing her with the confidence and resources she needed to succeed.

Her experiences at 萝莉研究所 were not limited to academic achievements. The close-knit community at the STEM Center became her second family, celebrating her successes and supporting her through difficulties. "We shared each other's joyous moments and struggles. We were really good friends," she recalls fondly.

After graduating, Vanessa embarked on her career in environmental engineering, a field she had not initially considered. Her role as a field oversight engineer involves overseeing remediation projects across multiple sites, primarily focusing on the cleanup of contaminated soils. "I drive to LA every day and visit three or four different sites, attend preliminary meetings with homeowners, and converse with a number of regulatory personnel and contractors," she explains. "As a field oversight engineer, I ensure that the project of removing contaminated soil is accomplished safely and timely, and replace it with clean soil, often enhancing the welfare of the community."

These projects, often conducted at residential properties, are crucial for public health and safety. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of her work: "With Exide, for example, the main contaminant is lead from battery acid spills. It's rewarding to see the positive impact on people's lives when their homes are no longer contaminated."

The journey hasn't been without its challenges. Vanessa points out that one of the most difficult aspects of her job is gaining the trust of homeowners. "When you're part of a remediation project, people don't necessarily trust you. They've experienced hardships, whether medical or environmental, due to contamination," she explains. Despite these obstacles, she finds immense satisfaction in her work. "It's incredibly rewarding to see the transformation and to know that we're making a difference."

Another significant challenge Vanessa faces is the male-dominated nature of her field. As a woman of color in engineering, she often encounters subtle biases and inappropriate comments. However, her resilience and confidence help her navigate these situations. "You have to stand up for yourself and confront the situation. It's important to show that you're not going to accept being treated differently because you're a woman," she asserts.

Vanessa is passionate about encouraging the next generation of engineers, especially women and minorities. She advises current students and recent graduates to consider state or federal jobs for their benefits and stability. "The benefits are much better than those in retail or fast food. State jobs offer excellent dental, vision, medical insurance, and retirement plans," she notes.

She also emphasizes the importance of resilience and confidence. "It's difficult to be a woman of color in engineering, but you have to be resilient and confident. Stand up for yourself and push past any negativity. Show that you're capable and committed," she advises.

Professionally, Vanessa aims to continue growing within her field, potentially moving up within her current role or exploring new departments. "Environmental engineering has really grown on me. I love the impact it makes," she says. She also aspires to become a private pilot, a long-held dream that she feels more equipped to pursue now that she is established in her career. "I've always wanted to be a pilot, and I feel like I'm in a better position now to take on that challenge," she shares.

(A picture of Vanessa Robles with her partner Uli excited for their new blessing.)

Beyond her professional aspirations, Vanessa is excited about a significant personal milestone. She and her boyfriend of 12 years are expecting their first child. "I'm five months pregnant today," she announces with joy. The couple is eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby boy. "We're thrilled and looking forward to this new chapter in our lives," she beams.

Vanessa credits her boyfriend for his unwavering support throughout her educational and professional journey. "He's been an incredible support, both when I was struggling through school and now as we prepare to become parents," she says. The couple, who loves to travel, is also contemplating a destination wedding in the future.

Vanessa Robles' journey from a determined student at 萝莉研究所 to a successful environmental engineer is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of education. Her story serves as an inspiration to current students and graduates, highlighting the importance of perseverance, confidence, and the support of a close-knit community. Vanessa ends with this note, 鈥淚 would not be the blossoming, outgoing, or confident person I am today without the experiences I had at 萝莉研究所. As the oldest of five siblings, I am constantly encouraging and showing them the benefits of higher education, as I similarly try to do at other community outreach events like 萝莉研究所 Guest Speaker Series, and Elementary Schools Career Day. I strive to open doors for other women gearing towards engineering positions, and to be a beacon of advice for the next generation.鈥�

萝莉研究所 is proud to have been a part of Vanessa's journey and looks forward to celebrating her future accomplishments. As Vanessa prepares for the arrival of her baby boy, she embodies the spirit of determination and optimism, ready to embrace both professional challenges and personal joys with equal fervor.

2024 萝莉研究所 Alumnus of the Year Dr. Dariush Seif

萝莉研究所 names Dr. Dariush Seif as the 2024 Alumnus of the Year award recipient, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the college and the community. Dr. Seif's journey from a 萝莉研究所 student to a distinguished professional in the field of mechanical engineering serves as an inspiration to students and alumni alike.

