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    Robert Byrd Launces US Census Efforts

    Martha A Rivas, a US Census partnership specialist for the Coachella Valley and Robert Byrd, Riverside County Auditor Controller helped launch the Riverside County count for the United States Census in 2010. Byrd encouraged community and business leaders “to do the best they can to count every one of our 2.1 million residents so that Riverside County doesn’t leave any money on the table.”

    (CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif.) Riverside Auditor Controller Robert Byrd encouraged United States Census workers and elected officials to help count all of Riverside County’s residents during the county’s census kickoff at the Doral Desert Princess Resort in Cathedral City.

    During the last census, in 2000, Riverside County and the Coachella Valley had some of the lowest responses in the state, said Martha A. Rivas, a U.S. Census partnership specialist for the Coachella Valley.

    Palm Springs’ 49 percent response rate was the lowest in the valley.

    Byrd said it’s important to obtain as accurate and complete population counts as possible to help determine how the government will distribute money to the county. The valley received less financial aid 10 years ago than it could have obtained because of the low response.
    The Census also determines the number of congress members, state assembly members and state senators California and the county will receive.

    Obtaining a correct count in this area has specific challenges, said Rivas. These include accessing gated communities and reaching seasonal residents, such as snowbirds and migrant workers.

    Byrd heard about the issues firsthand as his son served as an enumerator during the address canvassing for Census 2010.

    “My son shared with me the challenges that census workers face from locked gates to dogs to suspicious residents wary of strangers,” said Byrd. “He also told me once people understood he worked for the U.S. Census they were usually happy to help him.”

    Census questionnaires will be sent out in March 2010 and must be completed by April 1, 2010.
    Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia attended Thursday’s kickoff on behalf of Assemblyman Manuel Perez, D-Coachella.

    “In terms of the census … (Perez) believes that it is critically important that we use innovation and creativity to get into every corner of the valley,” Garcia said.

    In 2002, Robert Byrd became the county’s elected Auditor-Controller with more votes cast than in the entire history of the office. He was subsequently re-elected to a second four-year term in June of 2006.

    The function of the Auditor-Controller’s office is to verify, process and create more than 1,000 warrants to vendors each day and process and draft more than 40,000 paychecks for county employees each month. It oversees the disbursement of more than $3 billion in tax money each year, and reports and audits all of Riverside County’s expenses.

    Byrd has been chair of the Riverside County Employee Campaign and the Legislative Chair for the State Association of County Auditors. Additionally, Byrd is a commissioner on the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, and a member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, the Government Finance Officer’s Association and the State Association of County Auditors.

    Committed to his community, he’s a member of Riverside Rotary, board member of the Next of Kin Registry, is on the International Relations Council for Riverside and performs as Finance Chairperson for La Sierra Academy’s Board of Trustees.

    For details on the Riverside County Auditor-Controller’s office call (951) 955-3800.

    Robert E. Byrd, CGFM, is elected by the voters of Riverside County, heads the Office of the Auditor-Controller. The Auditor-Controller staff and management teams are dedicated to providing sound financial accounting, auditing and reporting in order to serve the citizens of Riverside County. More information is available on the Web at http://www.auditorcontroller.org.

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    Art Insitute Grads to Display Portfolios

    Cesar Bahena of Hesperia, a March graduate of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, displays his art projects at the March 2009 Graduate Portfolio Review. The June graduates of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will be featured in the June 2009 Graduate Portfolio Review, taking place June 16, 2009 at the Riverside Art Museum.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Students nearing graduation from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will showcase the best of their work when the school hosts its Graduate Portfolio Show on Tuesday, June 16 at the Riverside Art Museum.

    “This is our third show, and the second time we have showcased it in the historic building that encompasses the Riverside Art Museum. Now that many of our students are soon becoming alumni, we hope that area employers will come and enjoy a display of commercial art in a great art venue, but also consider bringing these talented artists with new college degrees into their workplace,” said Cindy Jones, director of Career Services for The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

    “We also celebrate this important milestone with our students and honor them as they begin their journey into professional lives.”

    Employers looking for talented, newly graduated professionals in the fields of Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Culinary Arts and Media Arts & Animation are invited to attend this reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riverside Art Museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside. They’re asked to RSVP with Brenda Medina at (909) 915-2192.

    From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the party continues its focus on the graduates, but the guests joining them during this portion of the event will be their own friends and family. These three hours are also open to the public

    The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will serve hors d’ouvres and beverages, some of which are being created by the new graduates of the Culinary Arts program.

    The Graduate Portfolio Show is now a quarterly tradition for The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. It began holding this event last December, and has had a growing number of students complete their degrees in the two quarters since then.

