Week of August 25, 2025
Greetings, Wolverines!
Welcome to the Fall 2025 semester at San Bernardino Valley College. Today, we are home to 15,177 students and climbing.
What an incredible week last week. On Monday, we hosted the President’s Welcome Reception for the 16 new faculty. On Tuesday, the College provided adjunct orientation and Wolverine Welcome for students. I want to thank VPI Leticia Hector and the Academic Senate leadership (Andrea Hecht, Jamie Salyer, and Tatiana Vasquez) for coordinating an engaging agenda of activities during Convocation Week. On Wednesday, we met with the Blu Foundation to discuss the renewal of the MOU (thank you VPAS Keith Bacon) and to structure opportunities for the community to contribute to our BSI work. On Thursday, I met with our District teammates to plan the SBCCD Olympics, with more details to share soon. I also attended the Den2Den Housing Pathways Program ribbon-cutting at CSUSB (thank you VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval). On Friday, we all participated in an epic Opening Day showcasing our 100th anniversary, cultural pride, and unwavering enthusiasm for the start of the Fall semester. In the afternoon, I signed a scholarship agreement with CSUSB for Valley College transfer students and I attended the retirement celebration for CSUSB legend Robert Nava before supporting Women’s Volleyball in the SBVC Home Opener!
From our Wolverine Welcome to our historic Centennial Opening Ceremony and Fall Opening Day, the energy was unmatched. Thank you to every student, employee, and community partner who made it possible. Catch the recap video here: Convocation Week Highlights
1. SBVC LEADERSHIP AT MT. VERNON BRIDGE OPENING
On Saturday, August 23, I joined Chancellor Dr. Diana Rodriguez, VPI Leticia Hector, SBVC Foundation Executive Director Mike Layne, Phylicia Sanchez, and Board Member Frank Reyes for the grand re-opening of the Mt. Vernon Bridge. This long-awaited infrastructure project improves connectivity for our students and links our campus to the historic San Bernardino Depot and Amtrak lines (and Mitla Café). There was a huge showing from the community, including numerous elected officials and our teammates from KVCR!
2. SBVC HIGHLIGHTED NATIONALLY FOR STARFISH INNOVATION
Exciting news! SBVC will be highlighted in three sessions at the upcoming ConnectED 25 conference in Orlando, out of over 2,100+ institutions using EAB products. Valley was selected as one of just 14 schools to be spotlighted in a partner profile and will join a panel with Rutgers and SEMO University on compassionate communication. By the end of 2025, Valley will have been showcased at five national events in one year for our innovative use of Starfish. Congratulations to Kristina Heilgeist, Matt Kim, and all involved in this outstanding recognition of SBVC’s leadership in student success.
3. COLLEGE-WIDE REORGANIZATION: YOUR VOICE MATTERS
As announced at Opening Day, SBVC is embarking on a college-wide reorganization conversation. This effort is designed to strengthen student success and position us for the next century of growth. Please visit valleycollege.edu/reimagine to learn more about the timeline and how you can provide input.
4. NEW REMOTE PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE
To ease the challenge of finding parking during peak times, SBVC has added remote parking lots with shuttle service every 30 minutes from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Students can park at 613 S. I St. or 725 S. I St. and ride the free shuttle to campus. Details at valleycollege.edu/parking.
5. SAVE THE DATE: ALUMNI TAILGATE + ALUMNI CLASSIC FOOTBALL GAME
Join us this Saturday, August 30, for two of our first centennial community celebrations!
- Alumni Tailgate | 4:30 – 6:00 PM
- Alumni Classic Home Football Game | Kickoff at 6:00 PM
Both events will be packed with Wolverine pride, alumni energy, and community spirit. Keep up to date and find more centennial events at valleycollege.edu/100.
The fall semester is officially here, and we are writing history together in SBVC’s 100th year. Let’s keep the centennial energy strong as we welcome students back to campus this week!
Gil
