The latest — and final — project funded by the measure was celebrated Thursday at MSJC’s Menifee campus: Regional leaders, educators, and community partners turned out for a ribbon-cutting and dedication for the Menifee Valley Campus Math and Science Building.

“Inside this building, there are modern classrooms, labs, and learning environments that support discovery, collaboration, and hands-on learning,” said MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz. “These are the kinds of spaces that help students succeed, whether they are preparing for transfer, entering the workforce, or exploring new possibilities for their future.”

Celebrating the completion of a building that cost about $50 million to build was not the only reason to gather.

Measure AA — the voter-approved bond passed in 2014 that allowed MSJC to modernize and expand its San Jacinto, Menifee, and Temecula campuses, including the new STEM building — was completed. According to MSJC, 13 campus projects were funded by Measure AA over the years, including the opening of the Temecula campus and the 2023 completion of the Menifee campus stadium. Other notable Measure AA-funded projects include the San Jacinto campus STEM building, Science Village on the Menifee campus, and the creation of a digital media studio at the Menifee campus.

“When voters approved this bond measure, they invested in more than brick and mortar — they invested in opportunity,” MSJC Student Trustee Claudia Walukouw said. “This [Menifee Valley Campus Math and Science Building] represents the belief that every MSJC student deserves access to spaces where curiosity can flourish, and futures can take shape.”

Last week’s event also recognized MSJC’s Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, whose members provided accountability and stewardship throughout the Measure AA program.

In addition to the ribbon cutting, guests participated in an open house featuring campus resource tables, instructional labs, classrooms, and tours of the recently opened Studio215 and ieNOW facilities.

To learn more about Measure AA and the projects it supported, visit www.msjc.edu/measureaa.

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This prestigious honor reflects the team’s strong commitment to academic achievement alongside athletic performance. The 3C2A Scholar Team designation represents a standard of excellence to which all collegiate teams aspire and highlights the dedication, discipline, and perseverance demonstrated by MSJC’s student-athletes both in the classroom and on the sand.

“We are incredibly proud of our Beach Volleyball student-athletes for this well-earned recognition,” said MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz. “This honor showcases our commitment to developing well-rounded students who excel academically while competing at a high level.”

The MSJC Beach Volleyball team will be formally recognized at the 3C2A Scholar-Athlete Luncheon, scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as part of the annual 3C2A Convention in Burbank, California. The luncheon celebrates scholar-athletes and scholar teams from across the state, including students who have achieved academic success while overcoming significant challenges.

As part of the recognition, MSJC will also honor individual members of the Beach Volleyball team for their academic accomplishments.

This achievement reflects Mt. San Jacinto College’s ongoing commitment to student success, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership through athletics.

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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.

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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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The Chime Workforce Scholarship recognizes high-achieving college students who are pursuing career and technical educational opportunities. This scholarship helps defray educational expenses while the student is enrolled in a certificate or associate degree workforce development program at a two-year college.

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity. We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.

Harris is one of 200 students to receive the Chime Workforce Scholarships.

“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” Amanda Karpinski Gorman, interim director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, said. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish.”

The scholarship provided by Chime will help students cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses associated with completing their degree or certificate program.

About Chime Scholars Foundation

The Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) helps everyday people unlock financial progress and build a better future through higher education – whether that’s college, workforce training, or trade school. Learn more about SCF and Chime at Chime.com.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academicachievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

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MSJC students reached the college’s highest success rate ever—74.3%—while course completion rates climbed to a record 89.9%. More students than ever—53%—are earning degrees in three years or less, supported by streamlined pathways that help them reach their goals efficiently.

“These achievements reflect the dedication and talent of our students and the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff to fostering accessible, high-quality learning,” said MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz.

The college also celebrates landmark accomplishments:

• Named Best Community College in the Region for the second consecutive year by The Press-Enterprise readers.
• Received full reaffirmation of accreditation through 2032.
• Earned AAAHC accreditation for the Student Health Center.
• Recognized as one of America’s Top Online Colleges by Newsweek.
• Honored in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications for impact and access.

With exciting course offerings, strong enrollment, and thriving learning environments in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats, MSJC offers flexible options and a vibrant campus experience. Students are encouraged to engage in leadership, student government, clubs, athletics, and performing arts, and to make use of resources such as tutoring, mental health support, food pantries, and Eagles Landing Centers.

“This year, we’re excited to see our students continue setting ambitious goals and achieving them,” Dr. Schultz said. “The environment we’ve created empowers our Eagles to thrive, explore opportunities, and reach new heights.”

For more information, visit www.msjc.edu.

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The Commission’s decision follows a comprehensive evaluation process that included MSJC’s Institutional Self-Evaluation Report (ISER), a peer review team site visit, and a detailed analysis of evidentiary materials. The final action letter from ACCJC commends the college for meeting and, in several areas, exceeding all eligibility requirements and accreditation standards. Notably, the college received no compliance recommendations, signifying full alignment with the Commission’s expectations.

“This extraordinary achievement is a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and collective commitment of our entire college community,” said Rebecca Teague, MSJC’s Vice President of Student Services and Accreditation Liaison Officer. “From faculty and classified professionals to administrators and students, everyone played a critical role in making this possible. Our college was recognized not just for meeting standards, but for leading with heart, innovation, and equity.”

The ACCJC issued two formal commendations recognizing exemplary practices at MSJC:

For its institution-wide initiative, “Call to Action: Radical Reduction of Opportunity Gaps for African American and Black Students,” which demonstrates sustained, inclusive dialogue and meaningful efforts to promote equity and eliminate achievement gaps.

