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Inland Empire APEX Accelerator Generates $909.9 Million in Federal Contract Awards
May 21, 2026
RCCD’s “Paint & Patience” Supports Online Student Wellness Through Creativity and Connection
May 20, 2026
California Community Colleges Urge State Investment in Affordable Student Housing in Governor’s May Revise
May 18, 2026
RCCD Earns Gold and Bronze Professional Awards, Showcases Thought Leadership at Statewide Conference
May 6, 2026
News
May 21, 2026
Inland Empire APEX Accelerator Generates $909.9 Million in Federal Contract Awards
The Inland Empire APEX Accelerator, powered by Riverside Community College District, continues to
May 20, 2026
RCCD’s “Paint & Patience” Supports Online Student Wellness Through Creativity and Connection
Riverside Community College District is helping students prioritize mental wellness and connection
May 20, 2026
RCCD Students Head to Tokyo for Work and Study
Nearly 40 local community college students are heading to Japan next month to gain international
Events
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In the fall of 1916, Riverside Junior College opened and was an extension of Poly
High School with college students using Poly High classrooms. A total of 118 students
were enrolled. From 1916 - 1919, Hugh Law (pictured left) served as the first principal
and from 1919 - 1920, Donald McAlpine (pictured right) served. Below is the first
Board of Education taken in 1918.
The 1920s at Riverside Junior College. Pictured: women's basketball team (left); men's
baseball team (middle); and student officers (right) in 1921.
The 1930s at Riverside Junior College. From 1920-50, Arthur G . Paul (pictured top
left) served as principal, director and was ultimately granted the title as president,
making him the first president of Riverside Junior College. From 1928 - 1951, Ira
Landis (pictured top right) served as superintendent of Riverside City Schools.
Justice John Gabbert, RJC class of 1929, (pictured left), served as president of
the Associated Student Body to become a superior court judge in the County of Riverside.
Below is a a picture of Gabbert (third from left) serving on the Board of Education
in 1948.
From 1921 - 1958, Earl McDermont (pictured on left) served as a teacher of history,
registrar and vice president. From 1950 - 1963, Orland W. Noble (pictured on right)
served as the second president of Riverside City College.
The first Board of Trustees meeting was held on July 1, 1964. Top (l to r) Wilfred
Airey, Ralph Bradshaw (President/Superintendent 1963 - 1972), Albert Brown; Bottom
(l to r) Joseph Aguilar (Clerk of the Board), Carolyn Diffenbaugh (President), Alan
Pauw (Vice President).
On April 22, 1974, the Board of Trustees announced that it had selected Foster Davidoff
as the new President/Superintendent. He served from 1974 - 1978.
On March 13, 1986, Riverside City College celebrated its 70th birthday. From 1978
- 1992, Dr. Charles A. Kane served as its Superintendent/President.
Groundbreaking celebration for what is now known as Moreno Valley College. The college
opened March 13, 1991.
On March 13, 1991, Moreno Valley College opened its doors to students and became
a fully accredited college in 2010, making it the 111th California Community College.
There were 3,490 students enrolled that first year.
The new Riverside Aquatics Complex at Riverside City College opened on Saturday, January
21, 2011, attracting approximately 1,500 visitors. The event was filled with swimming
and diving exhibitions and autograph sessions with U.S. Olympians and other world-class
athletes. (Pictured on right: RCCD Chancellor Gregory Gray and Gold-medal Olympic
diver Greg Louganis).
As a crowd of over 300 community members, student and college employees looked on,
Riverside City College officially opened its new, state-of-the-art School of Nursing
and Math and Science Complex.
On March 5, 2013, Norco College celebrated the dedication of the building named after
Drs. Brenda and William Davis. Dr. Brenda Davis was the first president of Norco College.
On March 13, 2016, Riverside City College celebrated their 100th birthday, and both
Moreno Valley and Norco Colleges celebrated their 25th.
District Overview
The Riverside Community College District through its three colleges—Moreno Valley College, Norco College, and Riverside City College supported by the District Office—serves and enriches its diverse communities by offering certificates, degrees, and transfer programs that help students achieve their educational and career goals. The district strives to impact the social and economic mobility of its students by ensuring access, success, and equity for everyone who wishes to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the colleges.
- RCCD covers 450 square miles in the western Riverside County
- RCCD serves six K-12 unified school districts.
- RCCD operates three regionally accredited colleges:
- Riverside City College (founded in 1916)
- Moreno Valley College (accredited in 2010)
- Norco College (accredited in 2010)
- Each college is certified as an Hispanic Serving Institution.
- Each college has a Veterans Resource Center to serve Veterans and their dependents.
