On April 17, 2026, SBVC hosted the 31st Annual Spotlighting Our Success Awards, an awards ceremony that celebrates our hardworking and dedicated staff and faculty.

 

Award Winners

The winners of the Excellence Award were:

Laura Estrada

In the nomination statement received, Laura is noted as a person who consistently demonstrates outstanding performance and meaningful impact in her role as College Nurse in Student Health Services. In the transitions experienced this year in Student Health Services, she maintained seamless operations, supported staff, and safeguarded uninterrupted student services. She embodies the mission and values of San Bernardino Valley College through her unwavering commitment to student wellbeing, equity in access to care, and institutional collaboration.

Raquel Villa

As an Evaluator in Admissions & Records and an alumna of SBVC, Raquel brings deep institutional knowledge, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to student success. She is known for going above and beyond for students, colleagues, and the broader campus community. Whether assisting with complex evaluations, supporting students through challenging processes, or stepping in to help colleagues during peak periods, she approaches every task with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve. She is a true team player collaborative, approachable, and always willing to lend her expertise.

The winner of the Innovator of the Year Award was:

Dr. Vanessa Thomas

Dr. Thomas’ nomination statement notes that she has consistently delivered transformative innovation across the Applied Technology division. SBVC now holds “the only FAA approved Air Traffic Control–Collegiate Training Institute designation in the region,” a milestone that elevates the college’s aviation standing. She also secured and implemented the purchase of two EV semi‑trucks using a $1.5 million donation from Congressman Pete Aguilar. The statement also notes that her leadership style blends innovation with humanity, ensuring that progress is paired with collaboration and respect.

The winner of the Honored Retiree Award was:

Dr. Ailsa Aguilar-Kitibutr

Dr. Ailsa’s nomination statement notes that she exemplifies the spirit of the Honored Retiree Award through her remarkable thirty-three and one half years of dedicated service to San Bernardino Valley College as counselor, professor, department chair, academic senate leader, award winning faculty member, and deeply trusted colleague. She is a caring colleague whose compassion, encouragement, and genuine belief in the potential of every student and coworker elevate the entire campus environment. She leaves a legacy defined by professionalism, mentorship, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning. 

The winner of the Outstanding Service Award was:

Vivian Marquez

Whether assisting students, faculty, or staff, Vivian provides service that is timely, thoughtful, and truly above and beyond what is expected. In her role within the Business & Mathematics Division, she keeps operations running smoothly with remarkable efficiency. She ensures that division meetings stay on track, that all printed and digital materials are prepared and available, and that communication flows effortlessly. Her attention to detail and consistency help create a reliable and organized environment that her colleagues deeply appreciate. She offers patient guidance to students and quick responses to their needs, helping them navigate processes that may otherwise feel overwhelming.

The winner of the District Employee of the Year Award was:

Chief Blake Bonnet

Chief Bonnet’s nomination statement notes that he embodies student-centered leadership and collaboration, redefining what it means to serve in campus law enforcement. Through his thoughtful approach and genuine care for the San Bernardino Valley College community, he has built trust and strengthened partnerships across departments. While his position carries the authority and responsibility of public safety, he has worked intentionally to create a culture of guardianship rather than enforcement. His department’s presence on campus is one of protection, compassion, and support. His focus on equity and inclusion is evident in his advocacy for vulnerable student populations.

The winner of the Manager of the Year Award was:

Michael Layne

Mike is an empowering and understanding manager who consistently advocates for his team. He builds morale by celebrating wins, recognizing effort, and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued. He leads from the front and works alongside his team—never above any task, no matter how small. Whether at events, meetings, or behind the scenes, he is boots on the ground and eager to help.

The winner of the Professional Expert of the Year Award was:

Barbara Bray

Barbara has played a central role in bringing SBVC’s Centennial year to life. With more than 100 Centennial events planned to commemorate the college’s 100-year milestone, the scale, coordination, and complexity of this celebration is extraordinary. Barbara has served as the steady and strategic force behind much of this work, ensuring events are thoughtfully planned, well executed, and aligned with the spirit of the Centennial.

The winner of the Academic Success & Learning Services Achievement Award was:

Dr. Patricia Quach

Dr. Quach’s nomination statement notes that she has guided and supported all the departments in her division with supportive leadership, clarity, and institutional knowledge and understanding. She leads with a student centered and data informed approach, using enrollment and success data to guide decisions and improve services. She has championed efforts to remove barriers, streamline processes, and ensure equitable access to academic pathways, especially for historically underserved students.

The winner of the Applied Technology, Transportation & Culinary Arts Achievement Award was:

Chef Stacy Meyer

Chef Stacy goes above and beyond for the department working with students on a daily basis to make sure they are prepared for the workplace and assists them in getting jobs within the industry with an 85% placement rate. She worked to obtain the first food truck for a community college and established the first baking program in the region. She works with her students and colleagues to run 5 businesses out of the department. 

