‘Welcome Back’: Annual Roadrunner Rally invites Crafton students to tour campus, meet staff
Publish Date: Aug. 24, 2026
Dr. Ericka Paddock’s favorite part of Crafton Hills College’s annual Roadrunner Rally is the people.
The college’s associate dean of student support services offered a friendly smile and welcoming “hello” to the hundreds who dropped in for the annual event on Aug. 6, which hosted returning Roadrunners to become acclimated or reacclimated to life as a Roadrunner.
Event highlights included campus tours, drop-in counselor meeting opportunities, and a look at the myriad student club offerings.
“It’s really important for our Roadrunners to come and see how excited we are to have them on campus,” said Paddock. “One of the things that makes us stand out from other community colleges in the area is that we really go out of our way to make people feel connected to all of our resources and everything we have to offer.
“This is our way of saying, ‘Welcome Back. We missed you,’” she continued.
As guests entered Crafton Hall, each was greeted by college staff and alumni with loud cheers. The welcoming group included members of the college’s Foundation, which raises funds year-round in support of student scholarships and campus improvements.
New this year: an introduction to four-year universities Cal State San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona, both of which offer guaranteed admission to those who complete program partnership requirements.
“We know events like [the rally] work because our graduation class is getting bigger and better,” Paddock said.
For Carolynne Duarte, the event was a homecoming for the Crafton alumna. It also allowed the Calimesa woman to experience life as a Roadrunner through the eyes of her children: Andrew, Annalise and Alyssa, all of whom graduated from the college in May.
“Crafton is such a nice jumping off point before they go to a four-year university,” said Duarte. “For parents, a community college is an inexpensive option because kids change their career path constantly, but most importantly, it helps them become more mature adults.”
Instruction at Crafton Hills College for the fall semester begins on Aug. 24, offering an exceptional learning experience built on a tradition of excellence.
To begin your Crafton journey, go to www.craftonhills.edu.
