Student Success Story: Kevin Riley

It has taken personal tragedy, reflection, failure and hardship to mold Kevin Riley into the outgoing and motivated student he is today – focused on multiple businesses and showcasing the positive side of the Klamath Basin while striving every day to better himself and those around him. 

Originally from San Bernadino, Calif., Kevin’s family relocated to Klamath Falls, where he was immersed growing up in a life surrounded by drugs and violence. He enrolled at KCC after high school but lacked motivation for further education, and instead turned his focus towards launching a clothing business with his brother – Day One Entertainment 541. It took the tragic death of his brother in 2020 and a severe knee injury that derailed his career firefighting to once again enroll at KCC and continue, however problems with drugs and alcohol derailed his aspirations.  

For a time he relocated to Eugene and enrolled at Lane Community College to pursue a career in autobody and manufacturing tech, but that soon fell through as well and he returned to Klamath Falls. Following a stint in recovery and personal reassessment to where he is now proudly nine months sober and back on a path of positivity for himself and those around him, Kevin is scheduled to graduate from Klamath Community College this September with a degree in business. 

When not studying, he remains active with the clothing line he began with his brother, and has delved into podcasting with a show that brings in fellow business owners in the region to talk about positive things in the Klamath Basin and how a successful life can be found in the area. According to Kevin, the podcast is a positive look at businesses and people in the community that prove that it is possible to grow and stay here leading a positive life. 

“My past is what keeps me motivated,” said Kevin, who proudly boasts he hasn’t missed a single class since returning to KCC for the third time. “I don’t want to go back to what I used to be. I will do whatever I have to do to not go backwards.” 

Kevin has embraced the many resources and positive culture surrounding KCC, and found tremendous support in the genuine care for his well-being shown by KCC staff and faculty.  

“The love and respect I get from people here on campus has helped so much,” explained Kevin. “There is a lot of love shown here; I know there are people I can always go talk to about anything.” 

Running multiple businesses while a full-time student and raising three kids, Kevin has aspirations to continue with KCC after graduating in pursuit of a career in real estate, or possibly launching a cleaning business, while continuing Day One Entertainment 541.  

“My goal is just to be successful, to be better than I was,” added Kevin. “You can make it, and if you have a passion for something stick to it.”