Rio Salado College

10/23/2026

Join us for a special celebration honoring Rio Salado College’s student and employee veterans and the stories, experiences, and resilience they bring to our community.

Hear directly from a dynamic panel of veteran students and employees as they share their military journeys, reflect on challenges they’ve overcome, and discuss how their experiences have shaped their lives, education, and careers.

The event will also feature:
🌮 Taco Bar
🎯 Games & Prizes
🎖️ Veteran Resources & Support
💬 Opportunities to connect, learn, and better understand how we can support student veterans

Whether you are a veteran, military-connected, or simply want to learn more and show your support, everyone is welcome!

📅 Tuesday, November 3, 2026
🕰️ 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍Conference Center | Rio Salado College

👉 RSVP HERE: https://www.riosalado.edu/events/lets-taco-bout-it-veteran-appreciation-stories-resilience

Presented in collaboration with Military and Veterans Services and the CommUNITY Engagement Council.

Come for the tacos, stay for the stories, and join us in celebrating the veterans who are part of our Rio community. 🌮💙💚

10/23/2026

Ready to land your next role or level up your career? Join us for JobFest, presented by Maricopa Community Colleges and Rio Salado College. Connect directly with hiring employers across the Valley in person or online.

In-Person Event:
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. MST
Location: Rio Salado Conference Center (2323 W. 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281)
Perks: Face-to-face networking, current job opening exploration, and a FREE professional headshot

Virtual Event:
Date: Wednesday & Thursday, November 4 & 5, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. MST daily
Location: Online via Zoom
Perks: Hear employer presentations, participate in interactive Q&A breakout sessions, and build 1-on-1 connections

Free and open to all students, alumni, and community job seekers. Reserve your spot today at maricopa.edu/jobfest.

10/23/2026

Virtual Book Discussion
Thursday, November 5 | Noon–1:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of Shards of Silence, the first young adult novel by award-winning author Brian Lee Young (Diné).

The novel follows Derrick, a Navajo teen attending an elite East Coast boarding school, as a school project leads him to uncover his family’s history and his great-grandmother’s experience in federal Native boarding schools. Through Derrick’s journey, the story explores identity, generational trauma, healing and the importance of preserving and carrying family stories forward.

Participants are encouraged to read the book before the discussion. Copies may be purchased individually or borrowed through Rio Salado College Library Services. Contact Library Services for assistance accessing a copy.

This event is presented by the Rio Salado College Community Engagement Council, which supports community building, lifelong learning and transformational impact, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy at the District Office.

Register here: https://www.riosalado.edu/events/shards-silence-brian-lee-young

10/22/2026

🎤 Upcoming Interviewing with Confidence Webinar!

Take the stress out of your next job interview! Learn how to answer tough questions using the STAR method, highlight your strengths and approach salary discussions with confidence.

📅 Oct. 28 | Live on Webex
⏰ Choose from two sessions: Noon or 6 p.m. (AZ time)

FREE and open to students, alumni and the community! Register to attend or receive the recording.

🔗 https://www.riosalado.edu/events

10/22/2026

More opportunities are coming for future insurance and risk management professionals. 🎓

Rio Salado College has received a Spencer Educational Foundation award made possible by a grant from the Sompo Foundation to develop two new courses and expand our Risk Management and Insurance learning pathway.

The new courses will provide students with additional career-focused learning aligned with industry knowledge and skills.

Learn more about Rio’s Insurance program:
https://www.riosalado.edu/degrees-certificates/insurance

10/21/2026

Why are scary movies so much fun? Why does it feel good to be a lil' spooked? For our latest Wellness Wednesday, we're getting into some seasonal fun by exploring the health-boosting benefits behind a good old-fashioned scare.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/wellness-wednesday-frights-can-be-delights

10/21/2026

How far can a head start take you? For Rio Salado alum Ashia Ramos, starting dual enrollment in high school meant entering ASU with 63 college credits and an associate degree already completed.

Now working as the Community Sales Manager for her family’s Nothing Bundt Cakes locations across the Valley, Ashia leads local partnerships, school attendance initiatives, and community fundraisers that go far beyond bakery walls.

"I don't think I would be where I am today if I didn't take dual enrollment classes," Ashia shared. "Dual enrollment helped speed things up and set my path where I am with the family business."

Read her full story here: http://riosalado.edu/news/2026/recipe-head-start

Nothing Bundt Cakes

10/20/2026

Rio Salado College and NACCE want to help launch your start-up business with the Small Business Pitch at Rio! Compete for grant-funded awards up to $2,000 for 1st Place!

