The winner of the Excellence Award was:

Amy Avelar, Faculty, Chemistry

The winner of the Innovator of the Year Award was:

Danielle "Dani" Graham, Faculty, Psychology

Dr. Dani Graham is dedicated to providing her students with firsthand experience in data and research. She continuously updates her course content to reflect real-world developments, encouraging students to pursue their own research questions. Dr. Dani actively collaborates with faculty from other departments and the Research Department, creating interdisciplinary opportunities that enrich the learning experience. By fostering innovation and curiosity, she makes learning engaging and relevant far beyond the classroom.

The winner of the Outstanding Service Award was:

Matthew Kim, Web Developer, Marketing, Creative Services & Public Affairs

Nomination #1:
Matthew consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication and responsiveness, always going above and beyond to assist his colleagues across campus. His enthusiasm for supporting others is evident in the proactive and timely manner in which he addresses challenges, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Whether troubleshooting urgent issues, providing guidance, or streamlining processes, Matthew’s contributions directly enhance the success of numerous departments. His collaborative spirit, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the SBVC team.

Nomination #2:
Matt Kim manages the web development for the entire college and consistently goes out of his way to support his own department and others with trainings, creating, and maintenance. His work on the CPL website got national recognition and there have been countless other examples.

Nomination #3:
Matt consistently impresses me with his efficiency and positive attitude. He works quickly and effectively, always delivering high-quality results. One of his standout contributions has been his work on updating the Foundation's web pages, making them polished and functional.

The winner of the Manager of the Year Award was:

Uvaldo “Aldo” Sifuentes, Director, Campus Technology Services

Always makes time for classified staff, keeps the campus technology current, and is an exceptional manager who supports his staff and helps support the campus as a whole. With the help of his team, he put together the technology for the new career building so they could start in Spring.

The winner of the District Employee of the Year Award was:

Joe Cabrales, District Dean, Educational and Student Support Services

Joe exemplifies innovation, approachable leadership, and unwavering dedication to the success of SBVC. His ability to bring people together, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful progress has had a transformative impact on our institution.

Over the past year, Joe has been instrumental in expanding the adoption of key platforms such as

The winner of the Honored Retiree Award was:

Yolanda Simental, Dean, Nursing

Dean Yolanda is a great role model for the Nursing profession. While at Valley, she was a faculty member teaching Med-sur, and then she became the Dean for the nursing department, bringing our profession and nursing program to the next level. She introduced the simulation program to our students. Fixing all the old equipment first, then hiring a simulation manager and bringing new equipment simulations for our program. She makes sure instructors attend professional development to be up-to-date with new technology for our students' success. She hired teachers who were qualified and wanted to serve our student populations.

The winner of the Arts & Humanities Achievement Award was:

Carol Damgen, Faculty, Communications

Carol Damgen’s dedication and love for our division deserve to be recognized. She has given so much of her time, energy, and heart to foster an environment of welcoming in the honors program and communication department. As honors coordinator, she has gone above and beyond in planning events for honors students, including mixers, presentation opportunities, and a planetarium visit that was even open to honors families. When the LA building moved to the Village, Carol was there on the weekend the semester began and working late into the evening preparing, decorating, and stocking the honors lounge. On a daily basis, she keeps the water, snacks, and study supplies stocked in the lounge. She arrives on campus early every morning to open the honors lounge and to set calm music and low-fi lighting that immediately create a sense of peace and warmth. On many occasions, I have seen her talking with students that were not honors or communications students, but listening and literally walking with them to the resource or faculty member that could best answer their need. She is also the club advisor for the Communications Club. As a supporter of our division, Carol serves as an academic senator. She is also a student in our division! She is currently enrolled in glass blowing and journalism. To me, this is the most incredible support of her fellow faculty and shows appreciation for their craft. She always ‘shows up’ for students in need, her fellow faculty, and our division.

