Riverside City College Kick Off Graduation Season With Fifth Annual Grad Fest

Jun 04, 2026

RCC graduate poses with family members in front of a “Congratulations RCC Graduates” backdrop during Grad Fest 2026, celebrating academic achievement and the upcoming commencement ceremony.

In celebration of the 2026 graduation season, the Associated Students of Riverside City College (ASRCC) came together to host and honor this year’s graduates. The annual event kicked off on June 2 in Riverside City College’s Arthur G. Paul Quadrangle (Quad). The festive day featured free tacos, several graduation cap‑decoration stations where students could customize their ceremonial caps, and free haircuts or braided hairstyles provided by local Riverside barbershop Cold Cutz. Students also had the opportunity to purchase graduation memorabilia and take photos with administrators to remember this special time at RCC.

ASRCC Coordinator Megan Bottoms, who facilitated the event, said, “This moment is one of the biggest moments of our students’ journeys here at RCC. It just makes sense that we, as the Associated Students of Riverside City College, make this moment even more special.”

Two RCC students smile while displaying decorated graduation caps at a Grad Fest cap-decorating station. Craft supplies, markers, glitter, and embellishments are spread across the table as they celebrate graduation. — Students display their custom graduation cap designs during Grad Fest 2026. Photo by Sha-Phan Welsh.

Graduating students who attended the event could pick up their graduation ceremony regalia. Some students took full advantage of the cap‑decoration stations by writing quotes to commemorate their time at RCC, while others designed their caps with floral or butterfly motifs. Many students used the opportunity to catch up with administrators such as FeRita Carter, Ph.D., and Malika Bratton, who were seen embracing students with wide smiles as they enter this next phase of their academic journeys.

Student Kim Shaw, who was present at the event, said, “It’s awesome that ASRCC was able to put this event on for students. I stood in line for tacos after picking out some regalia and hung out with fellow students who are graduating. It was nice to reflect on the memories and friendships that I’ve built here at RCC.”

Cold Cutz and RCC Team Up to Support the Class of 2026

A barber trims a client’s hair while another stylist serves a customer in the background at a local barbershop, highlighting hands-on training and professional grooming services. — Cold Cutz barbers provide complimentary haircuts to RCC students during Grad Fest 2026, helping graduates prepare for commencement.

Students were encouraged to attend the off‑campus festivities at Cold Cutz on Main Street, owned by local businessman John Jefferson. Cold Cutz partnered with ASRCC to provide students with the choice of a free haircut or one of four braided hairstyles. The opportunity came just in time as RCC students prepare for one of the most important days of their lives. The partnership stands as one of the first co-collaborations with ASRCC and BFSA as they look to build relationships with more local businesses in the future. Futhure expanding the connection with business owners who presented during the College to Commerce series, developed by Dr. Shawn BuShell & Dr. Corey Timberlake.

“Cutting hair for graduates is about much more than providing a fresh haircut,” said Clay Jones, Cold Cutz employee. “It’s about being part of one of the most important milestones in someone’s life. Graduation represents hard work, perseverance, growth, and the start of a new chapter. Being trusted to help students look and feel their best for that moment is incredibly meaningful. A haircut can boost confidence, mark a transition, and help graduates walk into their future feeling proud and prepared. Having the opportunity to contribute to that experience, even in a small way, is something I truly value.”

A tree-lined block of downtown Riverside features the storefront of Cold Cutz Barbershop, with pedestrians, parked cars, and nearby businesses along a shaded sidewalk on a sunny afternoon. — Cold Cutz Barbershop, located in downtown Riverside, partnered with RCC for Grad Fest 2026, providing complimentary haircuts to help students prepare for commencement.

John Jefferson, Cold Cutz owner who presented to our Umoja Community this spring states, "I’m honored to be of service to these young graduates. We want to contribute to celebrating them on this important milestone that hopefully is the beginning of a bright future,”

“When we think about truly wrapped-around service for our students, it has to include connecting directly with the heartbeat of our local community. Crossing that graduation stage is such a beautiful, momentous shift, a milestone that changes everything and our students deserve to look and feel their absolute best as they walk up to claim their success,” explained Malika Bratton, BFSA President.

“Partnering with ASRCC and Cold Cutz to gift our graduates a fresh lineup or a gorgeous set of braids is how we turn our college's goals into real, breathing action. We are just so incredibly excited to bring this to life! By meeting our students right where they are, understanding their journeys, and taking care of these real, everyday needs, we are making sure they step into their next chapter with their identity fully celebrated and their hard work matched with the absolute excellence they deserve,” further explained Bratton.

The event’s success comes at the perfect time for graduating RCC students as they prepare for the commencement ceremony, which takes place next week on June 12, 2026. Students left Grad Fest with their regalia in hand and a renewed sense of celebration, carrying the support of their peers, faculty, and community into graduation day.

Note: Student produced article by Sha-phan Welsh, edited and approved by Jessica Vierra, public affairs officer.