“Dia” S. Poole will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at its Spring Commencement
San Bernardino, Calif. California State University, San Bernardino announced that Respondia “Dia” S. Poole will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at its Spring Commencement, scheduled for May 18.
Poole has spent her career in public service, serving in all three branches of California’s government and with the County of San Bernardino. She has combined that work with volunteer service on the CSUSB Alumni Association Board and on the CSU Alumni Council, where she has twice led as president and chaired the council’s government relations committee. She was named Cal State San Bernardino’s Alumni Advocate of the Year in 2008.
Poole credits her CSUSB bachelor’s degree, earned as a nontraditional student, for opening opportunities for meaningful state-level public service. Her acceptance into the prestigious California Capital Fellows program in Sacramento launched her career in California state government. She was a highly regarded senior policy consultant to two of the State Assembly’s presiding leaders. She received a gubernatorial appointment to deputy director of public affairs for the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the largest state civil rights agency in the nation.
Poole’s state service culminated as a senior legislative advocate for the Judicial Council’s Office of Governmental Affairs. Her efforts were particularly significant for the Inland Empire, where the Superior Courts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties are the most under-resourced in the state.
Poole’s volunteer service is equally impressive. She is known throughout the CSU system as a well-respected alumna whose unwavering volunteer leadership for more than 20 years has helped to strengthen the CSU degree, increase state and federal investments in students and academic programs, promote alumni engagement, and improve graduation rates.
Her record of extraordinary volunteer leadership for the betterment of her alma mater and its students is extensive. Underrepresented students often lack accomplished professional role models, which makes her involvement as an Alumna Professor for a Day, a panelist for the President’s Scholars Leadership Symposium, and her workshops across disciplines to encourage students to apply for the competitive California Capital Fellows program, especially impactful.
Dia also serves on the CSUSB Master of Public Administration advisory board, where she encourages public sector employees to enter the program. She also champions curricular developments that advance university, local government, and community-based partnerships.
As a member of the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation Board’s Advocacy Committee, Poole joins the campus delegation annually in Sacramento and often in Washington, D.C. Her philanthropic support to the university is demonstrated by her legacy, or estate, gift to the university.
“My life was forever changed by CSUSB and the opportunities it opened up to me,” said Poole. “It is why I have continued to volunteer here on this campus and with the CSU at large. It is such a tremendous honor to receive this recognition. I know that a CSU degree can transform the lives of all Californians who enroll. And if you are a nontraditional student? Don’t let that stop you. CSUSB administrators, faculty, staff, and students value the professional and life experience you bring with you.”
“Conferring an honorary doctorate upon Dia, a double graduate of our university, in recognition of her profound impact and dedicated service to the people of California and the betterment of her alma mater would be a great honor for CSUSB,” said university President Tomás D. Morales.
Poole is a two-time CSUSB graduate, with a B.A. in business administration and information management (1990) and an M.A. in communications studies (2023).
Growing Inland Achievement President and CEO, Dr. Carlos Ayala, Dr. Carlos Ayala speaks at GIA’s annual Toward a Shared Vision Summit. Photo by Robert A. Whitehead
Ayala is credited with working with the Network to establish Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), as a 501(c)(3), IRS tax-exempt organization; more than doubling the size of the organization; and bringing more than $20 Million to the region for education.
INLAND EMPIRE, CA – President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), Dr. Carlos Ayala, will retire in June 2023.
GIA serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.
“It has been an honor to serve the students of the Inland Empire, says Dr. Ayala. “I have learned a great deal about the affordances and constraints our students, families, institutions and community-based organizations face when it comes to student success.”
Dr. Ayala, age 62, has more than 25 years of service in public education. During his tenure as CEO, Ayala is credited with working with the network’s partners to establish GIA as a 501(c) (3), tax-exempt organization, more than doubling the size of the organization and raising millions of dollars for Inland Empire education.
Under his guidance and working with the network members, GIA was accepted as one of only six organizations in the U.S. chosen by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to participate in its Intermediaries for Scale program, also known as Higher Endeavor, bringing $10 million of support to the region for postsecondary transformation reforms.
