Long Beach City College Honors Jenni Rivera with New Arts Center

Long Beach City College (LBCC) has officially named its new performing arts center after renowned artist and alumna Jenni Rivera. The decision, made by LBCC’s Board of Trustees, was unanimously approved last week, marking a significant tribute to the legacy of the beloved singer and community figure.

In a statement, Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of the LBCC Board of Trustees, expressed pride in the decision. “This naming recognizes not just an extraordinary performer, but a daughter of Long Beach whose voice and spirit transcended borders,” he stated. He noted that Rivera inspired millions through her music, resilience, and advocacy. “We are proud that future generations of artists will learn and create in a space that bears her name,” he added.

The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center is set to open in spring 2026. In addition to the naming, Jenni Rivera Enterprises has pledged to donate $2 million over the next decade to the LBCC Foundation, primarily for scholarships and educational programs. Rivera’s daughter, Jacqie Rivera, expressed her family’s gratitude for this honor, stating, “Long Beach shaped who Jenni was — as an artist, a mother, and a woman — committed to her community.”

Rivera, who was born and raised in Long Beach, made a significant impact on the music world. She attended Long Beach Poly High School in the 1980s and later graduated as valedictorian from Reid Continuation High School. Rivera pursued further education at LBCC before transferring to California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Her career in music began with the release of her first album, “Somos Rivera,” in 1992. Rivera’s rise to fame was marked by her ability to navigate the male-dominated genre of música mexicana. Tragically, her life was cut short when she and six others died in a plane crash in Mexico on December 9, 2012.

This dedication to Rivera is not the first recognition she has received from 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, the city of Long Beach also honored Rivera’s memory by naming a park after her, which features a striking 125-foot mural celebrating her life and heritage. Additionally, in 2024, the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded Rivera a star, which was accepted by her five children.

Reflecting on her mother’s dreams, Jenicka Lopez, Rivera’s daughter, recalled a moment from her childhood. “One of my mom’s favorite exes used to work in this vicinity. We would come and check in on him, and she always dreamt…‘I’m gonna have my star here one day.’” Lopez expressed surprise and joy at the realization of that dream after Rivera’s passing, stating, “God has a beautiful way of proving people wrong.”

As the Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center prepares to welcome future generations of artists, it stands as a testament to Rivera’s enduring influence and the powerful legacy she leaves behind in her community.