    The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

    The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

    It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin July 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

    For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

    The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/), a system of over 40 education locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, and culinary arts professionals.

    -end-

    IE African American Chamber Hosts Reception for Rialto Superintendent Dr. Harold Cebrun

    The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce holds a reception for Dr. Harold Cebrun, superintendent of Rialto Unified School District, on Thursday, July 2.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Rialto Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Harold Cebrun on Thursday, July 2, 2009.

    The reception will place at Acquire Learning Center, 1188 W. Leiske Drive in Rialto, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

    Dr. Cebrun took over the superintendent’s duties in Rialto in February 2009, after former superintendent Edna Davis-Herring resigned. Superintendent Cebrun has worked for more than 40 years in public education, starting as a substitute teacher.

    “Dr. Cebrun is a leader in the war against ignorance, striving always to share his wealth of knowledge with schools, school districts, businesses and corporate executives,” said Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim), when Congress honored him with special recognition in 1998, for what was then 30 years of service to education. “He is an eloquent speaker whose views are sought by many organizations. His expertise in team building, team management and effective leadership has earned him the respect and admiration of peers and community leaders.”

    He will share these views with members of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce at this reception, and listen to their concerns and suggestions as to how he can serve youth in Rialto.

    “We are grateful, that in such a short period of time, the Rialto Board of Education unanimously selected an experienced, highly educated and highly motivated superintendent who has started off with great strides,” said Board Member Joanne Gilbert. “We appreciate the Inland Empire African American Chamber recognizing our superintendent and offering this generous ‘meet and greet’ for the community.”

    Before arriving in Rialto, Dr. Cebrun served as superintendent of the Lynwood Unified School District, for five years and served as superintendent for Compton Unified School District for five years.

    He previously was the Assistant Commissioner for Athletics in the California Interscholastic Federation, which oversees high school sports programs throughout the state. He was the first African-American employed by CIF since its inception in 1913.

    “I am humbled, and always welcome the opportunity to thank community leaders who make efforts in uniting and building bridges through these positive encounters,” stated Superintendent Cebrun.

    Dr. Cebrun earned his master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University and holds two doctorate degrees, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia Pacific University and an Ed.D. from Argosy University. He has also completed additional studies for life credentials as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, attending University of Southern California and Pepperdine University.

    “The Rialto Unified community, which includes portions of Rialto and San Bernardino, is fortunate to have a leader the caliber of Dr. Cebrun,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, and the father of two Rialto Unified students.

    “As a business leader and as a parent, I am excited about this opportunity for local African-American community leaders to meet and support him as he serves the Rialto Unified School District.”

    The reception is free and refreshments are included. The event is co-sponsored by San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, Rialto Council Member Deborah Robertson, Fontana Mayor Pro Tem Acquanetta Warren, Acquire Learning Center and Dameron Communications.

    For more information, or to RSVP, please call Shannan Gonzales at 909-888-0017.

    About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
    The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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    Meet San Bernardino's New City Manager Charles McNeely

    The Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce will host a reception for new San Bernardino City Manager Charles McNeely on Thursday, June 11 at Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    (San Bernardino, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Charles McNeely, San Bernardino’s new city manager on Thursday, June 11.

    The reception takes place at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

    McNeely began leading San Bernardino through the City Manager’s office on Monday, June 1. He previously was city manager in Reno, NV.

    He is the first Black to serve as San Bernardino’s city manager.

    The reception provides McNeely with an opportunity to tell other Black community leaders in the Inland Empire how he plans to serve the city and the Inland Empire region as a whole.

    “Since Charles McNeely is an African-American overseeing one of the largest cities in the Inland Empire, we heartily welcome him to San Bernardino,” said Carl Dameron, president of The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce. “His leadership will no doubt be positive for our city, our region and our members, and we are all excited about the opportunity to meet him and discuss our thoughts and concerns with him.”

    The reception is free and refreshments are included. The event is co-sponsored by San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center, Arrowhead Credit Union, The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire and Dameron Communications.

    For more information, or to RSVP, please call Eddie L. Catoe or Brenda Erickson at 909-888-0017.

    About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

    The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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    Rikke Van Johnson to Host Town Hall Meetin


    San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, top photo and City Manager Charles McNeely, bottom photo, along with Chief of Police Keith Kilmer, will present information about projects taking place in Ward 6 (Johnson’s area of representation) and elsewhere in the city at a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, June 18.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On Thursday, June 18, 2009 Mayor Pro Tem and Sixth Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson will host a Town Hall Meeting & Report at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. This will be an opportunity to inform the Sixth Ward residents about the city’s budget and how it will impact their neighborhoods.