“I want to thank the GIA Board of Directors and employees for their commitment to the people and students of the Inland Empire,” Ayala said. “I also wish to thank the vast array of people who are committed to changing the economy of the Inland Empire through education. Their work is notable and I remain convinced that the path forward is at your doorstep—engage collectively.”
The Board of Directors for GIA will oversee the process of choosing Dr. Ayala’s successor.
“As its first CEO, Carlos established the organization, including a set of processes to help us move forward,” said Dr. Kim Wilcox, GIA Board Chair and Chancellor of UC Riverside. “I’m personally grateful for his efforts.”
“Dr. Ayala brought a deep knowledge of the education landscape, strong leadership, and a passion for positively impacting student lives to our organization,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, COO of Growing Inland Achievement. “He is leaving GIA in a great position to succeed in our next chapter. Under Dr. Ayala’s leadership, GIA has become nationally recognized.”
GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.
Growing Inland Achievement, which serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, is a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.
GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire.
GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. The 30th Black Rose Award Winners are Dr. Juanita H. Scott, San Bernardino Valley College Foundation, Humanitarian of the Year Rose Mayes -– Executive Director Fair Housing Council of Riverside County; Black Rose Winners; Linda Wright, Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce; Gloria Macias Harrison, President Emeritus, Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees; Deborah Robertson, Mayor of Rialto, Founder of The Women’s Conference; and three honorees for the Black Rose Founder’s Award from San Bernardino Community Hospital: June Collison President, Roz Nolan, Chief Nurse Executive Officer, and Dr. Ruby Skinner.
The awards ceremony will also make three posthumous tributes to Black Rose Senior Kings Don Griggs, Jimmy Jews, and Jesse Nichols.
The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation’s 30th Black Rose Award Winners will be recognized at the annual banquet on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the California State University, San Bernardino, Santos Manuel Student Union 5500 University Parkway.
In remembrance of Dr. Margaret Hill, the Black Culture Foundation has renamed its Margaret Hill Community Support Award to the Dr. Margaret Hill Black Rose Young Adults Inspiration Award. This award will present scholarships to two inspirational and outstanding San Bernardino Black young adults graduating grade 12 or in college, said Black Rose Committee Co-Chair Kristine Scott.
“This year’s Award Gala is held to commemorate Rosa Parks’ birthday,” said Black Rose Committee Co-Chair Jim King.
Black Culture Foundation President Arlington Rodgers said the foundation’s mission is to bridge cultural differences across generations through nurturing, educating, and building lasting, respectable, and encouraging communities.
“The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 1986 to honor and share the richness of our Black heritage, to recognize world diversity and inspire our youth/adults toward leadership, providing scholarships and career opportunities,” said Rodgers.
“The Foundation has prided itself on giving more than 125 scholarships to community students over the years. This is our first event since Covid, and our coffers are bare and in need of replenishment to continue providing scholarships,” said Committee Co-Chair Kristine Scott.
Bios:
Dr. Juanita H. Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award:
Rose Mayes
Rose Mayes
Executive Director of the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc. since 1993. Under Rose’s leadership, the Fair Housing Council created Mission Heritage Plaza, a mixed-used project that includes the Fair Housing office, the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California, and 72 units of affordable housing.
Black Rose Awards:
Linda D. Wright
Linda Wright
As an organization design specialist, Wright has successfully helped over 70 nonprofit organizations to attain their 501(c) 3 or (c) 6 nonprofit status, 80 for-profit corporations, 15 LLCs, and 10 partnerships.
The Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce that Wright directed received several awards, including Chamber of the Year three times. Wright also wrote and created several community educational programs for the Foundation that including prisoner and group home re-entry training.
Deborah Robertson, Mayor of Rialto
Mayor Deborah Robertson
On November 3, 2020, the voters of the City of Rialto reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership of Mayor Deborah Robertson, reelecting her to a third four-year term as mayor. Her public service career includes over 20 years on the Rialto Council and over 45 years of public and governmental career public service.
