Soboba Tribal Member Rose Salgado was among the nine Class of 2025 honorees. Her sister Frances Diaz and sister-in-law Claudia Salgado accepted the posthumous award on her behalf. Rose, who passed away in 2021, was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and Tribal leader, born and raised on the reservation of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, of which she was a member and where she served on the Council for 28 years. She served on numerous nonprofit and educational boards as an advocate for educational equity for American Indian students. She was a Trustee of the San Jacinto Unified School District.

“Our family was very honored to witness this plaque being awarded to my sister Rose,” said Diaz. “She comes from a family of many leaders and throughout her lifetime followed in their footsteps. This event was very emotional for me, always reminding me of the loss I feel with her moving on in her journey.”

 “The honor that was granted to Aunt Rose was very emotional,” said Baseemah Arlene Salgado, daughter of former Chairman Robert J. Salgado Sr. who was Rose’s brother. “Her work ethic and dedication to the community have been inspiring. To also have the honoring in the Assembly as ‘something’ passed by a landslide 71 yeas 0 nays, I was honored to be in the presence of such an incredible day.”

Also attending the ceremony were Soboba Tribal Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado and Secretary Monica Herrera.

“I was honored to be a part of the whole floor ceremony; recognizing the different individuals made it an awesome event,” Vivanco said. “I’ve been invited multiple times but always had something going on. But this time having one of our own being recognized, I wasn’t going to miss that.”

He said it was a very proud moment to have a Soboba Tribal Member recognized for their contributions over the span of a very accomplished career.

“I was even more proud because Rose was someone I served alongside for many years and being able to witness firsthand her will to make things better for all is something I will never forget,” Vivanco said. “So, couple this with the opening of a new school in her name just a couple weeks ago, I’d say her legacy is having a pretty good year.”

On Aug. 1, San Jacinto Unified School District held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Rose Salgado Elementary School, which saw its first 450+ students on campus, Aug. 7. It honors Salgado’s profound impact and legacy in education, especially for Native American students.

The California Native American Legislative Caucus is chaired by Assemblymember James C. Ramos. Among the goals and objectives of the Caucus are to increase awareness and education among non-Californian Native American legislators about California Native cultures, history, and social impacts; to identify and prioritize issues for joint advocacy that the California Native American Legislative Caucus members, representing California Native American constituents, and tribal governments, can bring before the state legislature; to support the establishment and maintenance of the tribal-state communication and policy processes; to encourage open dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between the sovereign California Native American governments and state governments based on respect for individual and sovereign rights; and to work with the California Tribal governments, state and other governments, legislative caucuses, and issue-focused organizations on issues of mutual concerns.

The proclamation cited the commitment of California Indian tribes to contribute to the educational curricula provided by the State because they believe in providing new and improved educational resources about the varied cultural histories of, and governance models used by, California Native Americans. It further mentioned the cultural and governmental contributions of the Native people of California that have shaped the course of the State throughout history.

The document also served to officially recognize the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on Sept. 26, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture.

Starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 18, the sixth annual California Indian Cultural Awareness event began with a Land Acknowledgement and a Blessing at the Native American Monument in Capitol Park, honoring the history and enduring presence of California’s Native communities. Assemblymember Ramos was instrumental in the establishment of the monument.

“The highlights from the cultural awareness event being at the Native American Monument in the Capitol Park included Assemblymember Ramos having local Native Tribal representation to be a part of the ceremonies and to share their songs,” Baseemah Arlene Salgado said. “There was also representation of the Southern California Intertribal Birdsingers and dancers. One dancer was from Soboba, Su’la Arviso, and a local resident, Art Lopez, Torres Martinez tribal member. The words spoken by all the speakers were very inspiring. It was a proud moment. The resilience of our people had a strong presence that could be felt.”

