Wave Staff Report
WHITTIER — Retiring U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-El Monte, was honored by Rio Hondo College Aug. 14 when the college renamed its Quad in her honor.
Students, staff, community members and elected officials attended the ceremony at what was once known as Río Hondo College’s Career and Technical Education Quad. The ceremony unveiled the new “Grace F. Napolitano Quad” signage and gave a sneak peek at a rendering showcasing the future changes planned for the area, including the installation of new signs, turf, tables and umbrellas for student use.
A bright red Tesla welcomed guests to the quad – a nod to Río Hondo College’s distinctive bachelor’s degree in automotive technology. College President Marilyn Flores and Board of Trustees President Anais Medina Diaz addressed those in attendance, along with Napolitano, who was first elected to Congress in 1998 and has served 13 terms in the House.
During her speech, Napolitano expressed her gratitude to Río Hondo College and explained her intention to work as hard as possible in Congress so she could bring federal resources to organizations like Río Hondo.
“Río Hondo College has always been engaged in doing good work and I know that the college will continue to serve the needs of our students and our community in the years to come,” Napolitano said.
The Río Hondo College Board of Trustees unanimously approved renaming the quad after Napolitano in July. The board specifically chose the Quad in recognition of Napolitano’s contributions and advocacy for the school’s Career and Technical Education programs over the years.
During the dedication, Medina Diaz read from the board’s resolution detailing Napolitano’s impact on the college over her career, including delivering the keynote speech at the 2022 commencement and helping secure more than $2 million in federal funding to benefit college programs.
Flores praised Napolitano as a role model for not only her but all Latina professionals.
“You have demonstrated ‘la fuerza de la mujer’ (the strength of women) through your tenacity, your compassion to help others in need and your ability to build bridges across communities,” Flores said. “Your lasting contributions to our campus will be forever embedded in the history of Río Hondo.”
Napolitano has been in public service since being elected to the Norwalk City Council in 1986. In 1992, she was elected to the state Assembly.
Six years later, she was elected as the representative of the 34th Congressional District, succeeding Esteban Torres.
She announced she would not be seeking re-election earlier this year.
