MSJC Board chair Rivera announces resignation

Press release from Mt. San Jacinto College:

Mt. San Jacinto College Board Chair Joshua Rivera announced his resignation during the regular Sept. 14 Board of Trustees meeting as he is moving outside of his service area with his new wife.

During his heartfelt statement, Rivera praised the college district for shaping his life. He met his wife, Gabriela Alaniz, while he was a student at MSJC and married her this year. Rivera served Trustee Area 2 covering San Jacinto, Hemet, and surrounding communities. His resignation is effective Sept. 15.

“This has been a highlight of my life to serve this district. MSJC has been my life for almost two decades,” said Rivera, who graduated in 2017 and was elected to the board in 2020. “I’m just going to say, once an Eagle, always an Eagle”, referring to the college district’s mascot.

The Board will call a special meeting in the coming weeks to determine whether to appoint an interim or to call for a special election.

Superintendent/President Roger Schultz praised Rivera for his passion, integrity, and his dedication to students.

“I think you embody all that is great about higher education," Schultz said.

Brian Sylva, whose Trustee Area 1 covers the San Gorgonio Pass and reaches from Idyllwild to a portion of Temecula, said he was pleased the two were able to forge a friendship and bond.

“I am certainly grateful for your service,” Sylva said.

Rivera has been a lifelong resident of San Jacinto. As a youngster, he and his two brothers participated in MSJC’s Upward Bound program, which provides eligible youth with support to succeed as college students. He continued with the MSJC dual enrollment program, which allowed him to complete MSJC courses while still attending San Jacinto High School.

Rivera served in the military and then returned to MSJC to complete his associate degree in liberal arts. He transferred to the University of California, Riverside and earned a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies.

  Rivera’s occupational background includes being a small business owner, working at the University of California, Riverside and serving as a Riverside County park ranger. Rivera has proudly volunteered to serve as a mentor with MSJC’s Puente Program.