Norco College Alumnus of the Year
(formerly known as the Young Alumnus of the Year award)
Ruben Aguilar
2020 64th RCCD Alumnus of the Year (Norco College)
The Riverside Community College District Chancellor and Board of Trustees are honored to announce Ruben Aguilar as RCCD's 64th 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 Norco College (NC) in 2009 after serving in the military. He was a pioneer in starting the Veterans Resource Center at Norco College 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.
“Ruben Aguilar exemplifies why the RCCD Alumnus of the Year award was created, said RCCD Chancellor, Wolde-ab Isaac. “He joins a long list of individuals who have used their knowledge, personal skillset 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
2019 Alumnus of the Year
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, Yow 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.
Yow earned her associate degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Norco College 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.
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 Norco College students with financial need. Yow credits part of her success to Norco College 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.
Appointments:
Councilmember, City of Eastvale
Delegate, Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority
Primary, Civic Center/Library Sub-Committee
Alternate, Riverside Transit Agency
Past Recipients