News Stories

“Omigod! Omigod, you guys!” It looks like Elle Woods will make her Finkelstein Performing Arts Center (PAC) debut this spring! For three days, April 26, 27 and 28, Crafton Hills College’s (CHC) Theater Arts Department will stage “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” a Broadway adaptation of the 2001 hit film of the same name.

On Friday, March 1, Crafton Hills College celebrated the graduation of Paramedic Class 102. Family, friends, faculty, and preceptors (volunteers who help train paramedic students) filled the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center for the event.

Crafton Hills College (CHC) proudly announces Damian G. Garcia as the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient. This accolade, presented each year by the CHC Foundation, recognizes a former student who exemplifies the dynamic and positive qualities the Crafton experience can produce.

Four Black/African American students from Crafton Hills College were among the more than 1,000 invited to attend the 2024 A2MEND Conference held March 6-8 in Los Angeles. The annual event connects African American male students to groups working collaboratively to eliminate barriers they face while working to obtain a higher education.

June Yamamoto, who served as CHC’s dean of career education and human development and continues to serve on the CHC Foundation Board of Directors, has won the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year award.

Crafton Hills College’s annual STEM Career Fair is all about connecting Roadrunners to the people and organizations that offer employment or educational programs in STEM-related fields. This year’s event was held on Feb. 21, when dozens of students interacted with reps from the likes of University of California, Riverside, San Bernardino County Fire, Garner Holt Productions, and Esri, to name a few participants.

Amanda Ward, the Director of Emergency Medical Services at Crafton Hills College (CHC), has been honored with the 2023 Distinguished Service Medal by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) in acknowledgment of her dedicated service.

CHC and SBVC joined forces for the 9th annual ASL Educators Conference on March 2. This collaborative effort drew 111 participants, exceeding expectations. The event focused on professional development and networking for American Sign Language educators, featuring diverse workshops, dynamic presentations, and interactive networking sessions.

A special panel discussion highlighting the role college career navigators and transition specialists play in helping adult learners succeed was the focus of a Feb. 27 California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project (CALPRO) webinar.

High drop-out (attrition) rates in emergency medical services (EMS) programs challenge program directors at community colleges across the state, however at CHC, EMS Program Director Laurie Green is using research to help students successfully complete the program.

Crafton Hills College celebrated Black History Month with a series of February events highlighting contributions by Black Americans. The College’s Black History Committee planned each activity around the theme “Black Americans in the Arts,” with each offering an opportunity for Roadrunners to learn about the impact figures like musician Bob Marley and scientist Lisa Gelobter had and are continuing to have in the fields of science, arts, politics, and social justice.

On Father’s Day 1932, Sam’s life was turned upside down when his only form of communication, a HAM radio, would be taken over by a demonic spirit longing for chaos. That was the premise of an all-new production from playwright Chris Coon – aptly titled HAM – staged by the Crafton Hills College Theater Department on Feb. 23, 24 and 25. Twenty-six-year-old Tristan Clift, who played the lead role of Sam, auditioned for the play based solely on his fascination with the idea of a “possessed HAM radio,” he shared.

Crafton Hills College’s Paramedic Program has received of a brand-new endowment fund to support its students – thanks to a familiar program supporter, Dr. Phong Nguyen, the program’s medical director and president of the College’s Foundation.

Crafton Hills College has a new director of facilities management: Demian Brunty. Demian began a career as a Journeyman Ironworker, working in steel mills, refineries, and railroads. He also brings experience in numerous construction management positions, all this while completing his advanced degree work.

Wendy Chacon Ventura is about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey! Motivated by her love for her daughters and encouraged by CHC faculty, Chacon Ventura has been accepted into the California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP) at UC Riverside (UCR).