Students sitting on stage at the Pharmacy Tech Pinning Ceremony
A Pharmacy Tech student smiling and holding his diploma
A group of students smiling wearing their special stolls at the Lavender grad
A student posing with her diploma at the Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Dr. Fontanilla speaking
A black grad shaking hands after walking across the stage at the Black Grad Celelbration.
A student smiles and poses at the Nuestra Graduación
A student walking points a finger while smiling at the Nuestra Graduación


The 2024 graduation season at San Bernardino Valley College was a vibrant tapestry of celebrations, each event uniquely honoring the diverse communities and achievements of the graduating class. These special ceremonies highlighted not only the academic success of the students but also the rich cultural heritages and personal journeys that defined their paths.

April 30 - Lavender Grad: SBVC's second annual Lavender Grad celebrated the college’s LGBTQIA+ graduates. Adorned in special pride flag sashes, the event highlighted the students' achievements and personal identities. Lavender, symbolizing diversity and gender fluidity, added significance, especially with LGBTQIA+ staff members participating.

May 4 - Island Grad: this special evening for the region’s Pacific Islander graduates combined traditional fanfare with contemporary festivity. The ceremony began with the Pu' and a welcoming Oli, setting a reverent tone. Scholarship awards recognized outstanding student accomplishments and guest artist Siaosi's performance added an electrifying ambiance. The day concluded with the MILI MILI chant, symbolizing the unity and strength of the graduates.

May 10 - Pharmacy Tech Pinning Ceremony: this special ceremony marked the transition of SBVC’s pharmacy technology students into patient care. Held in the historic SBVC Auditorium, the ceremony began with the SBVC Voci Soli Choir's performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Eloise Gomez Reyes delivered the keynote and CVS representatives awarded certificates to outstanding students.

May 11 - Nuestra Graduación: this celebration honored Latinx students, complete with traditional music and dance. Scholarships recognized academic excellence and guest speakers emphasized community support. The event concluded with a festive reception, reflecting on the graduates' journeys and future opportunities.

May 15 - Nursing Pinning Ceremony: this ceremony featured heartfelt speeches amid the traditional pinning that signifies the transition from student to healthcare professional. Class Speaker Kelemete Leilua emphasized resilience and camaraderie. The candlelighting tradition symbolized the transfer of knowledge, and the Nightingale Pledge marked the nurses' commitment to healthcare.

May 18 - Black Grad Celebration: this memorable evening was filled with inspiration and community spirit. Keynote speaker Timothy Jones urged graduates to become the CEOs of their own lives, while Joe Baca, Jr. highlighted the importance of resilience in achieving one’s dreams. Graduates received kente cloths, symbolizing their heritage and achievements, and five students were awarded scholarships. The event's upbeat atmosphere, enhanced by vibrant music, celebrated the hard work and success of the graduates.

These annual graduation season events at SBVC showcased and celebrated the diversity and dedication of the Class of 2024, marking the completion of an important chapter in their academic journeys.

Guest artist Siaosi performing at Island Grad