The graduates finished the college’s 18-week EMT program at different intervals in recent weeks, receiving their medical technician “pins” and graduation certificates, enabling them to sit for the National EMT Certification Examination, according to MSJC.

The program is offered at both the main San Jacinto campus and the Menifee satellite campus.

Enrollees are provided ambulance ride-alongs, hands-on simulations, internships and a bevy of related academic drills that emphasize “real-world preparedness, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in emergency situations,” according to a campus statement.

Among the graduates was 44-year-old Nicolas Piepenbrink of Hemet, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Though his lifelong goal has been to become an EMT, previous efforts faltered due to challenges with the methods of instruction, officials said. However, he praised the teaching practices at MSJC, which provided the means for him to readily grasp the concepts and attain success at the end of the 18-week session.

“I finally felt like I was learning in a way that worked for me,” he said. “The excellent support from my instructors made all the difference.”

Riverside County requires that even basic life-support ambulances be staffed by EMTs. Some ambulances also have certified paramedics aboard.

The county has a long-standing contract with American Medical Response to handle all calls for medical aid, when required, countywide.

The county Emergency Management Department has regularly pointed to the need for greater numbers of EMTs and paramedics to handle growing demand.

Additional details on the MSJC program are available at www.msjc.edu/nursingandalliedhealth/emergencymedicalservices.

The post Officials Say Riverside County Needs More EMTs; MSJC Answers The Call appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Since his appointment in 2008, Dr. Schultz has guided MSJC through an era of remarkable growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the college expanded from two campuses to three, opening new facilities in San Jacinto, Menifee, and Temecula, and adding state-of-the-art academic and athletic spaces that serve thousands of students across the region. He has led historic enrollment gains, record-breaking graduation numbers, and the passage of a $295 million local bond that fueled infrastructure, innovation, and access.

Dr. Schultz also successfully navigated the college through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of instruction, support, and community connection. Through a thoughtful and collaborative return-to-campus process, he helped MSJC emerge even stronger—welcoming students back to in-person learning with renewed energy and record enrollment levels.

During his tenure, MSJC has earned numerous state and national recognitions, including reaffirmation of the college’s accreditation through 2032, honors from Washington Monthly as one of the nation’s top two-year Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and recent dual designations from the Carnegie Foundation that highlight the college’s commitment to access, equity, and student success.

Most recently, MSJC has been voted the Best Community College and Best Nursing School in the Inland Empire for three consecutive years by local readers of The Press-Enterprise, a reflection of the deep community trust built under Dr. Schultz’s leadership.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Mt. San Jacinto College and this incredible community,” said Dr. Schultz. “Together with our outstanding faculty, staff, and students, we’ve built an institution that truly transforms lives. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident that MSJC is poised to reach even greater heights in the years ahead.”

Beyond MSJC, Dr. Schultz has been a respected leader across California’s higher education landscape. He has served as President of the Chief Executive Officers Board of the Community College League of California and as Chair of the League’s Board of Directors, shaping statewide policy and championing the mission of all community colleges in the State. Locally, he has contributed to numerous civic and educational organizations, including charter school boards, chambers of commerce, and the Temecula Valley Hospital Board.

“Dr. Schultz’s vision and steady leadership have positioned MSJC for a bright and sustainable future,” said MSJC Board of Trustees President Tom Ashley. “His legacy will continue to shape our students, campuses, and communities for generations.”

The MSJC Board of Trustees will begin a national search for the college’s next Superintendent/President to ensure a smooth leadership transition before Dr. Schultz’s retirement.

The post Dr. Roger W. Schultz Announces Retirement After Nearly Two Decades as Mt. San Jacinto College Superintendent/President appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Apply for financial aid.

During a Wednesday, Oct. 8, event at San Bernardino Valley College, they launched the Cash for College campaign.

It aims to encourage students and their parents to fill out financial aid paperwork through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.

The event organized by the California Student Aid Commission, the San Bernardino Community College District and KVCR Public Media  brought together local educators — and mascots from Inland colleges and universities.

“We know it’s getting harder to save for college and many families feel they haven’t saved enough,” Diana Rodriguez, the district’s chancellor said, according to a news release. “Financial aid is here to help, especially for working and middle-class families.”

Last year, about 44,000 Inland Empire high school seniors  — 7 in 10  —  applied for aid, but 3 in 10 missed out, the release states.

