True stories of real people who started rewarding careers through Victor Valley College — alumni who are making the Ram Fam proud yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
VVCF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The turning point in their lives
The Victor Valley College Foundation maintains active partnerships with local industry, the community, the military, and educational institutions to ensure students have clear pathways to careers and the next stage of their education.
For all of the people you’ll meet here, attending Victor Valley College or its continuing-education programs was the turning point in their lives. These are their inspiring stories.
YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW
VVC Rams making a difference
James Ramos
California State Assemblymember — District 40
A lifelong resident of the San Manuel Indian Reservation in San Bernardino County, James was elected to represent the 40th District in the California State Assembly in 2018. His district includes Highland, Loma Linda, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and San Bernardino.
Lana Tomlin
Retired Assistant Sheriff
Lana served as a Deputy Sheriff for over 30 years in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. In 2018 she was recognized as the first woman in the department’s 165-year history appointed to Assistant Sheriff.
Eric Schmidt
President — Exquadrum, Inc.
Exquadrum is a research, development, and technical-services company known for thinking outside the box. Eric serves as President, working tirelessly to provide innovative ideas and support to his community.
Dakota Higgins
Deputy Chief of Staff — Office of the First District Supervisor
Dakota is responsible for a wide range of policy issues including land-use services, public safety, and transportation, and represents the Supervisor on multiple boards and commissions across San Bernardino County.
Travis Aguirre
Captain — San Bernardino County Fire Dept.
Travis proudly serves with the San Bernardino County Fire Department as a Captain, providing safety and protection to his community.
Jerry Klein
State Farm Insurance
With 45 years of successful operation of his insurance business, Jerry remains thankful for his community, his family, Victor Valley College, and most of all — his wife, Suzanne.
Leslie Leach
Professor — Victor Valley College
An instructor in the Communication Studies Department, Leslie surpassed incredible obstacles to reach her goal of teaching students who now sit where she once sat.
Miranda Mikel Buckley
PhD Student
Miranda is pursuing her PhD in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the University of California, Riverside.
Dillon Lesovsky
Chief of Staff — CA State Assemblyman Thurston Smith
Dillon serves as Chief of Staff for California State Assemblyman Thurston “Smitty” Smith.
Nikki Patterson
Psychiatric Nurse — Casa Colina
At Casa Colina in Apple Valley, Nikki cares for individuals with traumatic or acquired brain injuries, addressing their physical, cognitive, and emotional needs while guiding them toward independence.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Advice from recent grads
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Don’t ever get discouraged! The programs are hard work and require a lot of dedication, but they do set you up for nothing but success.
Shayna Yost
Class of 2022
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It is okay to fail or to spend a little more time at community college if it comes to that. Everybody’s journey is different. Stay focused and do what is best for you — academically and mentally. Don’t ever be afraid or ashamed to ask for help; the staff at VVC is always there with answers and resources.
Brittany Evans
Class of 2022
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Don’t give up — there is no age limit for completing school. When it gets hard, lean on your supportive network and practice self-care. When you feel like giving up, think about why you started. The struggle is real, but you are not alone, and it is all worth it in the end.
Stephanie Martinez
Class of 2016
STAY CONNECTED
Join the VVC Foundation Alumni Association today
Your story could be the next one that inspires a Ram. Reconnect with your alma mater, share your journey, and help the next generation of students succeed.
