Río Hondo College: A Legacy of Education and Community in Whittier, California
Nestled in the hills above Whittier, Río Hondo College stands as a comprehensive community college with a rich history and a strong commitment to serving the diverse communities of southeastern Los Angeles County. From its humble beginnings in the early 1960s to its current status as a leading educational institution, Río Hondo College has played a vital role in shaping the lives of countless students and contributing to the economic and social well-being of the region.
Inception and Early Years
The journey of Río Hondo College began with a visionary idea for a junior college for the Whittier area, first mentioned in the board minutes of the Whittier Union High School District on January 5, 1928. However, it wasn't until October 1960 that the Río Hondo Community College District was officially created by election. Initially, the district's boundaries mirrored those of the Whittier Union High School District, and the high school district Board of Trustees oversaw its administration.
In February 1963, Dr. Phil Putnam was appointed as the founding Superintendent-President, marking a significant step forward in the college's development. In May of the same year, the Board chose Río Hondo as the name for the college, drawing inspiration from the nearby Rio Hondo River. The name, meaning "deep river" in Spanish, reflects the spirit of growth and connectivity that the college fosters within the community.
Río Hondo College officially opened its doors for instruction in September 1963. College classes were offered for the first time in the late afternoons and evenings at Sierra and El Rancho High Schools. During 1964-65, Rio Hondo College conducted classes with limited enrollment at the former Little Lake School in Santa Fe Springs. Following the selection of the present campus site, district voters approved a $12 million construction bond in October 1963, paving the way for the development of a permanent campus.
Growth and Expansion
The present campus opened in the fall of 1966 with an enrollment of 3,363 day and 2,682 evening students. The campus is located on 110 acres of a former dairy farm called the Pellissier Ranch, which was established in 1888, and which is also the namesake of Pellissier Road, between the College and the 605 Freeway. The palm trees to the west of the LRC are all that remain of the original Pellissier Dairy.
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In October 1975, the student body population and diversity of Rio Hondo College District was broadened when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted an order to incorporate territory from the El Monte Union High School District.
Measure A, a $245 million construction and renovation bond passed by voters in 2004, resulted in new buildings and facility upgrades campus-wide as well as new off-site educational centers. New construction on campus is underway, made possible by a $245 million bond measure. Phase 1 is nearly complete, and plans are underway for Phase 2.
Academic Programs and Student Life
As a comprehensive community college, Río Hondo offers many strong career workforce programs. These programs include nursing, fire and police academies, automotive and alternative fuels, a full transfer curriculum, and basic skills courses and services. Río Hondo College offers 30 associate degrees for transfer that guarantee transfer to California State Universities, 60 associate degrees and 127 certificates. Rio Hondo offers on-campus, online, and off-campus courses to all of its students. It is the first community college in California offering a bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology. It is accredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Students come to Río Hondo seeking a variety of educational experiences. The college provides various resources and support systems to ensure student success. All full-time students (students enrolled in 12 or more units in a semester) are eligible for a free bus pass for transport with the Norwalk Transit, Metro, Foothill Transit, Sunshine Shuttle and Montebello Bus Lines. Negotiations between the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees created this programme as early as 2006, which was proposed by Gary Mendes, Governing Board Member and followed by staff member Dr.
The college also has an astrophysical observatory on campus currently featuring a Meade LX200GPS, 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, one of the largest telescopes open to the public on a regular basis, free of charge. The observatory opened in 1971 and offers free public viewings every other Friday.
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Serving the Community
The Río Hondo Community College District encompasses several communities in the southeast section of Los Angeles County. It’s a dynamic urban and suburban area that includes commercial, industrial, and educational institutions and enterprises. The primary communities are El Monte, Whittier, South El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Los Nietos. The nearby communities of Norwalk, La Mirada, Downey, La Puente, and the city of Industry are also an integral part of the district. The student body reflects the diversity of the surrounding communities.
The Río Hondo College Foundation was established in 1992. The Foundation assists the college in meeting the needs of its students and community. The Foundation’s focus is to secure financial and community resources to support Río Hondo College programs and services such as student scholarships, innovative educational projects, teaching and training support, and capital expenditures.
A Look Back
In 2017-2018, Rio Hondo College had 4,406 full-time and 15,542 part-time students, for a total enrollment of 19,948. The in-state tuition and fees for 2017-2018 were $1,360, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $6,960. The Río Hondo Community College District’s current general fund budget is approximately $77 million. That includes several state and federal grants that fund a variety of innovative college projects.
The college celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013. In 2023, the college celebrated its 60th Anniversary Celebration of Río Hondo College. The significant milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey and celebrate the exceptional achievements that have shaped legacy. From its roots on the 110-acre former dairy farm, the Pellissier Ranch, to current vibrant campus, Río Hondo College has been a testament to dedication and progress.
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