Emily Craig Selected as Alumnus of the Year
Pictured, left to right: RCCD Board of Trustees President Bill Hedrick, Emily Craig, and RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac
The Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees has selected Emily Craig as the District’s 2023 Alumnus of the Year. Since 1959, the Riverside Community College District has selected an alum for the award, which recognizes achievement of an exceptional nature in any field and contributions to the community and/or RCCD colleges.
“I’m very humbled by this award,” Craig said. “This has been a humbling experience. I don’t feel like I deserve this recognition. [In this field of work] it is a team effort. There are a lot of people who put blood, sweat and tears into me to make me who I am. So, I feel as if those folks also deserve recognition.”
Craig graduated from the Moreno Valley College paramedic program, Class 12, and has served the community as an emergency medical services technician for the Riverside County Fire Department and American Medical Response. Ten years ago, she was hired as an associate faculty member at Moreno Valley College’s Ben Clark Education Center. In August of 2022, Craig was hired as a full-time faculty member for the Emergency Medical Services program. She has over fifteen years of experience in medicine with an emphasis in lifesaving and emergency care.
“Craig has continuously provided core values of character, competence and compassion as a Moreno Valley College student, a licensed paramedic provider, and as an assistant professor for Moreno Valley College’s Emergency Medical Services,” said Bob Fontaine, EMS Program director.
After completing her degree requirements at Moreno Valley College, Craig completed a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Redlands and then secured a master’s degree in emergency services administration from California State University, Long Beach.
“Emily was born with a natural leadership capability,” said Phil Rawlings, dean of Instruction, Public Safety. “She has the qualities, and you always want to find ways to recognize that, so we decided to pursue nominating Emily for the award. When this opportunity came about, we discussed how Emily stood out. In fact, there are six graduates from Class 12 who now instruct for the Public Safety program.
“Emily is a shining example of what we are trying to build in the School of Public Safety. She exemplifies the kind of student we like to see move forward - someone with compassion, caring, and character.”