Students Rock! Tour Really Rocks

The concert-themed event was presented by the CHC Foundation. During the rockin’ evening, there was a surprise visit from the Blues Brothers, aka President Cheryl Marshall and Vice President Bryan Reece, plus a battle of the bands, with band members selected by the highest bidders. Five members comprised each of two bands and they got to select the song they would perform, i.e. lip synch. Johnny Cash (Sam Irwin) and his band rocked out to Ring of Fire, while Adam Levine (Ben Gamboa) of the Crafton 5, brought down the house with their rendition of I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll. The battle helped get the crowd pumped up for the live auction period where supporters helped fund a number of Crafton Hills College initiatives, including firefighting equipment, textbooks and tuition, a new Veterans’ Center, and President’s Circle.

Another highlight of the night was recognizing Scott Hernandez as Crafton Hills College 2015 Distinguished Alumnus.  Hernandez graduated from CHC in 2001 with an associate’s degree in sociology. He was a first generation college student who embraced the experience, going on to UC Riverside for a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and Chicano studies. He then completed an M.A. from CSU Northridge and culminated his education with an M.F.A. from the UC Riverside Writing for the Performing Arts program. “My experience at Crafton Hills gave me the foundation I needed to have a successful academic career,” says Hernandez.

Hernandez has achieved his career goal of becoming a community college instructor. He is an assistant professor at Riverside City College and the advisor of the Film and Video Club. He also teaches at the UCR ARTSblock, where he is able to help high school students create films in the OFFTHEBLOCK summer film program.

The CHC Foundation board members also received a $25,000 pledge from the Kitchell/BRj construction management team.  “We are so pleased to have the continued support of Kitchell/BRj,” said Dr. Marshall, CHC president.  “These funds help the Foundation do its work to enhance educational excellence on our campus in a variety of ways.”

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians cemented their $100,000 grant for Crafton's ISEEK program with a check presentation as well.

At the end of the evening, all fans went home feeling like winners. You can find photos and video here.