Outgoing Student Trustees Honored

SAN BERNARDINO >> The outgoing student trustees for the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) were recognized at the regular Board meeting in May. Esmeralda Vazquez has represented Crafton Hills College (CHC) and Thomas Robles has represented San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) since their elections and installations in 2015. “Ms. Vazquez and Mr. Robles have both served their respective colleges and the SBCCD with distinction," said John Longville, president of the Board. "The role of student trustee is an important one with a dual purpose. Student trustees provide a direct line of communication between the Board of Trustees and the students on each campus, as well as a teaching opportunity for those students interested in developing their leadership skills and their understanding of the complex work involved in public and education policy. We are very proud that both are transferring on to four-year universities—Esmeralda to UC San Diego to major in political science and Thomas to CSU San Bernardino to become a teacher.” “Each student trustee brings individual goals to his or her service on the Board,” Chancellor Bruce Baron said. “This level of leadership and responsibility is unique for a student, and both Esmeralda and Thomas have acted with poise and professionalism. Over this past year, for instance, Trustee Vazquez supported and mentored the members of the CHC Student Senate, assisted with the implementation of the Student Senate book loan program, and coordinated the first Legislative Advocacy Day to get students involved in the election process. Trustee Robles kept the Associated Student Government at SBVC informed about significant developments at the District, attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities conference in Miami, Florida to learn about education issues relevant to minority students, and enhanced his legislative and advocacy skills at the National Conference on Trusteeship in Washington, D.C.” Student trustees serve on the SBCCD Board pursuant to board policy 2015, which provides for two non-voting student members, one from each college in the District, to serve for a one-year term of office commencing with the first Board meeting in June and ending on the last Board meeting in May of each academic year. Student trustees must be enrolled in at least five units and maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average. They are seated with the full Board membership, participate in discussions, receive all relevant materials, and represent the District at community events.