Dariush's story epitomizes transformation and perseverance. Initially uncertain of his path after graduating from Corona High School, Dariush found direction and purpose upon enrolling at 萝莉研究所 as a Computer Science major. It was here that his passion for learning was ignited, and he flourished in an environment that encouraged growth and exploration. Guided by dedicated counselors and inspired by mentors like Professor Dr. Terry O'Neill, Dariush discovered his love for physics and engineering.

Buoyed by newfound confidence, Dariush continued his educational journey at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), earning bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His groundbreaking research in the nano-scale behavior of materials propelled him onto the global stage, where he shared his expertise at conferences worldwide and undertook a prestigious postdoctoral position in Germany.

Today, Dr. Dariush Seif is a primary patent examiner at the US Patent and Trademark Office. He continues to push the boundaries of innovation, securing patents for groundbreaking inventions. His story exemplifies community colleges' pivotal role in shaping future leaders and serves as a reminder that anything is possible with dedication, resilience, and institutional support.

萝莉研究所 President Dr. Monica Green expressed her excitement for Dr. Seif's achievements, stating, "Dr. Seif's journey exemplifies the values of 萝莉研究所 and serves as a role model for current and future generations."

(萝莉研究所 2024 Alumnus of the Year award recipient Dr. Dariush Seif

with family and 萝莉研究所 President Dr. Monica Green)

Please enjoy the video presentation highlighting Dr. Dariush Seif's extraordinary journey, which is available on the 萝莉研究所 YouTube channel:

2023 萝莉研究所 Alumnus of the Year Dr. Patricia Bogema

萝莉研究所 has recently announced Dr. Patricia Bogema as the recipient of the 2023 萝莉研究所 Alumnus of the Year award. The award recognizes outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their profession and community, and Dr. Bogema is a prime example of such excellence.

As a graduate of 萝莉研究所, Dr. Bogema has continued to make significant strides in her career, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community and adult learners. Her dedication and hard work have helped to improve the lives of thousands of people, and her contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bogema has been committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to her patients. She has worked tirelessly to improve access to healthcare in underserved communities and has been a staunch advocate for patients' rights and safety. Her expertise in osteopathy has also allowed her to make significant contributions to the development of new treatments and therapies for treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms.

Her legacy serves as an inspiration to current and future 萝莉研究所 students, reminding them that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. She is a shining example of the excellence that 萝莉研究所 fosters in its students, and we are proud to call her one of our own.

Let us congratulate Dr. Patricia Bogema on this well-deserved honor.

About Dr. Patricia Bogema

Patricia Bogema defied the odds when she started her undergraduate degree at Norco College at age 38. A true success story, Dr. Bogema transferred to California State University, San Bernardino, was then admitted to medical school as a grandmother at Western University of Health Sciences and completed her Residency training in Internal Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Today, she is a successful physician in the City of Corona. She credits 萝莉研究所 for giving her the opportunity to start her college education and to fulfill a dream she never thought possible.

Although Dr. Bogema鈥檚 private practice focuses on anti-aging and wellness, her passion and calling are to help patients at the end of their life. Dr. Bogema spent over 10 years as the Medical Director of Corona Regional Hospital鈥檚 Hospice program and developed their Palliative Care program. Her other hospital positions included the Ethics Chair for over 7 years, and she was the first woman to hold an elected position in the Medicine Dept as the Vice Chief of Medicine also at Corona Regional Hospital. She continues to be an active staff member there and at two other local hospitals.

To read the Press-Enterprise feature on Dr. Bogema, click here:

Maha Ibrahim is the 66th recipient of the RCCD Alumnus of the Year award. She joins an illustrious group of alumni who have been honored for their outstanding contributions to RCCD and the broader community.

Since 1959, this award remains a pillar of honor and pride for RCCD and its colleges. Honorees exemplify lifelong learning, civic engagement and demonstrate a commitment to impacting social and economic mobility for others.

Dr. Ibrahim's nomination and selection are a testament to her academic and professional accomplishments. She embodies RCCD's vision to "transform lives through education to positively impact our local and global community."

Congratulations, Dr. Maha Ibrahim, on this prestigious award, and thank you for your contributions to RCCD, the state of California, and the United States. May you continue to change lives in the fight for equal rights.