    City Manager Charles McNeely and Chief of Police Keith Kilmer, who both became employed by San Bernardino on June1, 2009, will both speak during Johnson’s Town Hall Meeting.

    “This is an opportunity for Sixth Ward residents to meet their new city manager and their new chief of police,” said Johnson, who has represented the Sixth Ward since 2004. “Both of these gentlemen are quality individuals and I’m excited about the City’s possibilities and the improvements that will be achieved under their inspired leadership.”

    Voices 4 Change will also have a presentation. “Voices 4 Change is a powerful grassroots and social action campaign, that draws on the recognized capacity of photography and poetry to effectively reach and connect to people emotionally while serving as a platform to achieve a transformation of individuals and environments,” Johnson said.

    Johnson will also discuss projects in his presentation to the community including:

    • State Street Widening – State Street will be widened from the 210 freeway to Foothill Boulevard, thus creating the last major north-south arterial street that can be built in San Bernardino. The project is now in the design phase. When completed this four-lane arterial will have bicycle lanes (the first in the Sixth Ward) and meandering sidewalks. It also will improve access between California State University San Bernardino, Arroyo Valley High School and Colton High School.

    • Route 66 – This historic federal highway runs through the Sixth Ward, including neighborhoods experiencing economic blight. However, a new McDonald’s restaurant opened on Route 66 recently, the first major chain restaurant to open on the Westside since 1992. This restaurant and other new developments nearby are fueling economic revitalization in the area. The NorthWest Redevelopment Project Area Committee is focusing efforts to improve this historic corridor as well. These plans will be highlighted.

    • Meridian Apartments – This 18-unit apartment complex, at one time owned by 14 different owners, has long been a hangout for drug dealers and other criminals. The city has acquired eight of these units, with three to be demolished before the end of the month. Eventually, Johnson says, the city hopes to acquire and demolish all the units, extend the cul-de-sac on which these apartments are located to create a through street, and offer the vacant property for potential development opportunities.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

    For more information about the Town Hall Meeting, please call Eddie Catoe or Brenda Erickson at (909) 888-0017.

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    MEET SAN BERNARDINO CITY SUPERINTENDENT DR. ARTURO DELGADO


    Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District and a candidate for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will meet with Black business and community leaders Thursday, July 30.

    (San Bernardino, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District.

    The event is Thursday, July 30 at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

    Delgado is a candidate for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools running against incumbent Dr. Gary Thomas. The chamber will have a reception for Dr. Thomas on July 16.

    The reception provides Delgado with an opportunity to tell Black community leaders in the Inland Empire how he plans to serve San Bernardino County’s children.

    “The chamber is happy to sponsor this reception for the superintendent. We believe it is very important for Black business and community leaders to meet with prominent decision makers in the Inland Empire to discuss how they stand on the issues and to form positive, long-term relationships,” said Carl Dameron, president of The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

    Regarded by Hispanic Heritage Magazine as Educator of the Year, and one of the 50 most influential Latinos in the Inland Empire, Dr. Delgado accepted the Superintendent position in 1999. He obtained a Master’s degree in Education Administration and a Doctorate in Education Management.

    Dr. Delgado also serves as Vice President of the Association of California Urban School Districts, and is a member of several public school boards. As an active community leader, Dr. Delgado is a member of the Kiwanis Club, Arrowhead United Way, and “Y’s Guy,” a fundraiser for YWCA of San Bernardino.

    The reception is free and refreshments are included. The event is co-sponsored by Dameron Communications, Castaway Restaurant, Arrowhead Credit Union, and The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.

    For more information, or to RSVP, please call Eddie L. Catoe or Brenda Erickson at 909-888-0017.

    About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

    The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

    Meet New Riverside County Sheriff Stanley Sniff

    Riverside County Sheriff Stanley Sniff will meet with Black business and community leaders when the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce sponsors an opportunity to meet him on Thursday, June 25.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) -On Thursday, June 25th, The IE African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Riverside County Sheriff, Stanley Sniff. The event, held at the home of Jalani Bakari and Dr. Angela Martin, at 2465 Mary Street, in the city of Riverside, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.

    Government officials, business leaders and members of the community are welcome to attend.

    “A priority of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce is to foster relationships between Black business leaders and their elected officials,” said Carl Dameron, Chamber president. “Sheriff Sniff can help the Riverside County businesses in his area of expertise, law enforcement, and it’s important for these business owners to know him and what resources he can offer them.”

