April 16, 2011 FIFTH ANNUAL Recognition Dinner and Gala
ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE RIO SALADO COLLEGE MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOUNDATION April 16, 2011 Dr. Ernest A. Lara, EMCC President Dear Friends We are truly pleased to welcome you this evening to the Fifth Annual Awards for Excellence Gala. This year, as part of our on-going collaborative efforts, Estrella Mountain Community College, Glendale Community College and Rio Salado College have joined together to raise scholarship and program funds for West Valley students. These three institutions represent the biggest and brightest institutions of the Maricopa County Community College District, providing quality education and job training to West Valley communities. Dr. Velvie C. Green, GCC President We are honored that you have chosen to be a part of an event that directly supports students and community success. In tonight s program, you will be introduced to our distinguished honorees who have demonstrated, in different ways, outstanding support of our students and communities. It is with great appreciation that we honor them this evening. A most sincere thank you goes to all of the sponsors and individual ticket purchasers that made this event possible. Your support of the Awards for Excellence provides much needed scholarships and program support for students at our institutions. We Dr. Chris A. Bustamante, RSC President hope you have a fantastic evening and thank you again for your continued support of our students! 3
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ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE RIO SALADO COLLEGE MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOUNDATION April 16, 2011 Program Reception and Silent Auction Master of Ceremonies Mr. Dave Topping Welcome Dr. Velvie C. Green President, Glendale Community College Dr. Chris A. Bustamante President, Rio Salado College Dinner Honoree Recognition Closing Remarks Dr. Ernest A. Lara President, Estrella Mountain Community College Entertainment Provided By Glendale Fire Department Pipes and Drums National Anthem, performed by Mr. Roger Geisler, Glendale Police Department Threads performed by Ms. Jaylene Verhaagen, GCC Dance Student Fantaisie Impromptu performed by Mr. Christian Garba, GCC Music Student You Raise Me Up performed by Mr. Miguel Carmona-Romero, GCC Choral Student 5
ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE RIO SALADO COLLEGE MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOUNDATION Outstanding Community Partner Award for Excellence Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste honored by EMCC The Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste (HLF) is an innovative, non-profit organization comprised of civic leaders who represent a cross-section of the community. Members include political, educational, business, and law enforcement representatives from Tolleson, Avondale and Litchfield Park. The Forum s focus is the encouragement and assistance to Hispanic students to achieve the dream of a college education through the form of scholarships. During the last decade, HLF has awarded approximately $350,000 in student scholarships, ranging from 8th grade students entering high school to college-bound applicants. The Forum has directly contributed approximately $100,000 for Estrella Mountain Community College student scholarships and endowment growth. The Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste believes that by providing West Valley students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals, it can lead to better career opportunities and subsequently a stronger community, improving the welfare of the region as a whole. Sun City West Fire District h o n o r e e s Among Glendale Commmunity College s Public Safety Science Department s many outstanding community partners, the Sun City West Fire District stands as a stellar example of the exciting benefits for students, colleges, businesses, and government that are achieved when academia and professions work together. The Fire District, formed in 1981, protects roughly 45,000 residents within a 35-square-mile radius. This past August, they became one of fewer than a dozen districts in Arizona and 150 in the nation to achieve Accredited Agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. This verifies that they meet the highest standards of effectiveness in responding to emergencies. The partnership, that began in 2006, provides highly-skilled firefighting professionals and continuing education for the fire district. More than 30 of their current field employees were GCC students. The college, in turn, receives equipment, mentors and valuable career professionals honored by gcc as instructors. The district provides the manpower and apparatus for firefighter classes; assistance in developing videos; and training in procedures such as extrication. The ambulance donated to the Public Safety Sciences program is vital for immersing students in real-life scenarios. The community is the ultimate winner in this partnership, reaping the benefits of an admirable training program and superior fire district. Ms. Jeanne Blackman: APS Jeanne Blackman is an outstanding community partner. She has been involved with many