Week of February 10, 2026
Greetings, San Bernardino Valley College!
It was a real pleasure last week to spend time at the Black History Month luncheon. I am grateful that Chancellor Rodriguez and Vice Chancellor Hannon were able to join in this celebration honoring leaders making a tremendous difference on campus and in the community. It was also really special to spend some time with our students, such as the SBVC Networking Club and our softball team. We learned some new cheers from our softball players. Thank you, Head Coach Kendra Mendoza, for an outstanding job turning our softball program around in such a short time. Valley Up!
Some highlights for this week:
- SBVC FINANCIAL AID—ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS FOR OUR STUDENTS
Great news! The U.S. Department of Education tentatively approved our requested funding increases. This is a significant milestone for us and the San Bernardino Community College District. In previous years, SBVC typically accepted the same allocation, however this cycle we requested an increase and the results are a big win for our students. For Federal Work-Study, our 2025-26 allocation was $512,000. We requested an increase and we were tentatively awarded $800,000 for 2026-27, an increase of more than 50%. Additionally, our Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) in 2025-26 was $600,000. We requested and were tentatively awarded $800,000 for 2026-27, an increase of over 30%. These tentative increases position us to continue expanding our Federal Work-Study program, creating more paid employment opportunities for students, and award substantially more FSEOG funds, increasing grant support for highest-need students. Thank you to our Interim Director, Rosie Esparza, Dean Carmen Rodriguez, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, and the hardworking classified professionals in Financial Aid! Job well done!
- GRAD CHECK FEST FEBRUARY 11
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Counseling Department will host their annual Grad Check Fest from 8 AM to 6 PM in B-100. Students can get a graduation check, apply for graduation with a counselor, sign up for additional graduation ceremonies and events, play games, and win prizes. There will be a resource fair outside from 1 to 3 PM, where the University of Redlands and California Baptist University will offer on-the-spot admissions. Thanks to Dean Marco Cota and the counseling team for organizing this for our students.
- CAMPUS CLOSED FOR WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY
A reminder that the campus is closed Monday, February 16, 2026 for Washington’s birthday. Enjoy the three-day weekend!
- GUARDIAN SCHOLARS/NEXTUP STUDENTS LEARN LEADERSHIP SKILLS
SBVC Guardian Scholars/NextUp students participated in a Leadership Summit at Cal State San Bernardino January 30, 2026. At the summit, SBVC students spoke about Valley programs and practiced leadership, communication, and peer-mentoring skills. The students were trained to mentor high school foster youth, beginning with Eisenhower High School students. The day also included a friendly bowling game that strengthened connection and teamwork.
Kudos to Associate Dean Joanne Hinojosa, Keenan Giles, Evelyn Luna, Cynthia Bernal and everyone who provides specialized services to our students to help them thrive!
5. STUDENTS INTERN WITH CONSTRUCTION VENDORS
Two of our students, Analia Crawford and Fabiola Forli, interned this summer with two of our construction vendors. Analia interned with AECOM’s program management team and Fabiola interned with McCarthy on the Student Services Building. Both are working on their architectural degrees at universities. I’m proud that we can offer hands-on career experience to our students, and of our close relationships with our construction partners.
- LUNAR NEW YEAR FEBRUARY 18
The Asian & Pacific Islander Association is holding a Lunar New Year pop-up celebrating the Year of the Horse at the Gresham Art Gallery 12 to 2 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2026. All are welcome to come learn about lunar new year traditions, do activities and enjoy light refreshments. Special thanks to Bethany Tasaka and Ula Matavao for their ongoing leadership at SBVC.
- STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING TOPPING OFF CEREMONY FEBRUARY 20
You’re invited to celebrate the progress of the new Student Services Building with a Topping Off Ceremony at 12 PM Friday, February 20, 2026. Guests will have the opportunity to sign the beam before it is lifted into place and becomes part of SBVC history. Attendees will also take a short tour through the site. Please RSVP here. Box lunches provided after the ceremony, while supplies last. I look forward to celebrating this historic moment with you.
8. HOME GAMES THIS WEEK!
Cheer on the Wolverines at home this week! On Wednesday there is a baseball game at 1 PM, a women’s basketball game at 5 PM and a men’s basketball game at 7 PM; and Thursday there is a softball doubleheader at 1 PM. Keep up with Wolverine athletics here.
9. NEW CENTENNIAL PODCAST EPISODE
The third episode in our new centennial podcast series features longtime SBVC employee Rosemary Chavez. Rosemary worked at SBVC for more than 30 years, starting as a switchboard operator. She later served as a student services technician within EOPS CARE, where she became known for her compassion and deep commitment to student success. She was honored at Spotlighting Our Success and retired in 2022. 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.
- 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.
- WHAT DOES ‘VALLEY UP!’ MEAN TO YOU?
We continue to invite students, employees, alumni, and community members to share what “Valley Up!” means to them. Short video reflections are being collected and shared as part of our centennial storytelling. Submit your response at Valley Up! — San Bernardino Valley College.
Gil