Mayor Robertson’s visionary leadership has thrust the City of Rialto into the national spotlight as a recognized leader in the areas of public-private partnerships, industrial environmental sustainability endeavors, first-in-the-nation grant-supported partnerships of environmental efficiency projects, as well as a partnership with alternative fuel generation return to the natural gas grid, generating local revenue outcomes, more significant business development, and a skilled job creation platform.
GLORIA HARRISON
Gloria Macias Harrison
Gloria Macias Harrison has balanced two careers plus family and community activism since the early sixties. She is one of the founders of El Chicano (1969), a community weekly that provides a Chicano voice in the Inland Empire.
Her activist history includes work with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, the War on Poverty, United Farm Workers, Operation Second Chance, and Planned Parenthood.
Harrison served as President of Crafton Hills College from 2000 until her retirement in 2012. Before that, she was Vice President of Instruction at Crafton Hills College for six years and Dean of Humanities at San Bernardino Valley College for three years and taught community college students for over 20 years.
Since 2012 she has served on the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees, currently as Chair of the Board and sits on the Budget and Legislative Committees. She serves on the Crafton Hills College Foundation and the California Housing Foundation.
Jim King Corporate (Founders) Award:
Don Griggs
Don Griggs
Griggs, who passed away in July 2020, pioneered the first Boy Scouts Camporee program for over 100 Black and Latino boys who experienced outdoor camping, learned first aid, and mastered scouting skills. The BSA awarded him its Whitney Young Award in 2015. As a Nordstrom manager, he ensured that people of color were hired and employees of all races were treated equitably and was a volunteer at Priscilla’s Helping Hands HUGS (Home Unity Growth Groups) program.
Jimmy Jews
Jimmy Jews
Jews broke the color barrier as San Bernardino’s first Black firefighter in 1971 and retired 25 years later, having risen through the ranks to hold the positions of a fire investigator, spokesperson, and finally, Captain in 1989. Jimmy passed away in November 2022, at the age of 79.
Jesse & Vicki Nichols
Jesse Nichols
Nichols was a business owner who founded Nichols Private Security and was a community activist who made time to help with Home and Neighborly Services’ weekly food distributions and serve as volunteer coordinator for the San Bernardino City Unified School District’s foster and homeless program and their Thanksgiving food distribution program. He passed in August 2021.
San Bernadino Community Hospital
San Bernardino Community Hospital Administration and Staff
Community Hospital has been serving Inland Empire residents for more than 100 years. As a not-for-profit, non-denominational hospital, its mission is building a healthier community and serving the needs of a diverse population.
June Collison
June Collison has served as the President of the Community Hospital of San Bernardino since 2012. As the leader of this 343-bed acute care hospital, she is working to meet the demands of health care reform and the challenges of the local economy.
Roz Nolan is the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer and Dr. Ruby Skinner is the Chief Medical Officer. With Ms. Collison, both serve on the hospital’s leadership team.
For additional information please contact our Co-Chairs: Kristine Scott at (909) 809-0317, kscott@socalgas.com, or Jim King at p:(760) 239-8200, / jimking5000@yahoo.com.
“We want to get the word out, in a fun way, that we’re doing all these phenomenal things in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at California State University in San Bernardino,” said Dean Dr. Rafik Mohamed.
As Dr. Seuss would say, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!”
(San Bernardino, CA) The illustrations are bright and quirky. The text is filled with simple words a first grader could read aloud. But the deeper meaning behind the Dr. Seuss masterpiece “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” has sent many a university graduate on their way to a new chapter in life.
The book became a theme for showcasing the students in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at California State University in San Bernardino. Dean Dr. Rafik Mohamed ran the idea past Director of Development Stephen Arneson and they identified five students – Julie Leyba, Meghan Streeter, Richard Bark, Rocio Gomez and Joseph Egbule – to represent its diverse graduating class of 2017.
