Greetings, Valley College! 

 

Welcome to 2026!  We have officially entered our centennial year.

Over the break, I had the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, to reflect on the many blessings in my life, and the tremendous work we are doing at Valley College.  In fact, it was a real joy to participate in the Fall 2025 Psych Tech graduation ceremony and the Nursing Pinning Ceremony in December.  I am so proud of our Nursing students and extremely grateful for the leadership of Yolanda Simentel.  I want to thank Paul Bratulin for capturing the weekly highlights from Fall 2025 and the story behind Valley Up!  I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I do. 

The Spring semester will be another epic chapter in our college’s history with the Centennial Gala in March and Commencement on campus in May 2026.  With Spring comes renewal and real opportunity to elevate San Bernardino Valley College for our students, each and every employee, and the communities served by the College.

 

Here are the highlights for this week:  

 

  1. PRESIDENT CONTRERAS SERVING AS A PANELIST AT SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ROUNDTABLE ON JANUARY 6, 2026

Hosted by County Supervisor, Joe Baca, Jr., the County Seat Roundtable brings every major San Bernardino stakeholder to one table to move the County Seat forward, practically, visibly, and with shared accountability. San Bernardino is the civic heart of the region and when the County Seat is strong opportunity grows for residents, businesses, and visitors.

 

  1. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OPENING DAY: JANUARY 16, 2026

Spring opening day promises to be another event full of energy and excitement.  I look forward to spending the morning with you as we kickoff the Spring 2026 semester.

  1. REIMAGINING SBVC SUPPORTED AT THE DECEMBER 10, 2025 COLLEGE COUNCIL MEETING

On December 10, the College Council supported the Reimagining SBVC reorganization plan.  Thank you all for your participation and feedback throughout the approval process as we shape SBVC’s future together.  President’s Executive Cabinet is working hard on the implementation steps and will provide an update at the first College Council meeting on February 11, 2026.  Please follow the progress https://www.valleycollege.edu/reimagine/.

  1. INAUGURAL ESL STUDENT RECOGNITION CEREMONY

On December 10, 2025, I had the honor of celebrating with our ESL students at the very first recognition ceremony in our college’s history.  The student accomplishments and stories of overcoming adversity are so inspiring.  Special thanks to VPI Leticia Hector, Daihim Fozouni, Dr. Dirkson Lee, Dr. Emma Diaz, Maria Chavez, Counselors Pete Gonzales, Dr. Maria Lopez, Fili Michel, and Michelle Castillo for supporting our students.

 

  1. PRESIDENT CONTRERAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MIKE LAYNE, AND BLUE VISIT CAJON HIGH SCHOOL

On December 11, 2025 I had the honor of visiting the Associated Student Body (ASB) at Cajon High School.  We presented their ASB with a $1,000 check from the SBVC Foundation for winning the high school competition at our Homecoming Game on November 8, 2025.  It was heartwarming to enter the high school campus with a special sign posted at the entrance.  Principal Christopher Jackson, an SBVC alumnus, and his cabinet shared supportive remarks about the importance of students pursuing community college opportunities. I also enjoyed some SBVC trivia with the high schoolers -- two students won!   Special thanks to Executive Director, Mike Layne, and the SBVC Foundation for sponsoring the prize for Cajon High School. 

 

  1. CELEBRATING 100 YEARS WITH 100 EVENTS. CENTENNIAL MOMENTS - VIDEO RECAPS      

SBVC continues our year-long celebration of celebrating 100 years with 100 events. We have celebrated many events already and our marketing team continues capturing the lived centennial experience on campus and is sharing highlight videos throughout the year. Watch all the recaps on our YouTube channel. 

Valley Up!    
Gil