Week of April 29, 2026
Greetings, Valley College!
On Thursday of last week, we hosted a San Bernardino Community College District Board
of Trustees strategy session and demonstrated how all of us lifting together puts
the board goals into action. I want to thank all of our staff and student presenters
and tour participants.
The college and the community are vibrant with events and activities. Last week featured
the HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit, the RUSD RITZ Gala, the Black Excellence
Education Summit, the 12th Annual Inspire Success Brunch with Middle College High
School, a College Corps year-end celebration, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Centennial
Mass, Black Student Success Week. Thank you to everyone who represented Valley College
at these events.
Commencement season starts this week! Thank you for getting our students to this point in their journeys. I look forward to the impact they will make on their future institutions and workplaces.
Some highlights for this week:
VALLEY COLLEGE IS GROWING
Institutional milestones, programs, enrollment, and strategic progress
1. Board of Trustees Strategy Session: Valley College Shows Up — April 23, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 2, 3, 4 (all goals) | SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On Thursday, April 23, the SBCCD Board of Trustees came to Valley College, and Valley College showed up for them. What followed was not just a presentation. It was a demonstration of what 100 years of institutional purpose looks like in action.
The evening began with a 4:00 PM campus tour led by Dr. Dan Mayo through the STEM-MESA Center and Tatiana Vasquez through the Botanical Gardens — capped by a flyover coordinated by Dr. Shannon Millen that stopped the tour in its tracks.
Inside B-100, our team presented the concrete outcomes behind Valley Up!
- Paul Bratulin presented SBVC's unified visual identity — the first of its kind in the college's history — and the national and regional media reach that has followed, opening with a 100-second centennial highlight reel.
- Mike Layne shared that the SBVC Foundation’s net assets have grown from $4.6M to $7.2M since 2019, scholarships have nearly quadrupled to $801,000, and the Centennial Gala raised over $1 million in a single evening.
- Rosie Esparza reported that SBVC disbursed $63.2 million in financial aid in 2024-25 — the highest in our history — including a 553% increase in students receiving the Student Success Completion Grant, with aid delivered before the term began for the first time ever.
- Dr. Ray Carlos shared that more than 1,300 students visited our food pantry nearly 4,000 times last fall; nearly 5,000 students used Omnitrans for almost 30,000 trips to campus this semester; and six students in our rapid rehousing program are graduating this year.
- April Dale presented SBVC's path to becoming one of the first community colleges in California to earn the Black-Serving Institution designation.
- Dr. Nori Sogomonian presented the HSI Task Force's work, including a partnership with UC Berkeley scholar Dr. Gina Ann Garcia and a goal to raise Hispanic student course success from 70% to 77% by 2030–31.
- Keenan Giles & Ula Matavao presented the launch of SBVC's MOCAN chapter: connecting Umoja-Tumaini, Tatayan, BROTHERS, A2MEND, and Ascend Together under a unified community of practice.
- Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval & LaCretia Smith presented Den2Den: the CSUSB housing partnership with 170 applicants, 10 students housed, and 30 beds reserved.
- Dr. Shannon Millen presented SBVC's aeronautics program — one of only ~30 FAA-approved collegiate training schools nationally — and the path to becoming a full ATC institution by Spring 2027, placing SBVC among fewer than 10 nationwide.
- Casandra Soto, graduating aviation maintenance technology student, shared her story and her commitment to growing the 2.8% of women in aviation maintenance.
- Lorrie Burnham & Angie Vogel reported that nearly 90% of SBVC nursing graduates stay in our community — and that SBVC is petitioning the Board of Registered Nursing to expand nursing enrollment by 15% for the first time in over a decade.
- Leticia Hector & Gabriel Martinez-Lazaro presented enrollment data showing SBVC has grown from 15,665 students in 2021–22 to 23,444 this year: a 50% increase in four years, with enrollment of students 19 and under growing by 120%.
- Tammy Mathis reported a $13.5 million active grants portfolio, every dollar aligned to the board's four strategic goals.
The evening closed with student testimony from Anthony Blanco, STEM-MESA student and future UC Berkeley civil engineering student, who credited SBVC with showing him how to serve the community that invested in him.
Thank you to every presenter, tour guide, student, and staff member who made this evening a true reflection of Valley College at its best. A special thank you to Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero and the marketing/events, facilities and food services teams for the behind-the-scenes logistics and beautiful details.
2. Black Student Success Week — April 20–24, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 2 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College proudly joined California Community Colleges in celebrating the 7th Annual Black Student Success Week, April 20–24, under the theme "Revolution: (RE)Defining Black Student Success." On Monday, Valley College hosted a kickoff viewing party for the first in the daily "The Black Hour" webinar series. SBVC’s Executive Team joined Keynasia Buffong and students, faculty, classified professionals, and managers at the Library kickoff.
As one of California's newly designated Black-Serving Institutions, this week carries particular meaning for Valley College. Thank you to April Dale, Keenan Giles, and Keynasia Buffong for leading this week's activities.
