Moreno Valley College Celebrates Renovated Student Services Building and Unveils New Public Sculpture
Moreno Valley College (MVC) marked a day of dual celebration on Wednesday, April 30, with the grand reopening of its renovated Student Services Building and the unveiling of its first public sculpture, You Belong, at MVC.
More than 200 attendees, including students, faculty, and community members, gathered to celebrate the milestone, which honored both artistic expression and student-centered design.
Interim President FeRita Carter, Ph.D., opened the program by emphasizing the importance of both the art and the revitalized space in reinforcing the college’s core values of community and belonging.
“The You Belong at MVC heart—conceptualized by Veronica Valdez and masterfully sculpted by Frank Heyming—is more than just artwork,” Carter said. “It’s a statement that every person on this campus is seen, valued, and essential to our story.”
The sculpture, placed prominently on the Student Services lawn, is crafted from corten steel, a material designed to develop a natural, rust-colored patina over time. Inspired by campus graphics and the spirit of inclusion, Heyming said the piece represents how “art can transform shared spaces and send a powerful message.”
Heyming, a retired real estate professional turned sculptor, has donated public artworks throughout the Inland Empire, including installations at Riverside City College, Norco College, and his alma mater, the University of California, Riverside.
Following the unveiling, attendees shifted focus to the newly renovated Student Services Building. The 14,365-square-foot building underwent an $8.8 million renovation funded by Measure C and local resources.
Designed by 19six Architects and managed by Kitchell Construction, the redesign brings together essential programs—including EOPS/CARE, Basic Needs, the Veterans Resource Center, and the Wellness Center—under one roof. The building now features gathering spaces, private meeting rooms, and direct access to the campus library, creating a supportive hub for student success.
“This project wasn’t just about upgrading a building,” said Roosevelt Charles, Ed.D., vice president of student services and event emcee. “It was about reimagining how we serve students—making services more accessible and environments more welcoming.”
Students praised both the new sculpture and the renovation, expressing excitement about seeing art on campus and gratitude for spaces designed with their needs in mind.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting and guided tours of the new facility. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Moreno Valley Mayor Ulises Cabrera, RCCD Board of Trustee Keri Then, Riverside Community College District leadership, and elected officials.
The “You Belong at MVC” sculpture and the revitalized Student Services Building now stand side by side as symbols of Moreno Valley College’s mission: to empower students and foster a campus community where everyone belongs.