Group photo with admin and spotlighting winner
A spotlighting winner highfiving administrators
The spotlighting audience
SBVC letters lit up with spotlighting winners in front
Spotlighting attendees in the buffet line

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

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