“We wanted to get the word out, in a fun way, that we’re doing all these phenomenal things,” Mohamed said. “This book has been a graduation present for years. It’s a wonderful book and it’s a book that opens up the idea of opportunity. We know that life isn’t easy and all sunshine and roses like Dr. Seuss said it is. But it reminds you that I can do or be or accomplish anything I want.”
For all their differences, the five students also had lot in common. They each credit that special person that pushed, pulled and prodded them to go beyond what they thought they could. They leaned on friends they met at CSUSB, with study sessions that included copious notes, cups of coffee and sleepless nights.
They’ve paid late fees, lab fees and parking fees with a smile and gave their fitbit fits, logging thousands of steps a day navigating an ever-growing campus.
So, as Dr. Seuss would say, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!”
Public policy is a broad term for making a difference in government. Julie Leyba plans on attending law school following her time working in Washington D.C. as the recipient of the prestigious 2017 Panetta Internship.
Julie Leyba, BA Political Science, 2018 “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
Public policy is a broad term for making a difference in government. Julie Leyba plans on attending law school following her time working in Washington D.C. as the recipient of the prestigious 2017 Panetta Internship.
While at school, Leyba was challenged by Dr. Al Mariam. But at home, her driving force was her older sister, Erica.
The sisters lost their father and are caregivers for their mother as she battles Multiple Sclerosis. It was Erica that told Julie that her education came first.
“She has become my second mother, supporting me mentally and emotionally,” Leyba said. “I can’t always help take care of my mom and I feel guilty sometimes, but my sister said, ‘No matter what, you’re getting your education and don’t let anything stop you.’ ”
In her words: “Attending CSUSB has been an enriching and rewarding experience. Particularly, the Department of Political Science’s student-oriented faculty and rigorous and comprehensive curriculum have both inspired and prepared me to pursue graduate studies in public policy. I have additionally been encouraged through my supportive network of fellow students who have helped me balance my academic, work, and personal life. I look forward to representing CSUSB well in Washington D.C. this fall.”
Meghan Streehant graduated with a BA in Social Work 2017
Meghan Streehan, BA Social Work 2017 “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
Raised in the Inland Empire, Meghan Streehan kept close to her support system – her family. Her mom had always pushed her to be more and she started her college career near home at Norco College.
Fresh faced and more than a little nervous, Streehan transferred to CSUSB with a goal of better understanding human relationships and helping others. She credits professors Andrew Watson and Emily Shum for encouraging her to look at the world from a different perspective.
The supportive environment created a home away from home for Streehan and inspired her to complete her first degree.
Streehan will head up north to Humboldt State to earn her Master’s Degree in Serving Rural and Native American Communities. Her dream is a career on a reservation in Northern California serving Native American communities.
In her words: “When I first stepped on campus two years ago, I was overwhelmed by how large it was, and how out of place I felt. Today, CSUSB is like a second home. The faculty and staff of the School of Social Work have always been there to support me, and my future educational and professional goals. I’m leaving here passionate about my chosen profession, with happy memories, and great friendships.”
Richard Bark has logged plenty of miles in his quest for higher education. Giving new meaning to the words “commuter school,” Bark came to CSUSB to earn his master’s in Applied Archaeology. His bachelor’s degree came from his hometown school, University of California, San Diego. He currently works for the Navy in San Diego.
Richard Bark, Masters Applied Archaeology, 2017 “You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high flyers who soar to high heights.”
Richard Bark has logged plenty of miles in his quest for higher education.
Giving new meaning to the words “commuter school,” Bark came to CSUSB to earn his master’s in Applied Archaeology. His bachelor’s degree came from his hometown school, University of California, San Diego. He currently works for the Navy in San Diego.
Daunting drive aside, Bark credits his wife’s support and his professors, Dr. Amy Gusick and Dr. Peter Robershaw in building a challenging yet practical foundation of method and theory. He has worked in the Cultural Resources Management field for more than 20 years, managing contracts and consulting with the California Historic Preservation Office and different tribes in the area. Bark said the graduate degree CSUSB offered was exactly what he’d been looking for.
