Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program celebrated its final graduation ceremony inside the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, marking a profound moment of both achievement and legacy. The intimate ceremony honored 63 graduates—the largest cohort in the program’s history—and recognized students for their perseverance, academic success, and commitment to personal transformation.
The ceremony carried special significance as the CRC is scheduled to close in August 2026, marking years of collaboration that expanded access to higher education within the institution. Norco College extends its sincere gratitude to CRC leadership and staff for their steadfast partnership in supporting educational opportunity and student success.
Student speaker De’ Andre Gibson reflected on the transformative power of education, sharing that what sustained him through the challenges of pursuing college while incarcerated was “inspiration,” which grew into “hope” and ultimately reshaped his “destiny.” Gibson spoke to the freedom education provided him—freedom from statistics, stereotypes, and past mistakes.
“Because of higher education, my destiny is no longer a narrow one that leads to places like this,” Gibson said. “Instead, it is broad and reaches places like university classrooms and town halls.”
Faculty speaker Wendy Holmquist echoed this sense of transformation, describing Rising Scholars students as “highly motivated, kind, and enthusiastic.” She emphasized the privilege faculty felt in witnessing students recognize their own intellectual strength and potential.
“For many of us, teaching in Rising Scholars has been the most amazing and fulfilling teaching experience of our lives,” Holmquist said, expressing both pride in the graduates and heartbreak at the program’s conclusion.
The ceremony concluded with reflections from Faculty Coordinator Dr. Lisa Nelson, who has been with the Rising Scholars Program since its inception and played a pivotal role in its growth and success. She encouraged graduates not to allow the outside world—or their pasts—to define them, reminding them that their education had already demonstrated what they are capable of achieving.
Associate Dean Kylie Campbell served as Master of Ceremonies, sharing her personal connection to the site. Growing up just outside the prison gates, with watchtowers in her backyard, she said she never truly understood who or what existed inside until working with Rising Scholars students. Campbell thanked the graduates for the profound impact they had on her life and expressed gratitude for allowing Norco College to be part of their educational journeys.
Together, the voices shared during the ceremony honored the resilience of Rising Scholars students and the lasting legacy of a program that changed lives on both sides of the classroom.