The Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GRHCC) held their annual scholarship golf tournament on Friday, June 18, 2021. The GRHCC is a non-profit organization committed to supporting small business, advancing economic development, and serving the Inland Empire community through programs that provide internships and scholarships for students. Each year, the annual golf tournament plays a central role in funding these initiatives, directly benefitting both undergraduate and graduate students by easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education. The event continues to demonstrate the GRHCC’s commitment to investing in the next generation of business leaders while also engaging the local community in a day of camaraderie and fundraising.
The UCR Business graduate ambassadors volunteered at the event, assisting with checking in golfers, distributing prizes, and ensuring all participants enjoyed a fun and memorable day of golf. Their involvement not only supported the logistical success of the tournament but also represented the strong relationship between the UCR School of Business and community organizations like GRHCC. The visible presence of student ambassadors highlighted the School of Business’s dedication to service, leadership, and partnership with organizations that create opportunities for students.
The graduate student ambassadors are a select group of UCR business students chosen for their leadership qualities and commitment to representing the business school with professionalism. Their role goes beyond volunteering; ambassadors regularly participate in community service, assist in hosting official events, collaborate with faculty and staff on school projects, and connect with prospective students to share their experiences. By serving in these capacities, they strengthen the reputation of the business school while also gaining valuable hands-on experience in leadership and professional engagement.
Andrew Rodriguez, second-year MBA student and graduate ambassador, shared his plans to expand his service by joining the GRHCC scholarship committee. As he explained, this year he will be assisting in reviewing applications and awarding scholarships. This step reflects the school’s broader mission to create leaders who are both academically strong and socially responsible. Rodriguez’s involvement exemplifies how student ambassadors bridge the gap between the university and the larger Riverside community, extending their influence beyond campus.
Through the continued partnership with GRHCC, the UCR graduate student ambassadors gain unique opportunities to network with local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates. These interactions help students build professional connections that can support their careers after graduation while also giving them the chance to practice the skills they learn in the classroom. The ambassadors also provide outreach by connecting GRHCC members with business school resources, including information about graduate programs, workshops, and events that may benefit small business owners in the region.
This collaboration also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. For the graduate ambassadors, volunteering at the golf tournament was more than just a day of service — it was an affirmation of their commitment to civic engagement and leadership. For the GRHCC, the support of motivated and service-minded students strengthened their efforts to raise scholarship funds and continue their long-standing mission of supporting education and economic opportunity.
The 2021 scholarship golf tournament once again demonstrated the impact that partnership between community organizations and higher education can create. It provided funding for students, strengthened professional networks, and fostered a sense of shared purpose between UC Riverside and the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through events like this, the UCR School of Business continues to encourage its students to serve as ambassadors not only for the university but also for the values of inclusivity, service, and leadership that define the Riverside community.