For the outstanding work of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), lauded for its data-informed, personalized approach to engaging and supporting veteran students.

“These commendations reflect the heart of who we are as an institution: equity-minded, student-focused, and relentlessly dedicated to serving all who walk through our doors,” added Teague.

In addition to these accolades, the Commission offered one recommendation for improvement related to institutional effectiveness. The college has already taken steps to address this by implementing a new syllabus management system to better align course learning outcomes with official course outlines. This recommendation will be addressed in MSJC’s Midterm Report due in 2029.

“The reaffirmation of our accreditation is more than a milestone. It is a testament to the integrity, excellence, and shared purpose that defines Mt. San Jacinto College,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent/President. “I could not be prouder of our team. This success belongs to every member of our college community, and it fuels our continued commitment to transforming learners, transforming communities, and transforming lives.”

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The grant, titled Removing Barriers, Ensuring Student Success, is designed to eliminate common financial obstacles faced by CNA students. Funds will be used to cover essential expenses such as certification exam fees, textbooks, uniforms, and other mandatory supplies for students identified as having financial need.

“This is a powerful investment in the success of our students,” said Patricia McBee, Nursing Associate Instructor. “I am deeply grateful to the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation, whose support significantly eases the financial burden for our CNA students. This grant allows them to focus fully on their training and future careers in healthcare.”

The Arthur N. Rupe Foundation provides grants to CNA programs across California Community Colleges, with a mission to expand access and opportunity for limited-income students pursuing careers in nursing. Learn more at https://rupefoundation.org.

This award reflects the MSJC CNA Program’s commitment to removing barriers and empowering students to thrive in high-demand healthcare fields. Learn more at https://www.msjc.edu/nursingandalliedhealth/cna.

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MSJC received a “Mixed Associate Large” designation in the 2025 Institutional Classification, placing it among only 78 institutions nationwide—just 2% of U.S. colleges and universities included in this category. This classification is based on various factors, including degree offerings, subject areas, and institutional size, and it groups MSJC with peer institutions offering a diverse mix of associate degrees at a large scale.

MSJC also earned a “Higher Access, Medium Earnings” designation in the newly introduced Student Access and Earnings Classification. This classification includes 1,321 institutions, accounting for 43% of all classified U.S. colleges and universities. It reflects MSJC’s strong record in serving historically underrepresented students and helping them achieve competitive earnings outcomes post-graduation.

“These designations reflect MSJC’s unwavering commitment to two of our top institutional priorities—Equity in Access and Equity in Success,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent/President. “We are proud to be recognized for enrolling and supporting a diverse student population, and for preparing our students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the workforce.”

The Institutional Classification is a revised framework that offers a descriptive snapshot of institutions based on publicly reported data. It is intended to promote research, analysis, and understanding of the structure of American higher education.

The Student Access and Earnings Classification, added in 2025, evaluates colleges based on two key dimensions: the enrollment of Pell Grant recipients and underrepresented racial/ethnic students (Access) and post-attendance earnings eight years after entry (Earnings), contextualized by local economic and demographic data.

For more information on the 2025 Carnegie Classifications and to explore an interactive database, visit: https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu.

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Under the powerful theme “Siempre Presente: Reclaiming the Power of Voice, Identity, y Cultura,” this year’s conference brought together scholars, educators, and student leaders from across the country to celebrate Latinx heritage, uplift marginalized voices in education, and champion transformative change within Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Leslie was one of the selected group of students nationally recognized during the conference for her resilience, academic achievement, and community leadership.

As part of the scholarship recognition, Leslie had the honor of sharing her personal story—an inspiring testimony of perseverance, identity, and triumph. Born in Oaxaca and raised in Tijuana, Leslie immigrated to the United States at age 16, facing the dual challenges of adapting to a new culture and language while navigating an unfamiliar school system. Despite early setbacks, she graduated from high school with top honors and a 3.9 GPA, setting her sights on higher education.

“MSJC has been a pivotal part of my journey,” said Leslie. “As a first-generation college student, it provided me with a strong academic foundation and the opportunity to engage in leadership roles. My involvement in student organizations, like the Eagles Dreamers Club and the Puente Club, helped me develop leadership, advocacy, and community-building skills. The support I received from professors and mentors allowed me to explore my passions and refine my goals, setting me on a clear path toward my future career.”

Leslie’s story reflects the power of community and culturally affirming spaces. At MSJC, she serves as Treasurer and Social Media Manager for the Eagles Dreamers Club. She is also a long-standing member of the Puente Club, part of the LGBTQIA+ Club, the Honors Enrichment Program, and Phi Theta Kappa. In her role with MSJC’s Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program, Leslie helps other students access critical support services, particularly those from immigrant and underserved backgrounds.

“Leslie embodies the values of MSJC’s Hispanic and Latinx Initiatives—resilience, leadership, and a commitment to service,” said Leticia Luna-Sims, MSJC’s Director of Title V – Hispanic & Latinx Initiatives. “Her story moved everyone in the room. She is a shining example of how our students thrive when their identities are affirmed and their voices are uplifted. We are incredibly proud of her and excited for the bright future ahead of her.”

Leslie plans to transfer to a University of California campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting or marketing. Her long-term goal is to build a company that empowers women and champions inclusion in the corporate world.

MSJC celebrates Leslie’s accomplishments and the work of AHSIE in creating spaces where student voices like hers can be heard, honored, and elevated.

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