Dr. Maha Ibrahim shares her inspiring story
from community college to the courtroom.
To read more about Dr. Maha Ibrahim's story, click here

The Riverside Community College District Chancellor and Board of Trustees are honored to announce Ruben Aguilar as RCCD's 64 Alumnus of the Year. The award was created in 1959 with a mission of recognizing the achievements of alumni who have made a difference in their community and exemplified what it means to be exceptional in a field of work.

As a United States veteran and purple heart recipient, Aguilar has sacrificed much. He enrolled at 萝莉研究所 (NC) in 2009 after serving in the military. He was a pioneer in starting the Veterans Resource Center at 萝莉研究所 and helped shape what it is today. During his time at NC, Aguilar endured many obstacles but he did not give up even when he wanted to throw in the towel. Instead, he went on to earn a master's degree in Kinesiology from California Baptist University. Today, he has come full circle and is now a full-time Kinesiology professor at his alma mater, Norco College. In his spare time, Aguilar works out at his CrossFit gym, where he is the co-owner. He also volunteers his time to his non-profit organization, A-1 Skyraider, based in Rubidoux, where he grew up. The non-profit focuses on helping youth stay away from gangs and violence. He is passionate about paying it forward and serves as a role model for those around him.

鈥淩uben Aguilar exemplifies why the RCCD Alumnus of the Year award was created, said RCCD Chancellor, Wolde-Ab Isaac. 鈥淗e joins a long list of individuals who have used their knowledge, personal skill set and life's purpose to impact others."

Watch the video here and add your congratulations to Ruben Aguilar on RCCD's social media pages:

Jocelyn Yow, a San Jose native, moved to Malaysia at a young age and graduated from high school before her return to the United States.

In 2011, Jocelyn and her family settled in Eastvale. She quickly enrolled at Norco College and became the youngest serving Student Body President. She also joined the Honors Program and became a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma.

Jocelyn earned her associate degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from 萝莉研究所 in 2014, and transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where she obtained her bachelor's degree.

She has served as a district representative for California State Senate and for the United States House of Representatives, where she worked tirelessly to help seniors, families, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and children to access valuable government services.

Jocelyn grew up in a working-class family, where she learned the value and importance of giving back. In fact, the Yow family established a scholarship to provide financial support for high achieving 萝莉研究所 students with financial need. Yow credits part of her success to 萝莉研究所 and wanted to establish a scholarship that would highlight her and her families deep commitment to community service and to assist students in need.

She was recently elected to the Eastvale City Council and is currently pursuing a master's degree in government at Harvard Extension.

Congratulations to our and scholarship donor, Jocelyn Yow for being sworn in as Mayor for the City of Eastvale. Yow, 25, is the youngest woman of color to be appointed to serve in this capacity in the history of California.

鈥淚 am proud to see Jocelyn break barriers and come full circle, from alumna, donor, councilmember, and mother,鈥� said 萝莉研究所 President, Monica Green. 鈥淭his is what community colleges do. We provide opportunities for students to follow their dreams and create a bright future. I look forward to working with Mayor Yow and our newly elected and current officials in our community.鈥�

Yow was elected to the Eastvale city council in 2018 and served as Mayor pro tem for the past year. She graduated from 萝莉研究所 in 2014 with an associate degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences before transferring to UC Berkeley. While at Norco College, she became the youngest student body president and joined the Honors Program where she became a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma.

Mayor Yow grew up in a working-class family, where she learned the value and importance of giving back. In fact, the Yow family established a scholarship to provide financial support for high achieving 萝莉研究所 students with financial need. Yow, credits part of her success to 萝莉研究所 and established a scholarship that would highlight her and her family鈥檚 deep commitment to community service.

Yow is currently the policy manager for IGNITE, a national nonprofit to elect more women to positions of power, and has previously worked as a district representative in the California State Senate and an aide for the U.S. House of Representatives.

鈥淚 am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the mayor of Eastvale, the city I am proud to call home. Being a new mom to a six-month-old further fuels my passion to serve my community,鈥� Yow said. 鈥淟ocal government makes decisions that affect our daily lives and is where we can directly see democracy in action. I am serving the city to ensure a better future for my son and the next generation of Eastvale residents.鈥�

Appointments:

Mayor, City of Eastvale
Councilmember, City of Eastvale
Delegate, Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority
Primary, Civic Center/Library Sub-Committee
Alternate, Riverside Transit Agency

Jefferson Tiangco was born and raised in the Philippines and pursued his education as an accountant in his country. In 2003, he and his family moved to the US to pursue new opportunities.