“That means thousands of families left money on the table,” said Angel Rodriguez, a member of the commission and a San Bernardino college district associate vice chancellor. “Cash for College is how we change that and make sure every family knows help is here.”

To locate free in-person or online workshops and guidelines on applying, students and families can visit IECashForCollege.org or CSAC.ca.gov.

The application period began Wednesday, Oct. 1, and has a priority deadline of March 2.

Families also can call the California Student Aid Commission at 888-224-7268.

The post Inland Empire educators launch ‘Cash for College’ campaign appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Student of the Month Committee member Lakshman Koka emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

September’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Jaysen Arreola, Nevaeh Gray, Charlee Horton, Isaac Montes and Lily Snow. San Jacinto Unified honorees for September are Monique Merendon and Raven Volrie. Edgar Gladin from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District

Jaysen Arreola

Hemet High School chose to honor Jaysen as its first Student of the Month. Teacher Laura Brown said after having Jaysen in Honors English as a sophomore, she encouraged him to take AP Research, the highest class offered by the College Board and “he is thriving.” Less than two years ago, Jaysen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative autoimmune disease which has no cure. He has to deal with doctors’ appointments for checkups, infusions, medications, tests and much more. “I have to take pills every day and there are times when I feel exhausted and sick and anxious almost to the point of being completing debilitated,” Jaysen said. “However, above all that I feel in a lot of ways my life is so much better. My grades have never been higher, and I feel so involved with my community, my school and family.” He volunteers at the Western Science Center and is treasurer for the Breakfast Club at his school. Jaysen said the accomplishment he is most proud of is the ability to care for her younger brother who is disabled. “The most important thing that I’ve probably learned from all these hardships and responsibilities and my fight to be healthy and happy is this: adaptation to and recovery from difficult situations comes one step at a time, which is kind of cliché but it is very true. He hopes to attend UC Berkeley to major in geology.

Nevaeh Gray

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said Nevaeh reminds her of one of her favorite quotes: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Former teacher and current varsity volleyball coach Lance Fogle said Nevaeh has always been a conscientious learner, cares for the people around her and is very confident in a leadership role. “She prefers to be unnoticed in her serving others but can also step up and out when needed; this is a rare quality,” he said. Nevaeh said she always worked hard in school, not for the rewards but for the knowledge she gained and the pride she gave to her grandparents who raised her. “Their love has been my greatest motivation but what truly defines me is not only academic—it is kindness,” Nevaeh said. “My kindness is not quiet or hidden; it is loud, visible and meant to be shared. I believe kindness has the power to change the atmosphere of a school and even the course of somebody’s life.” She plans to pursue a career in medicine as a traveling nurse to combine her passion for helping people with her dream of seeing the world.

Charlee Horton

Western Center Academy teacher Melanie Thornburg introduced Charlee as a leader on campus who excels academically and as a varsity athlete at her home school, which brings its own challenges because she has to travel. “The hardest thing I ever faced was my dad passing away,” Charlee said. “At first, I didn’t know how to move forward. I had to keep showing up for myself and everyone around me. I had to learn how to balance the grief of my dad passing away and the fragility of my grades. I had to learn how to stay focused on a future I couldn’t even see at the time.” She said her support system got her through it and taught her to reach out and support others. She plans to attend UC Irvine to study criminology to eventually become a lawyer. “A lesson that I will take with me to college, through my career and the rest of my life is to keep moving, even when I think I can’t,” Charlee said.

Isaac Montes

Tahquitz High School Digital Media Academy head Omar Ali has known Isaac since his freshman year, and said it took a while before he came out of shell. The following year, Ali was asked to recruit 30 students for the new Academy and he immediately knew that Isaac would be the best fit for that. He was looking for him to become a leader and ultimately he took to the position. “He controls all media coming out of our school, leading over 100 students in the digital media academy,” Ali said. Isaac said he suffers from hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, which necessitates him to wear gloves all the time. “But that isn’t necessarily my biggest challenge, which has mostly been communication,” he said. “I’ve struggled with being more open about that.” Isaac said stepping into the leadership role has given him the opportunity to face that and forced him, in a good way, to be more open with everybody. “The biggest lesson is there will always be opportunities,” he said. He said even if you think you missed it, even if you regret not taking advantage of an opportunity, there will always be another chance for that; it’s just a matter of time.

