SBVC Spring Opening Day Sets the Tone for a Successful Semester
San Bernardino Valley College kicked off the spring semester of its centennial year
January 16 with a festive opening day ceremony featuring music from Taiko Mix, photo
ops, prize giveaways, and a special sweatshirt to mark the occasion.
“As we celebrate our centennial, it’s worth remembering and sharing with the world that San Bernardino Valley College is the model for the vision and promise of a community college education,” SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras told faculty and staff gathered in the auditorium.
San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez shared community feedback on the district, including particularly high marks for affordability and skilled trades.
“Our community absolutely values you, appreciates you, the education and the care that you are providing the students and the broader community,” she said.
Vice President of Administrative Services Keith Bacon gave updates on the construction of the Student Services, Health Sciences, Aeronautics, and Welding buildings and Academic Senate President Andrea Hecht emphasized the importance of hope in the current environment.
“Hope means creating classes and spaces where students feel seen and heard, it means normalizing conversations about mental health, teaching critical thinking about technology and media, and building genuine community,” she said. “We’re not just teaching, we’re giving them tools and showing them that even in uncertain times, we can take action.”
The event focused on the future, but also celebrated milestones from Fall 2025. Contreras recognized the Black-Serving Institution task force’s work in receiving the official state designation and honored three athletic trainers – Keith Candelaria, Edgar Ortiz, and Christina Acevedo – who saved the life of football player during a medical emergency.
After remarks in the auditorium, attendees enjoyed brunch and a dynamic drum performance by Taiko Mix.
“As we celebrate our centennial, it’s worth remembering and sharing with the world that San Bernardino Valley College is the model for the vision and promise of a community college education,” SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras told faculty and staff gathered in the auditorium.
San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez shared community feedback on the district, including particularly high marks for affordability and skilled trades.
“Our community absolutely values you, appreciates you, the education and the care that you are providing the students and the broader community,” she said.
Vice President of Administrative Services Keith Bacon gave updates on the construction of the Student Services, Health Sciences, Aeronautics, and Welding buildings and Academic Senate President Andrea Hecht emphasized the importance of hope in the current environment.
“Hope means creating classes and spaces where students feel seen and heard, it means normalizing conversations about mental health, teaching critical thinking about technology and media, and building genuine community,” she said. “We’re not just teaching, we’re giving them tools and showing them that even in uncertain times, we can take action.”
The event focused on the future, but also celebrated milestones from Fall 2025. Contreras recognized the Black-Serving Institution task force’s work in receiving the official state designation and honored three athletic trainers – Keith Candelaria, Edgar Ortiz, and Christina Acevedo – who saved the life of football player during a medical emergency.
After remarks in the auditorium, attendees enjoyed brunch and a dynamic drum performance by Taiko Mix.