    Sheriff Sniff was appointed as Riverside County Sheriff in 2007, and is the third sheriff to serve as Coroner-Public Administrator. With over 33 years of experience in law enforcement, Sniff began his career at the Coachella Police Department in 1975.

    In 1979, Sniff transferred to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, where he held various patrol assignments in areas such as Riverside, and The San Gorgonio Pass. As an Assistant Sheriff, Sniff oversaw all county court, jail, and patrol operations. In conjunction with working in law enforcement, Sniff was a colonel in the Army Reserve.

    The reception is free and will include refreshments. The event sponsors include Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd, Dameron Communications, and The Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact Eddie Catoe or Brenda Erickson at 909-888-0017.

    About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

    The Inland Empire’s African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American- owned businesses.

    -end-

    Students Learn How To Produce A Fashion Show


    Before a model takes the runway in a fashion show, much work is done behind the scenes. One of the last steps is making sure the model’s hair is beautiful, which an Art Institute of California – Inland Empire student does in a previous fashion show. Models take to the runway again when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire fashion programs host Mood Indigo at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, June 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.


    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) In every fashion show, the public sees beautiful models marching down a runway in trendy new clothes. But the models are simply the “finale.” Executing a successful fashion show takes months of planning and the work of a team of people behind the scene.

    For Mood Indigo, a fashion show coming to the Inland Empire on Saturday, June 6 the driving force is Q.Zi Media, a professional fashion show production company owned by Quyenzi Pham.

    Q.Zi Media is relying on the help of its beneficiary, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. That’s because while Mood Indigo is as much about beautiful fashions as any other show, it also serves as a training ground for men and women who are learning more about the fashion industry through bachelor’s degree programs offered by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

    The two programs are Fashion & Retail Marketing, which began in March 2008 and Fashion Design, which began two months later. Since most students still have less than one years’ experience in the three-year programs, most of them are taking on more of an observer role in this fashion show.

    “We have about 70 students in the two programs,” said Sherry West, academic director for fashion at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “They’re watching how a professional fashion show is put together, so they can learn from the experience.”

    Some Fashion Design students will have the ultimate experience of seeing their work modeled on the runway at Mood Indigo. Another group will have their work on display in a fashion gallery before and during the show. And yet another group of students, these in the Fashion & Retail Marketing program, are creating the display gallery.

    Since Mood Indigo also serves to build public awareness of the two fashion programs, still other students serve as a “Hospitality Committee.” They will greet and help seat all guests, and give potential students a gift bag that includes more information about The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

    VIP guests, such as elected officials, members of the media and fashion industry professionals, will also receive special hospitality. Besides receiving gift bags, the students will escort the guests to a special “hospitality suite” where they can enjoy refreshments and meet with members of the Q.Zi Media team, as well as faculty and staff from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

    As the students progress in their education, it is likely they will have even greater involvement in future fashion shows.

    “We’re inviting all of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire Fashion students to attend to experience the event this year,” she said. “They will have the opportunity to participate further in the next one.”

    The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

    The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management.

    Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

    It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin July 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

    For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire <http://www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire> .

    The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu <http://www.artinstitutes.edu> /), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

    -end-



    Denim Like You've Never Seen Before

    Sunset by LaTasha Wilson, a Fashion Design student at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, will be on display along with the works of other students during Mood Indigo, which is coming to the Inland Empire on Saturday, June 6. Photo by Shane Sato

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) It’s all about denim when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire hosts “Mood Indigo” its first major fashion show.

    Mood Indigo takes place Saturday, June 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga. There is no admission charge.

    Seven student designers from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will have their work included in the show.

    “The fact that the fashion programs are barely one year old has not stopped the eager students from wanting to showcase their talent,” said Emam El-Hout, president of The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. “It has been an amazing journey for students and faculty alike.”

    The students’ designs are made of denim, and show that it’s way more versatile than for making blue jeans.

    “Denim is the focus of this fashion show,” said Sherry West, academic director for fashion at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “I wanted something that would be easy for our first-year students to work with, yet would be fun. Everyone loves denim!”

    Seven students’ work will be worn by the professional models in the fashion show. These fashion designs are:

    • Denim goes 3-D with “Bubble Couture” by Isidore “Baltazar, a sculpted dress with “red-hot” accents.

    • Adriana Diaz has created “Vueltas de Amor,” which translates to “Twisted Love.” This dress features a colorful cascade of denim ruffles.

    • Jennifer Hernandez has created “Ode to Holland.” Hand-painted angel wings adorn the back of this hooded denim jumper, a tribute to her best friend, Holland.

    • Denim takes a militant look with Erica Jennings’ “Militant Tux,” a military-inspired creation.