🏆 Prizes:
• 1st Place: $2,000
• 2nd Place: $1,250
• 3rd Place: $750
• 4th Place: $250

📋 Who can enter? Open to ALL students (any major) currently enrolled in at least 3 credit hours at Rio Salado.

📅 Deadline: Submit your application and pitch video virtually by October 19, 2026.

📩 Questions? Contact [email protected]

👉 Ready to launch? Learn more and submit your pitch today: https://www.riosalado.edu/rio-specialized-programs/small-business-pitch/small-business-pitch

10/19/2026

Be inspired, get involved, and make a difference! Join the Rio Salado College Honors Program Speaker Series featuring Representative Justin Jones, one of Tennessee's youngest lawmakers and a dedicated student organizer.

From campus protests to political movements, young people are driving powerful efforts for change. In this inspiring talk, Rep. Jones will share his experiences and discuss how young leaders can challenge injustice, build community, navigate opposition, and create lasting change on campus and beyond.

This event is free and open to students and the entire Rio community.
📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
🕰️ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
🌐 Location: Virtual

🔗 Go to https://www.riosalado.edu/events/honors-program-speaker-series-representative-justin-jones to join us via Webex.

10/19/2026

Fall Transfer Fairs are here! Happening through Nov. 10 across several Maricopa Community Colleges. Get your questions answered— everything from key dates to transfer credits.

For locations and dates visit:

Free. Informative. Convenient. Maricopa Community Colleges has many transfer partners, including the Arizona state schools and national universities and colleges. To help students, parents, and advisors navigate the transfer process, the colleges are hosting in-person University Transfer Fairs to gi...

10/15/2026

🌊 Rio Students: Your University Tuition Could Be Covered!

Planning to transfer to ASU, NAU or U of A? The 2026–2027 All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship could help make it happen!

Rio Salado College will select two eligible students to receive a full-tuition scholarship to one of Arizona’s three public universities!

Scholarship covers:
✔️ Two years of full-time study OR
✔️ Four years of part-time study

📅 Application Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time.

Currently enrolled Rio students, don't miss this opportunity to take the next step in your educational journey!

📩 Interested in applying? Email Student Life & Leadership at [email protected] for application details and eligibility requirements.

10/14/2026

Every great story has a journey — and so does every leader.

With The Odyssey back in the spotlight, we’re borrowing a little of that spirit of adventure, discovery, and growth for our own leadership journey.

The Leadership Odyssey Series is a monthly opportunity to explore new ideas, strengthen practical leadership skills, and grow alongside colleagues across the college.

Whether you’re already leading, preparing for your next opportunity, or simply looking to strengthen your impact, every session is another step along the way.

Defining and Developing Your Leadership
October 21 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Leadership & Management + Leadership Philosophy and Growth Plan

Building Stronger Teams
November 5 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Building and Maintaining Trust and Psychological Safety + CliftonStrengths

Register through the Rio Events website: riosalado.edu/events

10/14/2026

Need help paying for school? There are financial aid options available that could give you the boost you need to get over a financial hurdle. Learn more about applying for financial aid and the importance of getting your FAFSA on our blog.
https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/what-you-need-know-about-financial-aid-and-fafsa

10/14/2026

🌟 Celebrating excellence in teaching at Rio Salado College!

Congratulations to our 35 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty honorees for 2026! 🎉

These dedicated instructors bring knowledge, creativity and care to their classrooms, helping students build confidence, overcome challenges and reach their educational goals.

Across a wide range of subjects and learning environments, their commitment to student success makes a meaningful difference in the Rio community.

💙 Join us in congratulating this year's honorees!

Read more about each recipient and what makes their contributions so special in Rio News.

🔗 https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/rio-salado-recognizes-2026-outstanding-adjunct-faculty-honorees

10/14/2026

Education at Work welcomed intern applicants during an event Tuesday on the Rio Salado campus. Want to learn more? Paid internships are available for Spring 2027 for tax specialists Multiple internships are available. https://olivia.paradox.ai/co/EducationatWork/Job?job_id=P1-4591500-1

10/14/2026

Did you know trees play a huge role in our community's environmental health? 🌳✨

Our Alpha Theta Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is diving into our Honors in Action (HIA) project! We’re researching how Tempe’s urban tree canopy has changed over time and whether enough is being done to protect and maintain our local green spaces.

