SBVC Marks First Black History Month with BSI Designation
San Bernardino Valley College celebrated its first year as an official Black-Serving
Institution (BSI) with a festive brunch February 4, featuring music by the Giancarlo
Jazz Band, a catered meal, and a sparkling cider toast.
“May this gathering remind us where we come from, recognize the work we are doing now, and keep us moving forward,” said San Bernardino Community College District Black Faculty Staff Association President Veada Benjamin-Hill.
The brunch honored several faculty members, staff, and students for their leadership and service to SBVC and the community, including EOPS Counselor and Associate Professor Keenan Giles, who said his and his colleagues’ work at SBVC “is about a higher calling.”
Fellow honoree Stephanie Lewis, Dean of Mathematics, Business, and Computer Technology, agreed, sharing that the community is the reason she’s stayed at SBVC for 20 years.
“We have to be exemplars for our students,” she added.
Student honoree Alaysha Nash encouraged her fellow Black students to finish their degrees and become leaders in their professions.
“I’m thankful for a school that gives me space to be a leader,” she said.
SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras celebrated the contributions of the Black community throughout the college’s 100 years and its recent BSI designation. He reaffirmed SBVC's commitment to continuing "our journey to elevate Black excellence" while "defining this institution and region as a place of opportunity for everyone who wants access to a better way of life.”
This year's honorees were: Wilma Cochrane, Matriarch Legacy Award; Keenan Giles, Torchbearer Award for Justice, Leadership & Mentorship; Dr. Stephanie Lewis, Transformational Access Award; Quincy Brewer, Excellence in Athletic Leadership Award; April Dale, Institutional Impact Award; Alaysha Nash, Emerging Leader of Distinction Award; Kathy Kafela, Umoja Collective Impact Award; and Dina Walker, Community Leadership & Service Award.
“May this gathering remind us where we come from, recognize the work we are doing now, and keep us moving forward,” said San Bernardino Community College District Black Faculty Staff Association President Veada Benjamin-Hill.
The brunch honored several faculty members, staff, and students for their leadership and service to SBVC and the community, including EOPS Counselor and Associate Professor Keenan Giles, who said his and his colleagues’ work at SBVC “is about a higher calling.”
Fellow honoree Stephanie Lewis, Dean of Mathematics, Business, and Computer Technology, agreed, sharing that the community is the reason she’s stayed at SBVC for 20 years.
“We have to be exemplars for our students,” she added.
Student honoree Alaysha Nash encouraged her fellow Black students to finish their degrees and become leaders in their professions.
“I’m thankful for a school that gives me space to be a leader,” she said.
SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras celebrated the contributions of the Black community throughout the college’s 100 years and its recent BSI designation. He reaffirmed SBVC's commitment to continuing "our journey to elevate Black excellence" while "defining this institution and region as a place of opportunity for everyone who wants access to a better way of life.”
This year's honorees were: Wilma Cochrane, Matriarch Legacy Award; Keenan Giles, Torchbearer Award for Justice, Leadership & Mentorship; Dr. Stephanie Lewis, Transformational Access Award; Quincy Brewer, Excellence in Athletic Leadership Award; April Dale, Institutional Impact Award; Alaysha Nash, Emerging Leader of Distinction Award; Kathy Kafela, Umoja Collective Impact Award; and Dina Walker, Community Leadership & Service Award.
