Greetings, Wolverines!

This weekend was full of activity from nationwide demonstrations, a military parade, and Father’s Day!  At last week’s Board of Trustees meeting, our Chancellor, Dr. Diana Rodriguez, reaffirmed our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and our mission to educate and serve all members of the community.  Dr. Rodriguez also showed the powerful video from the commencement exercises at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College.  It is an exciting time to be part of the San Bernardino Community College District, especially at San Bernardino Valley College!

I am on vacation this week spending quality time with my family. I hope each of you takes time this summer to relax, recharge, and prioritize life.  Thank you VPI Leticia Hector for serving as the Administrator in Charge. 

The SBVC Summer Scoop for this week:

1. CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

Join us for the Juneteenth Jam on Wednesday, June 18 on the Greek Theater Lawn. Workshops run from 10AM-12PM, followed by food, music, and vendors from 12PM-4PM. Come out with friends, chairs, and blankets to celebrate freedom, culture, and community together. Thank you, BFSA, for your leadership!  See the attached flyer for details.

2. CELEBRATE PRIDE: SAN BERNARDINO PRIDE EVENT - JUNE 26

Join the citywide celebration of Pride Month on Thursday, June 26, from 5-10 PM at Al Guhin Park (3664 Little League Dr., San Bernardino). This free community event features music, performances, resources, and HIV/STI testing, plus a drag show hosted by Out and About Pride. The flyer is attached -- please share with your networks and help support inclusive spaces in our city.

3. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - MATTHEW MCKENZIE

Our student Matthew McKenzie will be highlighted in the State Chancellor’s speech at this month’s Veterans Symposium! Matthew earned 12 units of CPL credit, 9 of which reflect CIT coursework from his JST transcript. What an inspiring example of how prior learning can accelerate educational goals. Kudos to our VRC and MAP/CPL teams for this impactful effort!

4. SBVC CLAIMS STATE TITLE FOR FIRST TIME IN A DECADE

In May, SBVC student athlete Jacob Mendiola won SBVC’s first men’s track state championship since 2015 by finishing first in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the CCCAA State Championships. Huge congratulations to Jacob and our Track & Field team on a stellar season!

5. COACH BREWER MAKES HISTORY

Congratulations to Coach Quincy Brewer, who recently surpassed 400 career wins: the most in SBVC basketball history! Since 2008, Coach Brewer has built a legacy of athletic and academic excellence. Read more in the full story linked here.

6. ETHNIC STUDIES SYMPOSIUM - CELEBRATING RESISTANCE AND EDUCATION

On June 14, SBVC hosted its annual Ethnic Studies Symposium, organized by Dr. Anthony Blacksher and the Social Sciences Department. The day featured powerful workshops and speakers, including Olympic icon Dr. John Carlos, who reflected on his historic protest and the generational fight for justice. The event brought together students, educators, and community leaders to explore how ethnic studies can inspire change in both classrooms and communities.

7. DIGNITY HEALTH ART MURAL CHALLENGE: SHARE WITH STUDENTS!

Dignity Health is inviting SBVC students to submit artwork around the themes of mental health, family, and wellness for the 2025 “Turn Awareness into Action” mural competition.

  • Deadline: August 29, 2025
  • Artwork must be no larger than 11"x17", submitted digitally.

Winners will have their work professionally installed and celebrated in a public ceremony! Visit arthealthysb.org for more info and submission details. Please share this opportunity with students across your departments and networks!

8. PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD: JUNE 2025

In case you missed it, the June President’s Report to the Board of Trustees is now available. It is attached to this email and includes highlights from Commencement, Spotlighting Our Success, scholarship milestones, and cultural graduation celebrations.

Thank you for all you do to make San Bernardino Valley College a beacon of excellence. Keep sending us your updates so we can continue to shine a spotlight on the people and programs that make this campus great.

Valley Up!

Gil