Welcome to Women’s History Month at SBVC! 

This week, some of our teammates are participating in Conferences and trainings.  For example, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval is with members of our team at the CCCSFAA Financial Aid Conference until Thursday before joining teammates at the Vision Aligned Reporting Convening on March 7th.  The Interim Vice President of Instruction is covering Student Services while Yvonne is away from campus.

We also received exciting news about members of our community being selected to present at NCORE in New York, NY.  Congratulations to Rangel Zarate for your acceptance to present.  SBVC would like to send 12 members of the College community to the NCORE Conference this year.  Please keep an eye out for more information coming soon and submit your application to attend.  Preference will be given to employees presenting at the Conference.

Finally, the journey to Commencement Exercises 2025 is picking up pace.  We are working hard to make this year’s commencement memorable for our students and families, while completing the exercises in less time. 

Here are some important updates for this week:

MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTHMarch is a time to honor the achievements, leadership, and impact of women throughout history—including those who have shaped SBVC. We encourage you to take a moment to learn about some of the incredible women in SBVC’s Alumni Hall of Fame, whose contributions span education, public service, the arts, and beyond.

Read about their inspiring journeys here:

Their legacies remind us of the power of education, determination, and leadership in shaping our world.

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY BUILDING RIBBON-CUTTING – MARCH 6

We are just days away from the Applied Technology Building Ribbon-Cutting! You should have received a calendar invite—bring your loved ones and let’s make this a memorable moment together!

  • Location: Applied Technology Building
  • 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM | Open House, Food Trucks & Music
  • Keynote Speaker: Stewart Knox, Secretary of the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency

The weather may be chilly and wet, but we are determined to make this a fantastic event. Rain or shine, the ribbon will be cut.  See you there!

WOLVERINECON: 66-HOUR FILM COMPETITION

WolverineCon kicks off this week with the 66-Hour Film Competition on Tuesday, March 4, from 7 PM to 10 PM in the Library Viewing Room. Participants had just 66 hours to create an original short film, and now it’s time to see their hard work on the big screen! More exciting film events and screenings are happening throughout the week. Check out the full event calendar at www.valleycollege.edu/calendar for details.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SBVC ATHLETICS

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has been coming out to support our Wolverine athletes. I had the pleasure of spending Saturday morning at Valley Day with Coach James Griffin and his team of coaches.  I want to thank Interim VPI Leticia Hector, VPSS Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, and Andre Wooten, Eve Mulhall from the Foundation, Blue, our athletics department (especially the athletic trainers) and the team from Communications for supporting Valley Day. 

In the evening, I had the privilege of rooting on Men’s Basketball as our Wolverines beat Santiago Canyon College to advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs.  Congratulations Coach Quincy Brewer, the assistant coaches, and the team– let’s get that ring!  Thank you to Denise Knight for rooting on the Wolverines all the way in Orange County.  Our presence makes a difference—it reminds our student-athletes that they have a community behind them. Keep the momentum going! We have more games ahead, so let’s pack the stands and show our SBVC pride. Visit www.sbvcathletics.com for the full schedule.

RAMADAN AWARENESS

As the month of Ramadan begins, we encourage everyone to be mindful that some students and colleagues may be fasting. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn to sunset, observers abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs to cultivate self-discipline, gratitude, and spiritual growth. Let’s continue to foster a supportive and inclusive environment by being considerate of those observing during this time.

SBVC BLACK-SERVING INSTITUTION (BSI) CONVENING (March 27, 2025; 12:00 NOON to 1:30 PM)

On March 27, 2025, we will host a BSI Convening for our campus community.  The purpose of the BSI Convening is to more clearly define objectives as a Black Serving Institution.  The location is TBD and more information will be distributed later this week.  We will review key College data, goals from College plans, develop an inventory of current efforts, and establish workgroups to advance measurable and meaningful outcomes.  All are welcome in our journey to advance Black Excellence!

MANAGERS TO RECEIVE TRAINING ON SUPPORTING UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

This week, all SBCCD managers will take part in a training on supporting undocumented students. This session will explore institutional barriers and effective strategies to enhance enrollment and retention. Interdepartmental collaboration is key in ensuring an inclusive and supportive campus for all students. Thank you to the management team for participating in this crucial training!

In closing, I want to thank Academic Senate President, Andrea Hecht, for providing San Bernardino Valley College with the opportunity to host a southern California regional curriculum meeting. Last Friday, B-100 was filled with faculty leaders from across the state and it was my honor to welcome them home at SBVC.  Let’s have a fantastic week ahead!

Go Wolverines!

Gil