San Bernardino Valley College Foundation & Alumni

06/03/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Martin Diaz 🌟

From the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Police Academy to a distinguished 20-year law enforcement career and now successful business owner, SBVC alumnus Martin Diaz is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and giving back.

After retiring from law enforcement, Martin founded CA Junk Masters, a Riverside-based company serving the Inland Empire. Staying true to his commitment to supporting fellow Wolverines, Martin offers 10% off services for SBVC alumni and students through the SBVC Alumni Benefits Program.

“The academy’s connection to SBVC showed me the importance of continuing education,” Diaz shared. “If I can help even one person, it’s worth it.”

Thank you, Martin, for representing the Wolverine spirit and continuing to make a difference in our community!

🔗 Learn more about SBVC Alumni Benefits, including the CA Junk Masters discount: www.sbvcfoundation.org/sbvc-alumni/alumni_benefits

05/27/2026

The SBVC Foundation team was thrilled to take part in Making Hope Happen Foundation Gala! 👖💎

Our Executive Director, Mike Layne, was excited to meet local athletic hero and NFL running back Alexander Mattison, a San Bernardino High School
alumnus.

We were also proud to see SBVC student Honey Cooper recognized for her hard work, and our coordinator, Lacee, even won the Heads vs. Hearts game!

Thank you for the amazing work you do in our community and we appreciate the partnership.

05/15/2026

The San Bernardino Valley College Foundation joins the nation in honoring the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho Governor, U.S. Senator, Mayor of Boise, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Kempthorne was raised in San Bernardino, graduated from San Gorgonio High School in 1970, and attended San Bernardino Valley College from 1970 to 1971 before continuing his education at the University of Idaho. He was inducted into the San Bernardino Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame and gave the 1999 commencement address, stating, "The knowledge I gained at Valley College, and the people who I met, have given me skills and memories that will last a lifetime."

https://apnews.com/article/idaho-kempthorne-interior-endangered-species-f46d872d26378c033053da0198b14bab

His remarkable journey from San Bernardino to state and national leadership reflects the promise and possibility that community colleges help make real.

On behalf of the SBVC Foundation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Governor Kempthorne’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were inspired by his decades of public service.

Former Idaho Gov. and U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has died at age 74. His family said in a written statement that he died Friday evening in Boise.

05/14/2026

Proud to share that San Bernardino Valley College is one of 11 California community colleges receiving emergency aid for first-generation veteran students through for California Community Colleges and Club of Southern California.
Read more: https://foundationccc.org/foundationccc-expands-aid-for-first-generation-veteran-students/
For many student veterans, the transition from military service to college can come with unexpected financial challenges — from transportation and school supplies to required fees and basic living expenses. This support helps fill those gaps so our veteran students can stay focused on their education, their families, and their future.
At SBVC, we are grateful for partners who recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans and invest in their success.
Thank you to for California Community Colleges and Club of Southern California for expanding this important support across the California Community Colleges system.

With support from the Automobile Club of Southern California, FoundationCCC awards $50,000 to help first-generation veteran students across 11 colleges.

05/13/2026

San Bernardino Valley College Foundation awarded a record-breaking $882,000 in scholarships to more than 600 students at this year’s scholarship ceremony 🎓

These scholarships represent more than financial support. They reflect the resilience, determination, and potential of SBVC students who continue to pursue their dreams while balancing work, family, and school.

“This is not the end of your journey. It is a reminder of what you have already overcome and what you are still capable of achieving.”

Thank you to all the donors and community partners who attended the ceremony and had the opportunity to meet their scholarship recipients. Thank you to Mercie Ramirez, this year’s student speaker, for sharing her story, and to our alumni speaker Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers for coming home to SBVC.

Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients. We are proud of you. 💙

04/24/2026

In April, we luncheoned! 🍽️

Over the past two weeks, the SBVC Foundation was proud to be represented at multiple community events:

• Foundation Board Member Dr. Ken Lane supported the Ramos Family 2026 Luncheon
• Board Vice President Pam Montana and Executive Director Mike Layne attended the 3rd Annual SBPD Chiefs Luncheon
• Our Executive Director also showed support at the YMCA Principals Appreciation Lunch, hosted at the SBVC Sunroom.

Thank you to all of our incredible community partners—we value these opportunities to come together and uplift our region!

04/10/2026

Our community came together in an extraordinary way, helping the SBVC Foundation raise more than $1 million to support SBVC students during this historic centennial year. Grateful to our gala co-chairs, donors, sponsors, partners, and volunteers.

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04/03/2026

The SBVC Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to our incredible Centennial Honorees for joining us at the Gala on March 27.

These distinguished individuals—alumni, donors, and current and retired faculty, classified professionals, and managers from across our campus and district—have each made a lasting impact on our community.

We are deeply grateful for your continued dedication, service, and commitment to our students and our mission. 💙

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03/31/2026

The SBVC Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to all of the sponsors and community partners who made the SBVC Centennial Gala possible. ✨

Thanks to your incredible support, we raised over $1 million for student scholarships and programs — a powerful milestone in celebration of a historic moment.

Because of our donors, SBVC students can arrive with a dream and leave with a future. 💙🎓