Greetings, Valley College!

 

Last week, we welcomed more than 600 high school seniors to Valley College! The walkway behind the gym was lined with booth representing programs, offices, divisions and clubs from across campus. Special thanks to April Dale, Justine Plemons, and Amanda Moody for coordinating this wonderful event showcasing our college.

 

Additionally, I want to recognize everyone who worked on and who was nominated for the annual Spotlighting Our Success employee awards on Friday. The awards recognized employees whose dedication, service, leadership, and innovation exemplify the spirit of SBVC. Thank you to Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero, Noel Arciero, Marvellee Diaz, and Matt Kim for facilitating the awards process; Gilbert Ortiz, Svetlana Tarasyuk, Cynthia Arevalo, Cristina Bacon, Damian Gonzales, Vladimar Aladin, and Barbara Bray for coordinating the logistics; and Chef Stacy Meyer and her culinary students for preparing a delicious dinner.

 

Continuing our centennial celebration, we represented our campus at the Inland Empire History Festival on Saturday. We put together a display focused on our centennial and history. Thanks to Thomas Robles, Angel Castillo, and student Damien Gonzalez for sharing 100 years of our history at the event!

 

Lastly, thanks to everyone who participated in the Valley Up! Every Move Counts challenge, especially organizers Shyla Cobbett and Jeff Huynh. The challenge successfully promoted wellness on campus, and provided terrific energy that will carry forward into the next school year. Stay active and Valley Up!

 

Some highlights for this week:

 

  1. BLACK STUDENT SUCCESS WEEK APRIL 20-24, 2026

California Community Colleges’ annual Black Student Success Week is April 20-24, 2026. To celebrate, there will be daily webinars at 12:00 PM. This year’s theme is “Revolution: (Re)Defining Black Student Success.” Valley College is proud to be a Black-Serving Institution, and I hope you take advantage of these webinars and in-the-works watch parties here at SBVC. President’s Executive Team was happy to join Keynasia Buffong at the kickoff party in the Library.  It was motivating to see students, faculty, classified professionals, and managers showing up to support.  More information is available here.

 

  1. SBCCD BOARD STRATEGY SESSION, THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026, B-100, 5:00 PM

On Thursday, the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a strategy session at Valley College. They will take a tour at 4 PM, enjoy some time in the Botanical Gardens and hear about how our campus is amplifying and embodying their strategic goals. Thank you for what each of you are doing to make our campus's success a reality.

 

  1. COLLEGE COMMITTEES UPDATE

Later this week, I will be sending a memorandum with an update to the deans from instruction and the counseling division.  We are providing additional guidance around faculty selection of committee assignments for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school year.  Special division meetings will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 to discuss committee selections and assignments.

 

  1. HONORING CSUSB PRESIDENT MORALES

Last Saturday, I was honored to attend the gala honoring California State University, San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales for his legacy of leadership in higher education in the region. As CSUSB has noted, President Morales "has guided CSUSB with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to student success - transforming the university through record-setting fundraising, expanded access initiatives, and historic growth in student achievement." The event included a statue unveiling and a gala dinner honoring President Morales. I'm grateful for his leadership and partnership in educating local residents.

 

  1. FINAL BUSINESS FACULTY INTERVIEWS FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026

On Friday, April 24, we will conduct final interviews for business faculty. I'm looking forward to adding instructors to the program who use their industry expertise to advocate for our students.

 

  1. EVENTS THAT ADVANCE OUR COMMUNITY ON FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026

This Friday, SBVC is proud to partner in three impactful events that directly advance our shared commitment to community uplift and student success. The Time for Change Foundation’s 24th Annual Awards Gala, themed “Anchored in Promise, Powered by Purpose,” will honor inspiring leaders making a difference across our region. Earlier in the day, the 12th Annual Inspire Success Brunch will celebrate outstanding Middle College High School students while connecting them with mentors and future pathways. We also recognize College Corps as they mark their year-end celebration, highlighting a year of meaningful service and civic engagement by our students. Together, these events reflect the power of partnership in building stronger futures for our community.

 

  1. RIALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT RITZ GALA SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

On Saturday, Rialto Unified School District is holding their 20th annual RITZ Gala to support students and their families. The event showcases talented students in at the RITZ (Rialto's Incredible Talent Zone). RUSD is such a fantastic partner in supporting the dreams of local students and educating future Wolverines.