programs along with Rio Salado and the Communiversity @ Surprise. Blackman s commitment to working with education and the community is extensive. From her work with business and industry in her role with the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce, honored by RSC to her work with at-risk high school females in The Next Step Mentoring Program, Blackman demonstrates a high degree of engagement with her communities. She is an original member of the Communiversity @ Surprise s Advisory Council. Blackman has actively supported the notion of educational scholarships in the Greater Surprise region, and has a genuine interest in expanding the notion of youth entrepreneurism. Finally, she was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Surprise Youth Leadership Program and served as the mentor for the award-winning Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). 6 SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY SUCCESS
The colleges are part of the Maricopa Community College District, one of the world s largest higher-education systems and the principal provider of health care workers and job training in Arizona. The District is composed of 10 colleges, two skill centers and numerous education centers. Approximately 14,000 students attend the District s newest college, Estrella Mountain Community College, which was established in 1992. As part of this system, Glendale Community College, which was established in 1965, serves approximately 32,000 students through its main and north campuses. Rio Salado College serves more than 60,000 students annually through online educational opportunities and their valley-wide locations, including the Communiversity @ Surprise. University and college partnerships facilitate the transfer of earned credits so students can continue their educational pursuits at other institutions of higher learning. S U P P O R T I N G S T U D E N T S A N D C O M M U N I T Y S U C C E S S EMCC and SouthWest Skill Center estrellamountain.edu 623 935 8000 estrellamountain.edu/swsc 623 535 2700 GCC main and GCC North campuses gccaz.edu 623 845 3333 (Main) gccaz.edu/north 623 845 4000 (North) RSC and the Communiversity @ Surprise riosalado.edu 480 517 8000 riosalado.edu/communiversity 480 384 9000
RISE Learning for Life, an affiliate of Rio Salado College is a 1000 member educational organization whose mission is to encourage and provide lifelong learning for adults in Maricopa County Thank You! Estrella Mountain Community College, Glendale Community College, Rio Salado College, and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation would like to thank the sponsors of the 2011 Awards for Excellence. Please take some time to view the sponsors ads throughout the program. We would also like to acknowledge the following table sponsors: AARP Arizona Alliance Beverage Distributing Company American Association of University Women Northwest Valley Dr. John Bradley Double AA Builders Construction Eloisa Diaz Educational Foundation FCI Constructors Glendale Chamber of Commerce Foundation Glendale Community College Faculty Senate Haydon Building Construction Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste Manheim Auto Auction Rosie Hardenburger LLC Wholesale Floors 8 SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY SUCCESS
Outstanding Student Advocate Award for Excellence Ms. Marylyn Bradley Ms. Marylyn Bradley honored by EMCC Teaching a wide range of classes since 2000, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) adjunct faculty member Marylyn Bradley is known for her strength and selflessness. Since 2004, she has been the lead advisor for Beta Alpha Xi, EMCC s 5-Star chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. In 2007, Bradley received an International Paragon Advisor Award for the numerous chapter accomplishments achieved during her tenure. Her recognized accomplishments include: growing the campus chapter to over 200 members; the chapter s first International Vice President (the highest level of leadership a student can hold in PTK); three regional officers within a single year; a Distinguished President award; four Hallmark awards; and a spot on the top 100 chapter list for the fifth consecutive year. Going far beyond the call of duty, Bradley attended the PTK international convention just three months after receiving a kidney transplant. For many, her unfailing zeal and belief in how community colleges can transform students lives is simply inspirational. Mr. Doug DeSanti For more than two decades, Doug DeSanti has been an integral part of developing Glendale Community College s Public Safety Sciences department into the institution it is today respected by emergency responders, valued by the communities and sought out by students wanting careers as fire fighters, emergency medical technicians and law enforcement professionals. Currently chair of the department, DeSanti brought to GCC the vital expertise and community relationships he gained during 20 years with the Glendale Fire Department. The former battalion chief is the founding coordinator of the emergency medical technology and fire science programs at GCC. He continues to focus on increasing high-quality learning opportunities for students. He recruits outstanding adjunct and full-time