Other Class of 2025 California Legislative Native American Caucus Honorees are Judge Abby Abinanti, a citizen and Chief Judge of the Yurok Tribe; Councilwoman Catalina R. Chacon, a citizen of the Pechanga Band of Indians, where she has served on the council since 2012; Chairman Frederick Quinton “Bo” Mazzetti was born, raised, and lived on the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indian Reservation, where he served as Tribal Chairman since 2007 (posthumous); and Clovis Unified School District graduates from the Class of ‘25, Bella Garcia, Ethan Molina, Jesse Reza, and Lily Hawkins—and Class of ’24 graduate Jennie Rocha displayed courage and persistence as they sought to exercise their right as Native American students to wear adornments and regalia representing their distinct tribal cultures during their high school graduations.

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Founded in 2011, Excelencia in Education launched the Presidents for Latino Student Success initiative in 2014 to support institutional leaders transforming higher education by ensuring Latino students have the opportunities and resources needed to succeed. Programs and initiatives that work for Latino students often serve as models for supporting all students, benefiting the broader educational landscape.

By joining the P4LSS network, Dr. Schultz will collaborate with Excelencia and other higher education leaders to share expertise, leverage resources, foster partnerships, and strengthen efforts to accelerate Latino student success at the national level.

“At Mt. San Jacinto College, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where all students can excel,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of MSJC. “Joining the Presidents for Latino Student Success network aligns with our mission to provide equitable access to education and empower our diverse student body. We are excited to partner with Excelencia in Education to further advance these efforts and drive meaningful impact.”

“Institutional leadership focused on intentionally serving Latino, and all, students is the hallmark of the presidents and chancellors in this network,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. “We are proud to catalyze and support them as they advance student success and grow talent for our country’s bright future.”

Dr. Schultz joins more than 150 higher education leaders in the P4LSS network. While this network represents only 5% of the thousands of colleges and universities nationwide, its members enroll 32% and graduate 34% of all Latino students in higher education.

Excelencia in Education is honored to work alongside visionary and action-driven leaders who have answered the national call to accelerate Latino student success and help shape America’s future.

To learn more about the Presidents for Latino Student Success network and the institutional leaders affiliated with Excelencia, visit: EdExcelencia.org/leadership/presidents-latino-student-success.

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Reflecting on his time at MSJC, Dr. Lawson shared his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he has gained during his more than five years with the college. “I have been blessed to be part of the MSJC family and look forward to taking what I’ve learned into my future endeavor,” said Dr. Lawson. “I want to thank Dr. Roger Schultz, Vice President Joyce Johnson, the Board of Trustees, the Executive Cabinet, our Distinguished Professors, and the classified professionals who have supported me in serving the students and communities of MSJC.”

Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of MSJC, extended his congratulations to Dr. Lawson on this significant achievement. “Dr. Lawson has been a remarkable leader and a champion for student success,” said Dr. Schultz. “His dedication to our students and communities has left a lasting impact, and we are proud to see him take on this well-deserved leadership opportunity. Northland Pioneer College is fortunate to have him.”

Vice President of Career Education, Nursing & Allied Health Joyce Johnson praised Dr. Lawson’s lasting contributions to MSJC. “Dr. Lawson’s vision and commitment to equity and access have shaped many of the positive changes we’ve seen in career education,” said VP Johnson. “While we will miss his leadership and passion, we celebrate this next chapter in his career and wish him every success.”

During his tenure at MSJC, Dr. Lawson led initiatives that significantly enhanced student success and strengthened the college’s connection to its surrounding communities. His departure represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for him, where his extensive experience and student-focused leadership will continue to benefit the students and communities of NPC.

Dr. Lawson also looks forward to relocating to Arizona and beginning this new venture alongside his beloved 135-pound Saint Bernard, affectionately known as “Fat Daddy.” He humorously noted, “As the saying goes, once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Well, I will continue to be an Eagle, as that’s also the mascot for NPC.”

Known for his servant-leadership approach, Dr. Lawson describes himself as a leader who prefers to shine the spotlight on the students he serves rather than his own accomplishments. His unwavering focus on student success will undoubtedly continue to guide his efforts in this new role.

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