Roar Call for Regalia Sponsors 20 RCC Graduates at 2025 Commencement

For the second consecutive year, Roar Call for Regalia—a nonprofit organization founded by Riverside City College (RCC) alumnus and current RCCD Interim Help Desk Services Manager Justin Arthur Borden, DPA—helped eliminate financial barriers for graduating Tigers by providing free commencement regalia to students in need.

At RCC’s 2025 commencement ceremony, 20 students proudly walked across the stage wearing caps, gowns, and hoods donated through Roar Call’s Celebrating Our Pride initiative, formerly known as Proud of the Pride. Each recipient also received a personal message from a donor, and in turn, wrote a message of encouragement to the next graduate through the program’s Passage of the Pride tradition.

“Commencement is not just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of perseverance,” said Borden. “Roar Call ensures students can participate in this life-changing moment, regardless of their financial situation. It's about lifting each other up and paying it forward.”

Roar Call for Regalia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, reduces costs by collecting and reusing gently worn gowns and hoods. Donations can be dropped off at either the Career Closet or the Career Center in the Kane Building, thanks to a partnership with Merial Anderson-McDade and RCC’s Career Closet.

With support from RCCD Bookstore Manager and Dean Kyla Teufel, the organization is also working on long-term strategies to reduce the cost of regalia across the district. Roar Call plans to expand to Moreno Valley College and Norco College in 2026.

“Our mission is to ensure no RCCD student is left out of graduation due to cost,” Borden added. “We’re proud to keep the roar alive and help every graduate walk with pride.”

For more information or to donate regalia, please contact Justin Borden at justin.borden@rcc.edu.