Close-up photograph of a Spotlighting Our Success Awards program resting on a registration table during SBVC's 2026 employee recognition event.

San Bernardino Valley College continued its Centennial celebration with the 2026 Spotlighting Our Success faculty and employee awards dinner on April 17.

The event, themed “A Century of Community & Excellence,” featured cuisine from the college’s Culinary Arts program and centennial-themed décor.

“As we spotlight our successes tonight, let us also acknowledge the collaborative spirit that makes our work possible,” said SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras. “Let us be thankful for the Wolverines and Indians who came before us — all 100 years’ worth.”

The annual event recognizes employees nominated by their peers for outstanding service and performance. Honors included academic rank recognitions, categorical awards, and retiree tributes. New this year, winners were selected by a blind committee, and Presidential and Cabinet Awards were introduced.

Among those recognized were Laura Estrada and Raquel Villa (Excellence Award); Vivian Marquez (Outstanding Service Award); Dr. Vanessa Thomas (Innovator of the Year); Barbara Bray (Professional Expert of the Year); Dr. Shannen Millen (Outstanding Adjunct Faculty); Michael Layne (Manager of the Year); Francisco Gonzalez and Andrea Hecht (Outstanding Professor); Jonathan Flaa and Kevin Moreno (Classified Employee of the Year); Tatiana Vasquez (President’s Choice Award); and Christina Acevedo, Keith Candelaria, and Edgar Ortiz (SBVC Heroes Award).