News Stories

Crafton Hills College kept a full calendar throughout the month of December as the campus prepared for the end of the semester and the close of the year. Throughout the month, the campus community had many opportunities to connect, give back, and spread holiday cheer.

In both fall and spring semesters, our Crafton Hills Student Art Exhibit showcases student artwork from each studio class. Pieces created in sculpture, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design, painting, life drawing, and drawing classes are on display highlighting the technical and conceptual skills the students developed throughout the semester. The fall 2025 exhibition culminated in a reception for the student artists on Dec 10 in the Art Gallery located in the Learning Resource Center. The artists invited their family and friends to join and celebrate their work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As Legislative Affairs Manager for the Campaign for College Opportunity, Crafton Hills College alumna Valerie Johnson is leading statewide efforts to expand college access and advance equity in higher education.

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.

The CHC Library Juried Art Exhibition celebrates and supports the visual arts on campus by showcasing the creativity and accomplishments of student artists. The 3rd annual exhibition was on view in the CHC Library from October 13, 2024 - November 21, 2025.

The College Honors Institute hosted a faculty and student luncheon on Nov 19, 2025. Over 90 students and faculty members filled the Barbara L. Smith Event Center for food and networking opportunities.

Crafton Hills College celebrated Native American Heritage Month with a meaningful series of events designed to help students connect with Native culture and history. The month began with a virtual opening ceremony on Nov. 6, where storyteller Jacque Nuñez shared captivating tales, taught basic Native language, and showcased traditional instruments.

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. CSUSB faculty, admissions staff and program representatives met with students to discuss program information as well as essential support services such as honors, financial aid, housing and veteran services.

On November 15, fifty dedicated employees and students from Crafton Hills College braved one of the rainiest days of the year to make a meaningful impact in their community. Meteorologists described the relentless downpour as an atmospheric river, but the storm did nothing to dampen the volunteers' enthusiasm or shared sense of purpose.

When the Stater Bros. Market in Yucaipa completed its long-awaited renovation, the store celebrated its grand reopening not only by unveiling a fresh new look, but also by strengthening its commitment to the local community. As part of the celebration, Stater Bros. Charities invited the store manager to nominate a nonprofit organization making a meaningful and lasting difference in their area.

having to leave the city. The Yucaipa-based college’s Theatre Arts Department will present performances of John Cariani’s 2004 production of “Almost, Maine,” which is composed of nine short plays on love, loss and life in a small, fictional remote northeastern town.

Crafton Hills College proudly hosted a weeklong celebration to recognize and honor veterans.

Crafton Hills College made history on November 8, securing its first-ever conference title with a hard-fought 12-10 victory over Palomar College in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) Women's Water Polo Championship at Southwestern College.

On November 7, Crafton Hills College welcomed approximately 50 high school counselors from across the region for its annual Counselor's Luncheon. The event was hosted by the CHC Outreach Team in partnership with the Counseling Department. Representatives from districts including Redlands Unified, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified, Banning High School, and Rim of the World joined CHC staff to explore ways to best support their students preparing to transition into higher education.

Crafton's First-Generation College Day Resource Fair hosted by the EOPS Department was held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, bringing together over 350 students to celebrate and recognize the achievements of first-generation college students.

Crafton Hills College’s Cross Country Team is making huge strides one race at a time. Just four years after the program’s inception, its men’s team and runner Elizabeth Garcia are heading to Southern California regionals in San Diego on Nov. 7.

On November 5, residents from Plymouth Village visited Crafton Hills College for an engaging and informative tour of the Public Safety and Allied Health (PSAH) Building.

When Crafton Hills College alumna-Meredith Hamlett-was in high school, she never imagined that she would graduate with a master’s degree, a teaching credential, and a classroom of her own. “When I think about where I am now, I know I would not have made it here without Crafton Hills College,” Hamlett said. “Crafton carried me through the beginning of my educational journey and gave me the foundation to keep moving forward.”

Crafton Hills College’s Fall 2025 Club Rush brought food, fun, and plenty of “spooky season spirit” to campus on Wednesday, October 30.

On October 30, the CHC Foundation proudly presented the Captain Mike Orland Scholarship to Cristian Cubillos, a cadet in Academy #113. This scholarship, created as a legacy gift from Captain Michael Orland, reflects his belief that every cadet should have the opportunity to pursue their calling.