The winner of the Academic Success & Learning Achievement Award was:

Arnoldo Torres, Library Media Clerk, Library

Arnoldo is one of the most reliable employees in our division. You can always count on him to complete tasks. He consistently goes out of his way to assist students.

The winners of the Classified Employee of the Year Award were:

Sylvia Romo, Evaluator, Admissions & Records

Sylvia has been a dedicated classified employee for 30 years. She is not only hardworking and dependable but also one of the kindest individuals you will ever meet. She went from a Tech, to a Specialist and now an Evaluator in the A&R office. Sylvia is approachable and great to work with, making her truly deserving of this award.

Patrice Hollis, Coordinator, Financial Aid

Patrice is always there when you need her and is always willing to lend a hand. She is highly knowledgeable in her position and also an active member of BFSA, serving as the BFSA Membership Chair.

The winner of the Student Equity & Success Achievement Award was:

Naomi Lara, Administrative Assistant III, Student Equity & Success

It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Naomi Lara for the 2025 Student Equity & Success Achievement Award. Naomi exemplifies the very essence of this recognition through her unwavering dedication, selflessness, and commitment to serving students and colleagues alike.
Naomi consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role, devoting a significant amount of time to assisting anyone who comes her way. Her willingness to offer guidance, provide support, and ensure the success of others reflects a deep passion for equity and student success. Whether answering questions, offering solutions, rolling up her sleeves to chip in, or simply lending a listening ear, Naomi approaches every interaction with patience, kindness, and an unshakable determination to help others navigate their educational and professional journeys. Her contributions extend far beyond her daily responsibilities, as she takes the initiative to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Naomi’s efforts not only enhance the experience of students but also foster a culture of collaboration and encouragement among her colleagues. She embodies the mission of Student Equity & Success, demonstrating exceptional achievement in her work and a genuine investment in the well-being of those around her. For these reasons and more, I strongly recommend Naomi Lara for this award. Her dedication and impact truly make a difference, and she is more than deserving of this recognition.

The winner of the Student Engagement & Wellness Achievement Award was:

Marie Maghuyop, Student Engagement Specialist, Office of Student Life

The winner of the Social Science, Human Development & Physical Education Achievement Award was:

Kimberly Jefferson, Faculty, Social Sciences Division

Kimberly Jefferson has been a dedicated full-time faculty member at Valley College since Fall 2008 and has served as Chair of the Reading and Study Skills Department since Fall 2012. In 2023, with the acquisition of the Education curriculum, she led the department’s transformation into the Education, Reading & Literacy Department, expanding its impact and reach. Under her leadership, she developed six new education courses and established two new education transfer degree pathways, ensuring students have clear, accessible routes to further their studies and careers in education. Beyond her department, Kimberly has been instrumental in fostering institutional partnerships with CSUSB, UCR, and SBCUSD. She has worked tirelessly to draft Memorandums of Understanding and design curriculum that supports AA degrees in Education, Society & Human Development, and Elementary Teacher Education—strengthening the college’s commitment to student success. Kimberly’s leadership extends beyond her own department. She stepped up to serve as Interim Chair of the Political Science Department, where she has continued to lead with integrity, confidence, and a deep commitment to collaboration. Her leadership style is marked by transparency, humility, and a passion for student-centered innovation, making her an invaluable asset to the Social Science, Human Development & Physical Education Division. For these reasons, she is highly deserving of the 2025 Achievement Award.

The winners of the Outstanding Professor Award were:

Anthony Blacksher, Faculty, Social Sciences, Human Development, & Physical Education

It is an honor to nominate our colleague, Dr. Anthony Blacksher for the 2025 Outstanding Professor of the Year award. He currently serves as an instructional faculty member and faculty chair for both the Sociology and Ethnic Studies departments. Dr. Blacksher continually demonstrates dedication to student success and the SBVC community.

