Graduates, staff, SBVC president and mascot Blue pose on the field in front of the commencement stage
Female graduate stands with little boy while holding diploma on the field at commencement
A group of female graduates stands with mascot Blue on the field at commencement

More than 1,500 blue-clad graduates were awarded degrees and certificates at San Bernardino Valley College’s centennial Commencement on May 16. 

As cheering family and friends watched from the field and bleachers, graduates, dignitaries, and faculty walked into SBVC Stadium to “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang, before the music transitioned to “Pomp & Circumstance.” 

SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras welcomed graduates and attendees, then shared a monumental statistic. “Class of 2026, you are the largest graduating class in the 100-year history of San Bernardino Valley College!” he declared. 

San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez also reminded graduates that they were making history. 

“This is our 100th birthday year and you are a huge part of it,” she said. “Years from now, people will look back at photos from this day and see you, the centennial class.” 

Class speaker Brittany Wall said the Class of 2026 was defined by rising above challenges and circumstances. 

“So here’s to 100 years of excellence at San Bernardino Valley College,” she said. “We are adding ourselves to that legacy.” 

California State Senator and SBVC Distinguished Alumna Eloise Gómez Reyes touched on similar themes of meeting challenges to getting an education. 

“For a century, this institution has opened doors to Dreamers, workers, parents, immigrants, veterans, first-generation students, and anyone willing to believe an education could change the trajectory of their life,” said Gómez Reyes, who earned an associate’s degree from SBVC in 1976. 

In addition to being a school record, the number of 2025-26 graduates increased more than 25% over the last academic year. The percentage of first-generation, veteran, foster, Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander/Hawaiian Native, and multiracial students and students with disabilities also rose. 

At the close of the ceremony, dozens of drones showed iconic images from SBVC’s history, including the Auditorium, Blue the Wolverine, the Observatory, and the centennial logo. 

See more Commencement photos here.