Greetings, Wolverines!

With the official arrival of summer, we are now enjoying the longest days of sunlight in 2025. May this season bring you moments of warmth, relaxation, travel, and cherished time with loved ones.  Last week, I had the privilege to spend a few days last week in Newport Beach with my family.  I don’t take for granted the special moments at the beach, in the pool, around the grill, or just making s’mores at the firepit.  I hope each of you experiences a similar joy this summer.

Here are some highlights for this week.

1. THANK YOU FOR A POWERFUL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

A heartfelt thank you to the Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA), Jessica Esquivel, the SBVC Umoja Program, our Campus Technology team, and our Marketing team for hosting a phenomenal Juneteenth Jam on June 18. With some wonderful music, workshops, food, and community, this celebration reflected the soul of our campus: diverse and rooted in purpose. It is a reminder of the power of community and the progress we continue to pursue together.  Thank you, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, for providing a warm welcome on behalf of San Bernardino Valley College!

2. COFFEE WITH THE PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE CABINET

It was wonderful to see so many of you at yesterday’s Coffee with the President’s Executive Cabinet! These gatherings are a chance for you to connect with campus leadership, ask questions, and share ideas in a welcoming space. Thank you for the honest and thoughtful dialogue. The Cabinet and I left the conversation with a homework assignment on 14 points.  Mark your calendars for the next session on Monday, July 7, from 12–1 PM in B-100. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.   We hope to engage with more of you as we continue Coffee with the President’s Executive Cabinet over the summer and throughout the 2025-26 school year.

3. BOARD OF TRUSTEES RETREAT – JUNE 24

Today, June 24, SBVC is proud to host the SBCCD Board of Trustees for a summer retreat at our new Applied Technology Building. We look forward to welcoming our district leadership.  It truly is a special time at SBVC and SBCCD—right people, right place, right time!

4. PHARMACY TECH PROGRAM RECEIVES FULL ACCREDITATION

We are thrilled to announce that our Pharmacy Technology Program has received full accreditation through 2028! This achievement reflects the outstanding leadership of department chair Doris Ontiveros, whose dedication continues to elevate the program. I also would like to acknowledge Interim Dean Lori Burnham, Associate Dean Denise Valle, and every member of the team in Pharm Tech. Congratulations the entire Health Science division on this milestone!  Also, thank you for allowing me to spend time at the end of the year recognition ceremony.  Valley Up!

5. SAVE THE DATE: SUMMERFEST – JULY 5

One of our biggest summer traditions is coming up in less than 2 weeks! SummerFest returns on Saturday, July 5 with food trucks, vendors, and an electrifying concert and fireworks show presented in collaboration with the San Bernardino Symphony. Bring your friends and loved ones and enjoy a festive evening under the stars! Visit valleycollege.edu/summerfest for details.

Let us keep celebrating, connecting, and moving Valley Up this summer. Thank you for everything you do to make San Bernardino Valley College a place of excellence and community.

Valley Up!

Gil