SJVC’s Delano campus makes it official

More than 100 attendees recently enjoyed a ribbon cutting ceremony at San Joaquin Valley College’s newest campus located in Delano. The Central Valley campus opened its doors to Medical and Business students on Sept. 14, 2015, and was proud to invite the Delano community and many of its leaders, as well as State governmental representatives, to this momentous event.

The ceremony took place on Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and included a program of ‘Welcome’ from many speakers, tours of the campus and classrooms, refreshments, and the opportunity for visitors and SJVC students, staff and faculty to interact.

“There was lively conversation and great interaction and learning experience for both the community and our students,” says Patricia Hruby, Delano Campus Director.

Patricia Hruby, along with Carole Brown, SJVC’s VP of Academic Affairs, and Jalyssa Alvarado, an SJVC Delano Medical Assisting student, represented the College at the podium. Distinguished guests and speakers (some representing those in governmental positions listed below) participating in the program included: Ricardo Chavez, Mayor, City of Delano; Janet Rabanal, President/CEO, Delano Chamber of Commerce; Congressman David Valadao; State Senator Andy Vidak; Assemblyman Rudy Salas; Supervisor Mick Gleason; Jay Tamsi, President/CEO, Kern Co. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Max Bacerra, Principal, Maximus III Company.

Several local dignitaries presented the college with Certificates of Recognition and Appreciation. “We received a warm, wonderful welcome from the Delano community,” says Patricia. “Their overwhelming praise and gratitude for SJVC being here were very much appreciated.”

For many, the highlight of the event was a moving speech given by Jalyssa Alvarado. Growing up, Jalyssa did not have family support and struggled throughout high school. Her 14-year-old brother committed suicide and her mom went to prison for drug use. As a pregnant teen, Jalyssa and her boyfriend married and began a shared life of mutual support and encouragement. They now have three young daughters.

She shared some of her story of hard-won success with those gathered to get a closer look at the Delano campus and its impact on students, families, employers and the community. “Jalyssa was the personification of why Delano needed SJVC in its community,” says Patricia. (Speech excerpt below.)

“Everyone has a past and mine wasn’t the best. And I can’t change that. But one thing I can do is not let misery repeat itself and not let my children grow up not believing in themselves. Because they have someone encouraging them and believing in them, they will have the best education and future. As soon as my youngest started school, I decided to continue my education. Not only to make myself proud, but to make them proud of me. Coming to SJV has been the best decision I have ever made. To anyone who thinks you can’t become something, I can guarantee once you walk in the SJVC doors, you won’t feel that way anymore.”

“The student speaker reduced everyone to tears with her speech,” says Carole Brown. “Delano and SJVC are truly a wonderful, perfect match.”