NORCO

‘TODAY'S STUDENTS, TOMORROW'S LEADERS'

By Chris Levister

More than 200 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends witnessed history in the making as Riverside Community College Norco celebrated the inauguration of its first president, Dr. Brenda Davis.

In full academic regalia Davis, Chancellor Salvatore Rotella, faculty members and delegates from colleges and universities across the region processed into the campus amphitheater where a flaming ceremonial lamp stood symbolizing the college's commitment to intelligence, learning, wisdom and knowledge.

RCC Norco President Dr. Brenda Davis with Chancellor Dr. Salvatore G. Rotella during inauguration ceremonies.

During the Ceremony of Investiture, Chancellor Rotella applauded Davis calling her presidency an appointment by acclamation. "She was appointed because students wanted her, the faculty wanted her, staff wanted her. She was one of the happiest appointments our board of trustees has made."  

Davis known as a highly effective administrator, peacemaker and civil servant was lauded for her success in forging a community of cooperation between Norco and Corona. "You have the right preparation, the right stamina, and the right virtues to be a great leader," said Rotella.   

In turn Davis thanked the Chancellor for supporting her commitment to achievement and excellence, student-faculty collaboration and community service. "He took a chance on me. He cares about making a difference. He believes in the role of the faculty. But he also knows that these roles come with responsibility. He made us into a community of scholars and learners," she said.  

Since it's opening in March 1991, the Norco campus has grown to serve more than 8,700 students, has 10 buildings, and is in the planning stages for expansion to accommodate more students.

Davis challenged everyone to care about other people as individuals and have a deep seated commitment to help students achieve individual success.

"Our mission is Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders. We equip our students with the academic and technological skills to attain their goals in higher occupational and continuing education, workforce development, and personal enrichment while they achieve established learning outcomes..." The mission statement was repeated in Spanish attesting to the college's highly diverse community.

"To students, I would challenge each of you to take full advantage of all opportunities and possibilities at RCC Norco. I believe there is no more important time for us to undertake this work than now," said Davis, who served as the college's provost from 1993 to assuming the presidency.

She is the district's first female president and its longest serving provost.      

Her distinguished career has spanned over 42 years as a professional nurse, educator and college administrator. She is a graduate of the Harlem Hospital Center School of Nursing.  She holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching, a Masters of Education in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, all from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York.

The spirited convocation featured musical tributes by the RCC Marching Tigers and an African chant for peace performed by the Norco Choir. Davis was joined by a host of family members and friends including her husband of more than three decades, Bill, a retired physician.

The president closed the convocation offering words of optimism from the poem ‘Dare' by Mychal Wynn: "Dare to be different when all around you seeks conformity...Dare to see possibilities when all around you see the impossible...Dare to remain strong when all around you are weakening...

Dare to dream even when no one dreams with you."

The historical inauguration was followed by a ceremonial tree planting in the  campus plaza and a guest reception and luncheon.