2026: Joshua Morales
91传媒 names Joshua Morales as the 2026 Alumnus of the Year award recipient. 91传媒 is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Joshua Morales, an alumnus who is recognized for his groundbreaking work in navigation technology and his commitment to innovation in the Inland Empire, Morales exemplifies the district鈥檚 mission to empower students through education, opportunity, and community impact.
Morales began his academic journey at 91传媒 while working full-time. He found success through RCCD鈥檚 flexible scheduling and transfer pathways, allowing him to pursue higher education without putting his goals on hold. Morales transferred to the University of California, Riverside, where he completed his bachelor鈥檚 degree with High Honors and began his doctorate in electrical engineering. He completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine.
Today, Morales serves as the founder and CEO of StarNav, an Inland Empire-based technology company that develops advanced navigation receivers designed to protect against disruptions in GPS systems. His work has positioned him at the forefront of efforts to create secure, resilient positioning and timing technologies that support national infrastructure and defense.
Morales credits RCCD for helping him discover his passion for problem-solving and technology. 鈥淭hat flexibility really helped me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t gave me the opportunity to keep moving forward, one class at a time.鈥� He also reflects fondly on the mentorship he received from 91传媒 faculty, who encouraged him to think critically and challenge himself.
(A picture of Joshua Morales with family and 91传媒 President Monica Green)
鈥淲hen I was a student at RCCD, I didn't realize how much talent surrounded me,鈥� Morales said. 鈥淚 started my company here to show that success doesn't have to mean leaving home. There鈥檚 incredible talent right here, and I want to be part of keeping it here.鈥�
鈥淛oshua Morales鈥� achievements in science, technology, and entrepreneurship represent the spirit of excellence that defines our district,鈥� said RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D. 鈥淗is dedication to innovation and his commitment to giving back to the Inland Empire reflect the transformative power of community college education.鈥�.