Donor Spotlight: Dr. Henry Duran
"When I first walked onto the Valley College campus, I didn't know what my future would hold. I only knew I wanted more." That is how Henry Duran remembers the moment his life began to change.
Growing up in San Bernardino, Henry was not always focused on school. In high school, he started making small but important changes. He discovered healthy habits, gained confidence, and began to imagine new possibilities for himself.
At Valley, Henry found the encouragement he needed to continue. There were moments he almost gave up. Money was tight, transportation was difficult, and self-doubt was real. Support arrived in the form of scholarships from people he had never met, and their belief in him made all the difference.
"It was the first time I received support from private donors," Henry said. "It showed me someone believed in me.”
That belief carried him forward and changed the course of his life. Today, Henry is a medical resident at Eisenhower Medical Center. Inspired by the help he received, he created a scholarship of his own at Valley so that others can follow in his footsteps.
Stories like Henry's show how one gift can open the door to a brighter future. Imagine what could happen if even more students received that same support.
The Inland Empire urgently needs the next generation of professionals. Our region faces one of the most severe doctor shortages in the nation, and we also depend on teachers, technicians, small business owners, and more. Each of them begins with someone who believes in their potential. Will that someone be you?
Your gift helps students like Henry and many others gain the education and support they need to serve and strengthen our community.
Please give today by visiting sbvcfoundation.org. Monthly giving is especially powerful because it provides steady support and helps us plan ahead.
Thank you for believing in students, in access, and in a stronger future for our region.
