Norco College Celebrates 35 Years with Mustang Statue Unveiling

Norco College marked a proud milestone in its 35-year history with the unveiling of a new Mustang Statue at The Round Up on February 25, a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and forward momentum.

The campus community gathered alongside distinguished guests from the Riverside Community College District (RCCD) and the local community, including City of Norco Councilmember Kevin Bash; RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Issac, Ph.D.; Trustee Virginia Blumenthal; Trustee Mary Figueroa; and Trustee Bill Hedrick. Their presence underscored the strong partnerships that have helped shape Norco College over the past three and a half decades.

Past Presidents of the Associated Students of Norco College (ASNC), Makenna Ashcraft and Ariel Aquino, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the Mustang symbol. Drawing parallels between the history of mustangs in the American West and the lived experiences of Norco College students, Aquino shared:

“They survive not because life is easy, but because they adapt. And perhaps most importantly, mustangs live in bands. They rely on one another. Protection, guidance, and survival depend on the strength of the group,” Aquino said.

Like the mustang, Norco College students demonstrate resilience every day as they balance work, family responsibilities, and academic goals. Many are first-generation college students, parents, and members of immigrant families carrying forward the hopes and sacrifices of those who came before them.

At Norco College, that resilience is collective.

Faculty who challenge students to think critically, classified professionals who ensure essential services are in place, administrators who remove barriers, and trustees who help guide the College’s vision all play a role in student success. As shared during the ceremony, “Strength is not just about speed. It is about endurance. It is about adaptation. It is about community.”

Norco College President Monica Green, Ed.D., emphasized that the College’s growth over the past 35 years has been fueled by community investment and a shared commitment to student success. She highlighted initiatives such as the Student Success Challenge, which provides funding for innovative ideas that enhance learning and engagement, and the Mustang Scholarship, which helps ease financial pressures so students can focus on achieving their goals.

The Mustang Statue, a gift from the Associated Students of Norco College, now stands as a lasting campus landmark, a gathering place, and a reminder of the spirit that defines Norco College: strong, diverse, supportive, and always moving forward.