We want you to be part of the impact right here on campus: Help us decide which tree gets planted at Rio Salado College!

🗳 Cast your vote here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTHvalEHKy2epeAO1paC_NDycwPolyA9CCSRsxPG1TgdTM6w/viewform

📚 Learn why undergraduate research matters: https://www.ptk.org/benefits/campus-involvement/undergraduate-research/

Stay tuned—we’ll be announcing details soon for our official campus tree planting event on Nov. 17!

10/14/2026

Did you know trees play a huge role in our community's environmental health? 🌳✨

Our Alpha Theta Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is diving into our Honors in Action (HIA) project! We’re researching how Tempe’s urban tree canopy has changed over time and whether enough is being done to protect and maintain our local green spaces.

We want you to be part of the impact right here on campus: Help us decide which tree gets planted at Rio Salado College!

🗳 Cast your vote here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTHvalEHKy2epeAO1paC_NDycwPolyA9CCSRsxPG1TgdTM6w/viewform

📚 Learn why undergraduate research matters: https://www.ptk.org/benefits/campus-involvement/undergraduate-research/

Stay tuned; We’ll be announcing details soon for our official campus tree planting event on Nov. 17!

10/13/2026

One class at a time. One goal worth pursuing. 🎓💙

For more than a decade, Diana Loya balanced college with full-time work, raising two daughters and all the responsibilities life brings.

Sometimes she could take only one class at a time. Sometimes life required her to step away from school. But she kept coming back.

In May 2026, Diana walked across the stage as a Rio Salado College graduate, earning her associate degree in Early Childhood Education! 🌊

Today, she's continuing her education toward a bachelor's degree while building on a career she loves as an early childhood educator.

Her journey is a reminder that there's no single timeline for reaching your goals. Every class, every return and every step forward counts.

💙 Congratulations, Diana!

Read her inspiring story in Rio News: https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/one-class-time-rio-salado-graduate-completes-years-long-journey-associate-degree

10/13/2026

Our new Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies has received accreditation approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)! ⚖️

Designed with the flexibility of online learning, this new degree will prepare students for a variety of careers in the legal field, including opportunities to pursue licensure as an Arizona legal paraprofessional.

Registration begins Spring 2027, with classes starting Fall 2027.

We're looking forward to opening new doors for students pursuing their educational and career goals!

🔗 Read more in Rio News. https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/rio-salado-maricopa-community-colleges-receive-hlc-new-bachelors-degrees

10/13/2026

📄 Upcoming Resumes & Cover Letters Webinar!

Make your experience stand out! Learn how to highlight your strengths, address employment gaps and create resumes and cover letters that get noticed. FREE templates included!

📅 Oct. 21 | Live on Webex
⏰ Choose from two sessions: Noon or 6 p.m. (AZ time)

Free and open to students, alumni and the community! Register to attend or receive the recording.

🔗 https://www.riosalado.edu/events/key-steps-meaningful-career-resumes-and-cover-letters

10/10/2026

Upcoming virtual event: Getting in the Door: From Application to Hire

Join us for a candid conversation about the hiring process at Maricopa. This panel is an opportunity to ask questions, hear common myths and misconceptions, and learn practical tips for strengthening your application, resume, and interview approach. Panelists will share their perspectives, lessons learned, and advice to help you better understand the process and feel more prepared for your next opportunity.

📅 Thursday, October 29th
🕚 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
💻 Virtual
🔗 Register HERE: https://www.riosalado.edu/events/getting-door-application-hire

10/08/2026

Sometimes one class is all you need to keep moving forward. 🌊

For Eric Sartori, that class was online chemistry at Rio Salado College.

While working as an electrician, raising a family and pursuing a new career in nursing, Eric needed a chemistry course that fit his busy life. Rio gave him the flexibility to complete the class from home, even doing science experiments alongside his daughter! 🧪

Today, Eric is a nurse at Mayo Clinic, doing work that reflects his passion for helping others.

"One class can change everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s one class or a full program. They’re all stepping stones to reach your goals."

Read Eric's story and discover how one class at Rio became part of his journey.

🔗 https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/sometimes-one-class-all-you-need

10/08/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Nominate an outstanding alumni by 10/16/26.
Submit your nomination for the Rio Salado College 2027 Alumni Hall of Fame! Seeking graduates whose personal, professional and community achievements exemplify the spirit and values of the college. https://www.riosalado.edu/news/2026/nominate-rio-salado-graduate-2027-alumni-hall-fame