Scholarship Reception invites Crafton Hills College scholarship recipients to meet those behind their awards
Publish Date: Aug. 26, 2026
Contributors to student success at Crafton Hills College through scholarships had the opportunity to meet the students who benefitted from their generosity during the college’s annual Scholarship Reception on August 13.
Dozens of students and scholarship funders gathered inside the Barbara L. Smith Event Center to chat about the meaning behind each gift and student goals and aspirations.
Michelle Riggs, the college’s director of institutional advancement, began the event’s program by sharing how a scholarship from the Foundation in 2007, when she attended CHC, continues to have a lasting impact on her life and career.
“I just remember what that meant to me and how it made me feel,” said Riggs. “It showed me that people believed in me and wanted me to be successful, and I took that forward with me to finish my program.”
Wynona Duvall, who chairs the Foundation’s Scholarship committee welcomed attendees and stressed the importance of donations to the success of the college’s students.
Organizers behind the reception select a donor and student to speak about their “whys” behind the philanthropic gift and path to higher learning.
For the 2026 event, Crafton Alumna and Yucaipa Valley Rotary Member Karen Swedlove and Giselle Cruz, a member of the Class of 2026, earned the nod, as both shared how Crafton shaped their perception on life.
“When we invest in education, we invest in people, and I know the quality of education they receive here,” said Swedlove. “Looking back now, I realize my connection to Crafton never really ended [after graduation]. That education I received here continues to influence my life, my service, and my commitment to helping others.”
Shared Cruz, “After high school, I chose to go to Crafton because it was affordable and close to home. It was a way for me to continue my education while I continued to work and save money. I had no idea it would become a place that would change the way I believed in myself.
“The support I found here at Crafton helped me slowly build my confidence. I started doing things I never would have pictured myself doing before,” she continued. “Crafton helped make a dream of becoming a physician a reality, and I hope one day I can use my education to serve underserved communities and help bridge the gap that prevents people from receiving the care they need.”
Foundation President Amy Minjares expressed her appreciation to the donors and announced that this past year the Foundation distributed $332,000 in scholarships.
The mission of the Crafton Hills College Foundation is to raise funds that remove barriers, enhance opportunities, and empower student success.
To support Foundation endeavors, call 909-389-3391 or go to www.craftonhills.edu/foundation to learn how.
