By Amanda Arroway | Asst. News Writer
Emerita Dina Stallings, former instructor and the first female full-time instructor in RCC’s history, died on Feb. 27.
A speech communications teacher for 25 years, Stallings, known also as “Doc,” had a huge impact on hundreds of RCC students, including Virginia Blumenthal, president of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees.
After completing her bachelor’s at Southwestern University, she went on to USC to complete her master’s and doctorate degrees.
Stallings’ legacy continues to positively affect students through the many foundations and programs she founded during her lifetime.
The Friends of RCCD Forensics program helps train elementary, middle school, high school and college students in the art of persuasive speaking and communications. Eight scholarships have been granted within the program through its association with the RCCD foundation.
Friends of Forensics has also established a program enrichment fund that supports the Dr. Dina Stallings High School Tournament, RCC’s Model United Nations and the Listening Ears program at elementary schools.
Stallings believed that forensics “builds students’ confidence, helps them overcome fear, and develops their skills to speak responsibly, enjoyably, and well in their everyday lives.”
At RCC, Stallings was the founding director of the Forensics and Debate program, founder of the Children’s Literature Program, a distinguished faculty lecturer, and Teacher of the Year.
After leaving RCC, she remained an active member of the RCC Associates Group and the Norco Campus Advisory Group.
A memorial service for Stallings is scheduled for March 17, at 2 p.m. in the Landis Preforming Arts Center at Riverside City College.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, gifts in her name should be made to the RCCD Foundation for the Friends of RCCD Forensics program.
More coverage on Stallings’ memorial to come next issue.