My fellow Wolverines,

The start of the fall semester is about 1 month away.  Summer 2026 has been a busy period for San Bernardino Valley College as we prepare for our first steps into our 2nd century.  Enrollment continues to grow and I am inspired daily observing the smiles and stellar customer service from our teammates as we educate and serve students. 

Here are some highlights for this edition of the Summer Scoop:

🏛  VALLEY COLLEGE IS GROWING

Institutional milestones, programs, enrollment, and strategic progress

1. SACRAMENTO TRIP WITH STATE ASSEMBLY ON HIGHER EDUCATION

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 2, 3, 4   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

On June 23, 2026, I represented SBCCD along with Trustee Frank Reyes, Associate Vice Chancellor Angel Rodriguez, Associate Director of Legislative & Community Relations Ynez Canela. We joined State Senator (and Valley alum!) Eloise Gomez Reyes in support of a state Hispanic Service Institutions (HSI) designation (SB1255) and a “best value” process (SB1154) for community colleges in construction projects. Both bills received support from the Assembly Committee.

 

2. SUMMERFEST 2026 RECAP — SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026 | SBVC CAMPUS

▶  SBCCD Goals: 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

On June 20, we welcomed the community to campus to enjoy live music, food, and butterfly-themed activities at SummerFest. People visited informational and activity tables run by various SBVC departments and the SBVC Foundation, explored our Oak Garden, and participated in a butterfly-themed scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes. At the evening concert in our football stadium, SBCCD Chancellor Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez announced the branches of the military during the Armed Forces Medley. The event truly brought our country’s 250th birthday to life against the backdrop of Valley College’s 100-year presence in the community. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers for their hard work making SummerFest possible, especially Nick Mendoza, Paul Bratulin, and Barbara Bray.

 

3. NEW BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM, CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS APPROVED FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 4   |   SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

The U.S. Department of Education recently approved our Program Participation Agreement update, making our new Bachelor of Science in Water Resources and five new certificate programs eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means that qualified students enrolled in these programs can receive federal financial aid. Thanks to Rosie Esparza, Kay Dee Yarbrough and everyone who made this possible for students in these programs! Thank you to everyone involved in the process and a special thank you to faculty member Melita Caldwell-Betties who will lead students through our first bachelor’s degree.

 

4. LIBRARY, NORTH HALL TO RECEIVE ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING THROUGH CASH FOR KILOWATTS

▶  SBCCD Goals: 3, 4   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

I’m happy to report that the San Bernardino Community College District has received its first payment of more than $90,000 through the Inland Regional Energy Program’s (I-REN) Cash for Kilowatts program for energy-efficient lighting upgrades at North Hall and the library. The project is expected to save 1.37M kWh, totaling more than $350,000 in lifetime energy costs, according to I-REN. Payments are distributed in two installments -- 40% at three months and 60% at 12 months. This funding bolsters our leadership in energy efficiency in the region!

🎓  OUR STUDENTS ARE SUCCEEDING

Programs removing barriers, measurable outcomes, and high-impact student stories

5. COLLEGE COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE ACADEMY

▶  SBCCD Goals: 4   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Last week, we made tremendous progress defining the charge and deliverables of the College Council committees. We also began the creation of lesson plans for the Participatory Governance Academy. I want to thank Tatiana Vasquez, Jeremiah Gilbert, Ernest Guillen, Aida Gil, Gabriel Martinez Lazaro, Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, and Leticia Hector for extending their expertise and hard work. We are on schedule to launch the new committee structure in Fall 2026.

 

6. ALUMNA WORKS ON SSB AS STANDOUT INTERN

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1   |   SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Valley College alumna Fabiola Forli, who worked on the Student Services Building site with McCarthy Building Companies last summer, was invited to return for another internship on the project starting this month. It’s inspiring to see students like her using the knowledge and skills gained at Valley College to advance our community. Looking forward to seeing where Fabiola’s education and career take her!

 

7. VALLEY COLLEGE STUDENTS FINISH STRONG IN MAYOR’S CYBER CUP COMPETITION

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Thirteen cybersecurity students recently won second place in the Inland Empire Mayor’s Cyber Cup competition. In the competition, they worked together to solve cybersecurity challenges that tested their problem solving and technical skills, teamwork, and ability to think under pressure. They analyzed security problems, responded to technical challenges, communicated as a team, and made decisions. The students were presented with medals at a ceremony on campus. I’m proud of their accomplishment and look forward to the skills they will bring to their future workplaces. Kudos to computer information systems Professor Sam Addington for mentoring and supporting each of these students!

 

8. VETERAN, PILOT STUDENTS HIGHLIGHTED

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1   |   SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Two of our students, one a veteran and one in our new pilot program, recently told their stories. Read more about these exceptional young men at $50,000 Donation Helps First-Generation Veteran Students Stay in College and Students Take Flight at San Bernardino Valley College - Ready Career Education.

 

9. MALES OF COLOR ACTION NETWORK

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 2, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

On June 26, 2026, Keenan Giles and Ula Matavao participated in the the Males of Color Action Network (MOCAN) Conference. The program will officially begin on July 27, 2026. Thank you, Keenan and Ula, for creating this transformative opportunity at Valley College.

🤝  BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Partnerships, K-12 pipeline, and civic leadership in the region

10. VALLEY COLLEGE HONORED AS CALIFORNIA EXEMPLARY DUAL ENROLLMENT PARTNER

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

I’m proud to share that Valley College has made the California Department of Education’s 2026 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools list. Valley is the partner college of honoree Pacific High School. Awardees will hold their titles for two years. We were also on the 2024 award list with Middle College High School. Thanks to each of you for making us a leader in dual enrollment in the state and region.

