Gonzales, LA – The River Parishes Community College Foundation invested in the future of 86 

RPCC students Thursday evening, awarding $180,000 in scholarships during its 2026 Scholarship 

Reception at RPCC’s Gonzales Campus.

The annual reception brought scholarship recipients together with donors, business and industry 

partners, College leadership, faculty and staff to celebrate student success and recognize the 

partnerships that make scholarship opportunities possible.

“Scholarships do much more than help students pay for college. They give our students the 

opportunity to focus on completing their education and preparing for the careers that can change 

the trajectory of their lives and their families,” said RPCC Chancellor Quintin D. Taylor. “The 

generosity represented in this room demonstrates the tremendous investment our business and 

industry partners are making not only in RPCC, but in the people and communities we serve. We 

are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and proud to celebrate each of these 86 

scholarship recipients.”

Scholarships awarded through the RPCC Foundation support students across a wide range of 

academic and technical programs, helping offset the costs associated with tuition, books, supplies 

and other educational expenses. Many of the scholarships are made possible through partnerships 

with businesses and industries throughout the River Parishes and surrounding region.

The 2026 Scholarship Reception was sponsored by OxyChem Louisiana and Vale USA, whose 

support helped bring students and the organizations investing in their success together for the 

evening.

“When we invest in our students, we're investing in the future of our community. That's why 

OxyChem is proud to partner with River Parishes Community College to support local students as 

they pursue their education and career goals,” said Peyton Chiasson, Manager of Community 

Relations & Workforce Development, OxyChem Louisiana Operations. “These scholarships help 

remove barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of skilled professionals, leaders, 

and community members. Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients. We are excited to 

be part of your journey and can't wait to see what you achieve!”

Vale USA also highlighted the important connection between investing in students and 

strengthening the region's future workforce.

“Vale USA is proud to partner with RPCC to celebrate over 86 scholarship recipients in the River 

Parishes. Scholarships are a meaningful investment in supporting students, their families, and the 

future workforce our region needs,” said Makesha Judson, Government Relations & Public Affairs, 

Vale USA. “Vale USA is proud to be an industry partner in supporting RPCC as they continue to 

create a quality talent pipeline of students and prepare them for rewarding careers.”

Beyond recognizing the individual accomplishments of scholarship recipients, the reception 

provided students an opportunity to meet and connect with representatives from the businesses, 

organizations and individuals whose generosity supports their education.

The RPCC Foundation works to advance the mission of River Parishes Community College by 

building partnerships and securing resources that expand educational opportunities, support 

student success and strengthen the communities RPCC serves.

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About River Parishes Community College

River Parishes Community College (RPCC), a proud member of Louisiana Community and Technical 

Colleges (LCTC), is a comprehensive, open-admission institution committed to transforming lives and 

building stronger communities. With campuses in Gonzales, Reserve, the Westside Campus in Plaquemine, 

and the United Way of St. Charles Campus in Boutte, RPCC provides accessible, high-quality education and 

training opportunities to individuals across our region. 

RPCC offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, technical diplomas, and short-term 

training certificates designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce. In addition, the college provides nocost adult education services, such as high school equivalency preparation, digital literacy training, and 

English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Through its innovative partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations, RPCC is dedicated 

to preparing students for success in their educational and career journeys. Learn more about our programs 

and services at www.rpcc.edu.