Wide aerial photograph of SBVC's commencement ceremony showing a packed stadium field filled with graduates in blue regalia. The commencement stage sits at midfield beneath centennial banners, with the campus athletic complex visible in the background.

More than 1,500 graduates earned degrees and certificates during San Bernardino Valley College’s centennial commencement ceremony on May 16, 2026 — the largest graduating class in the college’s 100-year history.

Held at SBVC Stadium, the ceremony celebrated the Class of 2026 with remarks from President Gilbert J. Contreras, Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez, student speaker Brittany Wall, California State Senator and SBVC Distinguished Alumna Eloise Gómez Reyes, and SBCCD Board of Trustees Chair Nathan Gonzales.

“Class of 2026, you are the largest graduating class in the history of San Bernardino Valley College,” Contreras said. “You are part of a century of people coming with a dream and leaving with a future.”

Rodriguez acknowledged the perseverance of graduates balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities while pursuing their education. “This is our 100th birthday year and you are a huge part of it,” she said. “Years from now, people will look back at photos from this day and see you, the centennial class.”

Student speaker Brittany Wall reflected on the significance of graduating during the college’s centennial year. “Here’s to 100 years of excellence at San Bernardino Valley College,” Wall said. “We are adding ourselves to that legacy.”

Keynote speaker Eloise Gómez Reyes, who earned her associate degree from SBVC in 1976, spoke about the transformative power of community colleges and SBVC’s century-long commitment to access and opportunity.

The celebration concluded with a centennial drone show above SBVC Stadium, featuring iconic images from the college’s history, including the historic Auditorium, the Observatory, Blue the Wolverine, and the centennial logo.

Founded in 1926 as California’s first purpose-built community college, SBVC continues to serve the Inland Empire through education, access, and student success.

View the Commencement Photo Gallery
Photos from the 2026 San Bernardino Valley College Commencement Ceremony are available online:
https://sbvc2026.pixieset.com/sanbernardinovalleycollege2026commencementceremonygallery/graduates/