SBVC celebrates 90 years of excellence

Generations of athletes, artists, educators, and scientists all convened for San Bernardino Valley College’s 90th Anniversary Gala Friday night. The event was held in the college’s new 108,000 square-foot sports complex.

Ninety distinguished alumni were recognized by the college and several academic departments were given boosts through monetary donations. An auction was held to raise money for the Athletic, Nursing, Instrumental Music, and Valley Bound Commitment programs.

Money was also raised for book scholarships. Last year the San Bernardino Valley College Foundation raised approximately $6,700 to help 19 students purchase textbooks and helped raise about $200,000 for scholarships, according to Foundation President Rich Beemer.

“This year we hope to award more,” he said.

Valley College President Diana Rodriguez, who was hired by the San Bernardino Community College District in June, thanked alumni in attendance for their continuous support of the campus.

“Their support has been overwhelming for me personally and for our students and the campus,” Rodriguez said. “Alumni coming back demonstrates that Valley College is doing what it needs to provide a quality of education to the community.”

San Bernardino Valley College held its first classes in the Fall of 1926 at San Bernardino High School and Colton High School, before choosing to find a location that was of close proximity to both cities. The college’s first Administration, Life Science, Gymnasium, and Library buildings were completed for the college the following year.

Alumni expressed delight with the college’s improvements within the last couple of years.

“It’s exciting to see the new developments and the growth of this campus,” said Walnut Valley Unified School District Trustee Larry Redinger.

Young Visionaries Chief Executive Officer Terrance Stone, who attended Valley College in the early 2000s, offered some advice to the current student body.

“They should have a vision of where they want to be,” Stone said. “Students need to focus and take advantage of the classes that will help them in their field.”