Press Releases
Long Beach City College Dedicates Aquatics Center to Water Polo Coach, Monte Nitzkowski
From Olympian to Visionary Coach, Nitzkowski’s Influence on Swimming and Water Polo Endures at LBCC
Long Beach, CA – Long Beach City College (LBCC) dedicated its Aquatics Center in honor of Monte Nitzkowski, decorated athlete, revered coach, and influential figure in the history of U.S. Swimming and Water Polo, during a ceremony on October 1.
The newly named Monte Nitzkowski Aquatics Center recognizes Coach Nitzkowski’s extraordinary contributions to LBCC, the sport of swimming and water polo, and generations of student-athletes.
Long Beach City College Inducts Singer Jenni Rivera, Singer/actress Jennifer Kumiyama, And Attorney Norm Rasmussen Into 2025 Hall Of Fame
Rivera is First Posthumous Award Bestowed on an LBCC Alumna.
Long Beach City College (LBCC) and the LBCC Foundation celebrated alumni and community leaders at the 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony on September 18 at The Grand Event Center.
This year’s honorees included three LBCC alumni who have made remarkable contributions in their fields: legendary singer and cultural icon Jenni Rivera, who made history as the first alumna to be inducted posthumously; acclaimed singer and actor Jennifer Kumiyama; and respected attorney and community advocate Norm Rasmussen.
LBCC President Dr. Mike Muñoz Named Excelencia In Education’s Inaugural President In Residence
Newest Role Adds to a National Leadership Streak Elevating Student Success and Community Impact
Long Beach City College (LBCC) Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz has been selected by Excelencia in Education as its inaugural President in Residence, a distinguished role recognizing his national leadership and commitment to advancing student success, particularly for Latina/o/x learners.
Long Beach City College Announces New Associate Degree in Urban Planning
LBCC is the First in the State to Offer this Degree
Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona.
Long Beach City College Renames Library To Honor Trailblazer Bobbie Smith
New Bobbie Smith Scholarship Established to Support Library Science Students
Long Beach, CA – Long Beach City College (LBCC) proudly announces the renaming of its Liberal Arts Campus Library to the Bobbie Smith Library, honoring the college’s first African American librarian and a lifelong education leader for literacy, equity, and justice.
“Bobbie Smith devoted her life to education—not just as a profession, but as a calling. Her service on our local school board and as a college librarian was marked by courage, compassion, and a fierce belief that every child deserved the opportunity to thrive,” said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, President of the LBCC Board of Trustees. “We hope each student who walks into the Bobbie Smith Library, may they be inspired to read a little deeper, dream a little bigger, and stand a little taller—because of the path she paved.”
Long Beach City College Professor Receives Prestigious Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship
Professor Carolyn Castaño Joins the 2025 Centennial Class of Fine Arts Fellows
Long Beach City College (LBCC) Visual & Media Arts Co-Department Head and Professor of Drawing and Painting, Carolyn Castaño, has been awarded the highly prestigious John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship for 2025, which marks the program’s 100th anniversary year. She was recognized in the field of Fine Arts for her prior exceptional achievements as well as her future promise.