Greetings, Wolverines!

Tomorrow is officially the start to the 2025-26 academic year. We are working diligently to prepare the campus for an action-packed school year, celebrating 100 years, engaging in a college re-organization, finalizing our committee structure, and advancing our diverse identities, such as HSI and BSI. Opening Day is just around the corner and this year promises to be the most engaging and fun Opening Day in the history of Valley College!  It is an exciting time at Valley College!

Highlights for this week at Valley:

1. FINAL COUNTDOWN TO SUMMERFEST – JULY 5

This Saturday, July 5, we invite you and your loved ones to join us for SummerFest 2025, an evening of food, music, vendors, and fireworks under the stars, presented in collaboration with the San Bernardino Symphony. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy one of our most beloved campus traditions. Visit valleycollege.edu/summerfest for details!

 

2. TODEC WORKSHOP – JULY 9

Join us for an important virtual workshop hosted in collaboration with TODEC on Tuesday, July 9 at 2:00 PM via Zoom. Thank you, Dean Carmen Rodriguez, Associate Dean April Dale, and Evelyn Ruiz for their outstanding leadership. The event will focus on deportation defense and prevention: timely and vital information for many in our community. Zoom details are on the flyer below; please help us share this resource widely!

3. SBVC AWARDED $10,000 CBB GRANT

Congratulations to Mike Layne and the SBVC Foundation team on securing a $10,000 grant from Citizens Business Bank! This funding will provide ten $1,000 scholarships for low-to-moderate income students in the 2025-26 academic year, doubling last year’s award and demonstrating continued support for our students’ success.

4. CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER: NEW PLAYGROUND + OLYMPIC GAMES

The smiles said it all! Last week, our Child Development Center unveiled its new playground, just in time for their adorable Olympic Games celebration. Thank you to our CDC staff and director Sandy Karge for creating such joyful learning environments for our littlest Wolverines. Our Child Development Center continues to shine as a signature program, serving the community on and off campus. Valley Up!

5. CENTENNIAL PLANNING SPOTLIGHTED AT CHANCELLOR’S EXTENDED CABINET

On June 25, I presented SBVC’s 2025-26 Centennial vision to the Chancellor’s Extended Cabinet. From legacy events to student success celebrations, our centennial will reflect 100 years of excellence and transformation. I want to thank Paul Bratulin and his team, and my Cabinet, for all of their hard work in advancing the College's centennial planning. Stay tuned for more information and the launch of our centennial portal next week!

 

6. SBCCD BOARD OF TRUSTEES RETREAT AT SBVC

On June 24, we were proud to host the SBCCD Board of Trustees summer retreat in our new Applied Technology Building. This was a special opportunity to showcase our facilities and continue collaborative dialogue on the future of our district. The board discussed strategic plan updates, the budget, legislative priorities, dual enrollment, and the phenomenal contributions Valley College makes towards advancing SBCCD strategic goals. I was thrilled that members of the board and chancellor’s cabinet walked out to the football field to support our team. Valley Up!

 

7. HSI TASKFORCE MEETING WITH DR. GINA ANN GARCIA

On June 26, the HSI Taskforce met with Dr. Gina Ann Garcia, one of the foremost scholars and thought leaders for Hispanic Serving Institutions. I was inspired to see members of the BSI Taskforce collaborate with the HSI Taskforce as we work collaboratively to embrace our diverse identities. The group talked about our current climate, growth opportunities, and steps we need to take to embrace our HSI identity, BSI identity, ANAPISI identity, Native American identity, and all identities to foster a sense of belonging at Valley College. We look forward to reviewing the recommendations from the taskforces and our continued collaboration with Dr. Gina Ann Garcia in the Fall 2025 semester. Thank you, Aldo Sifuentes, Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero, and everyone who helped make the daylong event a huge success.

 

8. SEE YOU JULY 7 – COFFEE WITH THE CABINET

Let’s keep the conversation going! Join us Monday, July 7, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM in B-100 for our next Coffee with the President’s Executive Cabinet. This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and be part of shaping our campus direction. Coffee and refreshments will be served!

 

I wish you a safe and joyful 4th of July weekend - and see you at SummerFest!

 

Gil