Jefferson recalls the culture shock when he arrived in the US and found the language barrier to be intimidating. Not only were the English language and culture challenging, he also faced financial struggles not having a permanent home or vehicle for several years. However, his willingness and determination to succeed were much greater than the challenges. He knew that education would assist him, so he enrolled at 萝莉研究所 in fall 2003. He set high goals, which began with just four college courses.

Jefferson continued his education and graduated from 萝莉研究所 in 2005. He transferred to California State University, Fullerton, and in 2008 he graduated summa cum laude with a baccalaureate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Spanish.

He began working for 萝莉研究所 shortly after graduation as an instructional support specialist and credits 萝莉研究所 for preparing him with not only his education, but also his work experience. Tiangco recalls several significant accomplishments while at 萝莉研究所: he developed the College website after accreditation, started social media accounts, technology training, and developed class schedules, and worked on a variety of projects.

A couple of years later, Jefferson decided to continue his education and went back to Cal State Fullerton. In 2014, he earned a master鈥檚 degree in Education with a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) emphasis. He then took on part-time teaching positions as an ESL instructor at Fullerton College and 萝莉研究所鈥� all while working full time. His passion and talent for teaching grew so strong that he pursued and earned a full-time teaching position at Fullerton College.

Ryan Cortez headed to college with the idea of studying history and becoming a teacher. But his innate interest in business鈥攕haped by years of working in his family鈥檚 firm, Cortez Jewelers鈥攃hanged his mind.

Ryan chose 萝莉研究所 for the same reason many of his classmates did: the campus was close to home. It is a decision that he never regretted. Interactions with professors such as Arend Flick taught him to think critically, to examine issues from all sides before reaching a decision or group consensus. A talented student, Ryan made the Dean鈥檚 List at 萝莉研究所 and earned dual associate of arts degrees before transferring to California Baptist University to earn his bachelor鈥檚 of science in Business Administration. His stellar academic performance as an undergraduate set the stage for Ryan to enter the MBA program at CBU, and in May 2013 he walked across the stage to receive his master鈥檚 degree.

Ryan鈥檚 education and experience led to a job as a business retention specialist with the city of Corona鈥攈is employer of choice. Last year, he was promoted to economic development specialist and now spends his days managing the business retention program, business expansion projects, and performing demographic data analysis. He is frequently out in the community, working closely with business owners to improve local businesses鈥� capabilities and maintain local job opportunities. He also works closely with Norco College to ensure that career technical programs align with industry needs. Ryan credits and thanks his parents, his girlfriend (a 萝莉研究所 alum), and the Corona city manager and city council for their support and mentoring.

College was a family affair for Rachel Spiegel, 萝莉研究所鈥檚 2015 Young Alumna. She attended college with three siblings. It was a time of mutual support and encouragement, with a healthy dose of competition to keep things interesting.

鈥淲e always competed to see who could get the best grade in a class,鈥� Rachel said. 鈥淲e tried to take classes together or similar classes at Norco.鈥�

School didn't always generate such good memories, she admits. Her high school career was unimpressive; she only managed to eke out a 1.8 GPA.

萝莉研究所鈥檚 first president, Brenda Davis, drove Rachel to try harder, to honor her own potential.

鈥淒r. Davis pushed me, all of us really, to achieve our goals. I remember I was struggling when I first came to 萝莉研究所,鈥� Rachel said. 鈥淏renda called me into her office and said, 鈥楻achel, you can do better; you have the drive to do better.鈥� It kind of put me in my shoes and helped me focus.鈥�

Rachel鈥檚 academic awakening was fueled by another mentor, too, kinesiology instructor Jim Winn.

鈥淚t really helped to follow his guidance,鈥� Rachel said, adding that she still works with Winn through her volunteer service at The SPORT Clinic in Riverside.

Rachel capped her studies at 萝莉研究所 with two associate degrees before going on to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health care management. She then paired full-time work with part-time study, earning a master鈥檚 degree in Human Resources Management. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Business Administration, Human Resources Management from Walden University.

Today, Rachel Spiegel manages a busy chiropractic corporation in Corona, using the knowledge and many of the skills she first acquired at 萝莉研究所.

Balancing work, school, and her volunteer commitments at The SPORT Clinic and Congregation Beth Shalom present daily challenges.

鈥淚 get my motivation from my students and my employees,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ven my four-year-old nephew gives me small comments of congratulations. He鈥檒l say 鈥業'm glad you鈥檙e going to school,鈥� which always helps guide the way.鈥�

Her boss, Anthony Pirritano, also serves as an inspiration. His encouragement never fails to lift Rachel鈥檚 spirit.

