Greetings, Valley College!

 

Student recognition season is bringing the campus and community to life. I especially want to thank our classified professionals for all their hard work behind the scenes making these events so special. Also, I want to recognize the leadership of our faculty and management team for prioritizing the recognition of our student achievements. People define institutions and at Valley College it truly shows how much our employees care about the student experience. Finally, I want to recognize the hard work of my team for showing up at all of the events—at times we have to separate to support events that conflict on our calendars, but it is a priority for us to celebrate with our students and teammates. Thank you, Leticia Hector, Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, Keith Bacon, Mike Layne, and Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero. Your presence means so much!

 

Some highlights for this week:

VALLEY COLLEGE IS GROWING

Institutional milestones, programs, enrollment, and strategic progress

1. SENATOR ADAM SCHIFF VISITS VALLEY COLLEGE — MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026

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

This afternoon, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff honored Valley College with a visit. Senator Schiff met with Chancellor Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Executive Vice Chancellor Jose Torres, Associate Vice Chancellor Angel Rodriguez, Trustee Dr. Nathan Gonzales, Trustee Joseph Williams, Trustee Dr. Cherina Betters, Trustee Dr. Stephanie Houston, and our campus leadership team for a visit focused on the future of our students and the Inland Empire. We began at the future site of Legacy Village, a proposed mixed use student and workforce housing development that reflects one of our most urgent priorities: helping students meet their basic needs so they can stay enrolled, complete their goals, and build meaningful careers. At KVCR, Senator Schiff joined our students for a roundtable conversation on housing, workforce development, basic needs, and the real challenges facing today’s college students. I was proud to hear our students ask thoughtful questions and speak directly about the issues shaping their lives and futures.  Thank you, Executive Director Connie Leyva, and the entire KVCR team for hosting and the collaboration.

2. MORE THAN A STATUS: VOICES OF BELONGING & RESILIANCE SHOWCASE — MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026

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

This afternoon, I was able to attend More Than a Status, a storytelling initiative for undocumented students. This continues the momentum from last week’s Monarch Graduation for our Dreamers.  We were all inspired by the student-led program that showcased the resilience and brilliance of our students.  Thank you VPI Leticia Hector, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, the Deans, Managers, faculty, and classified professionals for supporting this event.  Special thanks to our students for inspiring us as a boldly student-centered college.  We see you, we support you, and we champion you.  Thank you Itzel Mariano Saldana, Natalie Garcia, and Giovanny Elizarraraz.

3. 2026 SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY — THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 | SBVC AUDITORIUM

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

On Thursday, 625 students will be awarded more than $880,000 in scholarships. These funds are foundational to giving so many students an upward trajectory in their educational and career journey. The SBVC Foundation has also raised more than $20,000 in other student support. They are hosting a donor reception before the ceremony to thank those who have supported our students. I am grateful to Executive Director Mike Layne and his team for advancing our community in such a transformational way.

4. DEAN DR. PATTY QUACH TRANSITIONING TO DEAN, CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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

On Friday, May 1, 2026, VPI Leticia Hector and I met with the Applied Technology, Transportation, and Culinary Arts Division and the Academic & Learning Success Division to share an important update regarding transition planning. First, we want to acknowledge and thank Dean Dr. Vanessa Thomas for her years serving Valley College and wish her well in retirement. Her last day on campus will be May 15, 2026. Dr. Patty Quach will provide coverage of both divisions until we recruit a permanent Associate Dean of Instructional Support Services. Effective July 1, 2026, Dr. Quach will be the Dean of Career Technical Education and provide coverage for the Associate Division of Instructional Support Services. Congratulations Dr. Thomas and thank you Dr. Quach for stepping into this role.

5. FINAL INTERVIEWS FOR FACULTY POSITIONS

Last week, we conducted final interviews for a welding faculty position. This week, we will conduct final interviews for Nursing and HVAC faculty positions.