In the classroom, Dr. Blacksher is known for his innovative teaching methods, including incorporating virtual reality technology in on-campus classes, inviting guest-speakers, and employing a variety of engaging online tools to give students diverse opportunities to learn and practice critical thinking and communication skills. He was an enthusiastic early adopter of OER, serving in the first cohort of faculty teaching ZTC sections that later led to the college receiving a substantial grant to further implement ZTC classes across the campus. Dr. Blacksher regularly participates in Puente/Umoja-Tumaini learning communities and HBCU student college tours.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, Dr. Blacksher successfully served as the interim dean for the SSHDPE division and during this time led the division in implementing dual enrollment classes. As the Sociology and Ethnic Studies faculty chair, he has written numerous ETHS courses and AAT curriculum. When the ETHS graduation requirements for transfer students went into effect, Dr. Blacksher was tasked with staffing ETHS classes for this new, yet highly in demand program. In the past, Dr. Blacksher served as the faculty co-chair of the Honors program during which time he secured additional funding and resources for the program.

Dr. Blacksher consistently advocates for and supports students and student programs across the college. His contagious positive attitude and active involvement in and participation at events, conferences, and initiatives contributes to the college and district community in many ways. He served on the Academic Senate, currently serves on the Program Review committee, and is an avid supporter of student athletes, frequently attending athletic events and games.

Dr. Blacksher’s commitment and dedication are also evident in his service to the community. For many years, he has served on the executive staff and as the publisher of the San Diego Poetry Annual. He is a passionate professor, poet, author, and speaker for social justice and equity. Dr. Blacksher is widely recognized for his captivating spoken word poems, and poetry slam events that bring social awareness and unity to countless audiences and participants.

Please support Dr. Blacksher’s academic and civic contributions, and this nomination for the 2025 SBVC Outstanding Professor award.

Jessy Lemieux, Faculty, Chemistry

Dr. Jessy Lemieux, Faculty, Chemistry
It is with profound enthusiasm that I nominate Dr. Jessy Lemieux, Associate Professor of Chemistry, for the San Bernardino Valley College Outstanding Faculty Award. Dr. Lemieux exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in teaching, service, and leadership at SBVC, and our Academic Senate is extraordinarily fortunate to benefit from his contributions.

Dr. Lemieux has transformed chemistry instruction through his innovative and interactive teaching methodologies. His guiding philosophy that "if a picture is worth a thousand words, an interactive animation is worth a million" has revolutionized the learning experience in his General, Organic, and Introductory Biological Chemistry courses. By integrating internet-based games and engaging activities, he has made a traditionally challenging discipline both accessible and enjoyable for students who might otherwise find the subject intimidating. His commitment to bringing chemistry education into the 21st century has ignited curiosity and fostered deeper understanding among countless students.

Dr. Lemieux's service to our institution extends far beyond his exceptional classroom presence. As the SBCCDTA Full-time Faculty Representative for SBVC and an active member of the CTA E-Board negotiations team, he advocates passionately and effectively for faculty interests. His leadership within the Academic Senate, where he chairs the Educational Policy and Procedures Committee with remarkable distinction, demonstrates his ability to balance strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail. Recently, he has focused on improving the review and feedback process for new policies and procedures, addressing scheduling challenges to ensure adequate evaluation time. Under his guidance, the committee has implemented a structured approach involving multiple stages: first reads, feedback collection, second reads, and finalizing reports to PPAC. He has also developed an innovative digital feedback system to streamline coordination and enhance collaboration. As a senator representing the Science Division, he consistently brings thoughtful perspectives that enhance our collective decision-making.

During my first year as Academic Senate President, Dr. Lemieux's support has been invaluable. His exceptional research skills, combined with his optimistic disposition, have provided a steadying influence during challenging transitions. He masterfully integrates both comprehensive understanding of our institution's long-term objectives and careful attention to critical details that might otherwise be overlooked. His support and guidance has been a huge benefit to me and I cannot thank him enough.

