Crafton Hills College Recognizes Alumnus by Ariel Dun - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MARCH
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Crafton Hills College Recognizes Alumnus

By Ariel Dun, Community Writer
March 23, 2017 at 11:19am. Views: 76

REDLANDS>> Crafton Hills College held a gold rush, beach blanket, redwood, and surfin’-themed party to support its students on Saturday, March 18, an event where alumni Troy Mondragon will receive recognition. Mondragon overcame serious obstacles in his educational journey to reach his dreams, stated Donna Hoffmann, director of marketing and public relations. With a diagnoses of bipolar disorder in high school, Mondragon struggled to succeed academically. Pursuing his goals of obtaining a higher education, he began taking classes at Crafton in spring 2000. Mondragon spent countless hours in the math lab and at the library studying to pass the several semesters of remedial classes he needed in both English and math. Hoffmann said one of the best experiences in Mondragon’s life was his participation in the study abroad program at Crafton. "The first in his family to travel outside of the country, this life-changing experience with diversity and culture opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities and sparked his interest to major in sociology," Hoffman said. Understanding that college students are at a high risk for mental health issues, Mondragon soon became an advocate for mental health services on college campuses. Transferring to California State University, San Bernardino in 2008, Mondragon was the first in his family to graduate from a university earning a bachelor’s of arts degree in sociology in 2010. He went on to graduate from the San Bernardino Community College District Entrepreneurship Institute in 2013, and after receiving a fellowship from Catholic Charities, earned a masters in social work from CSUSB in 2015. Mondragon serves on the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Commission representing Supervisor James Ramos and the Third District. In 2014, he was presented with the Outstanding Youth Advocate award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Currently, Mondragon is completing his hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and will soon begin teaching at National University. Throughout the gala evening, guests had an opportunity to help Crafton Hills College raise funds for its new Veterans Center, the Study Abroad Program and various student support programs.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:50am. Views: 839

Come check out Flight Deck Bike Park!
Flight Deck Bike Park is the largest Velosolutions pump track in Southern California.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 471

AI-generated image of a family of four sitting at a kitchen table, looking together at a laptop while holding CalFresh informational materials and an application form. The adults and children appear engaged and focused, suggesting they are reviewing or applying for food assistance benefits.

Photo Courtesy of: SBC Transitional Assistance Department

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 482

A San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Mobile Office vehicle is parked outdoors as a staff member stands in the doorway assisting a woman holding a tote bag. The vehicle displays information about applying for CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal, highlighting mobile services available to county residents.

Photo Courtesy of: CUSM

By Cynthia Baker, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 568

Taken on July 22, 2025: The MD class of 2029 MD took the Hippocratic Oath and received their white coats, symbolizing entrance into the medical profession.
"This class brings the largest number of Inland Empire-based students to a CUSM MD class," said Paul Lyons, MD, President and Dean of California University of Science and Medicine. "It is core to our mission to support the communities of the Inland Empire in terms of education and health accessibility. Admitting qualified IE-based students is a major part of bringing our mission to life."

Photo Courtesy of: Jesus Ocegueda

By Jesus Ocegueda, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 473

Chelsea Evans, founder of Honey Butter Brittle by Heavenly Delights Company, smiles while holding packages of her homemade honey butter brittle. Her small-batch treats are known for their soft, creamy texture and variety of bold, handcrafted flavors.

Photo Courtesy of: Its Boba Time, Colton PR Coordinator

By Richard Lee, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 495

Students from Paul J. Rodgers Elementary School sit together on a classroom rug, while a volunteer from It's Boba Time holds up a colorful children’s book, during a story-time activity.

Photo Courtesy of: Not Supplied

By Dr. Timothy Jenkins, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 587

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 419

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Samyah Green

Photo Courtesy of: Mike Hoover

By Colonel John Morris, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 513

Col John Morris is a retired Air Force Officer with over 40 years of combined military and civilian service to his country.

Photo Courtesy of: Upmost Barbershop

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 431

A barbershop chair sits beside a wall mural featuring large scissors and the logo for Upmost Barbershop inside the shop.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 289

Three children play basketball on an indoor court, with one child dribbling the ball while the others move nearby.
In Moreno Valley, there’s never a dull moment—especially when it comes to sports and recreation!

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 529

After closing on February 19, due to several Life Safety and Fire Protection violations, the Moreno Valley Mall is now permitted to reopen.

--> -->