“This is an ambitious journey to shape the future of higher education in our region,” said Dr. Lisa DeForest, Chairman of the Southwest Higher Education Coalition. “With only 21% of our population over 25 years old holding a bachelor’s degree, compared to a national average of 54%, our greatest export cannot be our talent, skill, and future. By expanding California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) offerings at the University Center, we aim to create a magnet for talent that will attract and retain skilled individuals in Southwest Riverside County.”

MSJC serves over 30,000 students annually, yet less than 30% of its graduates pursue a four-year degree due to the distance to existing universities. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap by offering expanded four-year degree opportunities locally.

“The expansion of CSUSM’s programs will help us develop a comprehensive curriculum in fields such as nursing, business, education, and STEM,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of MSJC. “This is about more than growing a campus; it’s about investing in our community’s future, keeping talent here, and fueling economic vitality in one of California’s fastest-growing areas.”

Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM, emphasized the impact of education on social mobility. “CSUSM is nationally recognized for fostering social mobility. Expanding our presence here aligns with our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through higher education.”

The Temecula campus has been life-changing for students like Alyssa Clerihan, a participant in the 2+2 Business Pathway Program. “The convenient location, small class sizes, and supportive environment have allowed me to achieve my education and dream job without leaving my family and friends. It’s been a game changer for me in so many ways,” she shared.

A recent program graduate, Jack Norwood, reflected on the importance of staying close to home while pursuing his degree. “Caring for my mother and grandmother meant I couldn’t relocate or afford long commutes. This program allowed me to achieve my goals while staying rooted in my community—it was the start of the best story of my life.”

The coalition has raised over $6.5 million toward the $18 million needed for improvements, thanks to contributions from 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington, the City of Temecula, and local service groups.

“We invite everyone to join this effort—whether through funding, partnerships, or spreading awareness,” said Dr. DeForest. “Together, we can build a brighter future for Southwest Riverside County.”

The coalition’s next meeting will be held on January 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Murrieta Library.

For more information on how to get involved, visit MSJC.edu/UniversityCenter.

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Students in five categories were acknowledged with a certificate and other incentives. Those in the Silver/Outstanding category with a GPA of 3.0-3.4 were: Brave Alvarez, Jeffrey Arres, Lokelani Basquez, Victoria Maria Boiso, Wynonah Boniface, Noah Cardenas, Jaden Carmelo, Mahryah Carmelo, Raelina Castillo, Selaya Helms, Lavina Lopez, Carlos Manzanilla, Gemma Mazza, Ronald Morillo III, Wayne Nelson, Danny Placencia, Jordyn K. Placencia, Adam Post, AnnaBella J. Reyes, Paloma Rodriguez, Myah Saenz, Noyáaykit Silvas, Gloria Valdez, Bella Vallejo and Ginger Velazquez.

Those with a GPA of 3.5-3.9 who were in the Gold/Superior Achievement category were: Crystal Bernice Arrietta, Emily Pauline Arrietta, Ava Brittian, Nokaamay Briones, Zachary Te’met Guacheno, Marco Hernandez, Alana Kashersky, Duke Marruffo Lara, Sadie Pimentel, Emalee Post, Sophia Marie Resvaloso, Shawna Rivera, Agustin Salgado and Raya Salgado.

An impressive GPA of 4.0 or higher qualified the following for placement in the Platinum/Academic Excellence category: Huahnee Briones, Ava Ciccone-Cozart, Hallee Cozart, Aureny Manzanilla, Draven Modesto, Aimee Suvoowut Organ, Jade Reyes, Savannah Rivera and Bella Ward. Students in the first three categories received a certificate, cash envelope and varying sizes of ollas, handmade by Tony Soares.

Also recognized were high school graduates who received a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate.

Breanna Casarez enjoys beading and plans to become a tattoo and piercing artist. Crystal Gonzalez enjoys drawing and spending time with her pets. She plans on attending college and obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to become a NICU Nurse. Avellaka Manzanilla enjoys playing volleyball and beading. She recently enlisted in the United States Navy and plans on establishing a long successful career in the military. Shayna Morreo enjoys beading and volunteering at animal shelters. She enjoys playing basketball and plans on enlisting in the United States Army. Joseph Resvaloso enjoys gaming and basketball. He plans on continuing to work at his current job and would like to be promoted to manager. Alayna Resvaloso-Wood enjoys gardening, working and volunteering. She plans on attending college and majoring in American Indian Studies with a minor in Child Development. She hopes one day to be working for her Tribe.

