AAHHE Community College Award

The AAHHE Community College Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated excellence in advocacy, teaching, or leadership and has provided significant contributions to the community college enterprise.

2026 Community College Award Recipient

Alonso R. Reyna Rivarola, MEd
Director, PACE Scholarship Program
Salt Lake Community College

Alonso R. Reyna Rivarola (él/he) is the Director of the PACE Scholarship Program at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), where he works to expand college access and success for first-generation and low-income students. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with honors and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah. Alonso is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education leadership at Florida Atlantic University, where his research centers on community college student persistence.

As a professional and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, Alonso brings a distinctive perspective and insight to his leadership. Under his direction, the PACE Scholarship Program has become a recognized, asset-based model for supporting students as they transition from high school to college. Beyond his role at SLCC, Alonso founded Utah’s first undocumented student resource center, creating sustainable pathways for students with and without DACA to pursue higher education. He has authored more than 25 scholarly and public works contributing to K–12 and higher education research, particularly in areas related to access, leadership, and institutional practice. Through his research and leadership, Alonso continues to strengthen educational pathways, promote student success, and foster collaboration across institutions and communities.

List of past recipients of the AAHHE Community College Award: