<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4EqiZc_1GrVYSa000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4EqiZc_1GrVYSa000" width="1658" height="1120" ><figcaption>Reedley College premiers a centennial documentary at the McClarty Center for Fine and Performing Arts on Nov. 5, 2026, showing viewers some of the school’s rich history. The documentary was written, narrated and co-produced by filmmaker Jeff Aiello and his team. (Jon Acevedo)</figcaption></figure>REEDLEY – Audience members got a glimpse into the past as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of a local institution. On Nov. 5, educational leaders, students and community members gathered in the McClarty Center for Fine and Performing Arts to hear key updates on the region’s postsecondary education, and to catch the premier of Reedley’s College’s centennial documentary. Produced by filmmaker Jeff Aiello and George Takata, director of marketing and communications for Reedley College, the documentary takes viewers through the school’s 100 years of history while sharing the story of how it became the pillar of community that it is today. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=12EqGA_1GrVYSa000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=12EqGA_1GrVYSa000" width="1700" height="1110" ></figure>“A historical documentary like this is more than just a video of old buildings and archival photographs,” said Aiello during the premier. “As I learned very clearly by doing this film, there is a strong bond between this college and this town, and you’re going to see that come through.” In addition to Aiello’s narration throughout the documentary, the school’s history is told by local historians and Reedley College leaders both former and current. Appearances included Reedley College Dean of Instruction David Clark, Former Reedley College President Thomas Crow, former instructor and Reedley Museum curator Karey Olson and Kenneth Zech, author, local historian and former Reedley College faculty member. The film follows the school’s development from its start in the attic of Reedley High School in 1926, to finally having its own campus in 1956, the controversial name change to Kings River Community College in the 1980s, and much more.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=06BqJX_1GrVYSa000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=06BqJX_1GrVYSa000" width="600" height="400" ><figcaption>Rosalinda Alexander, field representative for Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, presents Reedley College President Jerry Buckley with a resolution after the premier of the school’s centennial documentary on Nov. 5, 2026. (Jon Acevedo)</figcaption></figure>After the credits rolled, the event was capped off with the presentation of resolutions from the U.S. Representative Jim Costa and field representative for Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, Rosalinda Alexander, who both spoke to Reedley College’s contributions to the greater community. “For a century, the college has served as a cornerstone of the Central Valley, enriching lives and cultivating the leaders of tomorrow,” said Alexander during the presentation. “We proudly celebrate this remarkable milestone and honor Reedley College’s enduring legacy of excellence, innovation and dedication to the people of California.” <h2>The state of Reedley College</h2>Before the film, attendees started the day off with breakfast in the arts center’s lobby before finding their seats for a program which included a choir performance, comments from State Center Community College District Interim Chancellor Andy Dunn, insight from student Olivia DuPont and finally, Reedley College President Jerry Buckley’s State of the College Address. In his comments, Dunn shared some districtwide statistics for the 2025-2026 year, including nearly 15,000 students served through dual enrollment programs and surpassing 70,000 enrolled students. He also took time to thank supporters of 2024’s Measure Q, a $700 million bond measure aimed at facility and service improvements throughout the district.“All of these accomplishments are only possible because of the dedicated faculty, staff, administrators and our community partners out there, so we’re very grateful and thankful for that,” said Dunn in his comments. DuPont spoke next, and told of her experience in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars Program. As a double major in aerospace engineering and physics, as well as a double minor in mechanical and electrical engineering, DuPont said the program has helped her better develop her career path and gain confidence in presentation and outreach skills. Reflecting on her journey up to this point, DuPont thanked those at Reedley College who have given her guidance and support along the way. “I’m really grateful for Reedley because without Reedley College, I would not have gotten to have experiences like that,” said DuPont. “The faculty we have here at Reedley is just phenomenal.” As the final part of the program before the premier, Buckley took to the podium to give his State of the College Address. In it, Buckley broke down recent trends in enrollment, course success, student outcomes by demographic and more.According to the presentation, 70% of dual-enrolled students directly go to Reedley College or another state center college, which Buckley said has contributed to the campus’ 67% growth since 2021. Buckley also reported a 5% increase in course success over the last five years, alongside a 13% growth in course retention. Student awards increased 22% over the same five-year period, with more than 3,500 degrees and certificates awarded last year, Buckley said. In closing, Buckley said that the recent data is a reflection of the culture and feelings of belonging that Reedley College aspires to cultivate. “Students don’t really care what we say or even what we do, basically it’s how we make them feel that matters, and I think that’s — I think — the reason that Reedley has such a strong following with its alumni and graduates of the college,” said Buckley. “We have made people feel special when they’ve been with us for the past 100 years.” Through archival photos and old video footage, viewers got to see not just Reedley College, but the city as a whole throughout the decades and delight at some iconic buildings and landmarks that have stood the test of time.The documentary also highlights notable alumni like UCLA icon Ed “Coach K” Kezirian, sports marketing legend Sonny Vaccaro and NFL quarterback Josh Allen. In the final minutes of the film, viewers got to hear from recent alumni and current students as they shared how their time at Reedley College has impacted their lives for the better. </div></body>

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REEDLEY – Audience members got a glimpse into the past as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of a local institution. On Nov. 5, educational leaders, students and community members gathered in the McClarty Center for Fine and Performing Arts to hear key updates on the region’s postsecondary education, and to catch the premier of Reedley’s College’s centennial documentary. Produced by filmmaker Jeff Aiello and George Takata, director of marketing and communications for Reedley College, the documentary takes viewers through the school’s 100 years of history while sharing the story of how it became the pillar of community that it is today.

Reedley College looks back on 100 years

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REEDLEY – Audience members got a glimpse into the past as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of a local institution. On Nov. 5, educational leaders, stu

Reedley College looks back on 100 years

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