Greetings, Wolverines!

It’s FINALS week.  Thank you for an incredible Spring 2025 semester.  These past few weeks have been very uplifting for me.  It has been a real pleasure to celebrate alongside our students at so many recognition ceremonies and graduation events. 

Our calendars have also been packed with numerous interviews and connecting with hiring committees as we make progress toward our goal of full staffing in 2026.  Who we hire is among the most important responsibilities we have as a College.  Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to the recruitment processes.  Special thanks to our teammates in Human Resources, Erica Mosley, Karla Bonnet, Stacy Halloway, and Kristina Hannon.

Here are some updates for the last week of the Spring 2025 semester:

1. COMMENCEMENT 2025 - THIS FRIDAY AT 9:00 A.M.

This Friday, we celebrate the Class of 2025 at San Manuel Stadium on May 23 at 9:00 a.m. I will see you on the field as we cheer on our graduates, crossing the stage and into their futures! Campus will be closed for Commencement on May 23, 2025.

2. FINANCIAL AID PROMOTES STUDENT SUPPORT ON AIR

The Financial Aid Office has partnered with KVCR Radio and TV to promote financial aid opportunities through a new series of announcements. Commercials began airing on May 7 and will continue to raise awareness for students across the Inland Empire throughout this summer. Thank you to the Financial Aid team for your creativity and initiative!

3. SBVC TRACK & FIELD FINISHES STRONG

Congratulations to the SBVC Track & Field Team for placing 15th out of 35 schools at the State Championships held at the College of San Mateo.  Special recognition for our students Kevin Nava, Zach Calderon, Sara Jaquez, Jacob Mendiola, Keshion Mackel, Soloman German, Elijah Koskey, and Semaj Johnson.  Great job Coach Jim Ratigan. Attached are some pictures from the competition.

4. ZEV RIDE & DRIVE + YOUTH CAREER FAIR - SATURDAY, MAY 24

The day after Commencement, SBVC will host the ZEV Ride & Drive and Youth Career Fair in partnership with the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the Driving Clean Assistance Program (flyer attached). Students, families, and community members will have the chance to learn about clean vehicle options and explore career opportunities in STEM and sustainability. This is the first-ever event of its kind to be hosted in San Bernardino and for our local communities. Special thanks to our Facilities team, SBVC Foundation, and Marketing department for coordinating this important and forward-thinking community education opportunity.

5. SUBMIT A HIGHLIGHT FOR WOLVERINE WEEKLY

Next year, I want to hear from you.  We have created a link for our College community to submit highlights for us to consider including in the Wolverine Weekly.  We will also include some brief videos that will rotate on the President’s webpage.  Thank you, Keenan Giles, Matthew Kim, and the Guided Pathways team for your work revamping the site.

6. SUMMERFEST 2025 – SATURDAY, JULY 5

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 5, as SummerFest 2025 returns to SBVC! This beloved event will feature food, vendors, games, and the spectacular San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra in concert, followed by a dazzling fireworks show. Let’s celebrate the midpoint of summer by welcoming our community to campus for a night of music and connection. Full details can be found here.  

7. COLLEGE COUNCIL APPROVES PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE RECOMMENDATIONS:  PRESIDENT CONTRERAS WILL IMPLEMENT MOST, BUT MODIFY SOME

At College Council on May 14, 2025, the Council approved the recommendations from the Participatory Governance Task Force.  During the Spring 2025 semester, the Task Force submitted 3 documents dated:  March 25, 2025, April 4, 2025, and April 26, 2025 and all were approved.  In the coming weeks, I will share the details about how the recommendations will be implemented.  Over the summer, the President’s Executive Cabinet will communicate updates with the Academic Senate leadership.  We will be sure to prioritize this topic at the start of the Fall semester. 

8. SBVC REORGANIZATION CONVERSATION FALL 2025

As announced at College Council, Academic Senate, Faculty Chairs meeting, and other places, San Bernardino Valley College will begin the conversation for a collegewide reorganization during the Fall 2025 semester.  The rationale, timeline, and initial ideas will be shared at College Council in September.  The goal is to complete the reorganization conversation by the end of the Fall 2025 term for a July 1, 2026 implementation.  Be sure to participate in the conversation at your department meetings, chairs meetings, committees, town halls, Academic Senate, College Council, Associated Students, Classified Senate, and electronically.  Your input matters!

To our faculty and staff heading into summer vacation: have a restful, joyful, and inspiring break, and we will see you again in our centennial year!

See you all at Commencement. Let’s send off the Class of 2025 with the pride and celebration they deserve!  The Class of 25 is the largest graduating class in the history of SBVC!

With gratitude,

Valley Up!

Gil