Crafton Hills, Valley College to award 3,528 degrees and certificates in virtual ceremony

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, college leaders, students and families will gather online to celebrate the class of 2020 this Friday

Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College are hosting a virtual celebration for the graduating class of 2020 this Friday, May 22. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. at www.valleycollege.edu and at 6 p.m. at www.craftonhills.edu, featuring an address from former San Bernardino Mayor, higher education leader and author Dr. Judith Valles. The broadcast of the virtual ceremonies will replay at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, on EMPIRE | KVCR TV Channel 24.

This year’s class includes 2,485 graduates who earned 3,528 associate degrees and career training certificates.

“The class of 2020 reminds us that better days will return,” said Dr. Anne Viricel, chair of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees who oversee Crafton Hills, Valley College and KVCR. “Our graduates are the future scientists and health providers who will save lives. They are the future firefighters, paramedics, and public safety officers who will keep us safe. They are the future teachers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who will make our community better.”

The online event was created with the support of student government leaders from both campuses.

Graduates of the class of 2020 will be invited to participate in next year’s in-person commencement ceremony.

“Graduation day at our colleges is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Jose F. Torres, interim chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District. “Our class of 2020 and their families have accomplished so much, and it is important to us that we recognize their hard work this year.”

Graduates are celebrating on social media using the hashtags #CHCGrad2020 and #SBVCGrad20.

About SBCCD

San Bernardino Community College District serves 27,000 students through Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College. For nearly 100 years, our colleges have provided access to affordable higher education and career training programs for the residents of Big Bear Lake, Bloomington, Calimesa, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Lake Arrowhead, Loma Linda, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino and Yucaipa. We educate the health care professionals that serve our medical needs, veterans who have served our country, police and firefighters who keep us safe, and skilled workers who fuel our economy. Beyond our campuses, we inform and inspire learners of all ages through EMPIRE | KVCR, the PBS and NPR affiliate station for the Inland Empire on TV channel 24 and 91.9 FM. www.sbccd.edu

Board of Trustees

Dr. Anne L. Viricel, Chair

Dr. Stephanie Houston, Vice Chair

Gloria Macias Harrison, Clerk

John Longville, Member

Frank Reyes, Member

Dr. Donald L. Singer, Member

Joseph Williams, Member

Elijah Gerard, Student Trustee

Maritza Mariscal-Medina, Student Trustee

Interim Chancellor

Jose F. Torres

Presidents

Dr. Kevin Horan, Crafton Hills College

Diana Z. Rodriguez, San Bernardino Valley College