ARC Alumni Newsletter - Fall 2025
American River College Alumni News Fall 2025
Welcome from Gary Aguilar Dean of Manufacturing, Construction, and Transportation
Dear Beaver Alumni,
I am thrilled to share exciting news with you about the opening of ARC’s new Career Technical Education (CTE) building. Many of our alumni have launched successful careers after earning a degree or certificate in one of ARC’s CTE programs, and this new facility represents the next step in that proud tradition. As Dean of Manufacturing, Construction, and Transportation, I am honored to connect with you and share details about this remarkable new teaching and learning space.
On September 17, ARC will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome alumni, emeriti, donors, and the campus community into the new building. Designed to enhance student success and workforce development, the CTE building houses the following programs: Automotive Technology, Electronics Technology, Electrician Trainee Program, Energy, Design and Engineering Technology, Funeral Services Education (see the 2 stories featured below!), and Welding Technology. It also includes the Design Hub, Maker Space/Prototyping labs, Virtual Reality Development Lab, and Video and Audio Recording Studio.
Previously, these departments were spread across aging facilities dating back to ARC’s founding in 1955, along with scattered portable units. Now, for the first time, students and faculty can collaborate under one roof in a state-of-the-art environment that fosters innovation and cross-disciplinary learning.
At the heart of the new building is a student-centered design. Each CTE student has access to HomeBase—a dedicated space where they’ll find a Success Team that includes a counselor, success coach, and faculty liaison. This initiative ensures students receive the academic support and sense of community they need to complete their programs and thrive.
This $58 million project was made possible thanks to the support of California taxpayers, with an additional $2 million in donor contributions helping to provide a margin of excellence. Donor support bridges critical gaps in public funding by equipping classrooms and labs with cutting-edge technology. We’re also inviting alumni to leave a lasting mark by purchasing a tile on the donor wall—and we would love to hear from our CTE alumni by sharing your stories.
To join us in celebrating the grand opening of the Career Technical Education building, RSVP here.
With gratitude,
Gary Aguilar, Dean of Manufacturing, Construction & Transportation
The New Tech Ed Building - ARC's On-Campus Mortuary
ARC recently opened what can only be described as an on-campus mortuary – just not a licensed one – to help students learn the art of funeral directing.
Students can take advantage of a “full working mortuary,” which includes a chapel, embalming and restorative art lab, a display room, and a reception area to greet families, said Valarie Rose, chair of the college’s funeral service program. Read more about how ARC prepares students for the future in the new tech ed building here.
MESA at ARC
MESA helps thousands of students become engineers, scientists, and other math-based professionals urgently needed by industry. MESA is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. MESA students receive a unique combination of enrichment activities, hands-on competitions, academic support, industry involvement, and a supportive community environment. Keep in touch with us!
Connect with ARC on social media!
A Family Tradition of Caring: ARC Nursing Alumni Nick Manko
When Nick Manko walked into his first day of nursing school at American River College, he was understandably anxious. But by the end of that first day, things began to click. Read more about Nick's ARC Journey here.
From ARC Classmates to Lifelong Partners
Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with a detour. For Liza Lipscomb, that meant commuting from Yuba City to American River College (ARC) to pursue a legal assisting certificate not offered at her local college. Encouraged by her uncle, an attorney, she made the trek to ARC—unaware it would be the place she’d meet her future husband. Read more...
Once a Beaver, Always a Beaver
Join the ARC Alumni Association!
Remember how you felt when you first started college—possibly nervous, shy and a little apprehensive? Assess how you feel now—confident, eager and looking forward to the future? Join others who feel the same way and help those who are still working to get there! As an American River College alum, you are part of the ARC family and it is our goal to keep you connected once you transition to a career and/or transfer to another educational institution. Your relationship with ARC does not have to end after you leave. Click here to learn more and join the Alumni Association! Membership in the Alumni Association is free.
We want to hear from you!
Whether you officially graduated or just took a few classes that made an impact, we want to hear from you. Share your experience with us, and you could be featured in one of our student profiles!
Handshake is Here!
The Work Experience Internship Program is a unique academic program where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a work environment – all while earning college credit. One resource available to our students is Handshake, a job and internship platform for students. If you are an employer and have open internships and positions, learn more about Handshake.
Support ARC Students - Donate Today!
Join the ARC Alumni Association!
Your gift to the ARC Alumni Fund supports college priorities that have immediate and lasting impact. Donations from ARC's Beaver Alumni help create, build, and sustain programs, ensuring that ARC continues to invest in our students and faculty.
