Week of July 21, 2025
Greetings, Valley College!
It was a real highlight last week to spend time with our Valley Bound Summer Bridge students. We had a chance to hear them practice “Go Valley-Valley Up!” I want to thank the entire team working with our Valley Bound Program. Thank you for bringing the energy and love of Valley College to our students!
Here are this week’s highlights:
1. CONGRATULATONS TO CLASS 43 – BASIC EXTENDED LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY!
On Saturday, I had the honor of attending and speaking at the graduation ceremony for Class 43 of the Basic Extended Law Enforcement Academy. Thank you, Paul Dennis, Chris Carlos, VPI Leticia Hector, and Chief Blake Bonnet for celebrating with our students. It was inspiring to see the dedication and determination of these graduates, many of whom balanced full-time jobs and family responsibilities while completing the program. Their commitment to public safety and service is commendable, and we are proud to have supported them on this journey. The motto of Class 43 was “we came as many, we leave as one” and the class embodied the Valley Up spirit. Congratulations to our newest academy graduates!
2. SBVC HOSTS IECF LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE
Today, we were proud to host the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) Legislative Roundtable on our campus. The event brought together local lawmakers, community leaders, and educational partners to discuss shared priorities and regional strategies for impact. Thank you to our Chancellor, Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, for joining us in this meaningful work. I also want to thank VPI Leticia Hector, Dean Dr. Vanessa Thomas, and Dr. Linda Vazquez who serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for State and Federal Relations from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. It was a great opportunity to showcase our college’s role in advancing student success and equity in the Inland Empire and an important opportunity for our District to share the 2025 Legislative and Budget Priorities.
3. STAFF APPOINTMENT TO STATEWIDE AIR QUALITY ADVISORY GROUP
We are proud to share that Mary Valdemar, Administrative Assistant II in the SBVC Library, has been appointed to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Community Air Protection Program Consultation Group. This statewide advisory group helps shape air quality strategies with a focus on community voices and environmental justice. Mary’s four-year term, officially approved at CARB’s June meeting in Sacramento, reflects her deep commitment to advocacy and public service. Congratulations, Mary, and thank you for representing SBVC and our region in this vital work!
4. COFFEE WITH THE PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE CABINET: TUESDAY, JULY 22
Join us tomorrow for Coffee with the President’s Executive Cabinet (or PEC)! This is a great opportunity to share updates, hear your questions, and connect in person before fall semester begins. Updated Location for Next Week (7/29): We will be meeting at the KVCR Studios!
5. CEO LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AND RIALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY HEALING DAY
Beginning Thursday, I will be attending the CEO Leadership Academy in Riverside. This academy is a valuable opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the state. I will step away briefly on Friday morning to provide some opening remarks at the Unity Day Summit hosted by Rialto Unified School District.
6. REMINDER: UPDATE YOUR EMAIL SIGNATURE!
Help us share the story of our 100th year by updating your email signature to the Centennial format. Templates and instructions are available at valleycollege.edu/signature.
7. HELP US IMPROVE THE SUMMER SCOOP/WOLVERINE WEEKLY!
Do you have ideas about how we can make the Scoop or Wolverine Weekly more useful or engaging? Let us know what you would like to see more of. Your feedback helps shape how we communicate with our campus family.
Thank you for continuing to make San Bernardino Valley College a place of excellence and community. I look forward to seeing many of you at tomorrow’s Coffee with the PEC and again soon as we prepare for Opening Day.
Gil
