Happy Fall 2025 semester!  This week has been full of Valley College spirit.  On Monday, we provided our new faculty with a warm welcome at the Inaugural President’s Welcome Reception for New Faculty.   I want to thank all our teammates who joined the event to meet and greet our new faculty.  Special thanks to VPI Leticia Hector and VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval for introducing the new faculty in their areas.

Yesterday, the College came alive in the Gym at the Wolverine Welcome for students.  I am so grateful to all the areas of the College who participated in this amazing event.  It was a highlight for me to talk with the students from the Pasefika Club and SHPE Club.  Thank you to our teammates in Student Services for bringing the College together and alive, especially Amanda Moody, Justine Plemons, April Dale, and Dean Carmen Rodriguez.

The week is filled with workshops and orientations for faculty, classified professionals, and managers, all leading up to our in-person Centennial Opening Ceremony by the Lois Carson Campus Center at 8:00am.  We will line up for the procession to the Auditorium at 8:30 AM on Friday , August 22, 2025.  The procession to the Auditorium will be led by a special drumline and our march together will be supported by our amazing student-athletes.  More info at valleycollege.edu/convocation.

Here are some other highlights as we officially kick off our centennial year:

1. SAN BERNARDINO’S GOT TALENT: A SHOWCASE OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT

On Saturday, August 16, SBVC proudly hosted the first-ever San Bernardino’s Got Talent Showcase, bringing together over 35 performers and groups from across the community. From dancers to jazz singers and vocalists, the SBVC Auditorium came alive with talent, energy, and community pride. The evening featured performers of all ages and even a special appearance from Blue the Wolverine! Special thanks to VPAS Keith Bacon for representing SBVC leadership and helping facilitate this wonderful community engagement opportunity.

2. SBVC REPRESENTED AT MATHFEST IN STATE CAPITAL

Dean Stephanie Lewis joined SBVC faculty and students at the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Annual MathFest in Sacramento from August 6–9. This national conference highlights innovative teaching, research, and student engagement in mathematics, and SBVC was well represented.

 3. SBVC KICKS OFF ASCEND 2GETHER PROGRAM

On August 14, SBVC welcomed the first cohort of Ascend 2Gether (A2G), a new SBVC program that connects students with peer mentors, faculty, and resources to ensure a strong start on their educational journey. Kudos to Dean Lorrie Burnham and Dr. Daniel Mayo from our STEM program for launching this initiative.

4. SBVC UNVEILS ENERGY-EFFICIENT GLASS STUDIO 

Our art department and Art Professor Tim Colbert is excited to welcome students back to SBVC’s newly updated Glass Studio, now more energy-efficient than ever. Students will enjoy both cutting-edge facilities and a renewed focus on sustainable practice in the arts.

5. VALLEY UP THE MOUNTAIN: LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RECAP

SBVC faculty, staff, and administrators recently came together for the Valley Up the Mountain Leadership Summit, an energizing day focused on collaboration, vision, and reimagining what it would take for SBVC to be ranked #1 in the world. The summit set the tone for the upcoming Centennial year with inspiring discussions, breakout sessions, and a renewed sense of community. Watch the video recap here.  Also, for the Wolverines who participated in our Valley Up the Mountain Leadership Summit, please complete the feedback survey by August 29, 2025. 

6. DEN2DEN STUDENT HOUSING PATHWAYS KICKOFF

On Thursday, August 21, we join our partners at CSUSB for the official kickoff of the Den2Den Student Housing Pathway program, a groundbreaking partnership that allows SBVC students to live in CSUSB campus housing. This historic moment is especially meaningful as part of our centennial lineup, truly welcoming our students HOME in a way never seen before. I want to give special recognition to VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval for leading this initiative!  Learn more here.  

7. WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL HOME OPENER

Close out Convocation Week and celebrate our Centennial 100 events by cheering on our SBVC Women’s Volleyball team in their home opener against MiraCosta on Friday, August 22 at 5:00pm. Centennial swag will be available for attendees. Come show your Wolverine pride!

 8. NEW DIRECTOR OF GRANTS

This week, I am excited to bring on board to the President’s Team Tammy Mathis as our Director of Grants. As I announced a few weeks ago, Tammy is joining us from the SBCCD District Office and her support will be vital in elevating our grant capacity with her more than 30 years of experience in grant development. Her office is located in the Research & Planning Office (in the former Campus Business Office space across from the President’s Office) in the Administration & Student Services building. Please give Tammy a warm wolverine welcome when you see her on campus!

 9. BONUS: DANCE INTO FALL!

To celebrate the energy of Convocation Week and the kickoff of our Centennial Year, enjoy this video featuring SBVC employees dancing their way through spring and summer: a joyful reminder of the community spirit that makes Valley College shine. 

Look at Fall 2025!  The Wolverines are ready!

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