YUCAIPA, CA – The Crafton Hills College (CHC) Foundation will celebrate the impact of education, community and philanthropy at Bright Nights, Brighter Futures, its annual fundraising event, on Wednesday, September 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the campus quad.
The annual event brings together alumni, community members, business partners and friends of the college in support of CHC students. Proceeds provide scholarships, emergency assistance, program support and other resources that help students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational and career goals.
A highlight of this year’s celebration will be the presentation of CHC’s 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award to William “Bill” Soqui, whose connection to the college spans more than four decades and whose career has been defined by leadership in the fire service, emergency medical services, public safety and community service.
Soqui first came to CHC in 1980 and earned an associate of science degree in fire technology and emergency medical services. He was a member of CHC’s Paramedic Program Class No.8 in fall 1981 and soon returned to the college as an instructor, serving on the EMS faculty from 1982 to 1990, helping prepare the next generation of first responders.
“The knowledge and experience I gained at Crafton Hills College developed a solid foundation that guided me throughout my fire service and emergency medical service career,” Soqui said.
Throughout his career, Soqui continued his education at CHC, completing advanced training in fire officer leadership, driver operations, public education, fire prevention, hazardous materials and fire instruction. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Redlands and rose through the ranks of California’s fire service, serving as division chief in Rialto, deputy fire marshal in Santa Clara and fire chief of Cathedral City from 2006 until his retirement from public service in 2012.
He has also served as president of Phenix International Fire and Life Safety Consultants LLC, advising agencies on community safety and preparedness. His career has also included working with U.S. senators to create a National Arson Registry and holding numerous municipal leadership positions throughout the Inland Empire.
Retirement from public service did not end Soqui’s commitment to serving others. He has participated in humanitarian medical relief efforts in Nicaragua and spent years coaching high school football as well as high school and college softball, earning several CIF championship rings along the way.
Soqui’s CHC legacy has also continued through his children. Two of his daughters attended the college. His middle daughter earned an associate degree in child development and is now pursuing her doctorate at UCLA while teaching at California State University Northridge. His youngest daughter, Rebecca “Becca” Soqui, followed him into emergency medical services, graduating from CHC’s paramedic program in 2020. She now works for AMR and serves as a skills instructor in Crafton’s EMT and paramedic programs.
“Bill’s connection to Crafton began more than 45 years ago, and his story represents what we hope for every Crafton student: that the education they receive here becomes the beginning of a lifetime of opportunity, leadership and service,” said CHC Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Michelle Riggs. “His career, his commitment to public service and his continued connection to Crafton exemplify the impact our alumni make in their professions and communities. We are incredibly proud to recognize him as our 2026 Outstanding Alumnus.”
The Crafton Hills College Foundation also extends special appreciation to this year’s Platinum Sponsors: Yucaipa Rotary, Yucaipa Kiwanis, Markarian Law Group, San Bernardino Community College District and SGH Architects. Their generous support of Bright Nights, Brighter Futures helps the Foundation provide scholarships, emergency assistance, program support and other resources that directly benefit Crafton Hills College students.
Bright Nights, Brighter Futures will take place Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Crafton Hills College, 11711 Sand Canyon Road in Yucaipa.
Tickets and additional information are available at craftonhills.edu/fundraiser.