faculty. DeSanti worked with the city of Glendale to build Fire Station 157 on campus, which included classrooms and offices for the college. He tirelessly pursued funding support to build GCC s state-of the-art Public Safety Sciences facility and worked on the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center. A 40-year Glendale resident, DeSanti s community ties have netted donations of fire trucks, an ambulance and other equipment. He actively supports faculty community involvement and student recruitment. Many local first responders began as students in a program nurtured by DeSanti. Mr. Doug DeSanti honored by GCC h o n o r e e s Ms. Roxie Holmes Ms. Roxie Holmes honored by rsc Roxie Holmes has been working for the Maricopa Community Colleges since 1984. She is a standout as this year s selection for Outstanding Student Advocate. Holmes serves as the Student Services Specialist for the Communiversity @ Surprise. Her advocacy for students goes far beyond Rio Salado College. She works with students from all the educational partner institutions at the Communiversity @ Surprise. Her role is unique, and she a builds a positive rapport with a diverse population of students. Holmes student population includes individuals from the local elementary and high schools and adult learners, to incarcerated and re-entry students. She does all this with professionalism and considers the needs of students first. Holmes has received numerous awards based on feedback from students for being attentive, open, helpful, and making them feel comfortable. One student wrote in part, thank you for your caring attitude, and giving me HOPE I felt like you understood know that you make a difference. SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY SUCCESS 9
ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE RIO SALADO COLLEGE MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOUNDATION Outstanding Alumni Award for Excellence Mr. Mark Brown Mr. Mark Brown Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) Alumni Mark Brown began his career with the Phoenix Police Department and went on to serve as the City of Goodyear s Police Chief. Brown took Administration of Justice courses at EMCC in 1996, and then transferred to Arizona State University where he earned a bachelor s degree. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Arizona State University Law Enforcement Command Institute, and was a member of the Far West Valley Police Chief s Association and the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police. Known for his professional manner and service to community, Brown has earned the respect of his colleagues at EMCC, where he has returned to teach classes that include Procedural Criminal Law, Police Planning and Community Relations. Brown s real world experience brings a unique perspective to the learning environment and is appreciated by his students. honored by EMCC Ms. Alexandria A. Matthews h o n o r e e s Alexandria Matthews Alex to her friends and colleagues knew when she was barely a teenager that she would be a fire fighter. She came to Glendale Community College looking for information and, while still a junior in high school, she began taking fire science classes. Almost immediately after receiving her high school diploma, at the age of 18, she graduated from the GCC Fire Academy. A few months later, her dream came true the Glendale Fire Department hired her. Matthews is one of 19 women in the Glendale Fire Department. Not only does she give to the community as a firefighter and a paramedic, she serves in many other ways. Matthews is the secretary for the Glendale Firefighter charities and participates in many fundraising events. She also plays the bagpipes in the department s honor guard. And, you ll see her wailing away at the GCC fire academy graduations. While her dream was achieved, it was not without obstacles and sadness. She lost both of her parents to terminal illnesses during her teenage years. Matthews stands as an example to all to keep pursuing their goals in life, no matter the challenges. Ms. Wendy Mitchell Ms. Alexandria A. Matthews honored by GCC I feel that because I am an adult re-entry student, I am more conscientious with my work and studies than I would have been earlier in my educational pursuit. I carry a 3.87 grade point average and strive to do the best I can. It is fun and exciting to me to be continuing my education. I love the support and encouragement I receive from both Benevilla and Rio Salado College, and I am happy I chose this school to complete my associate s degree. The faculty members are always professional and kind. I will be finished with my degree in the summer of 2011. Ms. Wendy Mitchell honored by rsc Wendy Mitchell works for Benevilla as an activity therapist. The primary population she serves is Alzheimer s patients. In 2010, she received a Rio Salado College Scholarship at the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce s Copper Sun Event. Mitchell would like to continue with her education and earn a bachelor s degree in her field. She values her educational experience and shares this passion with her entire family. 10 SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY SUCCESS
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