Transfer Celebration spotlights fledging Crafton Roadrunners moving on to four-year colleges, universities

Publish Date: May 26, 2026

Crafton Hills College recognized graduating Roadrunners continuing their studies at a four-year university at its annual transfer luncheon in the Barbara L. Smith Event Center.

The event included remarks from alumni and Crafton leaders, including Vice President of Student Services Delmy Spencer, who had an encouraging message for the transfer students: Once a Roadrunner, always a Roadrunner. Wherever you end up after graduation, get connected and build your community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“And just remember that we are so proud of you. Don’t focus on how long it’ll take you to meet your goal because life will happen. But just because life happens doesn’t mean your goal needs to stop. If you ever get stuck, we will find someone to help make sure you get resources to help,” she continued.

Transferring to a four-year university is not always easy but somehow Crafton’s Roadrunner community makes it look easy. About 500 typically transfer from the Yucaipa-based college to a four-year university each year. 

For some, their secondary academic journey began right after high school, but for others, like Sharon Mendoza, theirs started years later--sometimes even decades later.

Mendoza explained she began her studies at Crafton in 1997. With the encouragement of her mom, she enrolled but never gave her studies her full attention.

“Fast-forward some 20-plus years, I decided it was time for a career change. Now in my 40s with 25-plus years of experience, I found myself at a standstill. I had the experience but without a degree there weren’t many opportunities,” she continued.

With new purpose and focus, Mendoza turned her dissatisfaction into something that will change the trajectory of her life. 

“I was tired of settling when I knew I was capable of so much more. I always talked about going back to school but never had the drive to make it happen…, but I decided it was time to remove the excuses and focus on me and my education,” she continued. 

And she did just that. 

Now with an AA in business administration and accounting, Mendoza is on her way to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State San Bernardino and is proving that it is never too late to get started.

To all of our transfer students, congratulations on this incredible achievement. Your dedication brought you to this exciting milestone, and the entire Crafton community is proud of all you have accomplished. As you begin the next chapter of your educational journey, know that you will always have a home at Crafton Hills College. We wish you continued success, meaningful experiences, and new opportunities as you take the next step toward your goals.