Dr. Lemieux's vital contributions to the SBVC Curriculum Committee directly strengthen our institution's commitment to providing high-quality education and innovative instruction to our diverse community of learners. In fulfilling the Academic Senate's crucial responsibilities under AB1725, he thoughtfully evaluates new courses, reviews existing curriculum, assesses degree and certificate requirements, and recommends improvements that directly enhance educational quality and student success.

Additionally, his service on the District Policy and Procedures Advisory Committee ensures that faculty perspectives are properly considered through the lens of the "10+1" academic and professional matters. His meticulous review of Administrative Procedures and Board Policies has created lasting positive change for both faculty and students, strengthening our governance structure and institutional integrity.

What truly distinguishes Dr. Lemieux is his extraordinary commitment and work ethic. Despite balancing demanding teaching responsibilities with multiple committee assignments, he approaches each obligation with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. Whether developing innovative learning tools for chemistry students or carefully reviewing complex policy documents, he consistently exceeds expectations with remarkable grace and effectiveness. His capacity for rigorous work combined with genuine passion for institutional improvement is simply unmatched.

Dr. Lemieux embodies the spirit of kindness, professionalism, innovation, service, and excellence that defines outstanding faculty at SBVC. His thorough research methodology and principled stance when facing challenges demonstrate his unwavering commitment to academic integrity and truth. His contributions have significantly enhanced both student learning experiences and institutional governance in ways that will benefit our college community for years to come.

I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition. Dr. Lemieux represents the very best of San Bernardino Valley College, and it is with the highest confidence that I recommend him for the Outstanding Faculty Award.

The winner of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award was:

Brenda Orozco, Faculty, Counseling

It is with great pleasure that I nominate Brenda Orozco, Adjunct Professor of Counseling in First Year Experience Program, for the San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Outstanding Part-time Faculty Award.

Ms. Orozco consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to our students and institution through her multifaceted contributions. As an Adjunct Senator in Academic Senate, she has shown remarkable initiative and leadership, actively representing part-time faculty interests while contributing meaningfully to Academic Senate deliberations.

Despite her relatively short time at SBVC, Ms. Orozco has made an extraordinary impact through her enthusiasm and willingness to fully engage with our campus community. Her natural ability to connect with colleagues, students, and administrators demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities that typically require years to develop. This genuine commitment to building relationships across campus has allowed her to quickly become an integral and valued member of our community.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities—which span both high schools for dual enrollment and on-campus instruction—Adjunct Professor Orozco excels in teaching SDEV 102: Pathways for College and Life Success. This crucial 3-unit course helps students set academic and life goals through a bio-psycho-social perspective, emphasizing person-environment dynamics essential for well-rounded academic preparation. Her skilled facilitation of this course enables students to evaluate personal interests, abilities, and values while developing educational plans, setting goals, and building academic success strategies.

In addition to her teaching and counseling roles, Ms. Orozco has expressed strong interest in participating in the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) workgroup, demonstrating her commitment to institutional initiatives that enhance educational opportunities for our diverse student population. Her eagerness to engage with this important work reflects her forward-thinking approach to supporting student success.

Particularly noteworthy is Ms. Orozco's dedicated involvement in the workgroup Supporting Undocumented Students. Her contributions to creating the SALA website have been instrumental in providing critical resources and support for this vulnerable student population. This work exemplifies her commitment to educational equity and her willingness to address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented students.

As a bilingual professional fluent in Spanish, Ms. Orozco provides invaluable assistance to students in our Dreamers Resource Center. Her ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking students and their families creates a welcoming and accessible environment, breaking down language barriers that might otherwise impede student success.

Ms. Orozco brings compassion, expertise, and innovation to all her endeavors at San Bernardino Valley College.

Her holistic approach to student success—addressing academic, personal, and institutional dimensions—makes her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.

Thank you for your consideration of Brenda Orozco's nomination. She truly exemplifies the qualities we celebrate in outstanding faculty at San Bernardino Valley College.