The winner of the Arts & Humanities Achievement Award was:

Leticia Hector

Leticia’s nomination statement notes that she was nominated with her past service as dean in mind. She possesses leadership skills and helped glue together the departments and faculty. She has confidence in making decisions and displays courage, resilience, and self-awareness. She knows the art of delegation - not micromanagement. 

The winners of the Counseling & Matriculation Award were:

Steven Silva

Steven is exceptionally intelligent and detail-oriented, bringing precision and care to every evaluation and counseling interaction. He has a willingness to mentor others which reflects his commitment to improving the overall quality and consistency of the division. His warm personality, kindness, and quick humor often expressed through unforgettable facial expressions create a positive and uplifting work environment. Despite juggling a full-time evaluator role, adjunct counseling responsibilities, and family life, he continually makes himself available to help colleagues and students in need.

Evelyn Luna

Evelyn exemplifies the award’s purpose through her deep commitment to advancing equity, access, and measurable outcomes for disproportionately impacted students, particularly current and former foster youth and undocumented students. She understands the systemic barriers her students face, including limited family support, financial instability, and complex life responsibilities. Rather than addressing challenges in isolation, she approaches her work holistically, targeting structural factors that affect retention, persistence, and completion.

The winners of the Kinesiology, Health & Athletics Achievement Award were:

Kenneth Lawler

Kenneth’s nomination statement notes that he has shown great leadership, especially in the transition of our department becoming a Division. He has excellent skills in building and leading a cohesive team of faculty, coaches and staff. He partnered SBVC with Chuze Fitness Club to help our students obtain employment and helped start the Kinesiology & Health Student Club.

Keith Candelaria

Keith consistently exemplifies the qualities and standards this recognition represents. As an athletic trainer, he plays a critical role in supporting the health and safety of our student-athletes and is deeply committed to their well-being. He is an exceptional colleague who works collaboratively with coaches and staff and is always willing to lend his expertise and support. He is intelligent, dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking. His eagerness to learn and his strong advocacy for student-athletes reflect his genuine commitment to their success both on and off the field.

The winner of the Math, Business & Computer Technology Achievement Award was:

Bethany Tasaka

The nomination statement notes that Bethany consistently champions equity-minded leadership that improves student pathways and professional growth. Through her time in the Social Justice and Career Advancement Institute and as an Accreditation Team Member, she helps ensure programs are high-quality and effective, directly supporting student success. She also serves as a valued member and leader in the Taytayan Learning Cohort. She advocates for faculty and student voices and promotes inclusive practices and advances initiatives that align with our goals at SBVC.

The winner of the Science Achievement Award was:

Dr. Jessy Lemieux

Jessy displays outstanding dedication to scientific instruction, innovative curriculum development, and unwavering commitment to student success in chemistry. He has served San Bernardino Valley College with distinction a Professor of Chemistry as well as Department Chair and Chair of the SBVC Artificial Intelligence Task Force. His teaching philosophy centers on bringing chemistry into the modern age through interactive, internet-based animations and activities that make science engaging, accessible, and enjoyable for all learners.

The winner of the Social Sciences & Human Development Achievement Award was:

Dr. Melissa King

Dr. King’s nomination statement notes her dedication in building, expanding, and further developing the department of Anthropology. She currently holds the position for the Chairperson for both Anthropology and Global Studies. Her efforts lead to the SBVC community having the opportunity to provide a UC & CSU transferable educational pathway. She ensures her classroom feels safe, comfortable and ready to learn. Her patience and commitment are strong, creating a healthy balanced non-judgmental space within her classrooms.

The winner of the Student Engagement & Wellness Achievement Award was:

Amanda Badillo

Amanda’s leadership and initiative have been instrumental in transforming the operations of the Student Health Services department. She has streamlined compliance procedures across both medical and mental health areas while serving as the go-to expert on departmental budgeting. Her organizational insight ensures the alignment of administrative systems, compliance protocols, and fiscal management creating a foundation for sustained excellence in student health care.

The winner of the Student Equity & Success Achievement Award was:

Ulavale Matavao

Ula was nominated because he has created measurable, sustained impact on student belonging, participation, and holistic support at SBVC. Ula launched and developed the American Pacific Islanders (API) program and since its implementation, API student engagement, enrollment interest, and club involvement have increased. His commitment to student wellness also extends to SBVC student-athletes, including football athletes, whom he supports through counseling, academic planning, and personal development.

The winner of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award was:

Dr. Shannon Millen

The winners of the Outstanding Professors of the Year Award were:

Francisco Gonzalez

Andrea Hecht

The winners of the Classified Employee of the Year Award were:

Kevin Moreno

Jonathan Flaa

The winner of the Vice President of Administrative Services Choice Award was:

Ron Gordin

The winner of the Vice President of Instruction Choice Award was:

Dr. Jeremiah Gilbert

The winner of the Vice President of Student Services Choice Award was:

Rosario Esparza

The winner of the SBVC Heroes Award was:

The first inductees are those first responders from the medical incident in August 2025.

The winner of the President’s Team Achievement Award was:

The Financial Aid Office

The winner of the President’s Choice Award was:

Tatiana Vasquez