Rachel鈥檚 vision for the future is shaped by past challenges she overcame and present issues that she鈥檚 eager to address.

鈥溌芾蜓芯克� was a stepping stone on my career path,鈥� Rachel said. 鈥淥riginally I intended to go into sports medicine. But then, I switched it up.鈥�

Again, it was real life that provided the catalyst.

鈥淚鈥檝e gone from the bottom as a part-time employee to becoming general manager,鈥� Rachel said. 鈥淚 see how employees are treated and how you can help improve work lives and programs within your business.鈥�

Eventually, Rachel hopes to act as a consultant to small businesses, but she is content with her still-evolving role with the chiropractic corporation.

鈥淲e are expanding the business, looking to do integrated medicine and possibly adding more doctors in multiple facilities,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 know my HR degrees will help immensely.鈥�

Wherever the next years lead, Rachel鈥檚 path will always be grounded in Corona and at 萝莉研究所. Her mother is a longtime elected official in the city; her father serves as executive director of the Corona Chamber of Commerce; her siblings are successful 萝莉研究所 alumni.

鈥淕rowing up in Corona, it鈥檚 been 萝莉研究所 all the time for my family,鈥� Rachel said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 see that changing.鈥�

US Naval War College student Jonathan Trdan-Schmidt has been selected as 萝莉研究所鈥檚 2014 Young Alumnus. A 2003 graduate of 萝莉研究所, Trdan-Schmidt, earned an associate of arts degree before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona where he earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2009. In 2011, he attended US Naval Post Graduate School in System Engineering, earning the Meyers Award for Academic Excellence.

Jonathan works as a Force Development Assessment Operational Analyst for the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Norco. He authored a simulator/calibrator program and is the lead designer for the aircraft development team. He also serves in the US Naval Reserve.

鈥淛onathan Schmidt鈥檚 story is a classic student success story for 萝莉研究所,鈥� said college president Dr. Paul Parnell. 鈥淎 student shows up for classes needing encouragement, confidence and high quality, caring instruction. As a result of receiving those essential foundation skills they go on to advanced degrees and careers. We wish him the best in his career and academic pursuits and also congratulate him on his Young Alumnus Award."

After arriving at 萝莉研究所, Omar Gonzalez quickly realized that 鈥渁 sense of community鈥� was just as important on a college campus as it was in the outside world. He also discovered that he had an affinity, some might say a calling, for helping others--particularly individuals less fortunate than himself. Soon after arriving on campus, Omar jumped into the role of student government leader. His extensive involvement in activities and day-to-day student life and issues is still remembered by College administrators, faculty and staff. A NC dean says that Omar 鈥渂ecame part of the fabric of 萝莉研究所.鈥� Excelling in student government and in the classroom, Omar secured acceptance to UC Davis in 2005. There, he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Chicano Studies and Political Science. Back here at home, he now serves as director of Public Policy and Prevention for Reach Out, a non-profit organization that strives to address critical issues facing today鈥檚 youth in the western Inland Empire.

As director, Omar oversees two community coalitions: Partners for Innovative Communities and the Fontana Community Coalition. These groups focus on building healthy, safe and vibrant communities. Much of Omar鈥檚 daily work is with school districts, where he helps establish curricula and programs to battle bullying and substance abuse, and oversees work that studies the codependency between alcohol abuse and violence. Ask where he thinks the future leads, 萝莉研究所鈥檚 Young Alumnus exhibits a contented ignorance, other than allowing that his life will always involve building up communities. 鈥淚鈥檝e always cared,鈥� Omar said. 鈥淚'm just trying to make a difference.鈥�

Naushad Huda, CEO and Founder of XTOPOLY, attended 萝莉研究所 in the fall of 1996, before transferring to UC Berkeley in 1999. A born entrepreneur, Naushad is focused on everything mobile. He bootstrapped his start-up mobile company, XTOPOLY, during his final year at Whittier Law School. Under his leadership, XTOPOLY has become a multi-award winning mobile interactive agency focusing on the fusion of creativity, innovation and technology.

Naushad is regarded as a leader in the mobile space, having spearheaded triple digit growth of his full-service mobile interactive agency in just a few short years. His experience is in creating integrated mobile strategies and tactics that extend brand stories through holistic marketing campaigns. XTOPOLY solutions are in place at small start-ups as well as big industry names such as Google/AdMob, Yamaha, Paramount Studios, Cars.com, and T-Mobile. Naushad holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English from UC Berkeley, and received his J.D. from Whittier Law School.

