Cruz Reynoso’s Legacy Lives on at Fullerton College
Fullerton College will honor the legacy of FC alumnus and Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso by renaming Building 200 – Cruz Reynoso Hall. The campus community is invited to a kick-off celebration with live music, food, speakers, and a historic photo display on Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. in the Cafeteria of Building 200.
Cruz Reynoso broke barriers as a lawyer, jurist, law professor and the first Chicano California Supreme Court justice. Reynoso 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% 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 and his connection to Fullerton College by naming Building 200 after Reynoso for historical significance.
The Cruz Reynoso Hall kick-off celebration will launch a year-long fundraising campaign in collaboration with the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation. The fundraising campaign will lead to the creation of the Cruz Reynoso Scholarship.
The final dedication for Cruz Reynoso Hall will occur at the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14, 2023.
