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Ronald Lee Brown, 75, of Highland, CA, passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2025, in his home in Highland, California.

Ronald was born on July 12th, 1949, in Farmington, WV, to Lucille Steptoe. He graduated from Roosevelt High in June 1968 and joined the US Air Force, where he served from August 1968 to October 1975.

Ronald, also known as Ron, graduated from Chaffey College with his AA in Sociology in 1976. Soon after, he graduated from Cal state University with his BA in Economics in 1978 and later pursued and completed his Master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix.

While working as a General Manager for Lockheed Air Terminal, Ron pursued his passion for teaching and began his career in Economics at San Bernardino Valley College. He also taught economics at Chaffey College, Victor Valley College, and Chino Women’s Prison.

Ron enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, woodworking, and grilling. He was a loving, generous, humorous, intelligent father, grandfather, and loyal friend.

Ron is survived by his children Angela Brown, Antoinette Robinson, Rena Deas, and Shannon Wisniewski. His grandchildren Dwayne Jones, Aneesha Jones, Alisha Jones, Ariana Deas, Aiden Wisniewski, Jayden Daniels, Tyler Wisniewski, Dillan Wisniewski, Torrian Deas, and Corey Deas. He will truly be missed and will continue to live in the hearts he’s touched.

The journey to becoming a licensed nurse involves rigorous education, extensive clinical training, and the successful completion of the NCLEX licensing exam. While the NCLEX is a critical step in entering the nursing profession, the associated costs can be a significant financial burden for many students.

The Nursing Licensure Reimbursement Fund is designed to alleviate this burden by providing financial assistance to recent nursing graduates. Your generous contributions to this fund directly support students by:

1. Reimbursing NCLEX Exam Fees: The cost of the NCLEX exam can be a barrier for students already managing tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. Reimbursement helps remove this obstacle, allowing graduates to focus on their next steps toward employment in the nursing field.
2. Supporting a Smooth Transition to the Workforce: Licensure is required for nursing graduates to begin their careers. By reducing financial stress, the fund enables students to pursue job opportunities and serve their communities without delay.
3. Encouraging Equity and Opportunity: Many nursing students come from diverse and underserved backgrounds. The reimbursement fund ensures that all graduates, regardless of financial circumstances, can achieve their professional goals.

Your donation to the Nursing Licensure Reimbursement Fund helps our students turn their dreams into reality, empowering them to provide compassionate, high-quality care in their communities. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring nurses and the patients they will serve.

Thank you for your support!

Your generous contributions to our Pinning Ceremony Fund help support a time-honored tradition that celebrates the hard work, perseverance, and success of our nursing graduates. The pinning ceremony marks the transition from student to professional nurse, a milestone achieved through dedication and commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Donations to the Pinning Ceremony Fund directly assist our students by:

1. Reducing Financial Burdens: Many students face significant financial challenges during their educational journey. Contributions help cover costs associated with the ceremony, such as venue rental, nursing pins, professional photography, and commemorative items, alleviating additional expenses for our students.
2. Creating a Memorable Experience: The pinning ceremony is a moment of pride and accomplishment, not just for the students but also for their families and loved ones. Your support ensures a dignified and celebratory event, reflecting the significance of their achievements.
3. Recognizing Academic Excellence: Funds also go toward awards and recognitions that honor outstanding achievements, leadership, and contributions to the nursing profession, inspiring students to strive for excellence in their future careers.

By donating to this fund, you are playing a vital role in supporting the next generation of nurses who will serve our community with compassion, skill, and dedication. Your support truly makes a difference in their journey and helps create memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for investing in their future!

John, a long-time resident of Highland, CA, was born on January 25, 1927, in Ramona, Kansas. He was a WWII veteran, serving in Alaska. He and Kathy married in 1948 and they moved to Highland in 1959. After the war he worked as an auto mechanic until the late 1960's when he began teaching auto mechanics in the Technical Division at San Bernardino Valley College. He taught at the college for 28 years. When he retired in 1995, he was the Division Chairman of the Technical Division and had earned a master's in vocational education and counseling.

After retirement he started doing career counseling for the San Bernardino County Drug Court. He continued with this second job for 10 years after retirement and helped scores of young men and women turn their lives around by getting an education and earning certifications such as automotive and aviation technician, HVAC technician, machine trades and other technical trades at San Bernardino Valley College.

The Institute of Media Arts (IMA) is affiliated with San Bernardino Valley College’s Film, TV, Media (FTVM) Program. The IMA offers dynamic constantly-evolving methods of education, promotion and advocacy.

Experience all that we have to offer as a member! Memberships offer unparalleled access to film and filmmakers while providing essential support to Inland Southern California’s vibrant cultural scene. Members enjoy privileges all year long, including unlimited free admission, private screenings and discounts on labs and other events.

All IMA Members Enjoy

Annual Fee: $150
SBVC Alumni Fee: $100