East Los Angeles College Awarded Prestigious 2024 Dr. John W. Rice Diversity & Equity Award

SACRAMENTO, CA – East Los Angeles College (ELAC) has been selected as the winner of the 2024 Dr. John W. Rice Award for Diversity & Equity. ELAC is the sole community college to receive this prestigious state-wide recognition for its outstanding efforts in advancing diversity and equity and for successfully closing equity gaps in completion and transfer rates for traditionally underrepresented students.

(From Left to Right: CA Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian, ELAC Student Maria Villegas, and

ELAC President Alberto J. Román)

This achievement marks a significant milestone for ELAC, building upon its 2021 Honorable Mention in the same awards program. The college’s continued dedication to improving educational outcomes for students of color, particularly in English and Math, has now culminated in this top honor. This is also the first time East Los Angeles College has ever earned the John W. Rice Award for Diversity & Equity.

“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire ELAC community in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. From our dedicated faculty and staff to our resilient students, this award reflects our collective efforts to create an environment where every student, regardless of background, can thrive and succeed. Building on our 2021 Honorable Mention, this achievement demonstrates our continuous progress in closing equity gaps and improving outcomes for traditionally underrepresented students,” said ELAC President Alberto J. Román. “At ELAC, we believe that education is the great equalizer, and this award reaffirms our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens our diverse communities. We are honored to receive the 2024 Dr. John W. Rice Diversity & Equity Award and remain committed to setting new benchmarks for inclusive excellence in higher education.”

The Dr. John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award, established in 2001, honors community college staff members, districts, colleges, or programs that have made exceptional contributions towards faculty and staff diversity or student equity. Dr. John W. Rice, who served on the Board of Governors from 1992 to 2000, was a passionate advocate for access to education, diversity, equity, and student success. This year’s award ceremony was held yesterday in Sacramento by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.