Week of August 11, 2025
Greetings, Valley College!
The Valley Up! The Mountain Leadership Summit was Valley College at its best. Gathering with teammates from classified professionals, faculty, and managers was a real treat, especially when defining our collective priorities. We shared thoughts on our guiding principle of advancing community and our four (4) strategic priorities:
- Career & Transfer
- Health & Safety
- Boldly Student-Centered
- Opportunities for all (grounded in our core value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism
In the afternoon, we engaged in conversation about what it would take for SBVC to be ranked #1 in the world. Sessions included interactive group work, creative "choose your adventure" activities, and thought-provoking conversations around campus safety, community belonging, student equity, and preparing for the centennial year ahead. The summit closed with renewed energy, stronger connections, and a shared commitment to climbing together toward our ambitious goals. We will be sharing more information and action steps for the Valley Up Initiative on our website at www.valleycollege.edu/valleyup.
Here are this week’s highlights:
1. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 – CENTENNIAL OPENING CEREMONY
At 8:00 AM, we will convene at the Lois Carson Campus Center for our Centennial Opening Ceremony, followed by Fall 2025 Opening Day in the Auditorium at 9:00 AM. All campus offices will be closed until 1:00 PM so that every employee can attend. We will unveil exciting centennial updates, celebrate our shared history, and gear up for a transformative year ahead.
2. SBVC AERONAUTICS LAUNCHES PILOT PROGRAM
On Saturday, August 2, our Aeronautics Department hosted a spectacular celebration for the official unveiling of SBVC’s new Flight Operations – Professional Pilot A.S. Degree and Certificate Program, along with the public debut of our new, freshly painted Cessna 172. Special thanks to Shannon Millen, Francisco Gonzalez, VPI Leticia Hector, Dean Dr. Vanessa Thomas and Dean Lorrie Burnham for leadership and support of this event. Our #SBVCAero team continues to elevate SBVC’s role in regional aviation.
3. REGIONAL HOUSING + TRANSPORTATION COLLABORATION IN ACTION
Last week, VPSS Yvonne Sandoval-Gutierrez and I, Blue the Wolverine, and our marketing team joined Omnitrans on CSUSB’s campus to celebrate a major achievement for our students: the expansion of our Den2Den Student Housing Pathways program and free regional bus transportation for our students via Omnitrans. We are excited to officially launch the Den2Den student housing collaborative later this month at Arrowhead Village on the CSUSB campus. If you know students who could benefit from this affordable, centrally located housing opportunity, direct them to valleycollege.edu/den2den.
4. PRESIDENT CONTRERAS JOINS CCC CHANCELLOR’S ECONOMIC PANEL
Last week, I also had the honor of representing our region in a statewide CCC Chancellor’s Office Webinar titled “The Economic Value of California’s Community Colleges.” The panel highlighted the role of community colleges in driving economic growth, and I shared about SBVC’s role in driving growth in the Inland Empire.
5. SBVC + CSUSB SYMPOSIUM – AUG. 9
On Saturday, August 9, SBVC partnered with CSUSB’s Watson College of Education for the Community College and Beyond symposium, exploring the transfer pipeline for Latina/o/x students. Hosted in the SBVC Library Viewing Room, the event featured editors Dr. José R. Del Real Viramontes and Dr. Marissa C. Vasquez, with engaging discussion, networking, and shared strategies for improving student success. I want to thank CSUSB Professor Dr. Nancy Acevedo, Financial Aid Director Rosie Esparza, Academic Senate President Andrea Hecht, Chancellor Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Associate Vice Chancellor Angel Rodriguez, and all the SBVC folks who attended this transformative event.
6. PRESIDENT CONTRERAS ATTENDING LATINX CEO CONVENING: AUG. 10–11
This weekend, I will be traveling to Santa Rosa for the 2nd Annual Latinx CEO Convening, a statewide gathering of higher education leaders committed to advancing equity, leadership development, and systemic change for Latinx students. Learn more here: colegas.glueup.com/event/2nd-annual-latinx-ceo-convening-148825. VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval will be the Administrator-in-Charge.
7. SNEAK PEEK: THE WIZARD OF SBVC
Get ready to follow the Blue Brick Road to Convocation Week! Our Wizard of Oz-themed Opening Day is coming Friday, August 22, and we’ve got a special video preview that will have you roaring with excitement. Don’t miss this magical kickoff to a week celebrating the Valley Up! spirit and all the incredible things ahead for our Centennial year.
Fall 2025—Let’s go!!! The right people in the right place at the right time!
Gil
