ASIA HORTON | STAFF WRITER
The unsung heroes of Riverside City College work tirelessly year-round to help make the dreams of so many students become a reality.
We hardly notice them as they work quietly behind a stack of files; answer endless questions from incoming phone calls and endure disgruntled students and their issues.
As you walk into the Welcome Center on campus located behind the Financial Aid Department you are greeted by a student ambassador at the door.
The Welcome Center is small, but inviting and the atmosphere is airy and bright.
Ginny Haguewood runs this modest yet noble center and she is an unsung hero for this issue.
Haguewood started working at RCC in the 1980s were she was a part-time employee for admissions and records.
“I left and became a stay at home mom. Once my child was a bit older, I went back to work for RCC,” said Haguewood.
She has since then worked in various departments including payroll and counseling.
“I think that worked to my advantage because I became very knowledgeable of the student experience,” said Haguewood.
Once her child left for college Haguewood applied for a full-time position working in IDS within the counseling department.
In 2002, she started working in the place where she helps students now, the Outreach Department.
The Outreach Department works with local high schools and encourages their students to pursue a college education.
“We help break the ice and give them a jump-start by answering their questions and assisting them,” said Haguewood.
In the time she has worked with the Outreach Program Haguewood has seen the department work more with students on the campus, when before they went out into the community.
“We assist with everything from WebAdvisor issues to RCC’s ‘Completion Counts’ program,” said Haguewood.
The Outreach Department has eight student ambassadors.
For many of these students the work they do in the department is their first job and a learning experience.
“I enjoy being a part of that (experience),” said Haguewood.
“Our Mission is to bring out the student in you, by empowering students to achieve their academic and educational goals by guiding them through the college process,” said Haguewood.
The Welcome Center is available for students.
You may contact them by calling 951-222-8574 or by visiting Building number 14 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