 

11. VALLEY COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH ARROWHEAD REGIONAL

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Health & Safety, Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Valley College now has a partnership with Arrowhead Regional Medical Clinic where Arrowhead representatives come to campus once a month. They had a full schedule last month and this month, and no insurance is required. Services are open to all students and community members. Thanks to nurse Laura Estrada and everyone in Student Health Services for bringing these health care providers to our students and neighbors.

 

12. VALLEY COLLEGE POISED TO CONTINUE MEETING REGIONAL CAREER NEEDS

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Career & Transfer, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

The Inland Empire/Desert Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research recently released its 2026 Subregional reports. The reports detail that San Bernardino Metro is projected to remain the second-largest subregion over the next five years. The five industry sectors employing the largest number of workers in the subregion are transportation and warehousing; health care and social assistance; government; accommodation and food services; and other services. I believe Valley College is poised to continue meeting these industry needs with our various programs. Read more here.

 

13. ADVANCING COMMUNITY WITH THE CITY OF COLTON — JULY 11, 2026

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

On June 25, 2026, I participated in a community meeting at the Gonzalez Center in Colton where I learned about city plans to create and name a park. I requested that the city collaborate with Valley College to utilize aspects of the park as a learning laboratory given the eco-habit of the proposed area. This is a great opportunity for our faculty to engage with the community. On July 11, 2026, I participated in the 139th birthday celebration for the City of Colton Gonzalez Community Center. Thank you to Amanda Moody, Justine Plemons, Dr. Thomas Robles, Angel Castillo, Gilberto Ortiz, Cynthia Arevalo, Mike Layne, and Phylicia Sanchez for representing Valley College. The fresh-squeezed lemonade was refreshing.

 

14. COLLABORATION WITH BLU EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION — JULY 14, 2026

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 2   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

At the President’s Executive Cabinet last week, we met with Dina Walker from the Blu Education Foundation. We discussed collective priorities to advance our BSI objectives. Specifically, we discussed improvements needed with access and success for Black students participating in dual enrollment, space needs for Blu at Valley College, and Executive Director Dina Walker serving on the President’s Community Advisory Committee once established during the Fall 2026. In addition, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval will lead efforts to strengthen collaboration and streamline outreach efforts between BLU and Valley College.

 

15. SUPERVISOR BACA ON CAMPUS —  JULY 14, 2026

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 2   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Last Tuesday, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., Valley alum, was on campus filming with Blue for a video being produced for his office. The Executive Cabinet and I were on hand to welcome him to campus. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of Supervisor Baca.

 

16. SBCUSD & VALLEY BACK TO SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA — JULY 17, 2026

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

This past Friday, Valley College continued its collaboration with the San Bernardino City Unified School District and hosted the annual Back to School Extravaganza from 9:00AM until 1:00PM. This community-focused event welcomed 8,000 students and parents from throughout the district and featured vendors offering valuable information and services to support local families, including Valley. Special thanks to Dean Carmen Rodriguez and all our teammates battling the heat last week.

📅  ON CAMPUS

Events, performances, and announcements from across the college

17. DREAMERS RESOURCE CENTER HOLDS FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE EVENT

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 2, 4   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Our Dreamers Resource Center recently held a successful financial aid assistance event for students! According to DRC Coordinator Evelyn Ruiz, “Students left feeling informed, supported, and confident after having their questions answered … More importantly, the welcoming environment we created together allowed students to feel comfortable sharing their immigration status and financial aid concerns without fear or hesitation.” Many thanks to Evelyn, Marie Adkins, and Marbella Garcia and everyone who worked together to serve students at this event.

 

18. NEW CENTENNIAL PODCAST EPISODE

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

The new episode in our centennial podcast series features library employee Angie Gideon, who just retired after six decades with Valley College! Angie embodies the Wolverine spirit and has been a caring presence for students in three library buildings in our history. Congratulations to Angie on a well-deserved retirement, and my profound thanks for her service to our college.

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.

 

19. SENATOR SCHIFF’S OFFICE ON CAMPUS — JULY 9, 2026

▶  SBCCD Goals: 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered, Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

I am honored to share that San Bernardino Valley College has received congressional recognition from the Office of U.S. Senator Adam Schiff in celebration of our centennial year. My sincere thanks to James De Loera for joining us on campus last week and presenting the recognition on the senator;s behalf. This honor belongs to every generation of Wolverines who has built and strengthened Valley College: our students, alumni, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, trustees, and community partners. As we begin our second century, we remain powered by our past and focused on a future defined by innovation, belonging, and student success. Thank you, Senator Schiff and Mr. De Loera, for recognizing this historic milestone and the lasting impact of Valley College throughout the Inland Empire. Thank you, as well, to Trustee Dr. Cherina Betters and Blue for joining us for this recognition.

 

20. BASIC ACADEMY GRADUATION — SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026 | AUDITORIUM

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 2, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: All four SBVC priorities   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Class 44 of our Basic Extended Academy graduated Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Auditorium. Best wishes to each graduate as they enter law enforcement careers! Dr. Kirk Rogers addressed the graduating class.

 

21. CATCH UP ON EVERYTHING HAPPENING AT VALLEY COLLEGE

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1, 2, 3   |   SBVC Priorities: Opportunities for All   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

This summer, read about what’s been happening on campus here and here.

Beginning Wednesday, I will be at UCLA attending the Wheelhouse CEO Institute. Vice President of Student Services Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval will be the administrator-in-charge while I am off campus. I will be back at Valley on Monday, July 27, 2026.

 

Valley Up!

Gil