From: Horan, Kevin

Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2026 2:26 PM

To: CHC Campus

Subject: December President's Letter

 

 

Dear Roadrunners,

 

2025 has been an exciting and transformative year for Crafton Hills College. We achieved several important milestones together.

 

We successfully completed our first compressed 16-week semester, celebrated our first-ever athletic team championship with the women s water polo team, and proudly graduated our first students earning bachelor s degrees in respiratory care a significant achievement for our institution.

 

We celebrated the completion of the new Finkelstein Performing Arts Center as well as the newly renovated Barbara L. Smith Events Center. We also opened our new Multicultural Center, and reimagined Health Services with an expanded focus on mental health support.

 

As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited for what the future holds for Crafton Hills College. I wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season, and I hope you enjoy a well-deserved break.

 

Best regards,

 

 

Kevin Horan
President, Crafton Hills College

 

Yuki Toyooka Smith Publishes Instructional Art Book

Crafton Hills College art professor Yuki Toyooka Smith recently celebrated the publication of her book, The Secrets of Artistic Anatomy, with a book signing and solo exhibition hosted by The Artlands Creative. The book signing was held on Saturday, Dec. 6. and the exhibition of Smith s artwork will be on display at The Artlands Art Gallery (18 E Vine St Redlands, CA 92374) until Dec. 31.

More Info

 

 

Basic Needs Center Supports Students Ahead of the Holidays

This November, the Basic Needs Center at Crafton Hills College stepped up in a big way to ensure students had the support they needed heading into the holiday season.

In the days leading up to fall break, the center hosted its annual turkey distribution, providing holiday food bags complete with a turkey, sides and dessert. Beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 18, students were able to reserve a bag on a first-come, first-served basis.

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CSUSB Day Brings Transfer Opportunities to Crafton

 

The University Transfer Center hosted CSUSB Day and Instant Admit Day, offering students an opportunity to explore their futures with California State University, San Bernardino.

Read More

 

 

Crafton Participates in the Redlands and Yucaipa Holiday Parades

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Dec. 6 and Dec.13 to represent Crafton at the Redlands and Yucaipa holiday parades.

Faculty, staff, and students came together to spread holiday cheer while connecting with the local community.

 

Crafton Hills Holiday Luncheon

The annual CHC Holiday Luncheon was held on December 11 in the Barbara L. Smith Event Center. Thank you to all the event organizers for helping us all celebrate together.

More Photos

 

 

Redlands Professional Firefighters Establish Endowed Scholarship at Crafton Hills College Fire Academy

 

On Dec. 2, Crafton Hills College (CHC) celebrated a moment of partnership and generosity during a check presentation at the CHC Fire Academy. The Redlands Professional Firefighters Association presented a $12,500 endowed gift to the CHC Foundation to establish a permanent scholarship fund for Fire Academy cadets.

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Student-led projects bring main character energy to annual Crafton Hills College Student Research Conference

 

Crafton Hills College s annual Student Research Conference on Dec. 5 brought months of hard work to life when students presented their research projects to their peers and site faculty and staff.

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Two-day Festival Recognizes Crafton Hills College Arts Community

 

In the months since Crafton Hills College opened its new Finkelstein Performing Arts Center, the building has hosted graduates, musicians, and much more. But a two-day arts festival on Dec. 5 and 6, focused exclusively on the Yucaipa-based college s arts community during a special housewarming celebration.

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Through the Generosity of our Donors, The CHC Foundation Helps Students Succeed

 

At Crafton Hills College, student success is made possible by a caring community of donors who believe education should be within reach for all. Because of this generosity, financial barriers are reduced and opportunities expand for students working hard to build their future. The CHC Foundation exists because of compassionate supporters who provide essential resources and opportunities that otherwise would not be possible.

 

One inspiring example is Forrest and Valorie Greek. Forrest s journey with Crafton began years ago when he and his first wife took classes together on campus. After the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Kirsten an alumna of Crafton s Respiratory Care program they dreamed of honoring her legacy through a scholarship in her name. Though Forrest's wife passed before they could realize that dream together, it did not fade.

 

With the encouragement of his second wife, Valorie, a lifelong educator, that vision became reality. Together, they established the Kirsten Greek Memorial Respiratory Care Scholarship and later expanded their giving to support students in the Fire Academy and Child Development programs. In recognition of their lasting impact, Crafton named its Respiratory Care classroom in Kirsten s honor in 2023.

Watch Forrest and Valorie s Story

 

 

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