A Century of Community & Excellence

For a century, San Bernardino Valley College has opened doors, built futures, and shaped the Inland Empire through education.

Founded in 1926, SBVC has grown from a small community institution into a dynamic college committed to equity, innovation, and student success. As we mark 100 years of service, we invite you to celebrate our rich history, honor the people who made it possible, and look ahead to the next chapter of excellence.

100 Centennial Events

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"As we move into our next century, we will deepen partnerships with local industries, expand bachelor’s degree programs, and invest in technologies that transcend traditional classrooms ... Together, we will shape the next century of success at San Bernardino Valley College. Here’s to a future as inspiring as our past."

— President Gilbert J. Contreras, Ph.D.
"As we celebrate 100 years of academic excellence, innovation, and community impact, San Bernardino Valley College stands tall as a beacon of opportunity and growth. From our humble beginnings in 1926 to becoming one of the most respected community colleges in California, our journey has been defined by resilience, progress, and the unwavering spirit of our students, faculty, and community."

— President Gilbert J. Contreras, Ph.D.
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Old FTVM

Current FTVM

POWERED BY THE PAST,

FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE.

POWERED BY THE PAST, FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE.

For 100 years, San Bernardino Valley College has been a catalyst for change - educating generations, transforming communities, and opening doors to opportunity. 

Learn about SBVC's 100 Years
A student with an "S" sweater between two kneeling students.
EDUCATING GENERATIONS,
EMPOWERING FUTURES

1926San Bernardino Union Junior College District is Established

A vote to establish the San Bernardino Valley Union Junior College District passes with an overwhelming majority

1926Land for New College is Acquired

The Board of Trustees offers to buy land for a new college on the east side of Mount Vernon Avenue
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1926-1927First Year of Classes

First year of classes are held at San Bernardino High School and Colton High School. Construction is finished on the Administration Building, Life Science Building, gymnasium and library.
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Late 1930s-Early 1940sMore Buildings Are Added

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1939-1945The College Shifts to Wartime Operations

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1946-1958 Post-War Enrollment Increases and Buildings Are Added

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1954KVCR-FM is Created

Federal Communication Commission approves the district’s application for an FM station, creating KVCR-FM.
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1958-1966The Campus Expands to Its Current Size

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1967SBCCD Becomes a Multi-Campus District

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Late 1960sIncreased Enrollment and the Civil Rights Movement

The number of students of color increases due to the civil rights movement, and racial and political confrontation comes to campus
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1968 and 1972Cesar Chavez Visits Campus

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1975Enrollment Peaks at 18,000 Day and Evening Students

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1990 Observatory Restoration

Richardson Astronomical Observatory is restored to its original use and reopens.
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February 1995President Bill Clinton Visits Campus

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November 1996First Lady Hillary Clinton Visits Campus

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1997The District Secures Over $40 Million in Funding

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2001SBVC Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary

2002The College Changes Its Mascot to the Wolverine

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2004-2008New Buildings Completed

The new library Health and Life Sciences, Administration/Student Services, Campus Center, Arts & Gallery, Child Development Center and Student Health Services buildings open.

2008Valley-Bound Commitment

Valley-Bound Commitment is launched and provides a free first year of college to eligible students from local high schools.

April 2012Observatory Reopens

SBVC’s oldest building, the Observatory (built in 1930) reopens as a science museum.

2013New Business Building

The 1960s-era Business Building reopens after an $18 million top-to-bottom renovation.

2016SBVC Cares Campaign

The SBVC Cares campaign is launched and encourages faculty, administrators and classified professionals to work together to assist at-risk students.

2017The Valley 360 Resource Center Opens

2018Labor and Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Speaks on Campus

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2025New Applied Technology Building

The $101 million Applied Technology Building opens.
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