    • Rock on with Michele Sotelo’s “Superstar!” This black and pink design is inspired by rock music and its own unique fashions.

    • “Midnknight Samurai,” created by Joseph Yoshimura, gives a new twist on denim with a Japanese-inspired dress.

    • Sara Vigil’s “Mademoiselle Coco” pays tribute to Coco Chanel, one of the most well-known professional designers. Full black denim trousers accompany a silky white crop top.

    Other students have also created work that will be on display in a specially-designed gallery before and during the fashion show. These students are Heather Branham’s “Tinkerbell Galactica,” Dawn Harley’s “Go Go Green,” Christal McPhan’s “24 Karats,” Ashley Stanfield’s “Denim Elegrance,” LaTasha Wilson’s “Sunset” and Joseph Yoshimura’s “Wandering Nite.”

    Students in The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Fashion & Retail Marketing program will create a gallery for this display.

    Corporate sponsor Miss Me Jeans will bring a cache of jeans, ranging from basic styles to its most highly embellished.

    Corporate sponsor Bebe will bring its take on contemporary elegance, with some of the latest fashions in its lines, and corporate sponsor Soulful Commando will bring trendy fashions for men.

    Students in both Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Marketing are making behind the scenes preparations as well. Although this show relies mainly on the work of producer Quyenzi Pham and her staff. students are helping by creating gift bags for VIP guests and potential students, and seating all guests before the show.

    The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

    The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management.

    Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

    It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin July 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

    For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire .

    The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu /), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

    -end-

    AMERICAN HERITAGE UNIVERSITY SETS GRADUATION

    A year ago, American Heritage University of Southern California held a grand opening on the back portico of 255 D Street to celebrate its move to the current larger location. Before moving, AHU had established a successful online program of university education. It will award doctorate and bachelor’s degrees to some of its online students on Saturday, June 6 at this same location. AHU will also present honorary doctorate degrees to Hajia Turai Yar’ Adua, the First Lady of Nigeria and Chief Alao Bayo Akala, the governor of Oyo State in Nigeria. Photo by Chris Sloan

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) American Heritage University of Southern California will hold its 2009 graduation 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at 255 N. D Street, San Bernardino.

    Hajia Turai Yar’ Adua, the First Lady of Nigeria, will receive an honorary doctorate degree from American Heritage University of Southern California. Baba Gana Wakil, the Nigerian ambassador to the United States at its Washington, D.C Embassy will accept on her behalf.

    Also receiving an honorary doctorate degree, is Chief Alao Bayo Akala, Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria.

    “American Heritage University of Southern California wishes to recognize the contributions our honorary doctorate recipients have made to the betterment of their countries and their people,” said AHU President Dr. Tony Ogiamien, who is a native of Nigeria. “We have a relationship with those countries through the students attending our university, and we appreciate the work these officials have done to provide these students a highly favorable future.”

    The graduation honors students from the United States, Nigeria and Malaysia who have completed requirements for one of the degrees offered by AHU. These students will be receiving Doctor of Juris Prudence (law) and both bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in business administration.

    Prior to 2008, American Heritage University of Southern California offered its degrees through online instruction only, which is how these graduates obtained their education.

    Last year, it moved to a new location at 255 N. D Street, and began offering in-class instruction as well. This year, to expand that program, it offered full scholarships to seven Inland Empire residents.

    American Heritage University offers bachelor’s and graduate degrees in Law, Public Policy, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Media Studies, and Criminal Justice.”

    Undergraduate degree programs at AHU are designed to allow students to proceed at their own pace. In the case of the popular Doctor of Jurisprudence program offered online by the School of Law, the California Bar requires four years of continuous study.

    The School of Law also offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law, with courses covering such subjects as contracts, criminal law, criminal procedure, legal writing, torts, Constitutional law, civil procedure and real property law.

    For both online and in-class students, electronic communication is important. Students can discuss assignments on a message board, or address instructors by email and will be answered within 24 hours. Students living in the San Bernardino area can join study groups that meet at the college or in online forums.

    A weekly Grade Book is posted as well, and students can access not only their test grades, but can also review any errors while studying the correct answers. Online students are graded based on test results, quality of work and their demonstration of knowledge through the assignments.

    “We pride ourselves in providing adult students with the in-depth courses they need to complete their university education,” notes Ogiamien. “Our online program even permits them to do their work at any time from anywhere there’s a computer with Internet access. And in the classroom we have instructors who have reached the highest academic levels of their professions.”

    American Heritage University has been granted full approval to operate by the California State Bureau for Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

    For more information, call (909) 884-9000.

    -end-