Westcliff Celebrates Historic Launch Week for College of Nursing

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, a long-awaited vision became reality as Westcliff University celebrated the grand opening of its College of Nursing campus in Corona, Calif. — a defining moment in a launch week that also included an immersive Open House for prospective students.

The kickoff event welcomed city officials, university leadership, and valued partners for a meaningful day focused on progress and impact. Guests were greeted with heartfelt speeches, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and guided tours of the 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility located just off the I-15 near the Shops at Dos Lagos.

Reflecting on the journey that brought Westcliff to this moment – and the road ahead – President and CEO Dr. Anthony Lee shared that the occasion held a deeply personal significance.

“About five years ago, my father had a stroke. It was dire,” Dr. Lee said. “I still remember the care that all the nurses gave him and how much they worked. There was this young nurse who came in to provide not only the health care that he needed, but she also provided positive encouragement. As we build this new College of Nursing, we want to make sure we also provide hope for all the families out there.”

Built with a focus on immersive learning and student-centered design, the campus features tech-forward simulation pods with hi-fi mannequins, interactive labs, and welcoming lounges designed to help students thrive. It will be home to Westcliff’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) programs debuting in fall 2025.

Grand Opening Highlights

As the opening event unfolded, a series of impactful remarks helped define what the new College of Nursing stands for — not only within the university, but for those it will serve across the region.

Deserie Ramirez, vice president of operations and membership development with the Corona Chamber of Commerce, opened the speaker program by welcoming attendees on behalf of the city’s business community. Framed against a backdrop of fresh opportunity and local pride, her opening remarks emphasized the deeper significance of the day.

“Today is a celebration of opportunity, growth and service,” said Ramirez. “Nursing programs like the one launching here are the backbone of our healthcare system. They prepare individuals not only with knowledge and skill, but with the heart and dedication it takes to care for others.”

Other speakers took the stage to offer powerful perspectives and highlighted the meaningful role the new College of Nursing will play in shaping future healthcare professionals, including:

• Dr. Matthew Hubbs, vice president of strategic initiatives at Westcliff, who reflected on the five-year journey to bring the campus to life, adding: “As the son of a nurse, I know what the folks coming through these doors are going to go through, and I know the wonders they’re going to create.”
• Dr. Erica Martinez, executive director of nursing at Westcliff, emphasized the heart behind the mission, saying, “I am a nurse, and I want to instill hope in all of the future nurses that will come out of the program.”

Plaques, Partnerships, and a Promise to the Future

After the final speeches wrapped up and applause echoed through the bright new space, all eyes turned to the ceremonial ribbon stretched across the Westcliff backdrop. With a pair of oversized scissors in hand and a smile that reflected years of planning and purpose, Dr. Lee made it official — the ribbon was cut, and Westcliff’s College of Nursing officially opened.

The moment was met with cheers, cameras, and an overwhelming sense of anticipation for what the future would bring.

The day’s importance was further underscored during a presentation of plaques and certificates from local and state leaders, celebrating the beginning of a powerful new partnership between Westcliff University and the City of Corona.

Mayor Jim Steiner, joined by council members Wes Speake and Tom Richins, presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the city.

“The City Council of the City of Corona is proud to congratulate Westcliff University College of Nursing on the grand opening of their new campus,” Steiner said. “This campus will serve as a vital pathway for hundreds of students in the Inland Empire to pursue a nursing degree, helping to meet the growing demand for health care professionals in the community.”

The mayor shared a personal story about his own hospitalization, emphasizing how nurses became his lifeline for care, communication, and emotional support. “The fact that Westcliff is going to train hundreds of  nurses in the City of Corona makes my heart smile.”

Additional honors came from:

• Karen Spiegel, Riverside County Supervisor, District 2
• Chad Miller, 2025 Chairman of the Board, Corona Chamber of Commerce
• Jett Benavidez, Field Representative for Congressman Ken Calvert
• Joe Fuentes, Field Representative for State Senator Kelley Seyarto
• Victor Hernandez, Field Representative for Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo
• Ruth Jaffe, representing State Senator Sabrina Cervantes and Kaiser Permanente
• Joel Belding, Economic Development Director for the City of Corona
• Matt Renault, Real Estate Consultant and project supporter

Future Nurses Take Their First Steps

The grand opening set the stage, but the Open House delivered a powerful next step.

Held on Saturday, April 26, the event welcomed a plethora of prospective students and their families for an in-depth look at the new nursing campus. Attendees toured simulation labs, connected with faculty and admissions advisors, and explored the BSN and ELM programs scheduled to begin this fall.

The enthusiasm was clear as many students took action that same day, applying on the spot and affirming the strong interest surrounding Westcliff’s newest academic chapter.

“From day one, the goal of the admissions team has been to be an informative resource for our prospective students,” said Jesdin Farol, enrollment manager at Westcliff. “Each day, our advisors are dedicated to this mission, and it was truly enriching to see them provide information and guidance to future nursing students, helping them take the first step toward achieving their academic and professional goals.”

As the inaugural week of Westcliff’s new College of Nursing came to a close, one thing was clear: this campus isn’t just a place for learning — it’s where the next generation of nurses will rise to shape the future of healthcare.

Want to apply or know someone interested? Apply here