September 14, 2006 - College celebrates 80 years of education

College celebrates 80 years of education

September 14, 2006

News Article/SB Sun

Kristina Hernandez, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun

SAN BERNARDINO - San Bernardino Valley College kicked off its 80th anniversary celebration in the school's new Campus Center on Wednesday and began a full day of festivities.

"We are so proud to be here to celebrate our 80 years providing a further gateway to education," said college President Denise Whittaker. "And we are honored to have so many people here to help celebrate what a great place this is."

Area officials, including state Sen. Nell Soto, D-Ontario, and Rep. Joe Baca and Assemblyman Joe Baca Jr., both D-Rialto, all paid tribute to the college and its growing enrollment.

"I always get a good feeling being around here," said Soto.

Soto, who said she is a product of junior college, credits community colleges for giving her the chance to further her education.

"I'm so relieved to know that junior colleges are around to help secure our future," she said.

Since opening its doors on Sept. 13, 1926, the college has had nearly 700,000 students fill the halls and classrooms of the 85-acre campus. The college was first home to only 140 students seeking a higher education. Last fall, it had nearly 12,000.

The college has also played a part in the lives of familiar folks in the Inland Empire, including former San Bernardino Mayor Judith Valles and Stater Bros. President and CEO Jack Brown.

"I remember passing the intelligence test, but I haven't passed the parking side of it," joked Herb Fischer, county superintendent of schools. "SBVC is a critical partner in education. As I walk the beautiful campus, I know the students are making a difference."

Fischer presented the school with a certificate of excellence.

"I'm proud to give Valley College this certificate for making dreams come true," he said.

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College celebrates 80 years of education


September 14, 2006 News Article/SB Sun Kristina Hernandez, Staff Writer San Bernardino County Sun SAN BERNARDINO - San Bernardino Valley College kicked off its 80th anniversary celebration in the school's new Campus Center on Wednesday and began a full day of festivities. "We are so proud to be here to celebrate our 80 years providing a further gateway to education," said college President Denise Whittaker. "And we are honored to have so many people here to help celebrate what a great place this is." Area officials, including state Sen. Nell Soto, D-Ontario, and Rep. Joe Baca and Assemblyman Joe Baca Jr., both D-Rialto, all paid tribute to the college and its growing enrollment. "I always get a good feeling being around here," said Soto. Soto, who said she is a product of junior college, credits community colleges for giving her the chance to further her education. "I'm so relieved to know that junior colleges are around to help secure our future," she said. Since opening its doors on Sept. 13, 1926, the college has had nearly 700,000 students fill the halls and classrooms of the 85-acre campus. The college was first home to only 140 students seeking a higher education. Last fall, it had nearly 12,000. The college has also played a part in the lives of familiar folks in the Inland Empire, including former San Bernardino Mayor Judith Valles and Stater Bros. President and CEO Jack Brown. "I remember passing the intelligence test, but I haven't passed the parking side of it," joked Herb Fischer, county superintendent of schools. "SBVC is a critical partner in education. As I walk the beautiful campus, I know the students are making a difference." Fischer presented the school with a certificate of excellence. "I'm proud to give Valley College this certificate for making dreams come true," he said.
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