New Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center unveiled at Long Beach City College

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Nearly 14 years after her tragic death at the age of 43, Jenni Rivera's music and name live in the hearts of millions, including in her hometown of Long Beach.

"As Jenni Rivera would say, 'Women are powerful,'" said Vivian Malauulu of the Long Beach City College Board of Trustees. "Today, that message belongs to all of us."

On Thursday, Rivera's five children were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the $102 million Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center, hosted by Long Beach City College and the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation.

"My mother once walked these halls as a student," said Jacqie Rivera, describing her mother as studious, with a firm belief that education could change lives. "This campus was part of her journey, long before the world ever even knew her name. She was once a student here with goals and dreams," she added.

A once single mother whose talent catapulted her to binational stardom in a male-dominated genre and empowered many women and people through heartbreak and life challenges.

"That's why so many of us are super excited that in our community of Long Beach, where she is from, we get to have a performing arts center, where we hope that her legacy will continue here and be a role model for our students," said Susana Gonzalez Edmond.

Long Beach has produced music superstars including Jenni Rivera, Sublime, and Snoop Dogg.

Through its performing arts center, LBCC aims to equip the next generation of artists. The college said that thanks to the Rivera family's gift, they will have scholarships in her name for the next generations.

Rivera's daughters Jacqie and Chiquis, joined by the Mariachi Divas, closed out the celebration performing three of their mother's songs.

"Every student starting over, every dream that feels impossible, they will see her name and remember that Jenni Rivera started exactly where they are now. If she could do it, so will you," said Jacqie.