News Stories

Each sporting event calls for three things: athleticism, a bit of drama, and plenty of (friendly) smack talk. All three were on display during the second annual San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Employee Olympics, a competition where faculty and staff from Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College and the District Office are invited to come together to compete, share laughs, form friendships and celebrate what makes the district special—its people.

On September 23, the Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) Department at Crafton Hills College hosted Little Hands, Big Creations, a family-friendly arts and crafts event open to the entire campus. In recognition of September as National Student Parent Appreciation Month, the EOPS Department invited families to enjoy a free meal, listen to fun music, and get creative together.

On Friday, September 19, Crafton Hills College (CHC) and the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the new Finkelstein Performing Arts Center (PAC). The state-of-the-art, 24,000-square-foot facility replaces the original Finkelstein Performing Arts Center, which had housed the College’s theatre arts and music programs since 1978.

Crafton Hills College’s new Multi-Cultural Center, a renovation and re-purposing of the second floor of the old Student Services Building, was opened on Thursday, Sept 18 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together faculty, staff, and students to celebrate the purpose of this space: to be a place on campus where everyone feels at home and where their cultural identities are valued, amplifying student voices and building a stronger campus community.

Each year, the One Book/One College program invites students, faculty, staff, and administrators to gather around a shared text that sparks dialogue, creativity, and community. The goal is simple yet powerful: to unite the campus through the exploration of equity, inclusion, and the human experience.

At Crafton Hills College, what was once old is new again—thanks to the generosity and enduring commitment of Barbara L. Smith. During a special Preview Party and Naming Ceremony on September 12, the Yucaipa-based college officially renamed the building formerly known as Crafton Hall in honor of Smith, a longtime volunteer, donor, and friend of the college.

The Crafton Hills College (CHC) Counseling Department has been recognized by California’s Career Ladders Project (CLP), an organization that partners with colleges “to discover, develop, and disseminate effective practices… [that] enable more students to attain certificates, degrees, transfers, and career advancement” (Career Ladders Project website).

Crafton Hills College Interim Associate Dean of Public Safety and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic Program Director Amanda Ward has been appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the California Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Commission, which makes recommendations to the state on EMS system standards and policy. The announcement was made by the Governor's Office on Sept. 11.

Craton Hills College’s MESA Research Symposium, held on Sept. 11, in the Roadrunner Café, highlighted the accomplishments of students who completed an intensive 8-week summer research experience at Crafton Hills College, CSU San Bernardino, and UC Riverside.

On September 11, Crafton Hills College held the IMALIVE Mental Health Fair, a powerful event dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The fair was hosted by Crafton’s Health and Wellness Center and Student Accessibility Center in collaboration with the IMALIVE suicide prevention network and “the world’s first virtual crisis center” (https://www.imalive.org/about). Attendees had the opportunity to engage in important conversations about mental health while learning about available resources.

On September 10, Crafton Hills College welcomed Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) admissions staff for the Spring 2026 Instant Admit event, held in the Crafton Center. The event gave students the unique opportunity to apply to CSUSB, receive immediate feedback on their application, and in many cases, walk away with their admission guaranteed.

Every student matters when they come to Crafton Hills College. That’s the message Mariana Macamay and her Transfer Center team conveyed on September 10, during the college’s annual Transfer Fair. More than a dozen college, university, and trade school representatives met with Roadrunners to discuss future student programming, extra curriculars, and transfer requirements.

On September 9, 2025, the quad at Crafton Hills College came alive with music, food, and excitement during the Fall Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) Open House. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., students gathered to enjoy complimentary lunch and to learn how EOPS can support them in their educational journey.

On September 5, the Crafton Hills College Honors Program hosted its annual Meet & Greet to welcome students for the new academic year. More than 50 new students joined the program over the summer, bringing total participation to over 150. The event drew more than 100 attendees.