Bark believes that his discipline to commute to CSUSB from either Edwards Air Force Base or San Diego, coupled with the degree being an extension of the work he already loves, drove him to be successful in this field.
In his words: “I’m an Archaeologist who has been working in the cultural resources management (CRM) field for more than 20 years, and the Applied Archaeology program offered at CSUSB is the graduate program I’ve been looking for that entire time. As a two-year program, the coursework is demanding and students are continually challenged by the instructors to think critically in order to solve problems that are based on real world examples. However, for those willing to put in the work, the result is well worth the effort. In my case, I have no doubt that my being in the CSUSB Applied Archaeology program contributed heavily to me having recently been hired as an archaeologist by the Department of the Navy.”
A first-generation college student, Rocio Gomez set an example for family and friends alike. She spent much of her time working during college, studying in her free time. In addition, Rocio was very active in the History Club and tutored Upward Bound students for two years.
Rocio Gomez BA History 2016 “So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact. And remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.”
A first-generation college student, Rocio Gomez set an example for family and friends alike. She spent much of her time working during college, studying in her free time. In addition, Rocio was very active in the History Club and tutored Upward Bound students for two years.
Her passion for helping others mixed with her personal philosophy of life being “all about the impact that we leave.”
Rocio loved Dr. Jeremy Murray’s Chinese History class, mostly because it evoked so many emotions that she had to learn more. Currently, Rocio has been working with the Lake Elsinore School District but will move to a summer internship position at Manzanar National Historic Site. Her dream is to be a park ranger, with an opportunity to help people and the nature that serves them.
In her words: “Becoming a historian has taught me that, no matter where I am in life, I have a responsibility to remain engaged with the community that helped me become who I am. Whether I was doing work as a club leader, an Upward Bound tutor, or a regular student, there was always support and encouragement from some of the faculty, staff, and peers. If you want to make an impact, CSUSB is a good place to start.”
From his home in Rancho Cucamonga, family support helped Joseph Egbule thrive at CSUSB. The school and his professors taught him to “think out of the box,” taking in all circumstances to understand a situation. His time at the university also shaped some of his political beliefs.
Joseph Egbule, BA Political Science 2017 “And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 ¾ guaranteed)”
From his home in Rancho Cucamonga, family support helped Joseph Egbule thrive at CSUSB. The school and his professors taught him to “think out of the box,” taking in all circumstances to understand a situation. His time at the university also shaped some of his political beliefs.
For his part, Egbule said his positive attitude and dedication, along with really good memorization skills, lead him to follow his dreams.
Egbule will move on to law school at the University of Southern California School. After graduation, he plans to pursue his long-term goal of becoming a partner in a Los Angeles-based law firm. His dream is to be part of the in-house legal counsel for a large corporation, such as Google.
In his words: “I believe that Cal State San Bernardino was a big part of my success. I value the bonds I have made with the people here. As I go into the next chapter of my life at law school, I feel confident in my abilities thanks to the lessons I have learned at Cal State.”
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS) offers nationally ranked programs that explore a wide range of human issues. It is dedicated to the growth and support of undergraduate and graduate education, research, public service, and professional development.
“We are confident that a degree in one of our academic programs will provide students with the professional integrity and knowledge to communicate effectively across disciplines and cultures. Our primary mission is to transform the dreams of our students into a reality that will enhance society at large,” said Dr. Mohamed.
“We offer students the breadth of a traditional and innovative education in the social sciences while preparing them for a wide range of professions, for graduate school, and for advanced professional study in fields such as criminal justice, political science, law, clinical psychology, and economics,” said Arneson.
The College is home to 14 academic different departments and programs including Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Economics, Geography and Environmental Studies, History, Political Science, Psychology, School of Social Work and Sociology. Our faculty and staff are student-centered and are dedicated to providing friendly, personal guidance, and mentoring to our students. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS) is the largest College at Cal State, San Bernardino.
As Dr. Seuss says: So… be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, You’re off the Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!
For more information about The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Cal State San Bernardino call (909) 537-7500
