President Contreras addressing staff & faculty during opening day
Blue posing with SBVC administrators
Teava Nui Dance Group presenting
A group photo with Dr. Contreras concluding opening day

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) kicked off the Spring 2025 semester on January 17th with a heartwarming Opening Day all-campus meeting that brought faculty, classified professionals and administrators together to reflect on the previous fall while energizing efforts for the conclusion of the college’s 99th year.

The program opened with a land acknowledgment led by SBVC librarian Maria Notarangelo, recognizing that the college is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Serrano People. A highlight reel showcased SBVC’s accomplishments during the Fall 2024 semester, celebrating milestones in growth, innovation, and equity metrics. Additional highlights included the launch of the Wolverine Weekly, a substantial increase in student enrollment, and approval for SBVC’s first bachelor’s degree program in water resources management.

The program featured inspirational testimonials from four students who participated in the STEM-MESA program: Saira Gomez, Savannah Howze, Anthony Cordoba, and Cynthia De Los Santos. They shared powerful stories of perseverance and how SBVC and the STEM-MESA program has transformed their life trajectories.

President Contreras delivered an inspiring keynote centered on the theme of being “the right person, in the right place, at the right time.” Reflecting on the college’s 99 years of history, Dr. Contreras emphasized the unique contributions of every staff member in the vital roles they play in the success of SBVC. “Whether you are teaching, advising, or supporting our campus community, you have a unique contribution to make. In this season of renewal and opportunity, know that your work matters. Together, we can achieve remarkable things, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish as we step forward into the spring semester.”

The event concluded with a vibrant cultural performance to honor the approaching Lunar New Year. The Teava Nui Dance Group presented a stunning Polynesian dance and music performance.

SBVC’s Opening Day celebration set an uplifting tone for Spring 2025, showcasing the passion, teamwork, and commitment that define the SBVC community.