The Dean's Speaker Series brings successful leaders in the business community to discuss current business issues and share their experiences with UCR students. Guest speakers represent a variety of industries, and have ranged from leaders in the Inland Southern California business community to UCR business school alumni who have found success outside of the region. Through luncheons that accompany the lectures, students have the opportunity to interact in person with speakers.

RCC's Culinary Arts Academy, the future Coil School for the Arts and a gallery showcasing local civil rights leaders are featured in a planned Renaissance Block.

The projects, which include a rooftop pavilion where culinary students can cater special events and a midsize performing arts venue, will attract people downtown, said Virginia Blumenthal, a college district trustee who has led committees planning the projects. "I'm very excited about it," she said.

So far, only the Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties occupies the block. Funded by Riverside redevelopment pass-through money, the roughly 12,000-square-foot center is housed in a renovated Spanish baroque style bank building and will include displays and videos about Riverside civil rights pioneers and preserved art pieces showcased there. It is open by appointment and times can be scheduled by calling 951-222-8854 or emailing to socialjustice@rccd.edu. (Read more...)