 

  1. SUNDAY, APRIL 26: COMMUNITY & FAITH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

On Sunday, April 26, I will be included in recognizing a meaningful community milestone as Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish celebrates its 100th Anniversary (1926–2026) with a special bilingual Mass at 10:00 a.m. in San Bernardino. This centennial celebration brings together faith, history, and community, reflecting a century of service and leadership in our region. As SBVC continues to advance its role as a cornerstone of the community, we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate institutions that, like us, have long been dedicated to uplifting and serving the people of our community.

 

  1. API HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION APRIL 21, 2026

 The Asian & Pacific Islander Association is planning an API Heritage Month celebration on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 12:00-2:00 PM in the gym breezeway. There will be performances by Korean American Youth Performing Arts and Pasefika Student Union, food, a photo booth, and a DJ. The APIA is also planning three weeks of fantastic events – see the full list here. Kudos to Marie Maghuyop in Student Life for leading the planning!

  1. PROFESSIONAL ADMIN EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 22, 2026

You’re invited to celebrate Professional Administrative Employee Appreciation Day Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 8:00-11:00 AM in the Administration Building upper walkways. This is open to all administrative employees. Come by for a hot or iced beverage from the Clandestina Coffee cart, a concha sweet bread, a special tote bag and a fun photo op with your colleagues. Thanks for all you do and hope to see you there!

 

  1. VALLEY COLLEGE AWARDED APPRENTICESHIP GRANTS FOR NURSING AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

We were recently awarded two California Apprenticeship Initiative grants for our nursing and early childhood programs. These grants will provide education, certification, and placement into community training opportunities and from July 2026 through June 2029. The early childhood development program was awarded $1.32 million and the nursing program received $287,990. I’m thrilled for the expanded opportunities this funding will provide our students in these programs.

 

  1. SAN BERNARDINO CANDIDATE FORUM APRIL 29-30, 2026

A nonpartisan candidate forum for San Bernardino mayoral and city council candidates will be held at the Greek Theatre on April 29-30, 2026, 5:00-7:30 PM. The forum will offer students and community members a chance to engage with people running for office in our city. Candidates for the Ward 1 and Ward 2 council seats will participate on April 29, while candidates for the Ward 4 council seat and mayor will attend on April 30. Valley College is partnering with the League of Women Voters to host the forum as part of an effort to promote civic engagement, voter education, and informed participation in local democracy. Thanks to political science Professor Lisa Henkle for spearheading this forum!

 

  1. TRACK & FIELD HEADING TO REGIONALS; BASEBALL & SOFTBALL WRAPPING SEASONS

Some exciting news: The track & field team will send 21 athletes to the Southern California Regional Prelims on May 2 at Bakersfield College after their performances at the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Championships last Saturday. Five athletes won conference championships at the event: Zach Calderon in the 10,000 meters; Jordan Carter in the triple jump; Tamia Hardwick in the triple jump and long jump; Callie Frias in the 3,000-meter steeplechase; and Savannah Flores in the 10,000 meters. Twelve of the 21 athletes qualified in more than one event, including all five of the conference champions. Those advancing from the preliminaries will compete in the Southern California Regional Championships on May 9, with the chance to advance to the state championships May 15-16 at Mt. San Antonio College.

 

Additionally, the final games of the baseball and softball seasons are this week! Baseball is at home Tuesday and Thursday, both games start at 2 p.m. Softball is home Wednesday at 6 p.m.

 

Support our student-athletes as they wrap up their seasons. Go Valley!

 

  1. NEW CENTENNIAL PODCAST EPISODE 

The newest episode in our centennial podcast series features Vice President of Administrative Services Keith Bacon. The podcast shares stories behind our 100 years of impact, featuring conversations with those who helped shape Valley College and those leading us into the next century. Watch and listen to the podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

 

  1. CENTENNIAL MOMENTS CONTINUE

As we continue celebrating 100 years with 100 events, our marketing team is capturing the lived centennial experience through photos, videos, and weekly recaps. These moments reflect the heart of Valley College -- our people, our students, and our community. You can watch the latest Centennial Moments on SBVC’s YouTube channel.

 

  1. A CENTENNIAL MEMORY

We’ve been inviting students, employees, alumni, and community members to share their memories during our centennial year. Please submit your reflections at SBVC Historic Highlights. 

 

Valley Up!

Gil