Two women stand with SBVC mascot Blue making the "V" sign

San Bernardino Valley College continued its Centennial celebration with the 2026 Spotlighting Our Success faculty and employee awards dinner April 17. 

The event, themed “A Century of Community & Excellence,” featured cuisine prepared by the Culinary Arts program and centennial-focused decor. 

“As we spotlight our successes tonight, let us also acknowledge the collaborative spirit that makes our work possible,” said SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras. “Let us be thankful for the Wolverines and Indians who came before us — all 100 years ’worth.” 

Spotlighting highlights employees nominated by their peers for outstanding performance and services provided throughout the year. The event included academic rank recognitions, categorical awards, and retiree tributes. New this year, honorees were chosen by blind committee rather than campus-wide voting, and the Presidential and Cabinet Awards were introduced. 

The 2026 honorees were: 

Excellence Award: Laura Estrada and Raquel Villa 

Outstanding Service Award: Vivian Marquez 

Innovator of the Year: Dr. Vanessa Thomas 

Honored Retiree Award: Ailsa Aguilar-Kitibutr 

District Employee of the Year: Blake Bonnet 

Manager of the Year: Michael Layne 

Professional Expert of the Year: Barbara Bray 

Student Equity & Success Achievement Award: Ulavale Matavao 

Student Engagement & Wellness Achievement Award: Amanda Badillo 

Counseling & Matriculation Award: Evelyn Luna and Steven Silva 

Social Sciences & Human Development Achievement Award: Dr. Melissa King 

Science Achievement Award: Dr. Jessy Lemieux 

Math, Business & Computer Technology Achievement Award: Bethany Tasaka 

Kinesiology, Health & Athletics Achievement Award: Keith Candelaria and Kenneth Lawler 

Arts & Humanities Achievement Award: Leticia Hector 

Applied Technology, Transportation & Culinary Arts Achievement Award: Stacy Meyer 

Academic Success & Learning Services Achievement Award: Dr. Patricia Quach 

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty: Dr. Shannon Millen 

Outstanding Professor: Francisco Gonzalez and Andrea Hecht 

Classified Employee of the Year: Jonathan Flaa and Kevin Moreno 

Presidential & Cabinet Awards 

SBVC Heroes Award: Christina Acevedo, Keith Candelaria, and Edgar Ortiz 

President’s Team Achievement Award: Financial Aid Office 

President’s Choice Award: Tatiana Vasquez 

VP Administrative Services Choice Award: Ron Gordin 

VP Instruction Choice Award: Dr. Jeremiah Gilbert 

VP Student Services Choice Award: Rosario Esparza