Greetings, Wolverines!

Last week was full of engagement—I participated in so many transformative efforts, such as an engaging conversation led by Instructor Kim Jefferson about the importance of leveling up reading and literacy in the SBVC Department of education.  I visited Highland Boxing Club along with VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval to explore connections with Rising Scholars and overall prevention efforts for at-risk youth of color in our community, and I met with student leaders to explore strengthening ASG and student life at SBVC. Finally, I engaged with Rivian along with Instructor Alexander Cruz, Dean Dr. Vanessa Thomas, and Interim VPI Leticia Hector, to explore in a potential partnership between SBVC and Rivian.  This week is already off to an exciting start with so many campus events!

Here are this week’s updates:

  1. BLACK STUDENT SUCCESS WEEK: APRIL 21–25

This week marks Black Student Success Week across California, and SBVC is proud to be part of this important statewide movement. Each day features a powerful virtual session designed to support and celebrate Black student achievement in community colleges. The theme this year is “Lift Up, Level Up: The Rise of Black-Serving Institutions,” with topics ranging from workforce preparation to institutional leadership. Visit blkstudentsuccess.com to register for sessions and view the full on-campus schedule (attached). Today, I had the privilege to join faculty and staff in the Business Building during the lunch hour for the statewide webinar on the Rise of the Black Serving Institution.  This evening, it was a real joy to support the event in KVCR which focused on the Journey of Black Mathematicians.  Thank you, Dr. Stephanie Lewis, for your leadership and Executive Director, Connie Leyva, for your ongoing support and collaboration with KVCR!  Let’s continue to show up and lift each other up.

  1. REGIONAL BASIC NEEDS SUMMIT: APRIL 22

This Tuesday, April 22, SBVC is honored to host the Regional Basic Needs Summit, welcoming colleagues and partners from across the region. This convening will focus on meeting students’ fundamental needs: housing, food, mental health, and more to ensure academic success and equity. Thank you to Dr. Ray Carlos, LaCretia Smith, and the office of Student Engagement & Wellness for leading this effort.

  1. BOTANICAL GARDENS GRAND REOPENING: APRIL 24

Join us Thursday, April 24, from 12:00–3:00 PM for the official reopening of the SBVC Botanical Gardens, located southeast of the HLS building. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, science division showcase, food, and self-guided tours. The renovated garden includes expanded paths, interpretive signage, and native plant propagation sites, plus a future bee hotel to support local pollinators. Thank you to Tatiana Vasquez, Lorrie Burnham, and the entire Science division for making this reopening possible. More info at: www.sbvcbotanicalgardens.org.

  1. SPOTLIGHTING OUR SUCCESS: APRIL 25

We are just days away from our annual Spotlighting Our Success Awards! This special evening will recognize the outstanding contributions of our employees across campus. We are hosting it in the Applied Technology Building this year and the dinner is complimentary, covered by the Office of the President. Don’t forget to RSVP so we save you a seat at www.valleycollege.edu/spotlighting. Let’s celebrate our incredible colleagues and the spirit of SBVC. See you there!

  1. SBVC HOSTS PARENT LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

Last week, we welcomed nearly 100 parents from local school districts to learn how SBVC supports student success. Thank you to Carmen Rodriguez and the Student Equity & Success office for empowering families and building stronger bridges to higher education.

  1. SBCCD CONVENES DISTRICTWIDE AI POLICY TASKFORCE

SBCCD’s AI Taskforce met last week to continue work on planning our district’s approach to artificial intelligence technologies. As we all prepare for the inevitable workforce and educational shifts happening in the very near future (and some would say at this very moment), let us do everything we can to be prepared and remain on the cutting edge in technology and innovation. If you haven’t already, make sure to join the SBCCD AI Academy at conectado.com/sbccd-ai-academy so you can actively help shape the future of AI in education and throughout our district.

  1. JOE BACA, JR. COLLEGE & CAREER DAY

Last Wednesday, SBVC had the honor of hosting the Joe Baca, Jr. College & Career Day in our Auditorium: a dynamic, community-centered event that brought together local community members, educators, and industry leaders to explore pathways to improving college and career success.  It was a pleasure to welcome hundreds of 11th grade and 12th grade students to San Bernardino Valley College and cheer with them our “Go Valley!  Valley Up!” tradition.  We are also grateful to Superintendent, Dr. Frank Miranda, from Colton Joint Unified School District, for sharing his career journey along with Supervisor, Joe Baca, Jr.  Thank you to our outreach team, Amanda Moody and Justine Plemons, for presenting and all the hard work that goes into these collaborative efforts.

  1. IEHP FOUNDATION: VIBRANT VILLAGES

Also on April 17, I had the opportunity to attend an overview session on IEHP Foundation’s Vibrant Villages Project, an innovative initiative focused on expanding access to affordable housing and promoting community wellness across the Inland Empire. This forward-thinking program aims to bring together education, housing, and healthcare partners to create stronger, healthier neighborhoods, grounded in equity and sustainability. As a community college, we know that students can’t focus on academics when basic needs go unmet, and we are proud to support efforts that remove these barriers. I look forward to ongoing collaboration as the Vibrant Villages vision continues to take shape.  Thank you, Denise Valle, Mike Layne, Keith Bacon, and Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval for joining me in this space.

  1. 108TH ANNUAL NATIONAL ORANGE SHOW

On Friday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the 108th Annual National Orange Show Fair!  I took a few minutes to step away from the VIP Reception to experience the beauty of a community celebration.  I did not find the “kettle corn,” but I was excited to see familiar faces from SBVC, especially Giovanny Elizarraraz and his family.  Gio works closely with our Communications and Marketing team and is a huge part of our SBVC team.  It was nice to experience the longtime tradition in the Inland Empire that celebrates the rich cultural, agricultural, and civic spirit of our region. It was an honor to meet with community leaders, business partners, and elected officials from across San Bernardino County, each committed to building a brighter, more connected future for our residents. As we approach SBVC’s centennial year, these partnerships and moments of community celebration remind us just how deeply SBVC is woven into the fabric of this region.

Thank you for your dedication, your vision, and your heart. Let’s keep the momentum going as we power toward the finish line.

Valley Up!

Gil