RCCD Foundation Launches 50th Anniversary Celebration
09/30/2025
On Sept. 18, the Riverside Community College District Foundation opened its 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 recognize the Foundation’s role in expanding educational opportunities and strengthening workforce development across the region.
Since its founding in 1975, the RCCD 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.
These efforts reflect the Foundation’s commitment to sustaining access to high-quality education and aligning academic programs with the evolving needs of the Inland Empire.
RCCD Foundation Board President Kyley Ybarra spoke about the urgency of removing barriers to education, noting that seventy-five percent of RCCD students come from low- to moderate-income households. Guests were invited to participate in this mission through a giving initiative launched during the event, offering immediate support to students facing unexpected challenges. “Your involvement—whether through mentoring, serving on a committee, or supporting a scholarship fund—makes an enormous difference,” Ybarra emphasized.
The kickoff marks the beginning of a yearlong series of events and initiatives celebrating the Foundation’s history while advancing its work for the future. This year, nearly $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded, with continued expansion of programs designed to strengthen student success and close gaps in access to higher education.
The evening also included recognition of the Foundation’s origins and evolution. What began in a small Tudor house with a vision for community support has evolved into a professionally managed organization that now stands as a key partner in the region's academic and economic development. The Foundation’s work is supported by a diverse board and guided by a mission to ensure students have the resources necessary to succeed.
Jeff 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.”
To learn more about the RCCD Foundation and how to become a partner, visit the RCCD Foundation webpage.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications