San Bernardino Community College District’s new logo puts community at the center
Ahead of its 100 anniversary, the college district home of Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, Empire KVCR unveils new brand identity
By Angel Rodriguez
As San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) nears its first 100 years serving Inland Southern California, the college district has unveiled a new visual identity system that distinguishes it as the home of Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, and Empire KVCR TV/FM. The brand embraces San Bernardino’s iconic arrowhead, a geological landmark etched on the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains that can be seen from miles around. The arrowhead is a symbol of regional heritage and pride.
“Our community is strong and aspirational, and our updated brand reflects who we are and what we stand for,” said John Longville, president of the SBCCD Board of Trustees. “SBCCD’s new seal is intended to clearly communicate that we are a family of two sister colleges with a public radio and television station, all working together to ensure our community has pathways to opportunity.”
Why is SBCCD adopting a new look?
“SBCCD is setting the stage for the future, and now is the right time to align our bold vision with a bold new brand,” said SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron.
This fall, the colleges are welcoming the first class of 1,000 students under The Free College Promise. A new media academy linked to Empire KVCR is opening this year. The vision? To train the next generation of radio, television, and digital media professionals to take part in California’s $504 billion creative economy. And with the support of local voters who approved Measure CC in 2018, $470 million in classroom and facility renovations are on the horizon.
“We are making transformative changes to meet our community’s needs,” Baron said. “As we approach our 100 birthday in 2026, we want even more students, parents, alumni, educators, philanthropists, business and civic leaders to join us in our educational mission.”
How long has this new look been in development?
The development of SBCCD’s new brand identity originates with the board of trustees’ approval of the districtwide strategic plan in 2016. Goal 2, Objective 2.3: “Enhance the public image of the San Bernardino Community College District.”
Who was involved with developing SBCCD’s new look?
Chancellor Baron convened a districtwide brand identity task force in August 2017 composed of students, faculty, and staff from Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, Empire KVCR and SBCCD. The new look is a culmination of the vision and aspirations of more than 1,500 people — faculty, students, staff, alumni and community leaders — who contributed ideas and feedback via focus groups, listening sessions, emails, and online surveys.
At their January 2018 meeting, the board of trustees approved the task force’s recommendation to update the college district’s brand identity.
Were costs considered?
SBCCD is taking a cost-neutral approach by phasing-in the rollout of branded materials, spreading the costs over time and executing the new identity within existing budgets.
When is the new look taking effect?
Digital and printed materials with the new branding will begin rolling out in April 2019. The entire transition is expected to be complete by fall 2019.
How can I learn more?
SBCCD’s Director of Marketing, Public Affairs & Government Relations and the district’s printing services team are offering guidance to college stakeholders on how to implement the new identity system consistently and effectively. Contact arodriguez@sbccd.edu
About SBCCD
San Bernardino Community College District serves 18,000 students through Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College. For nearly 100 years, our colleges have provided access to affordable, award-winning education and career training programs for the residents of Big Bear, 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 colleges, we educate and inspire learners of all ages through Empire KVCR, the NPR and PBS affiliate station for Inland Southern California on 91.9 FM and TV channel 24. Learn more at www.sbccd.edu
Board of Trustees
John Longville, President
Dr. Anne L. Viricel, Vice President
Joseph Williams, Clerk
Gloria Macias Harrison, Member
Dr. Stephanie Houston, Member
Frank Reyes, Member
Dr. Donald L. Singer, Member
Autumn Blackburn, Student Trustee
Elijah Gerard, Student Trustee
Chancellor
Bruce R. Baron
Presidents
Dr. Kevin Horan, Crafton Hills College
Diana Z. Rodriguez, San Bernardino Valley College
