Long Beach City College (LBCC) celebrated the renaming of Lew Davis Street to Beverly O’Neill Way during a fundraising dinner on Thursday, October 1, at the Liberal Arts Campus. The renaming honors O’Neill’s legacy as a former LBCC Superintendent-President and three-term Mayor of the City of Long Beach, recognizing her decades of leadership and public service to the college and the greater Long Beach community.

“Long Beach City College has always been deeply connected to the community we serve, and Dr. O’Neill embodied that commitment throughout her career,” said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, President of the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees. “Her service to both LBCC and the City of Long Beach reflects the important role our college plays in the life of this community. Beverly O’Neill Way is a meaningful way to recognize a legacy of leadership and public service that brought those two institutions together.”

“For our students, Dr. O’Neill’s story is about recognizing the opportunities in front of you and being willing to grow into them,” said Dr. Mike Muñoz, LBCC Superintendent-President. “She began as an educator and continued taking on new responsibilities throughout her career. I hope our students learn her story and see that leadership is something developed over time through education, hard work, and a commitment to serving others.”

The evening included a ceremonial presentation of a mock-up of the future Beverly O’Neill Way street sign, followed by dinner and a program featuring remarks from Board President Ntuk; LBCC Board of Trustees Member Dr. Virginia Baxter; Dr. Muñoz; Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson; and Long Beach City Councilmember Megan Kerr. Dr. O’Neill’s daughter, Teresa, also spoke on behalf of the O’Neill family.

During her 31-year career at LBCC, Dr. O’Neill advanced through numerous roles, beginning as a music instructor and later serving as Women’s Advisor, Campus Dean, Dean of Student Affairs, Vice President of Student Services, and ultimately Superintendent-President. She went on to serve as Mayor of Long Beach for 12 years, from 1994 to 2006.