Distinguished Alumni & Athletes Inducted into Hall of Fame

San Bernardino Valley College inducted four new alumni and two athletes into its Distinguished Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, October 12, 2012.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is awarded to former SBVC students whose lives are exemplary for both their career accomplishments and their contributions to the well being of others. The 2012 Distinguished Alumni are:

  • Kim Carter (2003) Executive Director and Founder of the Time for Change Foundation;
  • Richard Jones, Ph.D. (1953), former Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District;
  • Robert W. Percy, D.D.S.  (1956), veteran, dentist and philanthropist; and
  • Ruth Sandlin, Ph.D. (1979) retired professor and chair of the educational psychology department at CSU San Bernardino

Inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame were nominated based on their achievements while at SBVC, contributions to the SBVC athletic program, with factors including athletic or coaching honors and achievement, leadership and citizenship. Career achievements are also considered, with factors including athletic/coaching achievements, civic accomplishments and honors received. This year’s Distinguished Athletes are:

  • Dino Ebel (1986), professional baseball player and current 3rd base coach for the L.A. Angels of Anaheim; and
  • Deborah Hammer (1976), All-American, California State Archery Champion and Olympic athlete

Kitchell/BRj/Seville, was also honored as a Distinguished Corporate Partner, for its work with the San Bernardino Community College District and San Bernardino Valley College and their comprehensive developments under the Measure M and P Bonds. 

Congressman Jerry Lewis, 41st District, was recognized for his continued commitment to education in the Inland Empire. A true champion for the San Bernardino Community College District and for higher education in our community, Congressman Lewis has often worked across party lines for the benefit of his constituents. Here are just a few examples of that dedication.

He was instrumental in securing $34 million in FEMA funds when it was discovered the San Jacinto fault line runs through the SBVC campus. That $34 million plus another $10 million in state funding started the reconstruction projects at SBVC 10 years ago.

Lewis contributed to the proposal that was successful in garnering funds from the Department of Labor and the Economic Development Agency for the SBCCD property and buildings on old Norton Air Force Base.

He also helped secure $12 million for the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center, which is jointly administered by Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino City Fire and San Bernardino County Fire Departments, participating in the grand opening of the Center in 2006.

In 1995, when Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) were just starting to be recognized by the Department of Education, Lewis worked to establish $10 million for funding grants for HSIs. Both SBVC and Crafton have been recipients of grants under the Title V program that assists HSIs. Ever supportive of education here, Lewis was also active in helping secure grants for KVCR’s digital conversion.

The Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame Induction dinner was held at the National Orange Show with over 100 attendees.  Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit student scholarships.