Tables at the Spotlighting dinner
Vanessa Thomas presenting an award
Staff and faculty in line for the Spotlighting buffet
SBVC letters
President Contreras posing with faculty
An awardee speaking

The Applied Technology Building was decked out for the event in blue and white decor, with crystal goblets and floral centerpieces on each table. Attendees walked a red carpet with photo opportunities before enjoying a buffet dinner catered by the Culinary Arts program. 

Spotlighting Our Success has been held for three decades, and is a "monumental tradition, a real signature event in our 99-year history," SBVC President Gilbert Contreras said during remarks. “We get to spotlight the incredible people who make San Bernardino Valley College one of the top-performing community colleges in the nation. Each of you, from our dedicated instructors to our staff, plays an important part in our mission.”

Staff and faculty nominate colleagues in several categories, with up to two winners in each field. The event also celebrates advances in academic rank and retirements — together, Elaine Akers, Maria Valdez, Mark Williams, and Peter John Stanskas had a combined 98 years of service.

Williams, who spent 39 years at SBVC, was honored by Applied Technology, Transportation, and Culinary Arts Dean Vanessa Thomas. Due to his long tenure, he "knows a lot of people in the community and has helped a lot of students find jobs, and it’s a beautiful thing,” Thomas said.

Stanskas, who passed away in early 2025, was made professor emeritus along with Colleen Calderon.

“He met a lot of people he considered family … he really loved coming to work every day,” said his husband, Jesse Lopez, who accepted Stanskas' honors on his behalf.

The evening's winners include:

    • Arts and Humanities Achievement Award: Carol Damgen, Communications faculty
    • Academic Success and Learning Achievement Award - Arnoldo Torres, library media clerk

    • Student Equity and Success Achievement Award: Naomi Lara, administrative assistant, Student Equity and Success

    • Student Engagement and Wellness Achievement Award: Marie Maghuyop, student engagement specialist, Student Engagement and Wellness

    • Social Sciences, Human Development and Physical Education Achievement Award: Kimberly Jefferson, Social Sciences, Human Development and Physical Education faculty

    • Honored Retiree: Yolanda Simental, Nursing director

    • Innovator of the Year: Danielle Graham, Social Sciences, Human Development and Physical Education chair

    • Manager of the Year: Uvaldo Sifuentes, Campus Technology Services director

    • Excellence Award: Amy Avelar, Science faculty

    • District Employee of the Year: Joe Cabrales, Educational and Student Support Services district dean

    • Outstanding Service Award: Matthew Kim, web developer, Marketing, Creative Services and Public Affairs

    • Outstanding Adjunct Professor: Brenda Orozco, counseling faculty, Counseling and Matriculation

    • Outstanding Professor: Anthony Blacksher, Social Sciences, Human Development and Physical Education chair faculty; and Jessy Lemieux, Science faculty

    • Classified Employee of the Year: Patrice Hollis, financial aid coordinator; and Sylvia Romo, admissions and records specialist