Giving

Cruz Reynoso’s Legacy Lives on at Fullerton College

Building dedication and scholarship fundraising underway

By Melissa Serrato

Fullerton College is honoring the legacy of alumnus and Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso by renaming Building 200 to Cruz Reynoso Hall. A final dedication ceremony is planned in fall 2023.

The Friends of Fullerton College Foundation kicked off a fundraising effort to raise $150,000 that would lead to the creation of the Cruz Reynoso Scholarship during an introductory celebration in October 2022. The celebration featured live music, food, guest speakers, and a historic photo display and timeline of Justice Reynoso’s advocacy work, contributions, and achievements.

Cruz Reynoso broke barriers as a lawyer, jurist, law professor and the first Chicano California Supreme Court Justice. He began his higher education journey at Fullerton College after he attended Fullerton Union High School. He was devoted to student services and was the first Chicano elected as Associated Student President at Fullerton College. During his lifetime, Reynoso was an outspoken advocate and activist for social justice on behalf of immigrants and farm workers. A contemporary and friend of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, he used his law expertise to fight for the rights of farm
workers and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

“Fullerton College is honored to raise awareness of this amazing individual and his legacy for students; nearly 60 percent of whom are Latino/x and two-thirds of whom are first-generation college students,” said Vice President of Student Services Dr. Gilbert Contreras.

Contreras and others at Fullerton College led and recommended the creation of a campaign to raise awareness of the legacy of Cruz Reynoso, his connection to Fullerton College, and the historical significance for renaming Building 200.

To learn more about the campaign visit hornetscholars.com/cruz