Eddie Rios enjoys watching movies, TikTok and IG Reels and would like to attend college to pursue law. Luisa Rivera enjoys softball and beading. She was ASB President, member of the Beading Club and AVID. She played varsity softball and volleyball. She will be attending MSJC in the fall where she plans to major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Raymond Russell II enjoys football, baseball, basketball, photography and art as well as gaming, golf and riding off-road. He plans to attend a vocational institution to become a mechanic. Lorraine Salgado enjoys embroidery and baking. She played varsity lacrosse and was a member of Future Farmers of America and the Hemet High Care Club. She will be attending UC San Diego in the fall with plans to become a dentist. Jolie Saliego enjoys attending concerts and was team captain of her lacrosse team, played varsity golf and soccer. She will be attending Onondaga Community College to play lacrosse and will then transfer to a four-year university to become a Physical Therapist. She also may enlist in the United States Air Force after college.

Rudy V. Sanchez enjoys problem solving that requires him to build structures or items from the ground up. He is currently working at the Soboba Indian Health Clinic through the CIMC program. He plans to attend a vocational institution to become an electrician. Leandro Silvas IV enjoys playing basketball, football and riding his dirt bike. He plans to travel and is considering higher education in the future. Daniel Valdez Jr. enjoys golf and pickleball. He was ASB Class President, a Soboba Fire Explorer and played varsity volleyball. He will be attending the University of Las Vegas Nevada in the fall, where he will be majoring in hospitality in hopes of returning to work for his Tribe. Jose Gabriel Valle Jr. enjoys hiking and will be attending Ventura Community College. He plans on entering the automotive industry.

Those students who earned their college degrees or vocational certifications also were honored with a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate.

Jasmine Basquez received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Liberal Arts from Park University. She currently works at the Soboba Tribal Preschool and plans on continuing her education in early childhood development. John Briones III received a 728-hour program certificate for the fundamentals of Fabrication III from the Fab School. He plans on continuing his higher education and attending other programs offered by the school. Shade Briones received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She plans on continuing her education by pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology and working with American Indian adolescents in the mental health field.

Tatiana Diaz received her Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and was recently accepted to the University of California, Riverside where she plans on pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She will continue to work for the Tribe and would like to give back by serving for the Soboba Economic Development Corporation. William Huber Jr. received his Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies from the University of California, Riverside. His plans are to focus on career goals and working in a productive career that provides longevity. Avelaka Modesto received a Certificate of Completion for Nursing Assistant. She plans on obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse.

Alyssa Salgado received a Certificate of Completion for Nursing Assistant. She plans on obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and would like to become a NICU or labor and delivery nurse. Ariyana Salgado received a Certificate of Completion for Nursing Assistant. She plans on obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to become a Registered Nurse. Donald Seccombe IV received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from California State University, San Bernardino. He plans to obtain his teaching credential and become a teacher.

Rhonda Valenzuella received her associate’s degrees in behavioral science, Liberal Arts and Sociology from the California Indians Nations College/College of The Desert. She has been accepted to California State University, San Bernardino and plans to become a counselor. Vincent Vega recently earned his General Educational Development (GED) and his certification in Basic Automotive. Not only did he maintain a 4.0 GPA in the program, but he also completed the program at the top of his class. He plans on becoming a certified Master Mechanic and owning his own shop.

All Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members who qualified for any of these categories were invited to the luncheon held in their honor. Those who were able to attend were recognized on stage, where they received their certificates from members of the Tribal Council. Congratulating them were Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Michael Bentiste and Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Valdez.

More than 50 elegant table settings were enhanced by the beautiful centerpieces created by Adona Salgado. She also made the large arrangements used on stage and throughout the banquet room. A blessing by Wayne Nelson at the start of the program was followed by social songs from the Inter-Tribal Bird Singers and a video slideshow of all the students being honored.

Each student received a raffle ticket upon check-in and was able to go home with a fun motivator to work hard in the coming school year to be able to return for next summer’s event. From gift cards to Nintendo Switch game systems, laptop computers and big screen TVs, the prizes brought applause for, and smiles from, the lucky recipients.

Adding to this year’s excitement was the presence of a film crew from Southern California Tribal News who will feature the event in an upcoming segment at www.sctca.net.

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