Honoring a Legend: The Luann Marie Ryon Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Riverside Community College District Foundation (RCCD Foundation) is delighted to announce a significant and heartfelt contribution from long-time supporters, Dwight Tate and Kathy Wright, to establish the Luann Marie Ryon Memorial Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship fund is established in honor of the late Luann Marie Ryon, a remarkable athlete and an individual who left an indelible mark on the world of Archery and Women's Track and Field.

Luann Marie Ryon, born in Long Beach, California in 1953, is remembered as a trailblazing athlete who excelled in Archery and Women's Track and Field. Her impressive achievements include winning a Gold Medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, setting a world record in the 70-meter individual archery competition, and being named RCC Female Athlete of the Year in 1975. Luann's dedication to her sport and her legacy as a "class act" competitor left an enduring impact.

To honor Luann's stellar collegiate career, her passion for Education, Archery, and her love for Women's Track and Field, Dwight Tate and Kathy Wright chose to establish the Luann Marie Ryon Memorial Endowed Scholarship with the RCCD Foundation in May 2023.

This endowed scholarship fund, supported by a generous donation of $26,250 from Dwight Tate and Kathy Wright, will provide scholarships to Women's Track and Field students at Riverside City College. The donors have also pledged an additional $1,050 annually, starting in the academic year 2023-24, to ensure that scholarships can be awarded immediately while the endowment grows.

"We are immensely grateful to Kathy Wright and Dwight Tate for their commitment to honoring Luann Marie Ryon's legacy and supporting the educational aspirations of Women's Track and Field students at Riverside City College. This scholarship fund will make a lasting impact on the lives of our student-athletes," said Jeff Kaatz, Director of the RCCD Foundation.

The Luann Marie Ryon Memorial Endowed Scholarship will be administered in collaboration with the Riverside City College Office of Financial Aid, ensuring that deserving student-athletes receive the support they need to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

"The legacy of Luann Marie Ryon will continue to inspire generations of student-athletes through this scholarship. We are honored to play a part in preserving her memory and providing opportunities for young student-athletes," said Dwight Tate.

For more information about the Luann Marie Ryon Memorial Endowed Scholarship or to make a contribution, please visit https://www.rccd.edu/community/foundation/Pages/index.aspx.

About the RCCD Foundation: The Riverside Community College District Foundation is dedicated to supporting the students, programs, and mission of Riverside Community College District. Through philanthropic efforts, the Foundation enhances educational opportunities and strengthens the community we serve.