Lily Snow

The Academy of Innovation is an independent study school that chose to honor Lily for September. Math teacher Julie Hoye said Lily was the unanimous nomination among all teachers and is a great representation of the school and what it can offer students. Lily explained that she came to this school by necessity, having suffered a serious ATV accident the summer before she was to begin her freshman year at Hemet High School. Throughout her freshman and sophomore years she underwent 10 surgeries and nine of them were performed on her face which had taken the brunt of the damage. “It was brutal, and it wasn’t just about the surgeries and doctors’ appointments; it was about coming to terms with seeing a different face in the mirror,” Lily said. “It challenged me in ways I didn’t think were possible.” She said that being involved with ASB all four years and serving as president this year has taught her to always lead with purpose.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Monique Merendon

Mountain View High School selected Monique as its Student of the Month. CTE film and media teacher Ron DeGenova explained that as part of an alternative education school, his class is unique in that it emphasizes project-based learning, group project work and collaboration. He said Monique became a role model and leader for other students in the class. “One of the main lessons I’ve learned over time is that there’s always room for improvement no matter the struggles or mistakes you’ve made,” Monique said. “Always be kind, loving and respectful to others and God will be by your side.” She explained that she moved around a lot when she was younger and lived for a while with a mother who was addicted to drugs. She lost her older brother to an overdose, and she and her other siblings were removed from the home. Monique started using drugs herself and ended up in a juvenile detention facility. She has plans to graduate early and do a film production internship at Mt. San Jacinto College. Eventually she hopes to start her own real estate business. “Always have faith in yourself,” she said.

Raven Volrie

San Jacinto High School chose to honor Raven and English teacher Marissa Jensen said the young woman has faced obstacles that could have knocked her off her course but didn’t. She is the manager of the football team and helps with the yearbook. “She is someone who proves that obstacles don’t define us, how we respond to them does,” Jensen said. Raven explained that shortly after her father kicked her out of the house, he died. She was a sophomore at the time. “It was a pain that could’ve broken me but instead it taught me strength and resilience and the importance of never giving up,” Raven said. “I found joy being involved with the school, whether it was through clubs, activities or sports. Each opportunity gave me a chance to grow, not only as a student but as a person.” After high school, she plans to move to Texas to live with her grandfather and pursue her studies to become a medical laboratory technician. “This career path is not just a profession to me—it’s a way to give back to help others and to use my skills to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Raven said. “Every step I have taken has been guided by my faith. Without God in my life I don’t know if I would have had the strength to keep pushing forward.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Edgar Gladin was chosen to represent Noli Indian School as Student of the Month. Principal Donovan Post said the school offers middle and high school courses for any student from a federally recognized Tribe within about an 85–90-mile radius. He said he feels honored when students such as Edgar make the choice to attend Noli and not a local school closer to their homes. Teacher Jacquelin Phillips has been at Noli for almost two decades and described Edgar as a student who is always striving for success and is very inquisitive, which pushes her as a teacher. After graduation, Edgar plans to take EMT courses and then enter the fire academy. One of the biggest obstacles he has had to overcome is the loss of his dear cousin earlier this year. “A life lesson I will take with me everywhere I go is to never give up—always walk with your head up and your chest out,” Edgar said. “I plan to give back to my community every chance I get, whether that’s by teaching my culture or lending a hand to someone in need.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in September appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Last year, readers voted MSJC “Best Community College” and “Best Associate Degree in Nursing” for the second consecutive year. This year’s expanded recognition highlights MSJC’s continued excellence and innovation in education, providing students with accessible, high-quality programs that prepare them for transfer, career advancement, and personal growth.

“Being named the best by our community means so much because it reflects the trust and confidence our students, families, and neighbors have in MSJC,” said MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz. “What makes this recognition even more meaningful is that these votes were earned organically—we did not ask our students or employees to participate—showing the genuine appreciation our region has for the college. These honors celebrate the outstanding work of our faculty and staff, who remain dedicated to student success every single day.”

The Press-Enterprise “Best of Inland Empire” awards are determined by thousands of readers who cast their votes each year to recognize their favorite local businesses, organizations, and institutions.

Mt. San Jacinto College offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs across its 1,700-square-mile service area—from the San Gorgonio Pass to Temecula—delivering online, in-person, and hybrid options that expand access and bring higher education directly into local communities.

About Mt. San Jacinto College

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 annually across a 1,700-square-mile area. With campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass, MSJC provides accessible, equitable, and innovative educational programs. The college offers a wide range of courses and programs designed to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals.

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