Long Beach City College Honors Jenni Rivera with New Arts Center

Long Beach City College (LBCC) has officially named its new performing arts center in honor of the late **Jenni Rivera**, a celebrated alumna and cultural icon. The decision was made unanimous last week by the LBCC Board of Trustees, who recognized Rivera not only as an extraordinary performer but also as a vital member of the Long Beach community.

Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of the board, commented on the significance of this tribute. “This naming recognizes not just an extraordinary performer, but a daughter of Long Beach whose voice and spirit transcended borders,” he stated. Rivera’s legacy of inspiring millions through her music and advocacy will continue in the new space, which is set to open in **spring 2026**.

In a generous move, **Jenni Rivera Enterprises** announced a commitment to donate **$2 million** over the next decade to the LBCC Foundation. The funds will primarily support scholarships and educational programs for students. “Our family is deeply honored that Long Beach City College has chosen to memorialize Jenni in this extraordinary way,” said **Jacqie Rivera**, Rivera’s daughter and CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises. She emphasized the importance of the arts center in nurturing future talents.

Born and raised in Long Beach, **Jenni Rivera** attended Long Beach Poly High School in the 1980s and later graduated as valedictorian from Reid Continuation High School. Following her high school education, she enrolled at LBCC before transferring to **California State University, Long Beach**, where she earned a degree in business administration. This education laid the foundation for her multifaceted career as a real estate agent and her work in the music industry, particularly at her father **Pedro Rivera**’s recording studio and label, **Cintas Acuario**.

Rivera’s rise to fame began with her debut album, **”Somos Rivera,”** released in **1992**. Over the years, she became known as the “Diva de la Banda,” breaking barriers in the male-dominated genre of **música mexicana**. Sadly, her remarkable career was tragically cut short when she and six others lost their lives in a plane crash in Mexico on **December 9, 2012**.

The new performing arts center marks the second major recognition of Rivera’s contributions to her community by LBCC. Earlier this year, she was inducted into the LBCC Hall of Fame, alongside other notable figures such as actor and activist **Jennifer Kumiyama**. In **2015**, Long Beach city officials honored her legacy by naming a park after her, featuring a 125-foot mural that celebrates her life and heritage.

The tribute at LBCC is just one part of Rivera’s enduring legacy. In **2024**, she was posthumously awarded a star on the **Hollywood Walk of Fame**, which was accepted by her five children. Her daughter **Jenicka Lopez** recounted her mother’s dreams of achieving this honor, sharing a poignant memory of Rivera envisioning a star in that very location.

As the Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center prepares to welcome future generations of artists, it stands as a testament to the profound impact that Rivera had on her community and the world of music.