Timeline

1985

On June 5, 1985, 141 acres were acquired for a dollar from the General Services Administration to build 萝莉研究所.

1990

鈥淣orco Pioneers鈥� were the first 萝莉研究所 students who took classes at the Church of the Rock in Norco.

1991

On March 13, 萝莉研究所 grand opening and classes begin under the leadership of Marie Pepicello, Provost.

1993

On May 13, 萝莉研究所 held a reception for its first graduating class of approximately 62 students.

Brenda Davis, Ph.D. was selected as 萝莉研究所 Provost from 1993-2006 & then transitioned to the President title from 2006-2011, making her the first president of NC.

1994

The Associated Students of 萝莉研究所 coordinated the first community Harvest Festival

1995

萝莉研究所 had a mounted patrol 鈥� Officer Chad Price and his partner 鈥淐aptain.鈥�

1997

萝莉研究所 reached the milestone of 5,000 students attending in the fall semester.

2002

Former student, Esmoreit Koetsier, donated a sculpture 鈥淚njection鈥� to 萝莉研究所. It was installed on June 2, 2002 in front of the Applied Technology building.

2006

Brenda Davis, Ph.D. was officially appointed as the first President of 萝莉研究所 by the RCCD Board of Trustees. See 1993.

John F. Kennedy (JFK) Middle College High School opened on 萝莉研究所 grounds.

2010

萝莉研究所 became the 112 California community college. On October 6, the college opened its Center for Student Success.

萝莉研究所 Choir performed at the Ihlombe South African Choral Festival.

The Norco Choir's Journey to South Africa

2011

Stevie Wonder with Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis	Stevie Wonder with Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis
Stevie Wonder on stage in Little Theater with Norco Campus staff	Stevie Wonder seated on stage in Little Theater
Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis seated during Q&A	Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus staff during Q&A
Stevie Wonder performing live in Little Theater	Stevie Wonder performing live in Little Theater
Stevie Wonder performing live in Little Theater	Stevie Wonder performing live in Little Theater, and Dr. Brenda Davis
Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis	Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis
Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis	Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis holding plaque
Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis	Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis
Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus President Dr. Brenda Davis	Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus staff in Center for Student Success
Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus staff in Center for Student Success	Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus staff in Center for Student Success
Stevie Wonder and Norco Campus Police in Center for Student Success	Stevie Wonder with Dr. Brenda Davis and Jamil Dada in Center for Student Success
Stevie Wonder with Dr. Brenda Davis and Jamil Dada in Center for Student Success

2012

First Mustang athletic teams, Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Soccer, had a successful season.

Dr. Paul Parnell was selected as the second 萝莉研究所 President from 2012-2016.

2013

The Brenda and William Davis Center for Student Success Building was dedicated to the family.

Grand Opening of the 萝莉研究所 Operations Center

2014

Military Times Announces 萝莉研究所 as one of the 140 Best for Vets

2015

萝莉研究所 Hosted First Welcome Day

萝莉研究所 Welcome Day 2015

Summer Advantage receives the prestigious 2015 Bellwether Award

萝莉研究所 Receives $12.8 Million Career Pathways Trust Grant, largest competitive grant supporting high school career education programs.

萝莉研究所 installed Doosan Fuel Cell to mitigate energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

2016

萝莉研究所 Celebrated 25 Years of Excellence, opened the 1991 time capsule, and buried a new time capsule.

Bryan Reece, Ph.D. selected as 萝莉研究所鈥檚 Third President

2017

萝莉研究所 Music Students Teamed Up with Feeding America to host Benefit Concert

NC selected to participate in the California Guided Pathways Project and adopted the following four schools model:

School of Arts & Humanities
School of Business & Management
School of Social & Behavioral Sciences
School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

萝莉研究所 collaborated with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to offer the Prison Education Program at California Rehabilitation Center, a medium security state prison in Norco.

萝莉研究所 expanded the Dual Enrollment program that helps address the low college-going rate in the area, college access, and equity among students.

$2 million dollar proposal to fund the new Veterans Resource Center at 萝莉研究所 was approved and unveiled project site.

萝莉研究所 developed the Military Articulation Platform (MAP)鈥攁 cloud-based system that allows evaluators and faculty to match military training with college courses and give veterans the college credit they deserve.