OUR STUDENTS ARE SUCCEEDING

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

6. NATIONAL BLACK GRADS RECOGNITION CEREMONY — SUNDAY, MAY 3 | CSUSB COUSSOULIS ARENA

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

On Sunday evening, I attended the National Black Grads Recognition Ceremony at CSUSB. It was a pleasure to support this powerful event, along with our Chancellor, Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez and Trustee Dr. Cherina Betters. I am proud of the leadership and representation from Valley College at the IE National Black Grads event. It was a real pleasure to see Keynasia Buffong, Dr. Daniele Smith-Morton, Anthony Blacksher, Taquera Evans, Nia Bowens, Phylicia Deam, Shaneika Grant, Frederick Jones, Amanda Moody, Justine Plemons, April Dale, Eric Babino, Oscar Rodriguez, Tahirah Simpson, and Keenan Giles. Professor Anthony Blacksher provided an inspiring and engaging keynote address that honored the legacy of the Class of 2026 as well as ignited the passion of the graduates to create a legacy for those following their footsteps. Valley Up!

7. COMMENCEMENT SEASON CONTINUES — CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES THIS WEEK

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

Valley College’s centennial commencement season continues this week with ceremonies honoring every community we serve.

  • More Than a Status: Voices of Belonging and Resilience — Monday, May 4, 2026 | B-100 | 2:00 PM. Dreamer student celebration and follow-up to last week’s Monarch Grad.
  • Honors Program End of Year Celebration — Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | B-100.
  • APIA Grad — Thursday, May 7, 2026 | B-100 | 2:00 PM. Dedicated ceremony for Asian & Pacific Islander students.
  • Aeronautics Graduation & Career Runway — Friday, May 8, 2026 | Applied Tech Building.
  • Black Grad — Friday, May 8, 2026 | Art 144 | 5:00 PM. Our first Black Grad as a BSI.
  • Nuestra Graduación — Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Greek Theatre | 5:00 PM. Continuing our rich legacy as an HSI.

VALLEY UP IN ACTION

Access, outreach, and community presence advancing the Valley Up initiative

8. ARROWHEAD UNITED WAY BREAKFAST — TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026

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

On Tuesday, I am attending the Arrowhead United Way Breakfast. This organization serves the community in so many ways and we are proud to partner with them to advance the lives of people in the region. I will be joined by VPAS Keith Bacon, VPI Leticia Hector, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, Mike Layne, Tammy Mathis, Dr. Nori Sogomonian, and Chief Blake Bonnet. Chancellor Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez and Vice Chancellor Dr. Nohemy Ornelas will also be attending.Forward-looking. Community partnership presence.

9. COFFEE WITH THE PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE CABINET — THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 | LIBRARY VIEWING ROOM | 12:00 PM

▶  SBCCD Goals: 1   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Please join me for the last Coffee with the President’s Executive Council on Thursday, May 7, at 12:00 PM in the Library Viewing Room. Let’s keep the conversation flowing heading into commencement and summer.

BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

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

10. VISIT TO ARROYO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

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

On Thursday, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval and I visited Arroyo Valley High School. It was nice to cheer on the graduating seniors and to welcome the students who will be joining Valley College in the fall. I want to thank Arroyo Valley for providing our students with some Valley College swag.

11. MIDDLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY DINNER — FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026

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

Last week, I attended a dinner hosted by the Middle College High School National Honor Society dinner with VPI Leticia Hector, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, and Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero. San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran also attended and was honored. The vice presidents and I were honored by the students for the work that the college has been doing to strengthen the relationship between our two institutions. MCHS students take college courses at Valley College while still in high school and we were able to meet some of the students who represent the best of what our partnership produces. Valley College is proud to be the institution where these scholars are building their academic foundation.

12. ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF SAN BERNARDINO HEADDRESS BALL — SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026

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

This past Saturday, my office sponsored a table at the Headdress Ball hosted by the Assistance League of San Bernardino and held at the National Orange Show. The theme of this year’s event was “A Murder Mystery: The Game is Afoot.” Valley was represented by VPAS Keith Bacon, Mike Layne, Marco Cota, Carmen Rodriguez, Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero, Noel Arciero, Jeff Huynh, and Barbara Bray. District colleagues at the event also included Deborah Castro and Dr. Olivia Rosas, who also served as a headdress model! The annual event raises funds to provide dental services to uninsured children in San Bernardino and surrounding communities.

13. FILM PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHEECH

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

We have a fantastic upcoming partnership with the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture’s film program in October. We will hold free film cinematography non-credit classes on Saturdays at the Cheech. I am excited to share our instructors’ expertise with the community. Thanks to FTVM chair Lucas Cuny for spearheading this. More details to come!

RECOGNITION & REPUTATION

External awards and validations tied to institutional and district excellence

14. ANNUAL RETIREE CELEBRATION — FRIDAY, MAY 8 | B-100 | 1:00 PM

▶  SBCCD Goals: 4   |   SBVC Priorities: All four SBVC priorities   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

This Friday, Valley College will honor 21 colleagues representing a combined 466 years of service at our annual Retiree Celebration. One of them, Library Circulation Supervisor Angie Gideon, has 59 years of service! In our centennial year, this milestone carries special meaning: these are the people who built what we are celebrating. Thanks to each of them for being part of our legacy. Please RSVP here by 5:00 PM Thursday.

 

15. TRACK & FIELD ATHLETES ADVANCE TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS, REGIONALS

▶  SBCCD Goals: 4   |   SBVC Priorities: All four SBVC priorities   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Two members of the track and field team have qualified for the 3C2A State Championships, and seven others will participate in the Southern California Regional Finals with the opportunity to advance to the State Championships.

The Southern California Regionals began Saturday at Bakersfield College, with finals being held in the 10,000 meters for men and women. Zach Calderon finished fourth in his race to earn a return trip to State. Freshman Savannah Flores finished sixth in the women’s event to clinch her spot at state. Both athletes will run in the 5,000-meter finals this coming Saturday in Bakersfield.

Three members of the SBVC team qualified to run in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final, with Micah Watson, Samuel Chavarria, and Noah Townsend all earning their spot in the final. Adam Acuna finished 13th, and will be the first alternate in the field in the race.

Tamia Hardwick will participate in two events in the finals — finishing second in the long jump during prelims — and she will also participate in the triple jump final. Teammate Jordan Carter earned his way into the finals for the triple jump. Callie Frias qualified in the 5,000 meters, and will run in the finals of the 3,000-meter steeplechase, which advanced all runners to the finals.

The state championships will be May 15–16 at Mt. San Antonio College. Go Wolverines! Valley up!

ON CAMPUS THIS WEEK

Events, performances, and announcements from across the college

16. PHINEAS LITERARY JOURNAL RELEASE & OPEN MIC — THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 | LIBRARY VIEWING ROOM 149 | 4:30 PM

▶  SBCCD Goals: 2   |   SBVC Priorities: Boldly Student Centered   |   Guiding Principle: Advancing Community

Phineas, the English Department’s annual student literary and poetry journal, will be released Thursday with an open mic event in the Library Viewing Room. More than 40 submissions were selected from art, photography, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction genres. I hope you can come support our students’ creative work. Thanks to Associate Professor Edward Shea for stewarding this publication.

17. LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY GRADUATION RECEPTION — TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026 | LIBRARY SECOND FLOOR | 6:00 PM

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

This week, our library is hosting the first-ever reception for our Library Technology graduates. These eight grads will go on to serve in local libraries and will have the foundation to continue their education. I'm proud of their desire to preserve and promote learning in our region.

18. NEW CENTENNIAL PODCAST EPISODE

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

The newest episode in our new centennial podcast series features longtime Valley College sports medical director Dr. Ken Lane. 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.

 

Valley Up!

Gil