OUR STUDENTS ARE SUCCEEDING
Programs removing barriers, measurable outcomes, and high-impact student stories
3. Commencement Season Begins — Celebrating Our Graduates
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 2 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Commencement season is one of the most meaningful stretches of the academic year, and this centennial year, it carries extra weight. Valley College honors the full diversity of our student community through a series of recognition ceremonies, each one an intimate celebration of identity, persistence, and achievement. Here is what's happening this week and next:
• Monarch Graduation (First-Ever): Wednesday, April 30 | 1:30 PM | SBVC Cafeteria. Valley College's Dreamers Resource Center hosts the college's first-ever dedicated ceremony for undocumented students. Honoring the resilience and dreams of our undocumented community is part of what it means to be a truly serving institution. Thank you to Evelyn Ruiz-Trujillo for organizing this historic first. Valley Up!
• Lavender Graduation: Monday, April 27. It was a real honor to celebrate with our students and community at the Lavender Graduation on Monday. The message of the keynote speaker, Toi Thibodeaux, resonated with so many of us in attendance: be yourself and never give up. Many thanks to Todd Heibel, Ernie Guillen, and everyone who helped put the event together.
• STEM-MESA Graduation Celebration: Friday, May 1 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | B-100. A celebration of what intentional support and mentorship can produce. Thank you, Dr. Dan Mayo and the team.
• Puente Graduation Celebration: Friday, May 1 | 5:30 PM | B-100. Honoring scholars who have persisted, grown, and built a path to transfer and beyond. Puente is one of California's most impactful transfer-focused programs, and Valley College's chapter is a source of pride for our campus. Shout out to Alma Lopez and Elizabeth Banuelos for their work on this.
• Island Grad: Saturday, May 2 | Greek Theatre. Celebrating the unique journey and identity of our Pasefika community. Thank you to Ula Matavao and the Pasefika Student Union for making this moment possible.
More information on all ceremonies leading up to Commencement is available on our website. Valley Up!
4. College Corps Year-End Celebration — April 24, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 3 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Career & Transfer | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College celebrated the achievements of our College Corps students at their annual year-end recognition event, honoring a year of paid community service alongside academic success. Through the California Volunteers College Corps program, Valley College students serve in climate action, K-12 education, and community recovery — earning $10,000 stipends while building career-ready skills.
5. Valley College Helps Lead Supporting Successful Reentry Conference — April 16, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 2 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Boldly Student Centered, Health & Safety | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
EOPS/CARE/NextUp was invited to help plan the annual Supporting Successful Reentry Conference at Riverside City College: a multi-campus effort co-sponsored by Valley College to create opportunities for education and rehabilitation in the Inland Empire. Valley College students connected with attorneys for expungement support, housing resources, and internship opportunities.
Kudos to Monica Perales, Rising Scholars Counselor Robert Ortiz Archila, Valley College alumnus Raymundo Zacarias, student panelist Yajaira Cabrera, EOPS/CARE Counselor Treesa Sabato, and EOPS Counselor Keenan Giles for their involvement in this important work!
VALLEY UP IN ACTION
Access, outreach, and community presence advancing the Valley Up initiative
6. President Contreras Meets with MEChA — Monday, April 27, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 2, 3 | SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All, Health & Safety | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On Monday, I met with the leaders of the MEChA student club and their advisors, Ed Gomez and Brian Laundis. Topics included the Dolores Huerta story, SBVC's HSI status, the community garden, an awareness campaign for human trafficking, and support for archiving in the Valley College Library. Thank you to our MEChA student leaders for their ongoing advocacy and for helping us earn our reputation as boldly student-centered.
7. Financial Aid Awareness Day — WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 4 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College will host Financial Aid Awareness Day on Wednesday, helping prospective and continuing students understand the aid available to them. As shared at the Board Strategy Session, SBVC disbursed more financial aid this year than at any point in our history, and when students have funding before the term begins, access becomes real. This event makes that promise tangible for every student who walks through our doors.
8. Decision Day at Arroyo Valley High School — Wednesday, April 30, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 3 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Career & Transfer | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On April 30, I will visit Arroyo Valley High School for their Decision Day celebration, a moment when seniors announce where they will continue their education. Valley College's presence at these events matters: it tells students in our own community that Valley College sees them, welcomes them, and is ready to help them build their futures.
BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Partnerships, K-12 pipeline, and civic leadership in the region
9. Valley College Brings Centennial Vision to San Bernardino Rotary — April 21, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 3, 4 | SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Opportunities for All | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On Tuesday, April 21, I presented to the San Bernardino Rotary Club as they visited the SBVC Sun Room for their weekly luncheon. Engaging business and civic leaders in the Valley Up! story is a critical part of how we build the partnerships that open doors for our students. Thank you to Mike Layne for making this connection for the group to visit our campus.
10. Black Excellence Education Summit — April 24, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 2, 3 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Career & Transfer | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College welcomed high school students from across the region for the Black Excellence Education Summit, connecting the next generation of scholars with the resources, programs, and community that make Valley College a place where they can thrive. The summit introduces students to the college experience — from financial aid and concurrent enrollment to transfer pathways and workforce programs. Thank you to Thank you to Keynasia Buffong, April Dale, Amanda Moody, Justine Plemons, Dr. Danielle Smith-Morton, Phylicia Deam, and the BLU Foundation for their work on this vital community effort.
11. MIDDLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS 12th Annual Inspire Success Brunch — April 24, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 3 | SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Opportunities for All | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College hosted and participated in the 12th Annual Inspire Success Brunch, connecting outstanding Middle College High School students with mentors and pathways to their futures. MCHS students are dual-enrolled at Valley College, and events like this strengthen the K-12 pipeline driving our historic enrollment growth.
12. Representing Valley College at the RUSD RITZ Gala — April 25, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 3 | SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Opportunities for All | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On Saturday, I attended the 20th Annual RITZ Gala at Carter High School with my wife Kathleen and Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero. The evening celebrated the talent and dreams of Rialto Unified students and families. Also present: SBCCD Trustee Joseph Williams, SBCCD Trustee Emeritus Gloria Macias Harrison, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. Valley College is proud to partner with RUSD in supporting the future Wolverines in their classrooms today.
13. Valley College at a Community Centennial — April 26, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 3 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On Sunday, I joined the congregation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in San Bernardino as they celebrated 100 years of faith, community, and service, dating to April 26, 1926! I was invited by English Instructor Mayra Frias on behalf of the parish, and was joined by English Instructor Natalie Peterkin and Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero. Also present: SBCCD Trustee Joseph Williams, Mayor Helen Tran, SB Councilman Mario Flores, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo (Dean of the Apostolic Tribunal of the Roman Rota), and Bishop of the San Bernardino Diocese Alberto Rojas.
As SBVC marks its own centennial, there is something profound about standing alongside an institution that has served this same community for the same 100 years.
14. San Bernardino Candidate Forum — April 29–30 | 5:00–7:30 PM | Greek Theatre
▶ SBCCD Goals: 3 | SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College and the League of Women Voters are hosting a nonpartisan candidate forum for San Bernardino mayoral and city council candidates. Candidates for Ward 1 and Ward 2 participate April 29; Ward 4 and the mayoral race on April 30. Thank you to Political Science Professor Lisa Henkle for spearheading this forum. All are welcome.
15. SBVC Hosts Debate Tournament — April 23, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 3 | SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On April 23, I delivered opening remarks at the SBVC Debate Tournament. Kudos to Suzi Mattson, chair of communication studies, and the entire department for organizing this event and showcasing our students' skills in critical thinking and civic discourse.
16. NextUp Foster Youth Solidarity Walk — Thursday, April 30 | 12:00 PM | ADSS Flagpole
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1, 2 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Health & Safety, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
May is Foster Care Awareness Month. SBVC's NextUp, Guardian Scholars, and Foster & Kinship Care Education programs invite the campus community to the Foster Youth Solidarity Walk Thursday at noon. Hear from current students and help build a pinwheel garden in their honor. Last week, SBVC NextUp staff participated in the California Foster Youth Education Summit, where two SBVC students built advocacy skills and engaged in workshops. Thank you to Senior Student Services Technician Cynthia Bernal and all staff who support our foster youth.
RECOGNITION & REPUTATION
External awards and validations tied to institutional and district excellence
17. SBVC Honored with 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award — April 22, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 3, 4 | SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Opportunities for All | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On Wednesday, April 22, I accepted the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award at the HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit in Pomona on behalf of Valley College. The Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses recognized SBVC for leadership in preparing students and communities for a sustainable future, anchored by our Applied Technology Building, a 114,000-square-foot, all-electric, net-zero-ready facility that provides nearly 70% of its own energy.
18. Mosaic 2026 Gala — Vice Chancellor Hannon Honored — Wednesday, April 30, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 2, 3 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
On April 30, I will attend the Mosaic 2026 Gala hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education, where Vice Chancellor Kristina Hannon will receive the Inclusivity Award. This recognition reflects the SBCCD District's deep commitment to equity and belonging, values Valley College lives out every day.
ON CAMPUS THIS WEEK
Events, performances, and announcements from across the college
19. Centennial Night Market — Friday, May 1 | 5:00–9:00 PM | Greek Theatre
▶ SBCCD Goals: 2 | SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College celebrates Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with our first-ever Centennial Night Market: food, performances, and vendors showcasing the culture and community that make the Inland Empire home. Thank you to Marie Maghuyop and the SBCCD Asian & Pacific Islander Association for bringing this celebration to life.
20. A Midsummer Night's Dream Opens This Weekend — May 2–3, 2026
▶ SBCCD Goals: 1 | SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered | Guiding Principle: Advancing Community
Valley College's Theater Arts program presents Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream: a comedy of love's chaos, feuding fairies, and enchanted forests, opening this Thursday. Performances run Thursday April 30, Friday May 1, and Saturday May 2 at 7:00 PM, with a Sunday May 3 matinee at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available through the San Bernardino Valley College Theatre Department. Come support our student performers!
Gil
