The search is being conducted with assistance from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). A committee representing faculty, classified staff, administrators, the student body, trustees, and community members reviewed applications and conducted initial interviews.

On April 7, the committee completed semifinalist interviews and forwarded four candidates to the MSJC Board of Trustees for further consideration.

The finalists, listed alphabetically, are:

Dr. Lonita Cordova: Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services at San Joaquin Delta College and U.S. Navy veteran, Cordova has more than 20 years of experience in California’s community college system. Her background includes leadership roles at Modesto Junior College and Merced Community College District, with a focus on aligning institutional operations with student access and success initiatives.

Dr. Tawny Dotson: President of Yuba College, Dotson oversees institutional operations, including instruction, student services, and fiscal management. Her career includes leadership roles across multiple states and service as a U.S. Air Force officer. She is active in statewide and national higher education leadership initiatives.

Dr. Jeannie G. Kim: President of Santiago Canyon College, Kim has more than 35 years of experience across the University of California, California State University, and community college systems. Her work has focused on strategic planning, institutional change, and the integration of technology in education.

Dr. Daniel López: President of Harold Washington College in Chicago, López has more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership. His work has centered on student success, academic programs, and equity initiatives. He is involved in several national higher education organizations.

Public forums for the finalists are scheduled for April 21, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the college district’s Temecula Valley Campus boardroom (TA-301). The sessions will be open to the public and livestreamed.

A link to the livestream and a form for submitting questions and feedback will be made available on the college’s presidential search website.

The Board of Trustees is expected to select the next superintendent/president in May.

More information about the search and finalists’ bios are available at: https://msjc.edu/presidentialsearch/

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These are just a few inspiring stories highlighting Mt. San Jacinto College’s (MSJC) 61st Commencement Ceremony, held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.  

MSJC held three separate ceremonies throughout the day to accommodate all graduates and their families. New this year, the college introduced real-time English and Spanish captioning and interpretation services, reflecting its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with 52% of students identifying as Hispanic.  

MSJC awarded 2,556 graduates a total of 3,353 degrees and certificates. The graduates ranged in age from 15 to 90.   

During his keynote remarks, MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger W. Schultz addressed the graduates:  

“Every graduation is a milestone, but today is particularly special because it represents more than the completion of courses or the earning of degrees. It is a celebration of action, breakthroughs, collaboration, and courage. The diploma you receive today is the key to new opportunities, challenges, and successes.”  

Among the graduates celebrated for their perseverance, leadership, and transformation:  

Gerardo Sanchez, 45, of Hemet, a husband, father of five, and caregiver to three children with autism. After dropping out of high school in 10th grade, he returned to education through MSJC’s Adult Education Program and earned his GED in 2022. He graduated with three associate degrees in Sociology, Social Justice, and Liberal Arts – Social and Behavioral Sciences. “The support I received from MSJC’s staff and programs made all the difference in my journey,” Sanchez said. “From food and gas cards to help during tough times, to replacing my broken laptop so I could stay enrolled, their support went far beyond the classroom. I was ready to give up more than once, but their belief in me kept me going. Today, I’m graduating with three degrees, and it’s because MSJC didn’t just support me—they empowered me. I hope to pay that forward someday.”  

Jaxon Tabesh, 21, of Murrieta, is graduating with five associate degrees, including in Business and Computer Science. A recipient of the 2023 North American Country Music Association International (NACMAI) award, Tabesh also distinguished himself as a leader on campus. He served as President of the Computer Science Club, an Honors Program mentor, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Officer, and a Supplemental Instruction Leader. He also helped organize MSJC’s first-ever hackathon. “Each role was an important part of my deeply rewarding leadership and graduation journey,” Tabesh said. “The support I received from MSJC was essential to my journey. From outstanding counselors and professors to dedicated tutors and supportive peers, I was surrounded by people who believed in me every step of the way. I truly could not have done it without them.”  

Rita Victoria Hernandez, 90, of Temecula, enrolled at MSJC during the COVID-19 pandemic at the urging of her family to “keep her brain alive.” Despite health challenges and personal loss, she persevered and became the oldest graduate in the Class of 2025. Her graduation marks a continuing family legacy—her granddaughter graduated from MSJC in 2022, her great-granddaughter in 2024, and her great-grandson will begin at MSJC in the fall. “As someone who had never experienced college before, I can honestly say the support I received at MSJC was unbelievable,” Hernandez said. “I was fortunate to learn from inspiring and dedicated professors whose encouragement played a key role in my success.”  

This year’s commencement also marked a solemn and historic moment for MSJC, as the college awarded its first-ever posthumous degree.  

In a profoundly moving tribute, the college recognized Marisa Alejandra Rosas, a beloved member of the MSJC community whose life was tragically cut short. Her passion for learning, commitment to her goals, and deep love for her community left a lasting impression on all who knew her.  

An empty chair with a flower in the front row honored Marisa’s presence and rightful place among the Class of 2025.  

“In honor of her academic efforts and the life she devoted to bettering herself and those around her,” Dr. Schultz said, “Mt. San Jacinto College is proud to award Marisa Alejandra Rosas with MSJC’s first posthumous degree. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating Marisa’s life and accomplishments.”  

The Class of 2025 reflects the heart of MSJC’s mission to transform learners, communities, and lives. With degrees earned, goals achieved, and new chapters beginning, this year’s graduates exemplify resilience, diversity, and determination.  

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This academic year marks a significant milestone for MSJC, reflecting a continued rise in enrollment and underscoring the college’s dedication to accessible, flexible, and affordable education. The college’s diverse course offerings, including in-person, online, and hybrid formats, cater to students’ varying needs, providing them with the flexibility to balance their academic and personal commitments effectively.

Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of MSJC, expressed his enthusiasm for the new academic year: “We will continue to work together as a community of transformation for the lives of our students and for the betterment of our region.” Dr. Schultz also highlighted upcoming developments, including the grand opening of new STEM buildings at the San Jacinto and Menifee Valley campuses. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to enhance the educational experience and support academic growth.

In addition to these advancements, MSJC is expanding its academic offerings with new and enhanced programs within the Nursing and Allied Health Department. Students can now benefit from expanded training in Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Emergency Medical Technician programs. Dr. Schultz added, “I am so proud of our institution and the innovative learning programs and extracurricular activities curated to offer each of our students the opportunity to explore interests, develop personally and professionally, and reach their full potential.”

At the Temecula Valley Campus, the start of the academic year was marked by memorable moments. Sisters Elyssa and Naya Sim began their college experience together, while Great Oak High School graduates Aidan Savena and Owen Streeter enjoyed a welcoming breakfast as they started their college journey in their hometown. The sense of community and local pride was evident as students embraced the opportunities ahead.

The San Jacinto Campus saw an extra layer of excitement with the unveiling of the new STEM building. Students, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography major Anahi Guerra Brito, were impressed by the state-of-the-art facility. “The building is beautiful, honestly. It’s very new and very technologically advanced, and I’m happy to start classes here,” she noted.

At the Menifee Valley Campus, the Learning Resource Center tutors, including Ace Araujo, Olivia Frazier, and Katrina Bellemonte, rallied behind the students with encouraging words: “We are rooting for you, Eagles!” Their support highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication of the Menifee Valley Campus community.

As MSJC moves forward into this academic year, the college remains committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment where every student can thrive. With a focus on community and academic excellence, MSJC is poised for a successful and transformative year ahead.

For Dr. Schultz’s welcome video message, please visit https://youtu.be/Gap_ElK8Z2Q.

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Caris Sandino, 28, of Beaumont, was one of the two MSJC graduates to receive the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Scholarship. The coveted scholarship was awarded to only 60 students across the nation. She said joining the MSJC Honors Enrichment Program was one of the best decisions she’s made.  

“I am really happy with my experience at MSJC,” Sandino said. “It helped me grow personally and academically as well.” 

Of the 2,183 students earning degrees and certificates this year, 974 graduates walked in one of two ceremonies, marking the highest number of students to date participating in commencement. The MSJC Class of 2024 earned a total of 2,848 degrees and certificates, as some students earn more than one degree, certificate or a combination of both.  

The ceremony honored the college district’s 60th anniversary with the theme “A Legacy of Transformation.” MSJC began its anniversary celebration in the 2023-24 academic year to mark the 1963 opening of the college. Its first graduating class was celebrated in 1965, with a total of eight students.  

Sandino came to the U.S. from Nicaragua when she was 11 with her mother and is the first in her family to graduate from college. She founded MSJC’s Eagles DREAMers Club, which provides a safe space for undocumented students to network, advocate, and get the support they need to succeed.  

“Launching Eagles DREAMers has been one of the most personally meaningful accomplishments in my college journey,” Sandino said. “It’s been an incredible privilege to advocate for and support our undocumented student community, knowing that our efforts have the power to impact lives and foster inclusivity within our college community.”  

Her leadership and hard work in the classroom helped her earn the Cooke scholarship.  Sandino will transfer to the University of California, Berkeley to major in business administration.  

Temecula resident Joseph Awad, who served as Student Trustee this past year at MSJC, was the second MSJC graduate to receive the Cooke scholarship in 2024. Awad will transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles to major in psychology.  

Like Sandino, Awad joined the Honors Enrichment Program and was recognized for several significant research projects, including an Outstanding Abstract award from the Honors Transfer Council of California’s Research Conference held at University of California, Riverside in April for his research on “Contextualizing the Lived Experiences of Queer Arabs: Understanding the Dimensions & Manifestations of Fear.”  

Awad, 20, said his experiences and success seem surreal given his background as a self-described “first-generation, queer, Arab immigrant, wannabe college student.” He credited his success to his mentors and “many kind souls at MSJC.” 

“I hope the past three years of my life can show how much you can change somebody’s life by investing in them and their story, and for that I’ll always be grateful,” Awad said.  

Lake Elsinore residents Eric Ellis, 35, and his wife, Carolyn Ellis, 38, celebrated a milestone as they crossed the stage together. Eric, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, plans to become a social worker to support fellow veterans in their mental health journeys. 

Carolyn plans to transfer to Loma Linda University to become a surgical technician.  

“MSJC provided all the building blocks we needed to reach our goals and have meaningful careers,” Carolyn Ellis said. 

Jilema Silver, 44, of San Jacinto, said she was proud to graduate MSJC with her son, Cameron Britt, 23. Silver said she started pursuing a degree in business, but through her work at MSJC’s Veterans Resource Center, she decided to receive a second degree in psychology so she could help others. In addition, Silver served as the vice president of the Student Government Association, went to a conference in Washington, D.C. and learned how important it was to “speak up on matters.”  

“I love MSJC,” Silver said before the ceremony. “I love everything that it’s done for me, [and] the professors and I just grew as a person.” 

Silver is transferring to California State University, San Bernardino and said her son is already earning money with his degree in digital media, serving in a paid internship through the city of Menifee. 

Silver served as a student speaker during the morning graduation ceremony. She thanked her son for sharing in the journey, faculty for their support, and peers for becoming friends and companions.  

“As we step out into the world, let us do so with heads held high, knowing that the legacy of transformation we leave behind will continue to inspire and uplift others for generations to come,” Silver told the Class of 2024. “I leave you with these final words: Remember you can do anything and everything – except give up.” 

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